How To Use The Swiss Travel Pass

sbb train in zurich

If you have purchased a Swiss Travel Pass , you might be wondering how it works. There is a lot of confusion out there about how the Swiss Travel Pass is delivered, what you need to show to the ticket inspector and a whole lot more.

Luckily, it is actually not as complicated as it might seem, so let’s take a quick look at how the Swiss Travel Pass works as well as the most frequently asked questions and answer them so you can get on with planning or enjoying your trip!

Table of Contents

Using the Swiss Travel Pass

If you have purchased the regular Swiss Travel Pass (not the Flex option) then you will receive your pass via email with a QR code on it. The Flex version is a different kettle of fish, so I will write another post on that.

Keep a copy of the Swiss Travel Pass you receive handy for when you travel

  • Print a copy of your Swiss Travel Pass
  • Place a copy of the PDF Swiss Travel Pass in your phone wallet
  • Or simply use the copy of the Swiss Travel Pass you received in your email

Ticket Inspection on Public Transport

If you are asked to show a ticket just present any version of your Swiss Travel Pass to the ticket inspector. You should also have some identification ready. It is recommended to always have your passport with you.

Using Your Swiss Travel Pass For Discounts

You get a lot of discounts with the Swiss Travel Pass including entry or discounted entry to a huge range of museums and attractions. You can also use it for free on some gondolas and cogwheel railways (Rigi, Stanserhorn).

In order to take advantage of these offers, all you need to do is show your Swiss Travel Pass when you buy a ticket at these attractions . Even for the mountain railways and gondolas, it pays to check with the ticket office if you need a ticket (even if it is free).

Activating Your Swiss Travel Pass (Pass Validity)

You do not need to activate the standard Swiss Travel Pass .

It is valid from the date you chose when you purchase for the length of that validity period you paid for.

More On The Swiss Travel Pass

General information, scenic trains, mountain trips, pass comparisons.

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Getting around Switzerland — How to Maximise Your Swiss Travel Pass

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Here’s how we summited 6 mountains across 11 destinations over 10 days in Switzerland under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass

First published: 18 Nov 2018

Swiss Travel Pass Infograph 1 - Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Train travel in Switzerland can be pricey, and trust me, we had our share of budget shock when we tallied up the costs for our 10-day Swiss adventure .

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Hold onto your seat, because the transportation portion alone added up to a jaw-dropping S$1,913.97 . But with the legendary Swiss Travel Pass we managed to slash our transport expenses to only S$843.87 . Yep, that’s more than 40% off !

Here’s what we wished we knew for planning our Switzerland trip. This guide is quite extensive, so simply click on the section you want more info on:

1) Getting around Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass (What is it, perks, etc.) 2) First Class vs. Second Class 3) Consecutive vs. Flexible 4) Prices and Discounts 5) Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Half Fare Card 6) How to use the Swiss Travel Pass 7) Getting up the most beautiful Swiss Mountains with Swiss Travel Pass 8) Premium Panoramic Train Rides 9) FAQs about the Swiss Travel Pass

Getting around Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass

Train ride over the Landwasser Viaduct - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

1) Local and intercity trains are free — some express trains like the ones mentioned below require a top-up reservation fee (see ‘Premium Panoramic Train Rides’)

2) Buses are free — including the hourly bus from Leuk to Leukerbad (for Leukerbad Thermal Pools), which is a 30-minute ride up the scenic mountain off Leukerbad town.

3) Cogwheels & Mountain Cableways are partially covered — Rigi & Schilthorn are free, while others are available at a 25 – 50% discount. More on that later!

4) Boat rides are free — other than getting from point to point, some boat rides are extra scenic and worth the ride even if it’s long and doesn’t really go anywhere. Scenic rides worth checking out: Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz and Lake Geneva.

5) Entry to  over 500 museums for free — including the FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich,  Château de Chillon in Montreux and  Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt.

Swiss Travel Pass: First Class vs. Second Class

Switzerland Train - Swiss Travel Pass Guide 101

When buying a Swiss Travel Pass , you’ll have to choose between First Class (premium), and Second Class tickets. Here’s what to expect when buying First Class:

1) Comfort — More legroom, bigger windows, and spacious seats

2) Better Views — Seats with scenic views in panoramic trains and boats (where available)

3) Conducive for Work — Fewer people/noise and more power points

There’s a whopping price difference between First Class and Second Class seats (~S$210 for 3-day consecutive tickets), but if you’re on a budget, the seats in Second Class are more than comfy enough for a long train ride.

Swiss Travel Pass: Consecutive vs. Flexible

Pilatus Cogwheel Train - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

The Swiss Travel Pass comes in options of 3 to 15 days. You can also choose between ‘Flexible’ or ‘Consecutive’ — the latter being the cheaper option.

For the ‘Flexible’ pass, it’s valid for travel days within a one-month period from the starting date. So you can easily change your travel plans as and when!

But if you’re planning to jump from one city to the next in a fixed itinerary, you can consider getting the ‘Consecutive’ pass instead.

Since we had 10 days in Switzerland, we got the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass, rented a car for the first two days, and activated the Swiss Travel Pass on day three.

Swiss Travel Pass: Prices and Discounts

Swiss Travel Pass from Klook - Swiss Travel Pass Guide

We got our Swiss Travel Pass via Klook . Confirmation for the e-ticket was almost instant and all you need to do is save the QR code on your phone. The train conductors will ask for it on board.

Here’s the price breakdown for the Swiss Travel Pass , as of Jan 2024:

Good news for those travelling with children 15 years old and below: they get to travel for free as long as they’re accompanied by an adult with a Swiss Travel Pass. Just request a Swiss Family Card at any railway station!

*Pro-tip: Purchase the pass on Klook rather than the official site for further discounts!

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Half Fare Card

Swiss Travel Pass vs Swiss Half Fare Card (2024) - Getting around Switzerland

A budget-friendly alternative is the Swiss Half Fare Card , selling for a flat price of ~S$170 — almost half the price of the cheapest Swiss Travel Pass.

The Swiss Half Card gives you 50% off major transportation within a month. Notably, some perks from the Travel Pass are absent, like free museum admissions, and partial discounts for mountain cableways.

How to use the Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss Travel Pass

Once you’ve purchased your Swiss Travel Pass online , you’ll receive a QR code which will be your e-ticket. Save it on your mobile phone so you can show it to the train conductor on board.

For  Flexible Passes ,  register your travel dates so your pass will be valid on the days you’re travelling.

For  Consecutive Passes , your Swiss Travel Pass will be automatically activated on the date selected during booking.

Some trains like the Glacier Express will need reservations beforehand — read more about Premium Panoramic Trains below !

*Pro-tip: Download the SBB mobile app to look up train, boats, and bus timings on the go.

Travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass

Lake Lucerne Boar Ride - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

So how do you maximise your Swiss Travel Pass? We went to Switzerland a while back, and this detailed breakdown lists how we saved over ~S$1k .

Areas we covered: Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Montreux, Vevey, Zermatt and St. Moritz, Felisur, Zürich

Mountains:  Pilatus, Rigi, Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First and Gornegrat

Scenic Trains:  Golden Pass Route (Lucerne – Montreux) and The Glacier Express (Zermatt – St.Moritz)

Getting up the most beautiful Swiss Mountains with the Swiss Travel Pass

Gelmerbahn Funicular - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Let the sights (not the hike) take your breath away 😉

While most Swiss mountains can be hiked up for free, the train rides are experiences of their own. From the iconic ‘Toblerone’ mountain  (Matterhorn) to the highest train station in Europe  (Jungfraujoch) , here are the six mountains we managed to fit into our Switzerland itinerary .

Click Read More for the full guide.

*The Swiss Travel Pass covers all transportation to the starting points listed below.

1) Matterhorn (Zermatt)

Matterhorn view -Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Better known as the Toblerone mountain, climbing to the peak of Matterhorn is a bucket list item for many. But personally, seeing the sunrise light up Matterhorn turned out to be core memory.

Matterhorn at Sunrise from Rifflesee - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

The best viewing spot would be from Rifflesee , up on Gornegrat . Even better if you arrive at dawn before the sun even peaks through the horizon. If the winds are minimal, the lake serves as a perfect mirror of the mountain top.

Matterhorn Gornegratbahn - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

If you don’t want to hike in the dark (or catch more sleep), the fastest way up is via the Gornegratbahn . The station is just outside the Zermatt Bahnoff.

Zermatt Gornegrat Hike - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Get off Rotenboden station, and take a 5-minute walk to Rifflesee. This view was one of the best payoffs given its accessibility. After you’re done at Rifflesee, hop back on the funicular up to Gornegrat station for a panoramic view of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

The hike down is incredibly scenic and straightforward. It takes about 3.5 – 4 hours but you can decide to take the train from any of the four stations along the way (Rotenboden – Riffleberg – Rifflealp – Findelbach). Each station is about an hour’s hike to the next.

When you’re tired, just purchase a one-way ticket down from any of the stations. The lower the station, the cheaper the ticket so it depends on how much you want to hike.

Cost: CHF55 (~S$83) (one-way up to Gornegrat Station) Starting point:  Gorgnegratbahn base station just outside Zermatt train station Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the Gornegratbahn (CHF27.50, ~S$42 one-way)

2) 5-Seenweg (Zermatt)

Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

If you have more time in Zermatt, the well-marked 5 Lakes Trail (Seenweg) is also worth the hike. The trail passes through five lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee and Leisee) with Matterhorn consistently in the background.

You can begin the hike from Zermatt or, save 3 hours by taking the funicular to Sunnegga, followed by the gondola lift to Blauherd where the hike begins. The hike from Blauherd to Sunnegga (which passes through the five lakes) is mainly downhill and should take around 2.5 hours. From Sunnegga, you can take the funicular back to Zermatt.

Cost: CHF39 (~S$56) Starting point:  Zermatt Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the funicular from Zermatt to Blauherd and cable car from Blauherd to Sunnegga

3) Pilatus (Lucerne)

Pilatus View - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Overlooking the city of Lucerne, Mount Pilatus is famous for its Golden Round Trip, which covers five different forms of transport to ascend and descend the mountain.

Pilatus Cable Car Lucerne View - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

This route is possible both ways, starting clockwise from Lucerne: take a boat/train to Alpnachstad and take a cogwheel * train up to Pilatus Kulm. This cogwheel is famous for being the steepest in the world!

*Note: The cogwheel railway only runs from mid-May to mid-November. Check the exact dates on the site to be sure!

Fräkigaudi Sommer Pilatus Toboggan -Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

On the descent, take the cable car down to Fräkmüntegg where you’ll find the longest Toboggan sled in the world (CHF8/ride, ~S$11.40). Don’t worry about walking back up as you’ll be dragged on your Toboggan with an attached wire.

From Fräkmüntegg, continue down to Kriens station to catch bus no. 1 back to Lucerne station.

*Pro-tip: Check the weather before taking the boat ride — if the weather isn’t great, save time and take the train instead. The lake tends to fog up on most mornings.

Pilatus Tomslihorn Hike - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

At the top, there are various hikes ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. We highly recommend the 40-minute hike on Tomslihorn, accessed from the right side of the Pilatus Kulm Restaurant.

Cost: CHF108 (~S$155) (Round trip from Lucerne) Starting point:  You can start from either Alpnachstad or Kriens.   To Alpnachstad, either take a boat (1hr 18mins) or train (17mins) from Luzern. To Kriens, it’s a 5min ride on bus no. 1 and a short walk to the cableway station Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the cogwheel from Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm – Kriens (CHF36, ~S$52)

Pilatus Bahn at Alpnachstad - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Alpnachstad Station

*Pro-tip:  If you’re on the Swiss Travel Flex Pass , save a day on the pass and sign up for a   Half-Day Pilatus Tour   instead — tickets are fully covered from Lucerne station to Pilatus and back.

4) Rigi (Lucerne)

Mount Rigi - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Slightly lower than Pilatus, the peak of  Rigi is at the perfect height for a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Swiss Alps as well as Lake Lucerne and the city below. But the best part?  Swiss Travel Pass holders get to travel up entirely free!

Cost: CHF72 (~S$103) Starting point:  Arth-Goldau or Vitznau Swiss Travel Pass: Free — cogwheel trains from Arth-Goldau and Vitznau are fully covered

5) Jungfrau (Interlaken/Fiesch)

Jungfraubahn - Swiss Travel Pass Guide

At 3,454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and is covered in snow all year round. At the peak, there’s the Spinx Observatory where you’ll get a close-up panoramic view of Mt Eiger and Mönch. On top, there’s also an Ice Palace to explore, and one of the most iconic mailboxes — yes you can actually mail out postcards from it!

Ride up Jungfraujoch - Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

But perhaps our favourite part of the experience wasn’t so much arriving at the top of the station, but the entire hour-long journey on the train. The views were simply breathtaking, and in hindsight, given more time, it would have been enjoyable as a hike too!

It’s best to visit Jungfrau while based in Interlaken since it’s nearest, but if you’re short on time, check out  Jungfrau on a day trip from Lucerne or even Zurich.

Cost: CHF201.60 (~S$305) (roundtrip from Lauterbrunen) Starting point:  From Lauterbrunnen, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg Swiss Travel Pass:  25% off the train from Wengen Station to Jungfraujoch (CHF132, ~S$189 round trip from Wengen). The first two stops from Lauterbrunnen (bef Wengen) are covered.

6) Schilthorn (Lauterbrunnen) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

007 Schilthorn -Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Schilthorn  is one of the few mountains fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass! From the top, you have a panoramic view of the Bernese Alps and the three big mountains of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. On a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc.

Thrill Walk at Schilthorn - Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Try the 200m Thrill Walk on glass floors and wire ropes across the vertical face of the cliff.

Piz Gloria revolving restaurant - Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

You might say this looks right out of a movie scene, because it is! At the top of Schilthorn is a revolving restaurant, the Piz Gloria which was featured in the 1969 James Bond movie . Restaurant meals in Switzerland are expensive so if you could only pick one place to splurge, the menu at Piz Gloria is worth the experience. It’s also not a lot more expensive than regular restaurants in the city.

Cost: CHF131.40 (~S$188) (Round trip from Interlaken) Starting point:  Stechelberg or Mürren Swiss Travel Pass: Free — cable cars from both Stechelberg and Mürren are fully covered

7) Grindelwald First

Bachalpsee on Grindelwald -Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

If you’ve done the first five in this list, you must be wondering by now if this is “just another mountain”. But there are a few reasons why Grindelwald First is worth the trip.

