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Swiss Travel Pass

Exploring Switzerland has never been easier! 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 Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

• 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.

Valid on consecutive travel days.

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024

Price – Youth

Valid on consecutive travel days, 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.

Swiss Travel System Tickets

Plan your very own individual tour on a network of more than 18,000 miles covered by trains, buses and boats. The Swiss Travel Pass can be ordered online or purchased at various sales points with a valid ID card.

Choose the Swiss Travel Pass (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days) or the Swiss Travel Pass Flex (3, 4, 8, 6, or 15 days of your choice within one month). Your personal choice includes the classic scenic routes, the public transport systems of 90 Swiss cities, and gives you 50% discount on most mountain-top trains and cable cars. To top it off, you will profit from free entry to approx. 500 museums. And children up to 16 years of age travel free, as long as at least one parent accompanies them.

Sales points and online bookings:

• Sales outlets closest to you
• Sales outlet at the Tourist Information at Zurich Main Railway Station
• Sales point at every major train station in Switzerland (including Zurich or Geneva airport)
• Directly online at Switzerland Tourism

Swiss Travel Pass 

*Youth Pass: valid for young people under 25 years of age  

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

 *Youth Pass: valid for young people under 25 years of age  

Swiss Half Fare Card

Up to 50% reduction on travel by train, bus and boat as well as most cable cars and public transport in over 90 cities. Sold in Switzerland and in many travel agencies in Europe.

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

Operator: Partner company

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How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

Mark Williamson/GettyImages

Switzerland's rail system is among the most modern and efficient in Europe. It includes commuter trains, long-distance routes connecting Swiss cities and connecting Switzerland to the rest of Europe, and smaller trains that stop at quaint towns and villages. It also includes scenic trains that pass through stunning landscapes and mountain ranges, as well as cogwheel trains and funiculars that connect to high-altitude mountain towns. The broader Swiss public transport system is also comprised of buses, boats, and even some ski gondolas and cable cars.

Visitors to Switzerland who don't wish to rent a car will find that the Swiss travel system can take them just about anywhere in the country they want to go. We'll allow, however, that the system for planning and booking travel is not the most intuitive for first-time users—there's an extensive range of choices for tickets and travel passes, plus more than one site for purchasing. We'll help you make sense of it below.

Read on for a guide to using Swiss trains and other forms of transportation, plus information on whether the Swiss Travel Pass is the right deal for your journey to Switzerland.

Taking the Train in Switzerland

If you are only taking a few train trips in Switzerland, you can most likely get by with point-to-point tickets, as opposed to a travel pass. To buy these, you'll use the Swiss Federal Railways (abbreviated SBB) website. SBB runs regional (R, RE, and IR) trains throughout the country, as well as S-Bahn commuter trains and IC and ICN intercity trains. Regional trains are slower but stop at all or most stations, regardless of size. S-Bahn commuter trains offer frequent service between cities and their suburbs and may connect cities that are in relative proximity. Fast intercity trains stop at major towns but do not serve smaller municipalities.

Purchasing Tickets

The SBB website sells one-way or round-trip tickets between Swiss cities, as well as the City Ticket, which includes travel to a city—Bern, for example—plus a one-day travel pass for public transportation in that city. To use the site for a single trip, follow these steps:

• Select a point-to-point ticket. Insert your point-to-point destinations, and select a date of travel up to two months in advance.
• Select your preferred train time/route and enter passenger information. Options will appear, including the City Ticket and upgrades to First Class. On shorter train rides, you probably don't need to spend the extra money—30 percent or more—for the First Class coach, as Second Class on Swiss trains is comfortable and clean. First Class seats are larger and farther apart from one another, and the coaches are usually less crowded, which may be preferable on a longer trip. Note that when SBB initially calculates a fare, it does so with the assumption that you have the half-fare Travelcard, a discount card that must be purchased. Since you probably won't be traveling with this card (see more below), you have to select "No discount" in the discount cards field—and your ticket price will double as a result.
• Complete your purchase with a credit card. You will be issued a voucher, which you can either print out or keep on your handheld device.
• Persons with disabilities can, when searching for tickets, select "Barrier-free travel" from the pull-down menu labeled "Standard view" to see only trains that have wheelchair accessible carriages.
• Supersaver tickets are available on select routes and times and can offer discounts of up to 70 percent.
• Kids travel free. Children up to 16 years of age travel free with a parent, so long as that parent has a valid ticket. But you must pick up a Swiss Family Card before traveling—it's available at every station or point of sale.

If you've purchased your tickets online, you will not have a seat reservation, which is generally not required on domestic Swiss trains. Simply climb aboard a first- or second-class carriage, depending on your ticket class, and find a seat. Once the train is underway, a conductor will come by and scan your ticket. A digital sign inside each coach shows the next station, so you should have plenty of time to gather luggage and exit the train when it stops.

