World’s First Starbucks on a Train Begins Service in Switzerland

If you’ve ever wished your daily commute—or cross-country trip—came with a decent cup of coffee, Switzerland might have just raised the bar. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) and Starbucks have launched what they claim is the world’s first train-based Starbucks outlet, bringing barista-quality coffee to passengers on select routes.

The answer is yes: starting November 21, travelers can enjoy Starbucks coffee aboard a dedicated two-story Coffee House car operating twice daily on the Geneva–Fribourg–St. Gallen line. This nine-month pilot project is managed by CFF subsidiary Elvetino.

What Is the World’s First Train-Based Starbucks?

On November 21, Swiss Federal Railways rolled out a one-of-a-kind pilot project in collaboration with Starbucks: a fully operational Starbucks outlet inside a two-story Coffee House car. This isn’t a pop-up cart or a temporary kiosk—it’s a dedicated café space inside a passenger train, designed to serve espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and other Starbucks menu items while en route. The coffee car is installed on selected intercity trains and offers a sit-down café experience, in a layout that spans two floors.

Where and How Often Does the Starbucks Train Run?

The Starbucks-equipped train operates twice daily along the Geneva–Fribourg–St. Gallen corridor. This route connects major Swiss cities and provides a key intercity link for both business and leisure travelers. The two daily services mean multiple opportunities per day for passengers to enjoy an in-transit Starbucks coffee experience while traveling through Switzerland’s scenic landscapes. The service is integrated into the regular timetable of CFF intercity routes.

Who Operates the Coffee Car and Why Is It Happening?

The onboard Starbucks café is run by Elvetino, a subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways. The project is not just about convenience—it’s a strategic move to enhance the onboard travel experience. According to CFF, the goal is “to complement the existing catering options and increase the appeal of train travel.” By offering a globally recognized coffee brand like Starbucks, CFF aims to attract more passengers and elevate the overall journey, blending efficient transport with high-quality hospitality and coffee service.

How Long Will the Starbucks on Rails Pilot Last?

The Starbucks train pilot project began on November 21 and is scheduled to run for nine months. During this time, CFF and Starbucks will evaluate the initiative’s performance, gathering data on customer feedback, service efficiency, and overall impact on the travel experience. The nine-month trial period is designed to test the viability and appeal of integrating a branded café into regular passenger rail service, with results to be assessed at the end of the designated timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the world’s first Starbucks on a train launch?

The world’s first Starbucks on a train launched on November 21, 2023, as a pilot project operated by Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) and Starbucks. The service runs twice daily on the Geneva–Fribourg–St. Gallen route.

Where is the Starbucks coffee car located on the train?

The Starbucks coffee car is a dedicated two-story Coffee House unit installed on selected intercity trains running between Geneva, Fribourg, and St. Gallen. It is part of the standard passenger train configuration for this route during the pilot phase.

Who runs the Starbucks service on the train?

The Starbucks service on the train is operated by Elvetino, a subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways (CFF). Elvetino manages the onboard café and staffs it with baristas serving the full Starbucks menu.

How often does the Starbucks train run?

The Starbucks-equipped train runs twice daily on the Geneva–Fribourg–St. Gallen route. These two services provide multiple daily opportunities for passengers to access Starbucks coffee while traveling.

Is this a permanent Starbucks train service?

No, the Starbucks train is currently a nine-month pilot project that began in November 2023. After this period, Swiss Federal Railways and Starbucks will evaluate the results before deciding whether to make it permanent or expand the concept.

Can I get any Starbucks drink on the train?

The onboard Starbucks serves the standard menu available in Swiss Starbucks locations, including espresso drinks and brewed coffee. The exact offerings are consistent with the global Starbucks lineup, adapted for service inside a moving train.

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