Grindelwalk First Flyer - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

For adventure seekers, the famous route is to first take the gondola up to First Station, then take a glider, mountain bike, and Trottibike scooter down to each station till you reach the base. This is a dream for kids, and kid-at-heart 😛

Grindelwald First Mountain Bike - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

If you’re keen to take on all the rides, there’s an adventure package (CHF120, ~S$172) that includes all the activities and unlimited use of the gondola.

Bachalpsee on Grindelwald -Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

But before you start your descent, check out Bachalpsee . It’s an easy 40-minute hike from First Station (one-way) and a great place to set up a picnic.

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk by Tissot - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

At the top, there’s also the  First Cliff Walk by Tissot  which I can imagine to be quite pretty, if not for the thick fog that we were engulfed in that day.

Cost: CHF120 (~S$172) for Adventure Package, CHF60 (~S$86) for gondola roundtrip Starting point: From Grindelwald train station, walk 10 mins to Grindelwald Firstbahn, or take 2 stops on bus no. 121, 122, or 123 Swiss Travel Pass: 50% off the Gondola from Grindelwald – First Station (CHF30, ~S$43)

Premium Panoramic Train Rides

Glacier Express - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Travelling by train in Switzerland isn’t just about getting from one point to the next but an experience of its own. I don’t sit still well for long but I was constantly glued to the views beyond the large panoramic windows.

There are five Premium Panoramic Trains in total but here are three we managed to include in our 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary .

1) Luzern–Interlaken Express (Luzern – Brienz – Interlaken) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

Switzerland Itinerary_Glacier Express View

This route passes through some of the most dazzling lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. The good news is that it doesn’t require reservations, and runs once every hour from 6AM. (check the SBB mobile app to confirm the exact timing)

Airtime Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen - Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide

Interlaken is a great base for many outdoor adventures including paragliding in Lauterbrunnen, hiking in Grindelwald, or even experiencing the world’s steepest funicular!

Frequency:  Every hour from 6:06AM Duration: 1hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:  Fully covered, no reservations required

2) Golden Pass Route (Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

Vevey Big Fork in Lake Geneva - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

The MOB Panoramic train only runs from Zweisimmen to Montreux, but combined with the route above (Lucerne – Interlaken), this makes up the Golden Pass Route and is known to be one of the most accessible yet scenic train rides around. This train doesn’t require reservations, and is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. The train runs 6 times a day, every 2 hours from 8:25AM.

Duration: 1hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:  Fully covered. Reservations  not mandatory but recommended during peak seasons in July and August.

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Photo credit: goldenpass.ch

From Montreux, the MOB Panoramic train also has special day excursions on the Chocolate Train  to Gruyères, known as the land of chocolate. Swiss Travel Pass holders get a discounted rate of CHF59 which includes the train journey to Montbovon, onboard coffee, and chocolate croissant, as well as entry to the cheese and chocolate factories.

Schedule: 9:50AM – 5:15PM (May – Sep) Swiss Travel Pass:  CHF59

3) Glacier Express (Zermatt – Chur – St Mortiz)

Landwasser Viaduct - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

The highlight of the Glacier Express is the journey between Chur and St Moritz as it passes through the Landwasserviaduct — a 65m high, single-tracked railway viaduct with six impressive arches.

Town of Felisur - Switzerland Swiss Travel Pass Guide

It’s also the “world’s slowest express train” at ~39km/h; but no one’s complaining because it’ll give you ample time to take in the varied landscapes while dining on board. From valleys and canyons to rivers and towns, the train passes through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges!

Frequency: 1 – 3 times/day depending on season Duration: 7hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:   Reservations are compulsory and not included with the pass — CHF33 (~S$47) for the entire route, CHF22 (~S$32) for shorter sections of the route. Optional meals are sold separately.

*Pro-tip: For the best views of the Landwasserviaduct, reserve a seat on the right side of train between Chur – St-Moritz. Seats for this train sell fast so book as soon as the window opens (up to three months in advance).

Other Premium Panoramic Express Trains

The two other scenic trains covered by the Swiss Travel Pass are the Gotthard Panorama Express (from Luzern) and Bernina Express (from Chur). Both trains end up in Lugano and require reservations. Note that some of these trains don’t run during the winter season (Mid-October to end March).

Swiss Travel Pass - detailed breakdown

Click on the image to view the full breakdown

We hope this Swiss Travel Pass guide was useful! For a list of all the trains we took with the Swiss Travel Pass, click on the image above !

FAQs about the Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss Rail Pass - Switzerland

1) Where can I find the train timings and routes?

If you’re planning on a computer, check out the SBB website . When you’re on the go, download the SBB app on your phone — available on both the App Store and Google Play — so you can check the train timings while travelling.

2) How do you enter the train stations with a Swiss Travel Pass?

In Switzerland, there are no gantries at train stations so it runs quite heavily on trust. However, scenic trains — especially those that ride up the mountains — almost always have rail staff walking through the cabins to check for tickets/rail passes. Just have your rail pass or phone ready when you’re on the train.

3) Are train reservations required?

Glacier Express view - Switzerland

Only selected premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express require it. You can hop on and off any of the local trains and buses without reservation or extra tickets.

Reservation fees are not included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

4) Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid on local buses?

Yes! The great thing is you don’t have to fumble for your pass/ticket when boarding. Just board from any of the doors. In our entire trip, there was only one occasion we were asked to show our Swiss Travel Pass on the bus.

5) Is there luggage storage on the trains?

The premium panoramic trains usually have luggage racks with ample space near the doors, but the intercity ones have limited storage. Only cabin/compact-sized luggage can comfortably fit between the seats and overhead compartments on intercity trains.

Surprisingly, it’s actually a lot more convenient to travel around Switzerland with a backpack, especially if you’re staying in Airbnb apartments and hostels because they often don’t have elevators.

6) Misc: Eating on trains? Pets? Toilets?

One of the best things about long train rides is having your lunch with an ever-changing panoramic view at the side. Food is allowed but you might want to avoid bringing food with strong smells. No one will tell you off because the Swiss are nice that way, but it’s good social etiquette nonetheless!

For pets, dogs are allowed on all transportation and 99% of them are really obedient!

Apart from the city trains in Zürich, all other trains we took had toilets.

I dare say if you didn’t hop on a train in Switzerland, you’ve not been to Switzerland. It truly is the quintessential way to experience the country.

This post was brought to you by Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow our adventures on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube !

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10 comments.

Hi TravelIntern,

How do I get 25% off jungfraujoch tour from Lucerne with the Swiss Railway Pass?

the 25% discount only applies for the ride from Wengen Station to Jungfraujoch. Just make sure you have your Swiss Travel Pass with you during the train rides. You can buy your tickets from Wengen station or from the train staff with your credit card. As long as you have your STP with you, you’ll be charged 25% off the full ticket price.

Hi Cherie, what camera did u use to capture all these beautiful pics?

Thank you! Our team mainly uses the the Sony Alpha series. This trip we had the a73 and a6500.

Hello! How do i reserve the premium panoramic trains?

Hey Lynn, which premium panoramic train were you looking to book? You need to make reservations from the train’s official website for example the Glacier Express can be booked on https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/ and the MOB train can be reserved here: https://mob.ch/en/reservation-procedure

Hi travel intern, Just wanna ask did you guys did bookings for the Panorama Gondolas at Mt Pilatus?

Hey Xavier, the gondolas run constantly during opening hours so no bookings are needed!

Wonderful recommendations! Which month of the year did you travel to Swiss?

Around August!

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Home » Europe » Switzerland » How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass: Top Tips & Information

How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass: Top Tips & Information

By Author Macca Sherifi

Posted on Last updated: February 14, 2024

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

This guide on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass is packed full of information on how much it costs, why you should buy a pass and other top tips!

how to use the swiss travel pass

Some countries are just made for train travel, and I’m struggling to think of one more stunning than Switzerland.

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a short boat trip on Lake Geneva or riding one of the epic 8-hour panoramic trains through the country, every journey is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s one of those rare countries where just being there travelling is an activity in itself.

Just imagine sitting back with a glass of wine in hand and watching snow-capped mountains and ice-blue rivers roll past your window, because that’s exactly what it’s like here.

glacier express views

In this blog post I’m going to tell you all about how to use the Swiss Travel Pass. This is your all-in-one ticket for travelling Switzerland. Trains, buses, boats, metros – the whole lot.  

I’ll also give you lots of practical tips like what the trains are like, what are the benefits of getting a pass, and how to get the best price too.

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland of more than a couple of days, then the Swiss Travel Pass is by far the most cost-effective and easiest way of travelling around the county. And trust me, any ways of keeping costs down when travelling around the country is a major plus.

Hopefully this guide will help you navigate any questions you have about the pass and which is the right one for you.

Once you’ve finished this guide, then make sure you check out my detailed Switzerland train itinerary on where you can go and what you can do in the country.

Why visit Switzerland by train, bus and boat?

things to do in zermatt

Beauty – You know the cliché “it’s the journey, not the destination…” Well, this rings true for most of the trains in Switzerland. You don’t need to travel far out of the main transport hubs before the views zooming past your window start to get spectacular.

Convenience – When it comes to infrastructure, Switzerland is a leading light in Europe. Everything works meticulously. If a train is one minute late, it is very late. There are rail connections between all major cities and towns. Also, everything is set up so connections between trains, buses and boats are organised so that you don’t lose any time between transfers. Basically, the Swiss Travel System makes it simple and easy travelling throughout the country.

Comfort – Swiss trains are renowned for being super comfortable and clean. Some carriages even have round tables and sofa-like seating making journeys with friends and family very sociable. They also have big panoramic windows, food buffet cars, seat service, and charging points too.

how does swiss travel pass work

Budget – There’s no getting around the fact that Switzerland is an expensive country. However, the Swiss Travel Pass is an amazing way of travelling around and keeping costs down. It’s actually remarkable value for money.

Sustainability – One of the buzz words in Switzerland at the moment is Swisstainability . They are very proud of being one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and their rail network is a big part of that. Obviously travelling by train in Switzerland is a lot more environmentally friendly compared to other forms of transport.

Scenic travel trains – So there are normal trains that take you from A to B, and then there are scenic travel trains that take you from A to B but via the most beautiful route. These are the trains where you just kick back and watch the world go by.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

travelling switzerland by train

The Swiss Travel Pass is your all-in-one ticket for travelling Switzerland. It’s a bit like your old fashioned InterRail/Eurail ticket. This is where you buy a multi-day ticket, and then you can travel as much as you want within that timeframe. And it really is unlimited travel.

The best thing about the Swiss Travel Pass is it’s not just trains, but also for boats, busses and metros. You even get discounted prices off other modes of transport like mountain gondolas too, so it covers pretty much all transportation in Switzerland.

To highlight that, one day I caught the metro down to the port in Lausanne, then jumped on a boat to Montreux, then caught the train to Zermatt – all on the same ticket. Simples.

5 days in switzerland

Here are the benefits of buying a Swiss Travel Pass:

  • Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat
  • Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
  • Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
  • Popular mountain excursions included in the ticket are Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
  • Free admission to more than 500 museums (this gives you even more holiday savings)
  • Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions (such as the Gornergrat train in Zermatt)

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost?

where to buy swiss travel pass

For the Swiss Travel Pass, you can buy a 3,4,6,8 or 15-day ticket .

Now you can either buy one of the following passes:

A standard Swiss Travel Pass – this is where you travel on consecutive days

Swiss Travel Pass Flex – this is where you travel for either 3,4,6,8 or 15-days within a 30-day period. So what you do is nominate the days you’d like to travel. This is particularly good for foreign nationals working in Switzerland looking to travel on their days off.  

swiss travel pass prices

With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

swiss travel pass youth prices

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railway with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

And here’s another thing for family travellers – Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

Where can I buy a Swiss Travel Pass?

how to use the swiss travel pass flex

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, it’s very likely you’ll buy your pass beforehand as opposed to rocking up and buying one from a ticket counter (which you can still do!)

The best place to buy your Swiss Travel Pass is from the My Switzerland website.

Here you can choose either the Swiss Travel Pass or the Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Click through, then fill out the date you’d like your ticket to start, how many days you’d like, what class you’d like to travel in, and how old you are. Once you’ve paid, you’ll be sent your PDF ticket via email. From here you can either print it off (if you prefer physical tickets), or keep it stored on your phone.

The pass also comes with a map so you can easily see all the trains, buses, and boats your pass is eligible for.

How do I use my Swiss Travel Pass?

what is it like travelling in switzerland

This may seem like a trivial question, but it’s important to understand that the Swiss Travel Pass isn’t a physical ticket. Instead, it’s a digital ticket that you have on your phone. This is good news for all of you guys who constantly lose your tickets!

Another thing people don’t realise is there aren’t ticket barriers in Switzerland. This means you don’t need to scan your ticket to get on the train. Instead, a ticket conductor will scan your ticket when you’re on the train. This is particularly useful if you’re rushing for a train – it means you can leave it till the very last minute before boarding the train.  

prices for the swiss travel pass

The ticket conductor may want to check your passport as well, to make sure you’re the owner of the presented pass.

Personally, I really liked the fact it was just one ticket on my phone. It meant I didn’t need to queue up multiple times to buy point-to-point tickets. I could just look up the train I needed, and jump on that without any hassle. It made things that little bit easier when travelling around the country.

I’d also recommend downloading the SBB app ( Apple | Android ). This is the Swiss federal railway company. This is the best app for finding out train times, connections, and other modes of transport for travelling around the country.

What’s the difference between first class and second class?

first class glacier express

As you’ll see, there is a fairly big price difference between first class and second class. However, I’m not too sure what the major difference is on the standard trains!

Obviously first class is nicer. I found the first-class carriages to be a tiny bit cleaner and quieter compared to second-class carriages. However, the second-class carriages were of a really good standard. For those of you in the UK, I would say Swiss second-class is nicer than a lot of our first-class trains.

The only time you’ll notice a second-class carriage getting busy is during peak commuter hours between major cities. Take the Lucerne to Zurich train which is only 40 minutes. This train can get busy at 8am in the morning, and around 4-6pm on the route back. If you avoid these peak commuter times, then most second-class carriages will be quiet and it won’t be a problem finding a seat.

Why do I need a seat reservation on some of the trains?

seat reservation swiss travel pass

For 99% of the trains you take in Switzerland, you won’t need a seat reservation. You can just rock up on the day and catch the train you want.

However, the exceptions are on some international trains and on the panoramic trains like the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express . These are the scenic trains where you’re travelling for the pleasure of travelling.

If you want to travel on these trains, then you need to make a seat reservation and pay a reservation fee.

What do I do with my luggage?

glacier express to chur

So you’ve bought your Swiss Travel Pass, you’ve just arrived in a new city ready to explore, and you just remember you’ve got a big suitcase or backpack to lug around for the day. It’s not ideal, is it?