Each train seat or group of seats is fitted with an electrical outlet and may have a USB charger. Intercity trains may have restaurants with tableside service, or bars offering drinks and light snacks, including hot items. Long-distance intercity trains have a family coach as the first or last car—it's a kid-friendly coach with games and a soft play area.

If you prefer to purchase tickets in-person or on the same day of travel, you can do so at the SBB counter or office in any Swiss train station. For a surcharge, you can also reserve seats when you purchase, which is not possible online. Alternatively, if you can proceed without human assistance, you can buy tickets from SBB machines in all stations.

Other Forms of Transportation

Small towns and mountain locations not served by trains are connected with a series of cogwheel trains, funiculars, and cablecars, as well as buses run by PostBus, a subsidiary of Swiss Post. Across Switzerland's many lakes, tour boats and ferries carry leisure and commuter passengers. There are also a handful of famous scenic train rides in Switzerland which require special tickets and reserved seats.

• Boat service on Swiss lakes is usually administered locally or regionally around the lake. In Zurich, for example, boat travel can be purchased from ZVV, the Zurich Transportation Network , which runs the city's buses, trams, trains, and boat services.
• Cogwheel trains, funiculars, and cablecars are either run by the local/regional authority or by private entities—the latter, especially when they connect to ski resorts.
• The Bernina Express and Glacier Express scenic mountain trains are run by the Rhaetian Railway service, but can also be purchased through the SBB website. Tickets for the Golden Pass train between Montreux and Lucerne can be bought on the Golden Pass website .
• Bus tickets for buses run by PostBus can be purchased through the SBB site, which will automatically suggest bus travel when train travel is not available.

Swiss Travel Pass: What's Included & How Much It Costs

If you are planning to do a lot of traveling within Switzerland and want to try out its many forms of transportation, the Swiss Travel Pass may be worth the investment. The pass is available only to visitors from outside Switzerland and includes free travel on almost the entire network of trains, boats, cogwheels, funiculars, and more. Those not free with the pass are deeply discounted. The pass also includes free public transportation in more than 90 Swiss cities and towns and free admission to more than 500 museums across the country.

Swiss Travel Passes also allow for free travel for children, but as with regular rail passes, families need to pick up the Swiss Family Card before they initiate travel. The pass, while expensive, simplifies the travel process for visitors. If you prefer not to travel over three, four, eight, or 15 consecutive days, the Flex Pass allows for a set number of days of travel within 30 days and is well-suited to those planning a more extended stay in Switzerland.

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Swiss Travel Pass 2024: What’s Included & What’s Not (& Is It Worth It)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024

When planning a trip to Switzerland, you’ll likely see the Swiss Travel Pass mentioned everywhere.

But what exactly is the Swiss Travel Pass, what does it include, where can you buy it (hint – here ;)), and is it worth it?

We get so many questions from our readers about the Swiss Pass (and Swiss Pass Flex), which discounts it offers, and whether it covers some of the most popular destinations in the Swiss Alps. Many first-time visitors find it a bit confusing and I keep answering the same questions all over again…

So to save all of us some time, here is our complete guide to the Swiss Travel Pass. It should answer all your questions, give you a good overview of what exactly is included (and what is not), and help you decide whether it’s worth getting it for your trip.

READ ALSO: Switzerland Itinerary for First Trip

What is the Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a ticket for international visitors that includes unlimited travel on public transportation in Switzerland for a selected number of days. You can buy this pass for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days of travel.

All the information is available on the official website of the Swiss Railways (SBB), but apparently, it’s still too confusing for many people (thus, this article).

TIP: You can also find the most important information in a nutshell and purchase the pass on GetYourGuide . We recommend this website for all tickets/tours/passes and we personally use it for all our trips, not just in Europe. It’s very simple to use.

Good to know: Traveling by train is the most convenient way to cover bigger distances in Switzerland and explore many of the nicest places in the country (not just cities, but also mountains). Furthermore, public transportation in Switzerland is very efficient and we sometimes joke that you can set your watch by how punctual the trains are. So for the majority of international visitors, it doesn’t even make sense to consider renting a car, and that’s what makes the Swiss Travel Pass so popular.

Below, you can find our explanation of what is and is not included with the Swiss Travel Pass, and how it differs from the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Read on!

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Travel Pass Flex

To make things a bit more confusing, there are two types of Swiss Pass: the regular one and the Flex Pass , which is 15% more expensive.

What’s the difference? Both these passes include exactly the same tickets and offer the same discounts (that differ depending on your age). The main difference is that the flex pass allows you to freely choose on which days you use it within its month-long validity, whereas the regular pass is valid on consecutive days (depending on which validity you choose, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days).

