The S5 is one of the network's services connecting the cantons of Zürich, St. Gallen, Schwyz and Zug.

At Zürich HB, trains of the S5 service usually depart from underground tracks (Gleis) 41–44 (Museumstrasse station).

The S5 service links the city of Zug and Pfäffikon SZ, on the south shore of Lake Zürich in the canton of Schwyz.

[citation needed] As of 2021[update], all services are operated by RABe 511 EMUs.

Prior to the timetable revision of late 2015, the section of the S5 between Zürich and Pfäffikon operated much as today, except that S5 also served Hurden.