Depending on where you’re staying, a lot of people will just check into their hotel and dump their bags there. But that doesn’t work if you’re passing through a town or city.

There is an innovative solution to this problem though – the Swiss luggage transport service .

swiss luggage transport service

Essentially this is where your bags will be picked up from your hotel in the morning, and then delivered to your next destination that day so it’s there when you arrive. That means you’ve got the freedom to travel without your bags, knowing it’ll be there when you check in.

This service either works on the same day (which is the express service), or two days ahead. That means if you have your bag picked up on a Tuesday, it’ll arrived at your destination on a Thursday. This means you can just carry around what you need with you for a couple of days.

If the hotel to hotel service is too expensive, then the Swiss luggage transport service offer a cheaper option which is station to station. This is where you drop it off at one train station, and you pick it up at the next train station.

Personally, I think this is such a good service for people travelling around Switzerland.

You can organise your Swiss luggage transport here .

What’s the best thing about using a Swiss Travel Pass?

gornergrat train zermatt

In a word – convenience.

I just loved the fact that I could hop on any train, bus or boat, and not have to worry about buying a ticket beforehand – I already had one.

If you read my train itinerary for Switzerland , I travelled a lot. But I didn’t just use point-to-point trains. On the first day of my itinerary, I recommend travelling from Zurich to Mount Rigi to Lucerne.

This involves using the metro, catching a train, then using the Rigi Bahn which is the oldest mountain railway in the world. Once at the top, you can catch a train down to the lake, then hop on an absolutely beautiful boat trip from Vitznau to Lucerne. This is all in a day, and all on one ticket. For me, that’s what the Swiss Travel Pass is all about.

is swiss travel pass worth it

Yes, you’ll save a lot of money buying a pass, but it’s the convenience of travelling around the country that makes it so great.

I’ve said all along the Switzerland is one of those countries that’s set up for travelling in. Well, the Swiss Travel Pass makes that so much easier.

I really hope this guide has helped answer some of your questions about the pass. If there’s anything I’ve missed at all, let me know in the comments below and I’ll get back to you. Otherwise, have an amazing trip!

This post was in association with My Switzerland and the Swiss Travel System showcasing some of the best things to do in Switzerland. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

If you’d prefer to drive, then check out my post on the perfect road trip in Switzerland . This was such an amazing road trip!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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Travel? Yes Please!

Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

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Switzerland was an absolute joy to visit and a big reason for that was how easy the Swiss Travel Pass made it to explore the country by public transportation.

For my two week trip to Switzerland , I decided to utilize the Swiss Travel Pass since it was inclusive of many different types of transportation, straightforward and easy to use, with a range of benefits I hadn’t seen from other travel passes. Most of all, I was excited about the potential to save money and make travel in Switzerland more affordable.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss Travel Pass Guide- Tips for Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is worth considering if you will primarily be travelling by train in Switzerland. The Swiss Travel Pass can also be worth buying if you plan on doing mountain excursions and scenic boat cruises, visiting museums, and using local public transportation.

To help you decide if the Swiss Travel Pass is worth buying for your trip, I used my personal experience to put together this guide. In it I answer some frequently asked questions about the Swiss Travel Pass, break down what I spent and saved, and share my review of the Swiss Travel Pass.

I hope this Swiss Travel Pass guide helps you decide if the Swiss Travel Pass is worth buying for your trip.

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket for foreign travellers to explore Switzerland by train, bus, and boat, for a period of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

Who Can Buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is designed for foreign visitors to Switzerland. It’s available to anyone except residents of Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Where Can I Use the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass can be used throughout the entire country on all railways, boats, and buses.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

What are the Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is very comprehensive with numerous advantages for travellers in Switzerland. The main benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass are:

  • free unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus, and boat
  • free unlimited use of public transportation in more than 90 towns and cities
  • free unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (mandatory reservations cost extra)
  • free mountain excursions to Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn, and Stoos
  • up to 50% discount on many other mountain lifts
  • free admission to more than 500 museums

Some bonus perks of the Swiss Travel Pass are:

  • up to 30% off SBB RailAway leisure activities and holidays (available at ticket counters in Switzerland)

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Review and Guide

What are the Types of Swiss Travel Passes?

There are two things you need to decide when buying a Swiss Travel Pass- what class of ticket you want and how many days you want to use the pass.

You can choose between a first or second class Swiss Travel Pass and both options have validity periods of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

First class passes allow travel in first class cars, which are less crowded and have slightly larger seats. I travelled with a first class pass and loved being able to spread out and keep my luggage close.

Second class passes are for travel in second class cars, which are more crowded as that’s the class of ticket locals tend to buy.

An alternative to the standard pass is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. The flex ticket allows you to use your pass for the selected number of days over a 1 month period (you’re not limited by consecutive days). For example, if you buy an 8 day flex pass, you can travel as much as you want on 8 days during the 1 month period. The flex pass can be beneficial for people who are spending a few days in each destination.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

How Much Does the Swiss Travel Pass Cost?

Prices shown are accurate as of January 8, 2024 and are subject to change.

First Class Swiss Travel Pass

3 day: CHF 389.00

4 day: CHF 469.00

6 day: CHF 602.00

8 day: CHF 665.00

15 day: CHF 723.00

Second Class Swiss Travel Pass

3 day: CHF 244.00

4 day: CHF 295.00

6 day: CHF 379.00

8 day: CHF 419.00

15 day: CHF 459.00

Travellers under age 25 can buy a Youth Swiss Travel Pass for 30% less than the regular pass.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

How Do I Buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass at service desks in Swiss train stations or, more conveniently, purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online and have it emailed to you ready to use as soon as you arrive in Switzerland.

If you purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online, you will be sent a PDF ticket that you can print off at home and save to your phone as an e-ticket. If you purchase the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you will be emailed a PDF receipt (not a valid ticket) with instructions for how to activate your specific travel days. Once you activate your flex pass online, you will receive a valid ticket for each travel day that you can print and save to your phone as an e-ticket.

When buying the Swiss Travel Pass you will need your passport number and the date you want to start using your pass. This information will be printed on your ticket.

The pass comes with a map of validity so you can easily see all the railways, buses, boats, cable cars, and urban areas where you can use your pass for free travel. The map also shows mountain lifts where you get a price reduction as well as the few lifts where no discount applies.

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

How Do I Activate the Swiss Travel Pass?

When you buy a Swiss Travel Pass, it comes activated and ready to use. You would have chosen a start date at the time of purchase, so simply begin using it on the date printed on your pass.

For the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, your travel days have to be activated online before you travel (it can be done the day before). You will then be able to print or save an e-ticket for your journey.

How Do I Use the Swiss Travel Pass?

With a Swiss Travel Pass you can just hop on a train and go. When the ticket inspector comes around, present your pass (either a printed copy or an e-ticket on your phone) to be scanned. Technically, you’re supposed to show your passport along with your pass, but I was only asked for ID once. Still, it’s best to make sure that both your pass and passport are easily accessible for when the inspector comes around.

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Guide and Review

Are Seat Reservations Included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

It’s not necessary to make seat reservations for most trains in Switzerland. Exceptions to this are premium panorama trains like the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and Palm Express. For these trains a mandatory seat reservation and/or supplement are required, even though the Swiss Travel Pass covers the cost of your journey ticket.

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Review and Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

Will the Swiss Travel Pass Save Me Money?

Whether or not the Swiss Travel Pass will save you money depends on your itinerary and what benefits you plan to take advantage of.

A good way to check if the Swiss Travel Pass will save you money, is to use the SBB Mobile app or website to get ticket prices for your route. Once you find the cost of all individual tickets you’d need, compare that to the price of your desired Swiss Travel Pass.

In my case, the Swiss Travel Pass did save me money. After I got home, I calculated how much I would have spent without the pass compared to with the pass. Here’s a breakdown of what I spent and saved using a 15 day Swiss Travel Pass.

15 Day First Class Swiss Travel Pass: CHF 810.00 (in 2019)

15 First Class Train Trips: Without pass= CHF 953.20 With pass= CHF 61.00 (for seat reservations on Glacier Express and Bernina Express)

4 First Class Boat Trips: Without pass= CHF 193.40 With pass= Free

3 Mountain Excursions: Without pass= CHF 160.00 With pass= CHF 80.00

Final Verdict: If I had bought individual tickets for all my trips, I would have spent CHF 1,306.60. With the Swiss Travel Pass, I spent CHF 141.00 plus CHF 810.00 to buy the pass, for a total of CHF 951.00.

This means I saved CHF 355.60 by using the Swiss Travel Pass . With the exchange rate at the time of writing, this works out to be $467.35 CAD. So as you can see, the Swiss Travel Pass saved me a significant amount of money. I didn’t even factor in the money I saved using local buses and the discounts I got on bike rentals, so in actuality, the savings are even higher.

Part of the reason I saved so much with the pass is because I was always on the move. I travelled all over the country visiting many destinations, ascending mountains, cruising on boats, and renting bikes.

Also, many of the train trips I took were quite expensive. I rode both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express panoramic trains, and had a four hour journey from Locarno to Zermatt.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

Would I Buy the Pass Again?- My Swiss Travel Pass Review

The Swiss Travel Pass made getting around during my first trip to Switzerland a breeze. I avoided the hassle of buying individual tickets, didn’t waste time standing in line at stations, and had the flexibility to make impromptu trips without it affecting my budget. I spontaneously took a few boat cruises knowing I wouldn’t have to dip into my spending money. Such great freedom for sightseeing!

Convenience aside, the Swiss Travel Pass saved me a lot of money compared to buying individual tickets. For that reason alone, the Swiss Travel Pass was worth buying. I would definitely use it again on a future trip to Switzerland.

For me, the best thing about the Swiss Travel Pass was how comprehensive it was (so much more than a typical rail pass). I wasn’t limited to one type of transportation and could travel for free on boats, buses, trains, and some cable cars. Even when certain mountain lifts I used weren’t included in the pass, I still got a significant 50% discount for most of them.

The Swiss Travel Pass wasn’t just beneficial for long distance travel and mountain excursions. I got a small discount when I rented bikes and used the pass to travel for free on local buses in most towns I visited. I appreciated being able to use the pass for urban transportation, as it meant one less thing to worry about figuring out and paying for!

I honestly wish that every country’s travel passes were as extensive, uncomplicated, and good value as the Swiss Travel Pass. Of all the transportation passes I’ve used so far, I’d rank this one as the best. Just another reason to love Switzerland!

travelyesplease.com | Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

Is the Pass Right For You?- Should You Buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

Since I had such a great experience using the Swiss Travel Pass, I have no hesitation recommending it. It was a stress-free, easy way to save money while travelling in Switzerland.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t do some calculations before buying the Swiss Travel Pass, as potential savings will depend on your itinerary and how you intend to use the pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass may be worth buying if:

  • You will mainly be travelling by train in Switzerland.
  • You will be travelling long distances by train.
  • You will be visiting many different places, making frequent trips on public transportation.
  • You plan on sightseeing from premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
  • You want to save time and avoid the hassle of buying tickets for each trip.
  • You like the freedom to take spontaneous side trips without it affecting your budget.
  • You plan on doing some mountain excursions and boat trips.
  • You want to visit museums.

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

Buy Your Swiss Travel Pass Online

If you’ve decided that the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you, here is a trusted, leading retailer where you can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass online and have it sent to you ready to use. Passes sold through the included link earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you, and help support this website. Thank you!

travelyesplease.com | Guide to Buying and Using the Swiss Travel Pass

I was hosted by Switzerland Tourism in order to bring you this story. As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles.

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The ultimate guide to using public transport in Switzerland

23    comments

You know how it goes.

You land in a new country, get the stamp in your passport, grab your bag and make it through customs. Next, you try to figure out how the public transport system works around here to make your way into the city.

But all those options can be overwhelming and you have about a million questions you don't know the answer to.

Should you have booked your train ticket in advance? Are trains even a thing here or are buses more popular? Should you buy tickets as you go or would a travel pass work out cheaper? 

That‘s where this guide comes in. By the time you’re done here, you’ll know just as much , if not more than the average Swiss about the public transport system in Switzerland.

1. The public transport system of Switzerland

Public transport in Switzerland is efficient, (mostly) punctual, and literally all over the place .

If you sum up all the railway tracks running across this little country, you’ll end up with over 5.300 kilometres  (3.300 miles).

That’s a lot. 

That’s the distance from Vancouver to Halifax . Or from Ushuaia to São Paulo. Or from Cairns to Sydney. Return . Quite impressive for a country half the size of Lake Superior, isn't it?

Summing up all means of public transport like buses, trains and Postauto lines, the whole network contains roughly 29.000 kilometres (18.000 miles) and looks something like this:

The Swiss public transport network (click here for a more detailed map)

2. Means of public transport in Switzerland

2.1 trains in switzerland.

In terms of trains, Switzerland is a country of superlatives.

No other European nation covers as much ground on the railway tracks as we do. In 2019, we travelled a whopping 2.400 kilometres (1.500 miles) by train.

Additionally, since summer 2016, we've been proud owner of the world's longest railway tunnel: the Gotthard Base Tunnel . It is 57 kilometres (35 miles) long and reduced the travel time between Zurich and the Canton of Ticino by 30 minutes, or 20%.

As you can imagine, trains are by far the fastest and most convenient way to get around Switzerland. If you open this map , you will see the red lines running up and down the country. They represent the railway lines that are served by Intercity, Interregio, Regio, suburban trains and mountain railways.

The major train company is called SBB , or CFF in French and FFS in Italian, which stands for Swiss Federal Railways .

Apart from SBB, there are over 70 more railway companies completing this dense network.

Switzerland has one of the densest railway networks in the world

2.2 Long distance buses in Switzerland

Long-distance buses aren't really a thing in Switzerland. The Swiss are a (proud) nation of train riders. 🙂

However, bus companies have been on the move across Europe lately and it is now possible to travel within Switzerland by bus. Check the Flixbus or Eurobus websites to find your connection.

While long-distance buses are definitely cheaper than trains , they come with a few downsides.

  • Trains run several times per hour between major cities, while buses only run a couple of times per day.
  • Buses take a lot longer to reach their destination than trains because they drive more slowly and get stuck in traffic.
  • A bus ticket ties you to a specific service . This means you can't spontaneously travel at a different time, which is possible by train. 

Find and book over 1300 activities in Switzerland

2.3 Postauto buses in Switzerland

No corner of the country is too remote to have one of those iconic, yellow Postauto buses running through. The yellow lines on this map don't even come near to covering their whole territory.

To dig a little deeper into this extensive network, visit the regional section on the Postauto website . 