So, for example, you are visiting Switzerland for 5 days and you plan on traveling by public transport daily during your entire stay. In that case, you can simply get a regular pass for 5 days.

On the other hand, if you are in Switzerland for a longer time, but will be visiting different regions and spending a few days in each before traveling further, then it’s better to get a flexible pass. That way, you can use it only on those days when you will be taking public transportation a lot. Further below, you can find a bit more information about how to use both these passes.

Important to know! This is where it starts to get confusing to foreigners visiting Switzerland for the first time because they think that they will be using public transport every day, also in the mountains. But there is a big difference between let’s say an inter-city train between Zurich and Geneva or a train that brings you to Gornergrat in Zermatt or Jungfraujoch in Berner Oberland.

!!! The majority of gondolas, funiculars, and mountain trains are not part of the Swiss public transport network (and thus not included with the Swiss Travel Pass). However, to make things yet a bit more confusing, there are a couple of exceptions here too. You can find more info below, but first – how much does it cost.

How to use Swiss Travel Pass & Travel Pass Flex

For all passes , you can either print it on a white A4 paper or show an electronic version of the pass on your smartphone or tablet. You can also add it to your Apple Wallet, for example. Since the pass is issued in your name, you might be asked to show your ID as well.

Using the regular Swiss Travel Pass is pretty straightforward since it’s valid for a set number of consecutive days. You’ll simply have to show a printed or electronic version of the pass.

Using the Flex Pass is a bit more complex since you can choose the specific dates on which you will be using it. To avoid misunderstandings, you will have to activate the dates on which you want to use your pass online on this website . It’s important to activate the dates before your first journey, so e.g. you cannot do it when you are already on a train.

You will get all the information and clear instructions when you get the pass, so don’t worry about it too much in advance. Also, you can still adjust your chosen dates as long as you do it before midnight at the start of the day on which you want to use it.

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2024?

The price of the Swiss Travel Pass depends on several factors: your age, the number of days, and whether you opt for a regular pass or flex. In addition, you can choose to travel in the 2nd Class or upgrade to 1st Class.

Additional discounts: Children under 6 are free of charge. Children from 6 to 16 travel free when accompanied by a paying parent (you need to order a ticket for them, but it’s free, and you will get the necessary instructions). Youth from 16 to 25 get almost 30% discount.

Here are the prices of the regular pass in Second Class in 2024 for adults:

3 DAYS: 244 CHF. 4 DAYS: 295 CHF. 6 DAYS: 379 CHF. 8 DAYS: 419 CHF. 15 DAYS: 459 CHF.

Good to know: Flex Pass costs 15% more and you’ll have to pay over 55% extra if you opt for First Class tickets.

As you can see, the longer the duration, the cheaper the price that you pay per day. If you just get it for 3 days, it costs you about 81 CHF per day, whereas if you get it for two weeks, it costs you just around 30 CHF per day – a huge difference!

Further below, you can find our observations on whether it’s worth getting the Swiss Travel Pass. But first, let’s take a look at what exactly is included.

What is included with the Swiss Travel Pass

This is what IS INCLUDED with the Swiss Travel Pass:

• Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats that belong to the public transport network. So all the inter-city trains as well as trams and buses in more than 90 towns and cities are included. Passenger ferries (not cruises) on Lake Lucerne or the lakes near Interlaken are included as well.
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (however, there might be extra fees for advance seat reservations). These include the famous Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass Line, and a few other panoramic train routes.
• Free entry to over 500 museums in Switzerland . You can find a complete list of all the museums here .
• Free travel on the following mountain excursions : Mt Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos. All of these are located close to Lucerne and are among our top recommendations for the best day trips from Lucerne .
• Up to 50% discount on mountain excursions all over Switzerland. So you get a big discount on the majority of the cable cars, mountain trains, funiculars, etc. There are also discounts on certain lake cruises and similar.

Below, you can find a bit more info about what is not included with the Swiss Pass (but where you get a discount).

What is not included (but gives you a discount)

Because I get this question almost daily, here is once again an explanation of what IS NOT INCLUDED with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Mountain excursions are not included with the Swiss Travel Pass (with the exception of Mt Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos as mentioned above), but you do get a discount on most of them. Under ‘mountain excursions’ they mean cable cars, gondolas, funiculars, cogwheel trains, trains to the mountain peaks, etc.

Here are a few examples of the most popular mountain excursions that our readers ask about and where the Swiss Pass does not include free travel, but gives you a discount:

• Grindelwald-First cable car – 50% discount.
• Mt Pilatus cable car and/or cogwheel train – 50% discount.
• Mt Titlis gondolas – 50% discount.
• Schynige Platte railway – 50% discount.
• Oeschinensee cable car – 50% discount.
• Gornergrat railway and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondolas – 50% discount.
• Jungfraujoch – about 25% discount. Or about 40% if you only go to Kleine Scheidegg.

