Vaping at Work and on Public Transport: What's Allowed

"Am I even allowed to vape here?" is a fair question, especially on the train or in an open-plan office. The short answer: often no. The slightly longer one depends on where you are standing and who makes the rules there. This guide complements our overview of the vape laws in Switzerland and looks specifically at the workplace and public transport.

On public transport: vaping is prohibited

On trains, trams, buses and postbuses the same rule applies as for smoking: it is not permitted. The SBB and most transport operators treat the vape legally the same as a cigarette, the vaping ban is set out in the conditions of carriage. There are no smoking compartments in the carriages any more either.

At railway stations the picture is more nuanced. Many platforms have marked smoking zones, and outside these vaping is unwelcome. Look at the floor markings and signs, then you will get it right. When in doubt: where you cannot smoke, you do not vape either.

At work: the employer's house rules decide

Here it becomes more individual. A general statutory vaping ban for the office does not exist in every case, but the employer has the right to set the rules on their premises and can prohibit vaping there. Many do so as well, often as part of the same policy as for smoking.

What usually applies in practice:

• In enclosed spaces, vaping is prohibited almost everywhere, if only out of consideration for colleagues.
• Break arrangements: anyone who wants to vape generally uses the same designated areas as smokers.
• Customer contact and visibility: even where nothing is expressly prohibited, vaping at reception or in a meeting rarely goes down well.

When in doubt, ask briefly rather than letting it come to a conflict. A discreet pod system makes it easier anyway: less vapour cloud, less smell, less attention than a large device.

Cantonal differences

Switzerland regulates a lot at cantonal level, and vaping is no different. Individual cantons have expressly included vapes in their hospitality and passive-smoking protection rules, others are less strict. For everyday life this means: in Zurich a pub may decide differently than in Bern, and a restaurant may prohibit vaping under its house rules anyway, even outdoors.

So do not rely on a rule of thumb across cantonal borders. In a public indoor space where smoking is not allowed, vaping is virtually always off-limits too.

Consideration beats the rulebook

Most cases can be resolved with common sense. Vapour often smells stronger to others than you notice yourself, and not everyone likes a sweet cloud next to them on the platform. Anyone who vapes outdoors, at a distance and in a suitable spot saves themselves discussions. Indoors, in a crowded waiting room or right next to children, it is simply rude, whatever the signs say.

In brief

• On public transport (train, tram, bus) vaping is prohibited, at stations only in smoking zones.
• At work the employer's house rules decide, indoors mostly prohibited.
• Cantons regulate differently, in a smoke-free indoor space vaping is almost always off-limits.
• Consideration resolves most cases, a discreet pod system helps on top.

As of March 2026. Many products contain nicotine (up to 20 mg/ml); nicotine is highly addictive. Sold only to adults aged 18 and over. This article is not legal advice.