While Postauto buses are very common and popular in remote regions and villages, they also serve most cities and their suburbs.

As the name suggests, they were originally used to transport mail. But over time, Postauto gradually started carrying people as well, which is all they do nowadays.

The shiny yellow Postauto buses take you anywhere in Switzerland.

2.4 City buses in Switzerland

In addition to Postautos, cities and certain bigger villages also have their own local bus network. You can find a list of all local bus lines on this website . 

City buses often run quite frequently. Especially in larger cities. Depending on the size of the city and the time of day, you’ll see anything between 30-minute down to two-minute intervals.

2.5 Trams in Switzerland

Trams aren't that widely spread in Switzerland and the only places with notable tram networks are Zurich, Basel, Bern and Geneva.

Trams are in charge of connecting the cities as well as their suburbs to the centre. They usually run quite frequently – sometimes up to every two minutes. In Basel, there's even a tram running across the border to Weil am Rhein in Germany. 

A little word of warning from a country girl 😊 Trams can be an aggressive species and if you'd like to do ensure your physical wellbeing, look out for them in the city centres. They have a tendency to favour honking over breaking. 

As they do all over the world, I suppose.

2.6 Passenger ships in Switzerland

With all those lakes and rivers, it only makes sense that passenger ships are another easy way to get around Switzerland. Where there's a white line on this map , there's a passenger ship or a ferry.

Since those ships are quite slow in comparison to all the other means of public transport, they're not really used by commuters . So if you're in a hurry to get from one place to another, maybe skip this one. 

However, if you have time and fancy taking in some stunning views or even embark on a steamboat, visit this website to find out more about everything that's available.

Please be aware that it can get quite crowded during summer on a sunny day. While I've never run into the situation where they stopped letting people on board, it might make sense to be at the pier a few minutes before departure.

On a little side note, services don't run with the same timetable all year round. Make sure you double-check the departure time before you set out on your cruise.

Catch a steamboat...

... or a regular ship in Lucerne to travel around Switzerland

2.7 Cable cars in Switzerland

Technically speaking, cable cars aren't part of the public transport system and most of them don’t get any financial support from the government. Nevertheless, they still deserve their spot on this map in the shape of black lines.

To use a cable car, you usually have to buy some sort of an extra ticket . And those are rarely cheap.

However, most cable cars accept the most common travel passes , which I will talk about further down in this post. So make sure you show them any kind of ticket or travel pass you might already have.

Probably the coolest cable car ever: The CabriO at Stanserhorn near Lake Lucerne

2.8 FAQ: What people also ask about public transport in Switzerland

Is public transport in switzerland expensive.

Unfortunately, it is. Quality definitely has its price here.

Luckily, there are a few ways to optimise your travel costs by buying a travel pass or a Supersaver Ticket. 

I will talk about both of these in the next sections of this post. 

What's the difference between first and second class coaches on Swiss trains?

There are two main differences between first and second class coaches on Swiss trains. Price and legroom.

  • A ticket in the first class costs up to 75% more than the same journey in the second class does.
  • If you prefer more legroom and some extra peace and quiet, you might prefer the first over the second class.

Is it worth travelling first class on Swiss trains?

Generally speaking, our  second class coaches are of very high quality and if you travel outside of rush hour, you should have no problems feeling comfortable in a second class coach. 

However, if some extra peace and quiet and more legroom is a priority to you, you will enjoy your journey more by travelling first class. Just factor in the considerable 75% price difference. 

How long does it take to travel across Switzerland by train?

Not long at all.

With Switzerland being so small, it takes just under four hours to travel from St. Gallen to Geneva and less than three hours from Basel to Lugano. 

If you travel with the fast intercity trains , that is. 

Of course, there are slower and more scenic trains that take longer. But if you're starting your trip in Zurich, it will take you no more than one to two hours to reach any other major city in Switzerland. 

How do I know when my train, bus, Postauto or ship leaves?

The best way to find your timetable is by using the SBB website or the SBB app .

3. Tickets on Swiss public transport in general

3.1 one journey = one ticket.

In Switzerland, it doesn't matter which company or means of transport you travel with. The price will always be the same. You pay for your journey from one place to another, regardless of who runs it.

For example,  if you go from Zurich to Zermatt , you need to change trains in Visp. The first part of your trip is operated by SBB, while the second part belongs to MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn). But your ticket from Zurich to Zermatt covers  both rides .

The same goes if part of your journey is operated by a  different means of transport . Let’s say you travel from Zurich to Stein in the Appenzell region. After getting off the train in St. Gallen, you need to change to a Postauto bus. Your ticket from Zurich to Stein covers the whole journey.

Find your perfect Swiss itinerary

3.2 Tickets are flexible and never sell out

Tickets are valid for a certain time span and not for a specific service. If you buy a ticket from Bern to Zurich, you’re free to take any train leaving from Bern to Zurich on the day of travel . You're also free to get off along the way and continue your journey later that day.

Therefore, tickets aren’t limited and reservations aren't necessary. Whether you buy it two days or two minutes in advance, you’ll pay the exact same price. This doesn't go for Supersaver Tickets, but we'll get into that later.

3.3 Have your ticket when you get on

Once you're on the train, you need to have a valid ticket in your pocket. On certain trains, you can buy one from the ticket collector but I only suggest doing that in an emergency as it costs you extra.

If you see the sign below, it means you can't buy a ticket on the train and you'll pay 100 CHF if they catch you without one.

With buses and Postautos, it's a different story. You have the option to buy a ticket on board – either at the ticket machine or directly with the driver.

If you see this sign, you can't buy a ticket from the ticket collector.

4. Your ticket options

4.1 point-to-point.

What is it?

If you travel between cities that aren’t part of the same fare system (more about that later), you need a point-to-point. This allows you to catch any train running between your origin and destination , either one way or return.

You don’t have to use it for a specific train and once you begin your journey, you can get off along the way

The point-to-point t icket is best for you if you are...

  • travelling between cities
  • not using public transport on a regular basis
  • only in Switzerland for a short amount of time

With a ticket from St. Gallen to Bern, you can get off in Zurich and hop back on whenever you’re ready.

You’re free to add on as many stops as you like. As long as you don’t miss that last train to Bern because one-way tickets are only valid for one day.

Where can you buy it?

At the ticket counter: The easiest place to buy your ticket is at the counter. They sell any ticket imaginable and answer your questions about public transport.

At the vending machine:  Alternatively, pick one of the many SBB vending machines standing at every train station.

Online:  The SBB website lets you buy tickets with or without creating an account. You can either print your ticket or display it in the SBB app. The app will ask you for an account, though.

Through the SBB App:  The  SBB app is a tool I recommend to anyone travelling through Switzerland. It lets you buy tickets, displays your online tickets and comes with an extensive timetable feature.

4.2 Zone Ticket

Switzerland is split up into over 20 fare networks . Each of them consists of several zones and if you travel within one of those networks, you need a Zone Ticket instead of a point-to-point ticket.

The Zone Ticket is best for you if you are...

  • using local transport  within a fare system
  • staying in the  same area and not visiting any places outside the fare system

To get from Zurich airport into the city, you’ll be travelling within the fare network of ZVV. In this case, you need a ticket for all the zones between the airport and the main station.

Depending on how many zones your ticket is for, you have between one and two hours to use it on any means of transport within those zones.

Zone Tickets are available in the same places as the point-to-point tickets. You can either go through the counter, the vending machines, the SBB website or the SBB app.

You have some extra options here, though.

Postauto and city buses:  To get your Postauto or bus ticket, pick one of the following options:

  • Vending machine at the bus stop (in and around cities)
  • Vending machine inside the bus (in and around cities)
  • Pay the driver (in more remote places)

If you don’t already have a ticket once your bus arrives and you can’t see a vending machine anywhere, just get on through the front door and ask for a ticket.

Trams:  Every tram stop has a vending machine because you can’t buy a ticket from the driver.

Ships:  Not all companies are part of a fare network but certain Zone Tickets are valid for ships as well. To make sure you get the right ticket, I suggest getting one on board or at the counter by the pier.

Show them all your (local) tickets so they can give you your cheapest option.

ZVV commercial advertising one ticket for everything - trains, trams, buses and ships

4.3 City Ticket

The City Ticket is a combination of the two tickets above  and is only available for  certain participating cities . It comes in handy if you combine an intercity trip with a local journey.

The City  Ticket is best for you if you are...

  • using  local and intercity  transport in the same journey
  • not  using public transport on a regular basis

If you travel from Lausanne to a place somewhere in the city of Bern, you catch the intercity train for the first part of your journey. Once you’re in Bern, you change to the local city bus or the tram. The City Ticket covers both rides.

It also works the other way round, where you use local public transport only in Lausanne and then add the point-to-point ticket to Bern.

Another version of the City Ticket is the former City-City Ticket. Quite the mouthful, I know. 

A while ago, this one got integrated in the assortment of the City Ticket. With this one, you have the option to add your local transport to your intercity journey in both your starting and ending point. 

Like the point-to-point ticket, you can buy the City Ticket at the counter, most vending machines at the train station, the SBB website or the SBB app.

Buying a City Ticket works out slightly cheaper than buying two separate tickets. Savings range between 2 and 3 CHF for the whole journey.

4.4 Supersaver Ticket

This one is worth its weight in gold. Most long distance connections come with a limited amount of Supersaver Tickets . Discounts are sometimes up to 70% off.

The catch? The Supersaver Ticket is  tied to a specific train . You lose the flexibility of using any train you want and there’s no getting off along the way. They also sell out at some point because they’re so popular. Once you know your exact travel dates, it pays off to check for Supersaver Tickets right away. They’re available 60 days in advance.

The Supersaver Ticket is a very handy invention for those looking to travel cheaper. 

In case you miss your connecting train due to a delay of your previous one, let the ticket collector know. Ideally before you get off at the station. He'll confirm the train's delay and hand you a piece of paper, which you can show along with your Supersaver Ticket on the next train.

If you spontaneously decide to catch a different train , you can get a refund. However, going through this process is a bit of a hassle and costs 10 CHF. So I only recommend getting a Supersaver Ticket if you're sure to travel on that specific day and time.

The Supersaver  Ticket is best for you if you...

  • are travelling between cities
  • know ahead of time when you’ll be travelling
  • don’t mind  losing the flexibility  of hopping on any train you like
  • are not  using public transport on a regular basis
  • are only in Switzerland for a short amount of time

You can only buy Supersaver Tickets through the SBB website or the SBB app. With both options, you have to go pretty far into the buying process to see if special offers are still available.

4.5 Swiss Half Fare Card

Strictly speaking, the Swiss Half Fare Card is not a ticket. Like the name suggests, it’s a card that gives you 50% off  every ride. Everyone in Switzerland who uses public transport on a regular basis owns one.

The classic Half Fare Card is valid for a whole year but visitors can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card for one month. It costs 120 CHF, which seems like a lot for a discount card. However, since ticket prices aren't cheap in Switzerland, it pays off fairly quickly.

The Swiss Half Fare Card is best for you if you are...

  • using point-to-point tickets, Zone Tickets, City Tickets, City-City Tickets or Day Passes on a regular basis

You can buy the Swiss Half Fare card online or at any ticket counter. All you need is your passport or your identity card.

Learn more about the Swiss Half Fare Card here

5. Travel Passes

5.1 sbb day pass.

The SBB Day Pass is great if you’re covering a lot of ground in one day. It costs 75 CHF and is only available for Swiss Half Fare Card  holders.

To make most of this pass, you really have to travel far, though. Unless you cut across the whole country in a day, you’re better off buying a normal ticket.

With the National Day Pass, you have access to every means of public transport in Switzerland.

The National Day Pass is best for you if you are...

  • travelling long distances within one day (long in terms of Swiss relations 🙂 )
  • a Swiss Half Fare Card holder
  • only in Switzerland for a short amount of time and a multi-day travel pass wouldn’t pay off.

You can buy the SBB Day Pass online or at any ticket counter.

Buy your SBB Day Pass here

5.2 Saver Day Pass

In September 2017, the supersaver version of the National Day Pass was released. Prices vary and if you have a Half Fare Card, the Saver Day Pass costs between 29 CHF and 59 CHF. 

Without a Swiss Half Fare Card, expect to pay between 52 CHF and 106 CHF.

Sales open 6 months in advance and since this pass is so popular, the cheapest options sell out quickly.

The Saver Day Pass  is best for you if you are...

  • well organised and know ahead of time  what day you’ll be travelling

You can only buy the Saver Day Pass online or through the app, but not through any ticket machines or at the counter.

Buy your Saver Day Pass here

5.3 Regional Day Pass

The Regional Day Pass is basically a Zone Ticket that's valid for a whole day. As usual, you get 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card.

Most fare networks give you a discount on your Regional Day Pass if you set off after 9 am. To find which network has a 9 o’clock pass, check their website .

Like the Zone Tickets, you can buy the Regional Day Pass online , at the counter, the vending machine (at the train station, inside the buses or at the tram stop), directly from the bus driver, the SBB website or the SBB app.

The Regional Day Pass is best for you if you are...

  • using public transport within one fare system several times a day

5.4 Swiss Travel Pass

Apart from including every means of public transport across Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass also serves as a ticket to over 500 museums .

This pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days and you don’t need a Half Fare Card to get one. If you’re under 25 years old, you get a 30% discount.

If you need some help deciding if you should buy the Swiss Travel Pass or not , I've written an article about the subject.

I don’t suggest using the Swiss Travel Pass right after you buy it unless you travel far. Once you validate it, every following day counts. If you land in Zurich and spend your first days in the city, a Zone Ticket works out cheaper than using your Swiss Travel Pass from the get-go.

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel in Switzerland.

The Swiss Travel Pass is best for you if you are...

  • are using public transport on a regular basis
  • are planning on seeing  every corner  of Switzerland without having to worry about buying tickets
  • are travelling several days in a row
  • like  museums

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass either at the counter or directly here  online .

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass here

5.5 swiss travel pass flex.

The only difference between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is the fact that the it's a little pricier and doesn’t require you to use it on consecutive days. Instead, you can travel on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 days of your choice within a month.

It also comes with a 30% discount for under 25-year-olds and serves as a museum ticket on your travel days. To figure out if this pass is for you or not, read my article about this subject.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is best for you if you...

  • don’t want to travel every day but rather keep your itinerary  flexible

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex either at the counter or directly here  online .

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass Flex here

5.6 interrail pass.

This popular rail pass for Europeans comes in two versions: the Global Pass  and the One Country Pass .

Both allow you to use all SBB trains as well as several other companies. Certain private companies , like for example the BOB between Interlaken and Grindelwald, aren’t included, though. But they offer a 25% – 50% discount to pass holders.

