Guide
Vaping at Work and on Public Transport: What's Allowed
Stephan Müller · iVape editorial team, Swiss law & market focus
March 28, 2026 · 5 min read
"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.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you vape on the train, tram or bus in Switzerland?
- No. On trains, trams, buses and postbuses the same rule applies to the vape as to the cigarette: vaping is not permitted. The SBB and most transport operators have written the vaping ban into their conditions of carriage.
- Is vaping allowed at railway stations and on the platform?
- Many platforms have marked smoking zones, and only there is vaping accepted. Outside them it is unwelcome. When in doubt: where you cannot smoke, you do not vape either.
- Can my employer ban vaping in the office?
- Yes. A general statutory vaping ban for the office does not exist in every case, but the employer sets the house rules on their premises and can prohibit vaping there. Many apply the same policy as for smoking, so in enclosed spaces vaping is off-limits almost everywhere.
- Are the rules on indoor vaping the same across Switzerland?
- No, a lot is regulated at cantonal level. Some cantons have expressly included vapes in their hospitality and passive-smoking protection rules, others are less strict. A restaurant may prohibit vaping under its house rules anyway, even outdoors, and in a public indoor space where smoking is not allowed vaping is virtually always off-limits too.
- Which vape is best for vaping discreetly on the go or at work?
- A compact pod system produces less vapour, less smell and draws less attention than a large device. Still, only vape where it is allowed, preferably outdoors, at a distance and with consideration for others.