Since the Interrail is a popular train ticket, you’re on your own when it comes to local transport. Buses, trams and most ships aren’t included. 

On a plus side, Interrail gives you several benefits. Like a free bus ride from Munich to Zurich, 15% off 43 selected Swiss Youth Hostels and much more .

The Interrail Pass is best for you if you are...

  • not staying long enough to make a Swiss Travel Pass pay off
  • mainly using the major railway companies
  • planning on seeing  every corner of Switzerland (that's accessible by train) without having to worry about buying tickets

You can buy an Interrail Pass through your travel agency at home, ticket counters across Europe or directly here online .

Depending on the pass you buy and with all the restrictions it comes with, Interrail works out 40% to 50% cheaper than the Swiss Travel Passes . 

5.7 Eurail Pass

Eurail is the equivalent to Interrail for non-Europeans . With the difference that Eurail doesn’t offer a One Country Pass for Switzerland. Instead, you can get a Global Pass for your Swiss trip.

The Global Pass covers 33 European countries for different time spans. Starting at 4 days within a month and ending with three months continuous. 

As with Interrail, there are a few restrictions and certain private companies, like for example the BOB between Interlaken and Grindelwald, aren’t included. But they offer a 25% – 50% discount to pass holders.

The Eurail Pass is best for you if you are...

  • non-European
  • planning on seeing every corner of Switzerland (that’s accessible by train) without having to worry about buying tickets

You can buy your Eurail Pass through your travel agency at home, ticket counters across Europe or  online .

6. Decision time

Congratulations. You now know just as much, if not more, than the average Swiss about your ticket options in Switzerland. The only thing that’s left to do is pick your best match.

My recommendation to get this process started is to make a rough outline of your itinerary, figure out where you want to go and use the SBB timetable to calculate prices for each leg of your journey. That way, you'll soon see which travel pass best suits you or if you're better off buying tickets as you go. 

Actually, I've prepared a spreadsheet for you. This should help you make a decision whether or not buying a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Half Fare Card makes sense in your case.

Bon voyage 😎

Related posts

3 sbb day passes you need to know about, 15 spectacular mountain railways in switzerland, how to activate and use your swiss travel pass, leave a repl​​​​​y.

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Nice compendium. I think it might be helpful to mention the specific restriction of Eurail Pass on the Berner Oberlandbahn which only gives a 25% discount on purchased tickets. It is a popular area, and Eurail pass holders are always shocked by the notice at Interlaken Ost station that their pass is not valid for onward journeys to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald and beyond.

Thanks for that input Sam. I did mention in the post that there are restrictions to the Eurail and Interrail Passes and linked to the sites that list those exclusions. But maybe it’s not obvious enough. I’ll update the post just to be sure that people don’t get stuck on the BOB without a valid ticket. Thanks for the tip.

Excellent guide on Swiss Transportation I must say!!! You have covered each and every single thing from different transportation options to their ticket & pass-details. Helped me preparing my overall transportation budget for Switzerland. Thank you.. Keep sharing these kinds of articles.

Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad my post has been helpful for your planning process 🙂

Thank you for the very informative public transport guide!

I will be heading to St. Gallen for 4 months as an exchange student and I'm wondering if you'll recommend getting the SBB Half Fare Travelcard? I saw that a yearly Half Fare Youth card was available at an affordable price of CHF 120. Is that available for foreigners to purchase as well?

Thank you for your question. If you’re here for four months and planning on using public transport for trips around Switzerland, I would definitely recommend getting a Half Fare Card. And as far as I could find out, the Card is available for everyone. Not just the Swiss To be sure, I recommend you check in with the SBB customer service, though. They will be able to give you an answer that’s 100% reliable.

Hope this helps and enjoy your time in St. Gallen Seraina

Information's shared here is as good as i am on the public transports now! Very informative. Thanks. Gonna visit soon.

Thank you Mahani! Enjoy your time in Switzerland.

Would greatly appreciate your help in terms of which tickets is recommended. We’re planning on going to Grindelwald but it’s not covered with our Eurail. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi, thanks for your question. You can buy your ticket in Interlaken at the train station. I would suggest heading to the counter and telling the person that you have a Eurail Pass and that you’d like to go to Grindelwald. They’ll sell you a ticket that you can then show on the train in combination with your Eurail…

Hello, we'll be in Switzerland for 21 days traveling to (and around) Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, Lausanne, Zermatt, Luzern and back to Zurich. If I read your article correctly, we should get a Swiss Travel Pass Flex for the travel between cities and perhaps a one-month Swiss Half Fare Card for day trips outside of those cities? We're Americans, by the way. We're REALLY looking forward to this dream trip to Switzerland!!!!

Oh, and if we buy those 2 passes, do we still need to worry about the "travel zones" that you mentioned?

Thank you so very much!

Dear Robbie

Thank you for your comment. And WOW, you’re coming to Switzerland for three weeks? This is absolutely fantastic and I’m so happy to hear you’re staying this long. May I ask what month you’ll be here?

As for your questions, I definitely recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass Flex for 15 days. But for those 6 other days, I don’t think getting a Swiss Half Fare Card will be worth it. Or do you think you’ll be using public transport on every single one of these 21 days? If you have six days where you stay in one place or don’t spend too much money on transport, the Half Fare Card would be a bit much in my opinion.

And if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t have to worry about travel zones. Just hop on any means of transport you like and off you go 😉 It’s that simple.

For your trip, if you don’t mind, I’d love to give you a recommendation. This blog is „only“ a hobby of mine, which I’ve had to set aside for a bit now because I work for Swiss Activities and therefore don’t have much time to blog. But we are putting together a booking platform for activities in Switzerland and also have a blog you might find helpful. I’ll give you the link in case you want to take a look.

Have a great day, Seraina

Your article was really helpful! Thank you very much! I will take into account your suggestions before buying my next tickets here in Switzerland. All the best!

Thank you for your lovely comment and you’re very welcome. I’m glad you’ve found this article helpful.

I’m planning to visit Switzerland for 6 days, Oct 5-Oct 11 (flying into Zurich and flying out of Geneva). I’m staying in Zurich for all but the very last night of my trip. Just makes it easy instead of packing/repacking the luggage. I’m staying in Zurich West (

That said, I’d like to visit Interlaken, Lucerne, Bern, Swiss National Park, and other areas during my time there. And, since I’ll be visiting for 6 days (not counting Oct 11th as I will fly out in the morning), I’m thinking of purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass for 6 days.

Just wanted to get your thoughts if that’s the suitable option.

Hi, that sounds like a very cool plan you’ve got there. And yes, I definitely recommend buying the Swiss Travel Pass. Especially since you’re doing all these day-trips. It’ll be worth it. Enjoy your trip, Seraina

Hello, Thank you for this guide. It is really helpful! As well as othere articles. If I may ask whether the following is correct. As I've read so much that I already do not believe my eyes:) We are going to be in Switzerland for 7 days. 2 adults and a child of 9 years old. Regarding a child I read that there is a Junior travel card costing 30 chf. Do I understand it correctly that a child can travel free of charge throughout Switzerland with this card if accompanied by a parent? So no need to pay for smth additionally? We won't use ships and cable cars. And it seems then it is needed to get a SwissPass for a child (the Junior card will be valid for 1 year) or just get a paper Junior card (valid for 30 days). Also as I understood if a parent buys a Swiss travel pass or a Swiss half fare card, a child can travel for free with a parent (it is just necessary to add a child when buying one of the mentioned cards). It is true? Half fare card does not always mean getting exactly 50% discount, doesn't it? In some cases the discount can be less? I'm trying to decide what would be the better value for money for us. We are going to stay in Schwerzenbach (ZH) and travel to Zurich and back at least 4 days during our stay (plus traveling from/to Zurich airport), as well as doing 1 day return trips to the following destinations: Bern, Lucerne and maybe Stein am Rhein. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. I‘m glad you‘ve found the articles to be helpful😊

Now for your questions: Buying a Swiss Travel Pass won‘t make sense in you‘re case because you‘re not taking super long or expensive day trips. I recommend buying a Swiss Half Fare Card for the adults and the Junior Card for your child instead. And then just buy the tickets as you go. Maybe you can profit from some saver tickets or a saver day pass if you book ahead of time. And yes, your child will travel for free with one of the parents.

I recommend going to the counter at Zurich airport to ask about the Junior Card once you arrive in Switzerland. As for the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can buy that online here: https://www.swissactivities.com/en-ch/rail-pass/swiss-half-fare-card1/

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip. Seraina

Thanks a lot for the quick answer Seraina! Have a nice weekend!

Hi there! Thank you for all the information! I wonder if you can help me and figure the best fares during my time in Zurich. We are spending 4 days and 3 nights in Zurich. One night one, we arrive quite late so we will just get dinner and staying in. On day two, we plan to visit the mountain roller coaster in Gelmerbahn ( can you tell us what is the best way to get from Zurich to Gelmerbahn?). And, on day three, we will hang around within the city of Zurich. I heard Trams are great transportation traveling within the city?

We are two parents and three teenagers ( 17 years old, 15 years old, and 13 years old).

So, please help and there are so much information and we are just not sure what is the best passes ( if we even need a pass). I heard there is a children day pass…will all trains and transportation all free with purchasing a children day pass/?

Hi Erin, thanks for your comment and your questions. I’ll try to answer them as well as I can. I don’t think getting a Swiss Travel Pass or even a Swiss Half Fare Card will be worth it if you only go to Gelmerbahn one day and use the trams in Zurich on another day. So I’d suggest you buy a Saver Day Pass as soon as you know your travel dates. One for each family member that’s older than 16. For your two kids that aren’t 16 years old yet, grab a children’s day pass . This will definitely be your cheapest option, as the ticket from Zurich to the valley station of Gelmerbahn is quite expensive. Also, you can read more about the Gelmerbahn here in this article I wrote about Swiss mountain railways. Please note that this mountain railway only operates in sommer, though. To find your connection from Zurich, I recommend downloading the SBB app or visiting the SBB website to check the timetable. As for Zurich: Yes, trams are a good way to get around. Also, you can do a lot of the city by foot because everything in the centre is within walking distance. There are also buses operating but trams are the way to go in Zurich. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so so much! I didn't know anything about Saver Day pass and Children's day pass, and they are indeed way cheaper comparing to getting it from the SBB. I just wanted to confirm that with the Saver day pass and Children's day pass, the pass is valid to use for any form of transportation? We will definitely be using buses and trains on our second day of traveling from Zurich to Gelmerbahn ( I know mountain train is not included in these passes) . Once we purchases the passes, do we need to get the trains tickets/ bus ticket for our trip? How would it work? I believe the mountain railway opens in June ( our trip should be on June 18) but I will check it again before I purchase the passes.

Happy to help. I’m glad you found something that works. And yes, both passes are valid on all means of transport. To confirm, you can check this page , which shows where the day passes are valid. Actually, the day passes are your tickets. You won’t need to buy anything else and can hop on the train, tram, bus of your choosing on the day you bought them for. You just need to buy your Gelmerbahn ticket, which I recommend you do online to reserve your spot as this train gets super busy. If you refer to my mountain railway article that I shared with you, you’ll find more information about Gelmerbahn and your booking options. It operates between 1st June and 20th October. Enjoy your trip Erin!

Swiss Travel Pass – All You Need To Know (2024 Guide)

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland? The Swiss Travel Pass is a fantastic way to get around the country and save money on transportation, museums, and mountain excursions.

It may not be 100% clear how the Swiss Travel Pass works at first and, with all the inclusions, you may be confused about what it offers.

In this guide, I’ll fill you in on all the details of how to use your Swiss Travel Pass, what’s included, and much more so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your journey.

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Table of Contents

QUICK ANSWERS: SWISS TRAVEL PASS

Before I dive into the main topic of the Travel Pass, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHAT IS THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS?

The Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient and affordable way to discover Switzerland.

It provides unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transportation, including trains, buses, and boats.

Also, it provides free admission and discounts to more than 500 museums and attractions.

Plus, with the Swiss Rail Pass, you can get up to 50% off mountain excursions to explore Switzerland’s scenic routes.

From bracing mountain hikes to peaceful rail journeys – you will enjoy picturesque landscapes hassle-free aboard most mountain railways, like the Glacier Express.

Lastly, it offers great flexibility since you can pick up passes for different durations – 3, 4, 8, or 15 days – consecutively or not.

Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Swiss Travel Pass

Get unlimited rides on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Simply show your Swiss Travel Pass e-ticket on your smartphone to instantly start your rail adventure.

IS THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS WORTH IT?

Yes! Without a doubt, the Swiss Pass is definitely worth it.

Not only will it get you unlimited travel free with all types of public transport, but you can also enjoy discounts and free entry to museums, scenic spots, and more.

It’s a very convenient way to save money while exploring the diverse cultures and magnificent landscapes that the country has to offer.

So if you’re looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to make the most out of your trip to Switzerland, then the Swiss Travel Pass is a great start!

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SWISS TRAVEL PASS PRICE

The price depends on the type of pass you’re getting and if you choose the consecutive days or the flexible option.

It starts at 232 CHF ($253 USD) but can get higher than that, and the prices for flexible tickets are slightly more expensive.

Before the prices, let me add that children aged 15 and less do not pay, they get the Switzerland Travel Pass for free.

Here’s an overview of the Swiss Pass cost:

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS?

See below for all the benefits and inclusions of the Swiss Pass:

  • Free entrance to over 500 museums
  • Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat in over 90 cities
  • Travel on panorama trains (seat reservation fees and supplements are excluded)
  • Included mountain excursions: Rigi, Stanserhorn, Brunni, and Stoos
  • Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions.

Despite Switzerland being one of the most expensive countries in the world , when getting the Swiss Travel Pass, everything gets much cheaper as a traveler.

RELATED GUIDE: Best Things To Do In Lucerne

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SWISS RAIL PASSES

We always refer to it as the “Swiss Travel Pass” – however, there are 4 different types of Switzerland pass you can get, all for different prices and benefits:

SWISS TRAVEL PASS

The first pass is the regular Swiss Travel Pass, which is a Switzerland travel card and gives you unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats that cover all corners of the landlocked country.

You’ll even get travel discounts on museums, cable cars, and free mountain excursions. In short, it’s an easy way to get more bang for your buck when traveling Switzerland .

With the regular pass, you can get all the above for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

SWISS TRAVEL PASS FLEX

The Flex Pass , compared to the continuous Swiss Pass mentioned above, gives you a chance to use it on different days.

This is particularly great if you plan on walking around Zurich for a couple of days or going to Lauterbrunnen and don’t plan on using it.

For instance, if you get the 3-day flex pass and travel from January 10th to January 15th, you can choose to activate your pass on the 11th, 12th, and 14th only, which gives you a lot more convenience.

Just like the regular pass, you get unlimited train rides, buses, and boats, as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain excursions throughout the country.

While it’s a little more expensive, I recommend getting the Flex Pass if you don’t plan to use transportation or visit museums every single day.

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SWISS HALF-FARE CARD

If you want to travel around Switzerland in an affordable and convenient way, a Swiss Half-Fare Card is exactly what you need.

For a much cheaper price, you’ll get unlimited 50% discounts on the entire Swiss rail, bus, and boat network.

In addition, you still get 50% off on popular mountain excursions.

All in all, it’s a great pass that allows you to save money on the Swiss travel system and is especially great if you don’t plan on taking the train or bus every single day.

Note that children travel free in Switzerland, so the discounts only apply to adults and young adults aged 16 years old and more.

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SWISS COUPON PASS

The last type of pass you can get is the “Coupon Pass,” also called the Swiss Family Card.

It provides 2-for-1 offers and up to 50% off at restaurants, city tours, museums and attractions, as well as trains and boats.

All in all, it adds up to over 4,500 CHF worth of savings if you use it extensively.

That being said, while it is advantageous, it’s nowhere near as beneficial as the other Swiss Rail Passes listed above.

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WHICH SWISS TRAVEL PASS SHOULD YOU BUY

All in all, the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex are the best options for anyone looking to explore Switzerland.

Both allow you unlimited access to public transportation including trains, buses, trams, and some boats, as well as discounts on various attractions and museums.

The Swiss Rail Pass is valid for consecutive days, while the Flex version allows more freedom with flexible travel days within the selected period.

So if you’re looking to get around Switzerland without breaking the bank, these are the ticket options for you!

RELATED ARTICLE: 8 DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY BY TRAIN

zurich

HOW TO USE THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS

Using the pass is as easy as it gets in every possible way.

First of all, purchase the travel pass, select your travel dates and the options – consecutive or flexible pass – and then fill in the short form with a valid travel document.

After purchasing it, you’ll receive a PDF document by email with a QR code. Once in Switzerland, you can then show the QR code to the train, bus, or boat staff.

I recommend taking a screenshot of the QR code and saving it on your phone. Alternatively, you can add it to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for more convenience.

HOW THE DAYS ON THE SWISS RAIL PASS WORK

Your Swiss Rail Pass becomes active on the day you selected upon purchase.

So if you purchased a 3-day pass for February 15th, you’ll be able to use it from 12.00 AM that day (midnight).

Then you’ll be able to use public transportation on the 15th, 16th, and 17th.

Note that the pass works until 5.00 am the day after the expiry date to allow you to travel during the night if needed.

SWISS TRAVEL PASS – FAQ

Does the swiss train pass cover all of switzerland.

Yes, the travel pass covers all of Switzerland and you can use public transport everywhere in the country – trains, buses, trams, boats, and even some mountain railways.

No matter where you plan to go in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass has got you covered to travel cheaply.

IS IT CHEAPER TO BUY THE SWISS PASS IN ADVANCE?

The price always remains the same regardless of how early or late you purchase it. For this reason, you can take your time buying it.

That being said, it’s important to note that these passes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, so make sure it is the right decision before buying.

zurich to lauterbrunnen

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS?

With the Swiss Pass, you basically get the keys to the country.

Public transportation is free and unlimited (trains, premium panoramic trains, boats, buses), and the entrance to over 500 museums and attractions are included too.

On top of that, most mountain excursions and cable car networks are discounted by 50%, giving you endless benefits.

With all these benefits, there is no reason why your next trip to Switzerland shouldn’t be an unforgettable one!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS?

While you get endless benefits and inclusions with the Switzerland Travel Pass, not everything is included.

The following isn’t included and has to be paid separately:

  • Hotel rooms
  • Private taxis
  • Seat reservations
  • Food and drinks at restaurants
  • Special cruises like dinner cruises

That said, you still get access to many other benefits like free ticket discounts and transportation options, which definitely make the trip more affordable.

switzerland itinerary

IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR SENIORS?

No, unfortunately, there are no discounts for seniors.

However, the Swiss train pass is cheaper for those from 16 to 24 years old, and children younger than 16 years old travel for free.

WHICH MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS ARE INCLUDED?

The included mountain excursions are Rigi, Stanserhorn, Brunni, and Stoos.

And while the others aren’t included, you get a 50% discount on most of the other mountain excursions, which is a bargain!

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SWISS HALF-FARE CARD VS SWISS TRAVEL PASS

Both passes offer travelers amazing savings and access to various public transport options throughout Switzerland, but there are key differences.

The Swiss Half Fare Pass allows you to get half-price fares on all Swiss travel system services, with discounts on some private rail lines and mountain railways as well.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free travel on all public transport for up to 15 days of consecutive use. It also provides discounts on select mountain railway lines and museums.

The more adventurous traveler who plans on seeing most of the sights is likely better off with a Swiss Travel Pass.

On the other hand, those who want to take it easy and explore only the main cities are probably better off going with the half-fare card.

Whichever one you decide is best for you, both are sure to help make your next visit to Switzerland much more enjoyable and affordable.

More Switzerland Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Switzerland!

WHAT TO PACK FOR SWITZERLAND

When visiting Switzerland, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

anti theft money belt

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

grayl geopress

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

travel towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

anker powerbank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions about the Swiss Travel Pass, the Swiss Flex Pass, or any other Switzerland train passes, please drop me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

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Search all rental cars in your next destination.

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THANKS FOR READING

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Swiss Travel Pass

How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one transport pass that makes it easier and more affordable to travel around Switzerland, where the public transport system is renowned for its efficiency. 

Also sometimes referred to as the Swisspass, Swiss Train Pass or Swiss Pass, the pass is valid for various durations.

It even gives holders access to discounted travel on many mountain railways and cable cars as well as trains, buses and boats. 

Now you have decided to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, where do you buy it? When and how can you activate it? And how do you actually use the Swiss Travel Pass? 

In this guide we cover everything you need to know before setting off on your travels around the incredible country of Switzerland. 

From how to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and whether or not your type of pass needs activating to how to use your pass on the go, this article covers it all. 

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Where to buy the Swiss Travel Pass

Let’s get started by taking a look at where you should buy your pass. 

First, you need to decide whether to purchase a regular Swiss Travel Pass (for travel on consecutive days) or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex. The differences are explained in > this article.

Then it’s super simple to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass. I recommend you buy the pass via GetYour Guide , an authorised reseller of Swiss Travel System.

What’s great about using GetYourGuide is that they offer full refunds on many products, including the Swiss Travel Pass, if you cancel up to 24 hours before use. 

Consecutive Day Swiss Travel Pass Prices

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

How to buy your Swiss Travel Pass step-by-step

The GetYourGuide site is also really user-friendly. After clicking the link to purchase your pass ( this link for the consecutive day pass and this link for the Flex pass ), the first step is to choose how many adults, youths (aged 16 to 25) and children (aged 6 to 15) are travelling. 

This can be done directly beneath ‘About this activity’. Kids aged 5 or under don’t need a ticket or a pass, as they travel for free.

Instructions for purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass online

Next, select the start date you want: you can skip through months here by clicking the arrow on the top right.

Then, when you have selected the date you will first use your pass, click on ‘Check availability’. 

Instructions for purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass online

Now you can choose the pass you’d like to buy.

Instructions for purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass online

Add the pass you want to your cart. 

Instructions for purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass online

📍 I recommend double checking at this point that you have selected the right class of travel and duration. 

Then click ‘Checkout’. 

Next it’s just a case of adding your billing details as with any online purchase. 

You’ll also be asked to complete the full names and dates of birth for each traveller. Make sure these match your passports exactly to prevent any problems later on. 

Instructions for purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass online

How you’ll get your Swiss Travel Pass

Once you have made your purchase, when and how is your pass delivered? 

The Swiss Travel Pass (for travel on consecutive days) will be emailed to the address you provided in the booking process, and will come in the form of a PDF attachment which can be downloaded to your mobile device.

Example of a Swiss Travel Pass in PDF format.

I highly recommend printing a paper copy of this as a back-up, though you can simply present the mobile version when using transport in Switzerland. 

While both paper and digital versions of the pass are accepted, your phone could suddenly run out of battery and then you’d have no way of proving you have a pass! 

You should also carry your passport or another form of photo ID each time you travel. 

> Click here to buy your Swiss Travel Pass

How you’ll get your Swiss Travel Pass Flex

If you purchase a Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you will receive a purchase receipt and a voucher by email.

The voucher is NOT valid for travel.

Each day you wish you travel you should activate your pass (see the instructions below). By doing this, you will receive a valid ticket for travel on that date.

Example of Swiss Travel Pass Flex purchase receipt.

> Click here to buy your Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

When and how to activate the Swiss Travel Pass

There is often confusion about whether or not a Swiss Travel Pass has to be activated. The answer varies according to the type of pass you’ve bought so follow the instructions below to learn how to activate your Swiss Travel Pass.

Activating your Swiss Travel Pass (consecutive days)

The regular, consecutive days Swiss Travel Pass does not need to be activated. All you need to do is show it to the ticket inspector when requested.

Activating your Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex, however, must be activated in advance and before each day that you use the pass. You can do this via Activate Your Pass here .

Screenshot of ActiveMyPass website

Your pass should be activated before your first trip, and you’ll need to enter your reference number as well as your full name and date of birth. 

For every travel date you activate, a valid ticket will be generated. This e-ticket can then be seen at activateyourpass.com . You can show this e-ticket to the ticket inspector on your phone or tablet, or use a printed copy. 

What if your plans change along the way? 

If you have already activated a travel date that you want to change, the Swiss Travel Pass allows you to change these as much as you want to until the start of each validity period.

The validity period commences at 23:59. Once the clock hits midnight, you can no longer change or deactivate this particular ticket. 

For example, if you have activated your Swiss Travel Pass Flex to be used on 17 July and you no longer wish to use your pass that day, you can change the date of travel until 23:59 on 16 July.

Interior of a 1st class Belle Epoque carriage on the GoldenPass Line.

How to use the Swiss Travel Pass

So now let’s cover how to use the Swiss Travel Pass Flex or consecutive-days pass. 

When travelling with a Swiss Travel Pass – either consecutive days or Flex, you simply board the train and sit wherever you wish in the correct carriage for your class of travel. 

The only exception to this is when travelling on the Bernina Express or Glacier Express, which we cover below.

When requested by the ticket inspector, simply present your Swiss Travel Pass.  You may also be asked to present some photo ID, such as your passport to verify that you are the pass holder.

Beautiful view from train window in Switzerland

Using the Swiss Travel Pass on panoramic trains

The Bernina Express and Glacier Express , two of Switzerland’s most famous premium panoramic trains, are the only Swiss trains on which reserving a seat is compulsory.

The actual ticket price of the journey on these trains is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass but seat reservation fees are compulsory and should be purchased online well in advance of your travel date.

Seat reservations for the Bernina Express can be purchased here and Glacier Express seat reservations can be purchased here .

On all other panoramic trains* – Luzern – Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Line and Gotthard Panorama Express – seat reservations are not required. Simply board the train and sit anywhere in the correct carriage for your class of your travel.

*Note that the Gotthard Panorama Express only offers 1st class train travel. If you hold a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex you must pay a class upgrade for this journey.

Additionally there is a compulsory supplement of CHF 16 for each passenger that travels on the Gotthard Panorama Express. > Purchase class upgrades and the compulsory supplement here .

Bernina Express with Morterasch Glacier in the background

Using the Swiss Travel Pass on buses, boats and mountain transport

Don’t forget that Swiss Travel Pass holders can also use boats, buses and some mountain transport services. Even when this isn’t the case, you may qualify for a generous discount as a pass holder. 

When boarding boats and buses, simply show your Swiss Travel Pass when you enter.  For free (where applicable) or discounted travel on cable cars, funiculars and mountain railways, present your pass at the ticket counter.

Selected museums also allow pass holders to enter for free. Just show your Pass at the ticket counter.

A ticket inspector checking tickets on a Lake Lucerne boat cruise.

Travelling beyond the Swiss border with a Swiss Travel Pass

When travelling to an area beyond that covered by the pass – such as into another country – you’ll need to buy a ticket for that sector. This will apply, for example, to journeys into France, Italy, Germany or Austria. 

International tickets are generally not available for purchase on the Swiss Railways website or app so we recommend buying them from the railway of the country concerned.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers travel as far as the major rail border points of Basel and Le Chatelard-Frontiere on the French border, Chiasso on the Italian border, Konstanz on the border with Germany and St. Margrethen on the Austrian border.

Some postal bus services within Liechtenstein and Austria are also covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

You can view a map of the Area of Validity of the Swiss Travel Pass > here .

The SwissPass app 

Is there a Swiss Travel Pass app? No, there isn’t.  

Many travellers notice a reference to the SwissPass on the SBB Mobile app however this refers to a digital travel account for residents only. 

A SwissPass account is for Swiss citizens only, not tourists, and is a separate product that uses a chip and pin card.

The Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t have to be added to an app. All you need is to be able to show the ticket inspector a paper or digital copy, and photo ID if requested.

The excellent SBB Mobile app ( which we explain here ) can be used for checking timetables but it is not necessary (or possible) to connect your Swiss Travel Pass to the app.

Another app that is useful is the Swiss Travel Guide app which has an integrated map and timetable and points out more than 500 Swiss highlights.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Buying, activating and using the Swiss Travel Pass summary

The Swiss Travel Pass allows you to use the clean, fast and efficient public transport system in Switzerland. It can be used on trams, buses and boats as well as trains, and can save you a lot of time and money. Exclusive free entry to museums and generous discounts can also apply. 

Buying your pass is easy, and purchasing it through our preferred supplier means you won’t even lose money if your plans change, as long as you cancel 24 hours before the start date. 

Only the Swiss Travel Pass Flex requires activation, which is easy to do via this link . 

Once you have your chosen pass, I recommend taking a paper copy as well as the digital version as back-up. Also carry your passport or other photo ID in case it’s requested. 

Unless you want to travel on the popular scenic Swiss train routes, seat reservations are not normally required. 

Wherever your Swiss Travel Pass takes you, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with beautiful Switzerland and will want to return time and time again!

Interior of a 1st class carriage on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway

How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass – Summary

Now that you have read this guide, you can confidently buy, activate (if necessary) and use your Swiss Travel Pass.

This all-in-one transport pass is the perfect hop on hop off ticket for travelling in Switzerland.

🇨🇭 Ready to buy yours? > Click here to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and > Click here to buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex .

If you’re still unsure whether the pass is the best value for your trip, we answer the question Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? here .

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Swiss Travel Pass

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Self-Drive Packages

Accommodation

Sightseeing.

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how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

View from Birg intermediate station at Schilthorn

Mountain Excursions in Switzerland Discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass

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Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2024

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The Swiss Travel Pass is designed for backpackers, city hoppers, families, and railway lovers. It offers a cost-effective way to travel across Switzerland by public transportation.

You’re probably wondering: How much does it cost? And are there any discounts? We often get these and many other questions about the Swiss Travel Pass.

Deciding whether the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive overview of benefits could be a good starter. But first-timers will end up with many unanswered questions, still.

So, we decided to answer them once and for all. We've got you covered, from where to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass to its activation and available discounts to the refund policy. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor to Switzerland or want to plan a Swiss itinerary for your friends from abroad, keep reading for answers to the most common Swiss Travel Pass FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Swiss Travel Pass

Purchase and refunds.

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for consecutive periods of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days and must be activated within six months of the purchase date.

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased on the official SBB website, at SBB ticket offices and authorized resellers, or worldwide through online travel agencies such as RailEurope .

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for anyone with a permanent residence outside of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. This includes any foreign nationals and Swiss people with a permanent address abroad. It’s important that Swiss who live abroad can produce the following forms of identification while traveling on a Swiss Travel Pass: a Swiss passport, plus a residence permit, driving license, or residence certificate from abroad.

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts for children and teenagers up to 16 years. Youth from 16 up until their 25th birthday enjoy a 30% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass Youth. However, there are no discounted rates for senior citizens. Children up to 6 years travel for free on all Swiss public transport. From the age of 6 to 16, they travel for free with a parent who is a holder of a Swiss Travel Pass and a Swiss Family Card. The latter is a free add-on that can be requested at a train station or during the online purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass. On the SBB website, simply add the child as a passenger under “‘Add passengers” in order to receive the Swiss Family Card automatically.

The Swiss Travel Pass price does not vary between online outlets and ticket booths in Switzerland. But time is money, and purchasing it in advance may save you precious time during your trip. Simply skip the lines at the ticket office and hop onboard public transportation! You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass a maximum of 60 days before the day you want it for, right up to the day before travel.

You can secure your Swiss Travel Pass up to 11 months ahead , ensuring availability during peak seasons and potentially benefiting from early booking discounts. Early purchase also lets you focus on other trip planning aspects.

Yes, you can get a refund if the Swiss Travel Pass is returned to the vendor before you start using it. If you have already started your journey, you may get a partial refund if you provide proof of illness or injury, if you had to stop your trip unexpectedly, or if you have a confirmation from a railway office.

If you lose your Swiss Travel Pass, contact the Swiss Federal Railways as soon as possible by submitting a loss report . They can cancel the pass to prevent unauthorized use and issue a new one at a fee. However, If you lose your pass or it gets stolen, you cannot get a refund.

Unfortunately, travel passes can only be refunded if they are returned to the issuing office prior to the first day of validity. Generally speaking, you cannot change dates of an active pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass is available as a PDF attachment that can be downloaded to a mobile device. We recommended keeping a printed copy as a backup, just in case you run out of battery on your smartphone. Both paper and digital versions are accepted, but it is important to carry a photo ID each time you travel.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at GetYourGuide

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at CHF 244. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

What the physical Swiss Travel Pass contains:

Swiss Travel Pass Benefits - Area of Validity Map

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2024?

As of January 1, 2024, the prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex will increase an average of 5.9 percent compared to 2023. The prices for both passes will continue to be offered for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days.

Swiss Travel Pass Price 2024 - Looking out from a train window into the Switzerland landscape

Swiss Travel Pass Price 2024: Fares, Discounts, Price Changes

What's the difference between the consecutive swiss travel pass and the swiss travel pass flex.

There are two types of Swiss Travel Passes: the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass. and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Both passes offer unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, but there are some key differences between the two.

The consecutive Swiss Travel Pass is valid for a specified number of consecutive days , such as 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. You can use the pass for continuous travel within the specified days.

On the other hand, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose a certain number of non-consecutive days within one month.

For example, if you have a 15-day Flex pass, you can travel for 15 days within one month, but these days do not have to be consecutive. The Flex Pass is ideal for travelers who wish to have more flexibility in their itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.

When choosing between the two passes, consider your travel itinerary, stay duration, and budget. If you plan to travel extensively around Switzerland and visit many museums, then the Swiss Travel Pass is a good option. However, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is a better choice if you want more flexibility in your itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.

Activation and logistics

The Swiss Travel Pass for consecutive days does not need to be activated. When you purchase your pass from an online travel agent, they send an email directly to your account. You will receive a PDF file containing a QR code the train staff can check and scan. You may also receive a link in the email that will allow you to add the code to any wallet app on your smartphone. Alternatively, you may print out the PDF on a sheet of paper. The pass is ready to be used if it contains information such as your start date, passenger name, and birth date. If you have purchased a consecutive ticket, you must fill in your start date during the check-out. Your pass will automatically be activated on that particular date and run for the preset number of days. Once in Switzerland, present the pass and your passport or ID to the conductor on board.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex must be activated in Switzerland before each day of travel. There is a dedicated website where you have to enter your ticket reference number and name to validate the travel days.

A travel day on the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is based on the calendar day, allowing for travel within the validity period of the pass. However, remember that travel days are not calculated on a 24-hour basis, and the final day of validity ends at 5 AM on the following day.

The Swiss Travel Pass is unavailable for purchase by Swiss residents, as it is primarily marketed toward tourists visiting Switzerland. It is only available to those with a permanent residency outside of Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Swiss residents have other options, such as the Half Fare Card, the GA, or other regional passes that may suit their travel needs.

Swiss Travel Pass Electronic Ticket on a Smartphone

Benefits and perks

No, the Swiss Travel Pass does not guarantee a seat on a train. With a valid pass, you can board any train that has seats available, including trains such as the Glacier Express that explicitly require a seat reservation. Contact the conductor to make a seat reservation on the spot.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers most of the public transportation services in Switzerland. Some private transportation services may require an extra fee or reservation. Have a look at the area of validity map to see exactly which lines are included.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free entry to over 500 museums and other attractions. Some special exhibitions and events may require an additional fee, even with the pass. Download a list of participating museums or read our suggestions for free Swiss Travel Pass museums to visit.

You bet. The Swiss Travel Pass is available in both the first and second classes. Make your choice during the check-out when you purchase the pass, but remember that you can pay the differential to first class if you ever decide to upgrade on the spot.

The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and boats operated by the Swiss Federal Railways and other participating companies, including the famous Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express lines.

Yes, city transportation is a key benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass. It is valid for transportation to and from the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, as well as other airports in Switzerland.

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs - Zurich Airport Train Station

Is the Swiss Travel Pass the same as the Swiss Pass?

Good question! No, the two passes are not the same. Consider the Swiss Travel Pass a golden ticket for tourists, granting them access to various transportation options. Swiss Pass is the former name.

Today, the SwissPass is a chip card and digital account intended for Swiss residents. It lets them load annual public transport passes and other products onto an electronic card.

As a tourist, it's important to remember that the Swiss Travel Pass and SwissPass are two distinct products, each catering to different needs. Adding your Swiss Travel Pass to a SwissPass online account would be like trying to use a library card to buy groceries - it simply doesn't make sense.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Swiss Travel Pass offers many benefits that can greatly enhance your travel experiences in Switzerland.

Key benefits include saving money on transportation, free access to museums, and the convenience of not purchasing individual tickets.

Read our dedicated post to find out: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

Get our ultimate free guide! Swiss Travel Pass: How to make it work in 2024

The free guide includes a round-trip itinerary starting in Zurich for budget travelers. It “hacks” a three-day Swiss Travel Pass to make it last for a five-day stay…

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Got any more questions?

We hope to have answered your pressing Swiss Travel Pass FAQs. If you have any additional inquiries, please leave a comment or send an email. We will research the answer and reply as soon as possible.

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Dimitri Burkhard

As the founder, editor, and community manager of Newly Swissed, Dimitri owns the strategic vision. He is passionate about storytelling and is a member of Swiss Travel Communicators. Dimitri loves discovering new trends and covers architecture, design, start-ups and tourism.

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We are traveling to Switzerland in July and our must do is the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur. If I purchase the Swiss travel pass that will get us on the train but then we need to purchase and actual seat, is that correct?

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  • UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
  • Travel by train, bus or boat
  • Top museums
  • Swiss Parks
  • Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

  • Family excursions
  • Food & Wine
  • Group excursions
  • Guided tours

Summer & Autumn

  • Bicycle & Mountain bike
  • Adventure & Sports Summer
  • Zoo & animal experiences
  • Ski and snowboard
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoe and winter hiking
  • Tobogganing
  • Winter excursions
  • Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

  • Parks, Gardens and Squares
  • Architecture

Experience Tour

  • Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
  • Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
  • Mountain excursions

Accommodation

  • Typically Swiss Hotels
  • Wellness & Spa
  • Family Hotels
  • Bike Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Inspiring Meeting Hotels
  • Swiss Historic Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
  • Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

  • On the farm
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Mountains huts
  • Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

  • Travel to Switzerland
  • Barrier-free travel
  • Tickets public transport
  • Service & support
  • Money and shopping

About Switzerland

  • General facts
  • Custom and tradition
  • History of Switzerland
  • The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
  • Health Travel
  • Sustainability

Weather & Climate

  • Climate in Switzerland
  • Snow Report
  • Water and pool temperatures
  • City offers
  • Touring offers
  • Wellness offers
  • Nature and outdoor offers
  • Offers for families

Where are you from?

  • België (Nederlands)
  • Belgique (Français)
  • Deutschland
  • Netherlands
  • Russia (Россия)
  • Schweiz (Deutsch)
  • Suisse (Français)
  • Svizzera (Italiano)
  • Switzerland (English)
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada (English)
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  • China 中文简体
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  • Gulf countries العربية
  • Japan 日本
  • Korea 한국어
  • United Arab Emirates
  • New Zealand
  • International

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Language, region and important links

  • Slovenština

Service Navigation

  • Help & Contact

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

Without limits: Travelling through Switzerland by train, bus and boat – and maximum flexibility to boot. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is the perfect ticket for quick deciders. It is valid on 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 freely selectable days within one month, thus combining scope and services of the Swiss Travel Pass with the advantage of increased flexibility.

On validated travel days:

  • Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.  View area of validity
  • Unlimited travel on premium panoramic trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply).
  • Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities.
  • Free admission to more than  500 museums .
  • Mountain excursions included:  Rigi ,  Stanserhorn  and  Stoos
  • Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions.
  • Up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers. Available at all ticket counters within Switzerland.
  • Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary  Swiss Family Card .
  • Children under 6 years of age who are accompanied by a holder of a valid Swiss Travel System ticket travel free of charge.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass is available as e-ticket.

Information

  • A seat reservation and/or supplement is required to travel on some trains/buses/boats such as Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Palm Express.
  • Swiss Travel System tickets are available to persons with residence outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein
  • In Switzerland, fares apply in Swiss Francs as detailed in the chart. (In case of cash payment in EUR, USD or GBP: current exchange rates apply.)

General provisions and legal information

Price – Adult

Non-consecutive days can be selected individually.

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024

Price – Youth

Non-consecutive days can be selected individually. Valid for young travellers up to their 25th birthday (30% discount).

Swiss Family Card

With the Swiss Family Card , children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday travel free of charge.

On request, a Swiss Family Card is provided free of charge, entitling children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday to travel free if accompanied by at least one paying parent.

Bonus Benefits with the Swiss Travel Pass

Regional passes, sales outlet swiss travel system.

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

  • Zurich : Baur Au Lac
  • Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
  • Zermatt: The Omnia
  • Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
  • Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
  • Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
  • Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

  • Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
  • Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

  • Paragliding
  • Lindt Chocolate Tour
  • Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

  • More scenic views out the window
  • Can relax and enjoy the ride
  • No need to focus on driving/navigation
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Arrive directly in city centers
  • Less flexibility with schedule/stops
  • Can be more expensive
  • Limited luggage space
  • More flexibility with schedule and route
  • Can stop wherever you want
  • Usually cheaper than train
  • More privacy
  • Can carry more luggage
  • Less scenic views
  • Have to focus on driving
  • More planning required for navigation
  • Have to find and pay for parking
  • More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car. How do I get around Switzerland? There are many ways to get around Switzerland, the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the [...]

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss travel pass flex, half fare card.

how to use swiss travel pass on bus

Your Passport to Swiss Travel Pass Experience

Swiss Rail Pass

Transform your Swiss journey with the Swiss Travel Pass 2024 ! Effortless travel awaits as you navigate Switzerland’s extensive train, bus, and boat networks. Embrace the ease of unlimited travel, enjoy exclusive museum access, and embark on scenic routes like the Glacier Express. Tailor-made for every traveler, the Swiss Travel Pass is your key to an unforgettable Swiss adventure. Discover more and grab your pass on our website now – your Swiss exploration starts here!

Exterior of Gotthard Panorama Express Train

  • Enjoy limitless travel across the Swiss Travel System network.
  • Available in 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15-day options.
  • Gain complimentary entry to over 480 museums and exhibits.

View of Brienz Rothorn overlooking Lake Brienz, 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass

  • Choose your travel days flexibly within a month.
  • Access the Swiss Travel System network for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 non-sequential days.

Luzern-Interlaken Express train beside Lake Brienz

  • Explore Switzerland at 50% off standard fares.
  • Valid for trains, buses, boats, and select mountain railways.

10 Benefits of Swiss Travel Pass

  • Unlimited Travel: Enjoy unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with this all-in-one pass.
  • Premium Panoramic Trains: Experience Switzerland’s stunning landscapes on premium panoramic trains, fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
  • Flexible Options: Choose from various pass durations—3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days—to suit your travel plans.
  • Museum Access: Gain free entry to over 500 museums and exhibitions throughout Switzerland.
  • Mountain Excursions: Receive up to 50% discounts on mountain adventures, including cogwheel trains, cable cars, and funiculars.
  • Family-Friendly: Children under 16 can explore Switzerland for free when accompanied by a parent with one of our available pass options.
  • Convenience: Skip the ticket lines and hop on and off public transport with ease.
  • City Travel: Many city trams and buses are also included, making urban exploration a breeze.
  • Boat Cruises: Enjoy scenic boat rides on Swiss lakes as part of your pass benefits.
  • Savings: The all-in-one pass often results in significant savings compared to buying individual tickets.

Swiss Travel Pass: Your Worldwide Passport to Switzerland

The Swiss Travel Pass from MySwissTravelPass.com offers an unparalleled opportunity for travelers from the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond to immerse themselves in the splendor of Switzerland. This pass is more than just a travel document; it’s your all-access pass to the heart of Swiss culture, nature, and history. With its hassle-free approach to traversing the nation’s varied landscapes and cities, the Swiss Travel Pass ensures that every moment of your Swiss journey is spent in awe, not in line.

Whether you’re setting off from the bustling streets of Singapore or the serene landscapes of Australia, the Swiss Travel Pass adapts to your travel needs, providing a smooth, comprehensive experience. Recognized for its excellence and convenience, MySwissTravelPass.com brings this essential travel tool to your fingertips. For explorers seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of Switzerland with ease and sophistication, the Swiss Travel Pass is the perfect companion, promising a journey that’s as seamless as it is spectacular.

MySwissTravelPass.com is your trusted source for Swiss travel pass. We aim to make your Swiss journey as seamless and memorable as possible Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Half Fare Card

Support : [email protected]

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©2023. MySwissTravelPass.com. All Rights Reserved.

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Activation to reservation: How to use the Swiss Travel Pass

Europe Train Passes How to use Swiss Travel Pass

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a dream destination offering a blend of pristine natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant urban life. Or if you somehow want to see Roger Federer. Or eat copious amounts of chocolate! To do all of that, the Swiss Rail Pass is your golden key. And here’s all the information you need to make the best of the Swiss Rail Pass. From why to get it, how to use it and which route to take.

Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass

  • Unlimited Travel : Embrace the freedom to explore the Swiss Travel System network's extensive and efficient rail, bus, and boat services.
  • Convenience : With a simple swipe or scan, set off on your next adventure.
  • Cost-effectiveness : With one pass, sidestep the hassle of purchasing individual tickets, saving both time and money.
  • Skip Car Rentals : Ditch the stress of navigating foreign roads; relax on a train winding through Switzerland’s serene and scenic routes.
  • Extra Perks : Get free or discounted access to over 500 museums and attractions, adding more zest to your Swiss exploration.

How to Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass

  • Online Purchase : Buying the Swiss Travel Pass online is a breeze. Just choose your pass type here! , fill in the necessary details, and voila, you’re set! We highly recommend this as it’s easier, more cost-effective and you can plan well in advance.
  • In-Person Purchase : If you’re more of a last-minute planner, worry not. Head to any major railway station in Switzerland and purchase your pass at the ticket counter.

Types of Swiss Travel Passes

  • Swiss Travel Pass : Enjoy unlimited travel across Switzerland for 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days.There are also flexi and consecutive options within this too. But more on that a little later!
  • Swiss Half Fare Card : Avail 50% off on tickets for trains, buses, and boats for a month.
  • Regional Passes : Explore specific Swiss regions in-depth with unlimited travel within selected zones.
  • Other Passes : There are also tailored passes like the Swiss Family Card or the Swiss Flexi Pass to cater to varying travel needs.

What is the Flexi option?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows for a flexible travel schedule. You can choose to travel on non-consecutive days within a month, making it perfect for travelers who wish to stay in one place for a few days before moving on. You can choose a pass for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days of travel within a month.

What is the Continuous option?

On the other hand, the continuous Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout its validity period. It's ideal for travelers who wish to explore different parts of Switzerland without any breaks. The continuous pass is available for 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass

Navigating through Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass is a breeze unlike some of the other rail passes worldwide! Here’s how you can activate and make the most out of your pass:

How to Activate Your Swiss Travel Pass

For electronic swiss travel pass:.

  • Receive Your Pass: Upon purchasing your pass, you'll receive a PDF file via email.
  • Check the Information: Ensure the PDF file includes essential information like the start date, passenger name, and birth date.
  • Prepare Your Smartphone: Set your smartphone screen brightness to the maximum to ensure easy scanning of the code by train staff.
  • Download to Wallet App (Optional): If provided, use the link to add the pass to a wallet app on your smartphone.
  • Print Back-Up Copies (Optional): Optionally, print back-up copies of the pass on A4 or letter-sized paper.

For Swiss Travel Pass Flex (Online Activation):

  • Step 1: Visit Activation Website
  • Step 2: Enter Your Details. Use the information on your receipt to activate travel dates: your reference number, first name, last name, and date of birth.

Manual Validation (If Required):

  • Step 1: Check Travel Dates and DOB. If your pass has the dates of travel and Date of Birth (DOB) on it, proceed to the next step.
  • Step 2: Write Passport Number and Nationality.

Reserving Seats

  • Reservation Not Mandatory : Seat reservations are not mandatory on most Swiss trains. However, it’s advisable on popular scenic routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or the Chocolate Train.
  • How to Reserve : Reservations can be made online on the Swiss Railways website, at railway stations in Switzerland, or via the SBB Mobile app. There’s a small reservation fee for this service.

Using the Pass

  • Hop On, Hop Off : With your activated pass, hop on any train, bus, or boat across Switzerland. Show your pass to the ticket inspector when asked.
  • Scenic Routes : For scenic routes, it's advisable to reserve a seat to guarantee a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • City Transport : The pass also covers many city trams and buses, making urban exploration a breeze.

Mobile App vs Physical Pass

  • Mobile App : The Swiss Travel System offers a mobile app where you can store your pass digitally. It’s a convenient, eco-friendly option.
  • Physical Pass : If you prefer a tangible ticket, opt for a physical pass. It’s a traditional, reliable choice, and there’s something about having that physical ticket in hand!

Checking Timetables

  • Online : Use the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website or app to check train timetables, which will help you plan your day efficiently.
  • At Stations : Timetable boards at stations are also an easy way to check train times.

Produce Your Ticket for Inspection

Ticket Inspection: Keep your pass handy as staff may ask to see it during your journey.

Popular Routes and Destinations

  • Scenic Routes : Traverse the iconic Glacier Express route, revel in the picturesque landscapes along the Golden Pass Line, and more.
  • City Hopping : Effortlessly hop between urban jewels like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, each offering a unique slice of Swiss life.

FAQs about the Swiss Travel Pass

Is the swiss travel pass worth it.

Absolutely, especially if you plan on traveling around Switzerland a lot. It simplifies travel and can save you money.

Can I buy the Swiss Travel Pass at Zurich Airport?

Yes, you can purchase and activate your Swiss Travel Pass at Zurich Airport.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the Swiss Travel Pass?

1st class offers more space, comfort and quieter carriages while 2nd class is more economical.

What is the coverage of the Swiss Travel Pass?

It covers nearly all public transportation in Switzerland including trains, buses, boats and even some mountain excursions.

Can I get a refund on my Swiss Travel Pass?

Refund policies may vary, it's best to check with the point of purchase for their specific refund policy.

How to Reserve my seat?

Reservations can be made online on the Swiss Railways website, at railway stations in Switzerland, or via the SBB Mobile app. There’s a small reservation fee for this service.

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Aakanksha Singh Devi

Welcome to my world of ink and adventure, where words meet wanderlust. A seasoned writer and editor, I fully believe that the pen is mightier than the sword. If I were given three wishes, one would definitely be to have the ability to travel - in time, dimension and places! Basically, I want a TARDIS! Of the 40 countries I've visited, Jordan, Japan, Italy and Croatia are my top favourite. London, having lived there, will always have my love, but Nepal and India have my soul! I love adventure (I'm from the mountains, what did you expect!), sports, music and food, so I travel to catch concerts, matches and races. I mostly write about off-beat travel, local experiences, best shopping spots, travel guides and coffee shops. Basically, give me coffee, a book, adventures and an enchanted forest, and you'll never hear me complain.

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  1. What is a Swiss Travel Pass? Do You Need One?

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  2. How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

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  3. How to use a Swiss Travel Pass Flex

    how to use swiss travel pass on bus

  4. How to use a Swiss Travel Pass Flex

    how to use swiss travel pass on bus

  5. Everything You Need to Know About the Swiss Travel Pass

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  6. O Swiss Travel Pass vale a pena? Como funciona? Tudo que você precisa saber

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COMMENTS

  1. Swiss Travel Pass

    The Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad. It is available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. For online purchasing, purchase as a "guest". You do not need a login. To receive the Swiss Family Card directly, add the child as a passenger under 'Add passengers ...

  2. Swiss Travel Pass guide for 2024 with prices, inclusions, map

    Likewise, if you need a pass for 23 days, you can buy a 15-day and an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass of CHF 459 and CHF 419 each. The cost per travel day is CHF 38.17. If you don't need to travel every single day, the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass Flex of CHF 479 allows you to travel for 15 days within one month.

  3. How to activate and use your Swiss Travel Pass

    In that file, you'll find all the information you need about how to proceed. Open the activateyourpass page. Enter your reference number, first name, last name and date of birth. The next page will let you pick the days on which you plan to travel. There's no need to select them all at once, by the way.

  4. How To Use The Swiss Travel Pass

    The Flex version is a different kettle of fish, so I will write another post on that. Keep a copy of the Swiss Travel Pass you receive handy for when you travel. Print a copy of your Swiss Travel Pass. Place a copy of the PDF Swiss Travel Pass in your phone wallet. Or simply use the copy of the Swiss Travel Pass you received in your email.

  5. How to use Swiss Travel Pass when boarding a bus

    In some buses you have to board at the front, so the driver can check your ticket (or in your case: your Swiss Travel Pass). In other buses you can board wherever you like without passing the driver first. These buses can be recognized by a black/yellow eye logo. It symbolizes "Selbstkontrolle", roughly translated as "self-check".

  6. This is how to use the Swiss Travel Pass: practical insider tips

    The Swiss Travel Pass travel days are consecutive. If you don't travel on such a day, it still counts as a travel day. The time of validation is not relevant. There's no difference between validating it on July 15 at 08:00 or July 15 at 19:00 PM. July 15 still counts as your first full day of traveling, and the pass is basically valid from 0:00 ...

  7. How to Maximise Your Swiss Travel Pass

    Getting around Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass. 1) Local and intercity trains are free — some express trains like the ones mentioned below require a top-up reservation fee (see 'Premium Panoramic Train Rides') 2) Buses are free — including the hourly bus from Leuk to Leukerbad (for Leukerbad Thermal Pools), which is a 30-minute ...

  8. Swiss Travel Pass

    All Swiss Travel Passes. This single ticket enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train, bus and boat on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

  9. What is a Swiss Travel Pass?

    Use the Swiss Travel Pass and get access to unlimited rides on trains, boats, buses, and premium panorama trains across the country for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive or non-consecutive days! ... Check the map that comes with your pass to see which bus and train routes are included. Besides free transport, you can also enjoy discounts on ...

  10. Swiss Travel Pass

    For foreign guests, the all-in-one ticket Swiss Travel Pass is the key to Switzerland's public transport network. This single ticket enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train, bus and boat on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through ...

  11. How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass: Top Tips & Information

    A standard Swiss Travel Pass - this is where you travel on consecutive days. Swiss Travel Pass Flex - this is where you travel for either 3,4,6,8 or 15-days within a 30-day period. So what you do is nominate the days you'd like to travel. This is particularly good for foreign nationals working in Switzerland looking to travel on their ...

  12. The ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Flex overview

    Swiss Travel Pass Flex:All-in-One travel pass-train,bus,boat. Enjoy flexible travel in Switzerland by train, bus, boat, and public transportation. Benefit from discounts of up to 50% on many mountain excursions, as well as free entrance to over 500 museums. Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com.

  13. Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

    There are two things you need to decide when buying a Swiss Travel Pass- what class of ticket you want and how many days you want to use the pass. You can choose between a first or second class Swiss Travel Pass and both options have validity periods of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days. First class passes allow travel in first class cars ...

  14. The ultimate guide to using public transport in Switzerland

    6. Decision time. 1. The public transport system of Switzerland. Public transport in Switzerland is efficient, (mostly) punctual, and literally all over the place. If you sum up all the railway tracks running across this little country, you'll end up with over 5.300 kilometres (3.300 miles). That's a lot.

  15. Swiss Travel Pass

    The Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient and affordable way to discover Switzerland. It provides unlimited access to Switzerland's public transportation, including trains, buses, and boats. Also, it provides free admission and discounts to more than 500 museums and attractions. Plus, with the Swiss Rail Pass, you can get up to 50% off mountain ...

  16. How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

    Then, when you have selected the date you will first use your pass, click on 'Check availability'. Now you can choose the pass you'd like to buy. Add the pass you want to your cart. 📍 I recommend double checking at this point that you have selected the right class of travel and duration. Then click 'Checkout'.

  17. Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2024

    As of January 1, 2024, the prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex will increase an average of 5.9 percent compared to 2023. The prices for both passes will continue to be offered for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days. Pass Type. Duration.

  18. How to travel Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass

    Join us and see how easy it is to get around #Switzerland by public transport! This informative video explains all the services available at Swiss airports u...

  19. What is a Swiss Travel Pass?

    Use the Swiss Travel Pass and get access to unlimited rides on trains, boats, buses, and premium panorama trains across the country for 3, 4, 6, 8, ... Check the map that comes with your pass to see which bus and train routes are included. Besides free transport, you can also enjoy discounts on mountain excursions and railway offers with your ...

  20. Swiss Travel Pass Flex

    Without limits: Travelling through Switzerland by train, bus and boat - and maximum flexibility to boot. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is the perfect ticket for quick deciders. It is valid on 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 freely selectable days within one month, thus combining scope and services of the Swiss Travel Pass with the advantage of increased flexibility.

  21. How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

    If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on ...

  22. How to take the Postbus and other buses in Switzerland

    Pay for the bus with a ticket or rail pass Bus traveling with a rail pass. If you have a rail pass that's valid for a particular bus route, you don't need an additional ticket. Just show your rail pass to the bus driver when entering the bus. If you don't have a rail pass that fully covers the route, you need an extra ticket.

  23. Swiss Travel Pass: Your All-Access Ticket to Switzerland

    Unlimited Travel: Enjoy unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with this all-in-one pass. Premium Panoramic Trains: Experience Switzerland's stunning landscapes on premium panoramic trains, fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Flexible Options: Choose from various pass durations—3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days—to suit your travel plans.

  24. How to use The Swiss Travel Pass

    Unlimited Travel: Embrace the freedom to explore the Swiss Travel System network's extensive and efficient rail, bus, and boat services.; Convenience: With a simple swipe or scan, set off on your next adventure.; Cost-effectiveness: With one pass, sidestep the hassle of purchasing individual tickets, saving both time and money.; Skip Car Rentals: Ditch the stress of navigating foreign roads ...