There are many other destinations in the Swiss Alps where you get similar discounts with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Also, most lake sightseeing cruises are not included, whereas regular, scheduled passenger ferries are included with the Swiss Travel Pass. So if you are taking a ferry that stops in various places, your pass will be valid, but if you want to take a scenic cruise on e.g. Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne, you’ll have to pay for it.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

One of the most frequently asked questions by our readers is whether it’s worth getting the Swiss Travel Pass. My answer is always the same – it depends. Here are a few examples:

If you are traveling around Switzerland for a longer time (6-10 days or more) and plan on visiting many different areas all over the country using public transportation, then the Swiss Travel Pass is definitely worth it. The pass gives even better value if you are traveling with children.

If, however, you are only coming for a few days, renting a car, and/or planning on staying in one region in the mountains (where this pass only gives you a discount and not free travel), then it’s usually not worth it. In that case, look for a regional card of the area that you are visiting.

Most likely, your trip includes a mix of destinations that you only visit for a day as well as others where you stay for several days. In that case, you can look up the prices of all the mountain excursions that you are planning to do, see how big the discount is with the Swiss Travel Pass, add the price of the pass itself, and then compare that versus the prices of individual tickets of all the transportation and places you plan to visit. (Good luck with the math! It’s doable, but you’ll need a lot of time and patience).

In most cases, the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it, especially if you are traveling for at least 6-8 days and are visiting multiple destinations in Switzerland. Plus, it saves you lots of time, research, and math. Another advantage is that you can just take the next suitable train, boat, etc. without having to waste time looking for tickets.

Furthermore, you can always opt for a Swiss Pass Flex that you only use on travel-intensive days. And then get a regional card to use on the other days, when you are staying in one area. The longer you stay in one place (typically, 3-4 days or longer), the better value you get with the regional cards.

Where can you buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online, at every major railway station in Switzerland (including Zurich or Geneva airports), and also at some tourist offices in the main cities.

We recommend getting it online in advance as it will save you time and stress (you’ll have enough to think about upon arrival as it is).

You can get the Swiss Pass on the official SBB website , but also via various online retailers, such as our GetYourGuide as mentioned before (our personal favorite one-stop shop for all tickets). The price is normally exactly the same everywhere and you get the same discounts for kids, etc.

At the moment of writing, GetYourGuide allows you to cancel for free up to 3 days in advance (and it’s really easy to cancel or amend your tickets). You can buy a regular Swiss Travel Pass here and a Swiss Travel Pass Flex – here .

In any case, it’s best to buy your tickets at least a few days before your trip. When you purchase a pass, you will receive detailed instructions on how to use it (or how to activate the individual travel dates if you opt for the Flexi Pass).

So, this is our guide to the Swiss Travel Pass. I hope that it answers all your questions and helps you decide whether it’s worth it for your trip.

TIP: If you are planning your itinerary in Switzerland, check out our Switzerland travel page . It contains an overview of all our travel guides for a wide variety of destinations all over the country. We live in Belgium and Switzerland is just a half-day drive from home. So we visit Switzerland at least a few times a year – in summer as well as in winter. On our blog, you’ll find many detailed guides for all of our favorite places.

READ ALSO: Traveling to Europe: How to Plan a Trip & Useful Tips

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Saturday 30th of March 2024

Hi Jurga My wife and I will be traveling to Swizerland and planning to go thru several places from Zurich to Lucerne - Interlaken -Lauterbrunnen-Murren-Wengen-Gimmewald-Gridelwald and train to Milan.

Is the Swiss Pass a good option getting around for 10 days?

Thursday 4th of April 2024

@Jurga, Jurga, thank you very much for your response.

One more question: I read that the Bernese Oberalnd Pass better to use in my situation. What do you recommend between the two? Thank you.

Hi Robert, yes, if you are staying for 10 days and plan on using public transportation daily, a Swiss Pass definitely a good idea.

Sunday 24th of March 2024

Thanks. Good information. One question: If I buy a flex pass for, say, 6 days, but will be in Switzerland for 9 days and 8 nights, is the pass good for local busses, say in Bern or Zurich, on days I am not traveling between regions, without it counting as a full day of use?

Monday 25th of March 2024

@Jurga, thanks for the helpful answer. We'll buy two 8 day passes. Only 20 Francs more than the 6 day flex pass. Cheers!

Hi Bruce, I'm afraid that any use will count for that day (also museums, buses, etc.). With the flex pass, you will have to activate the dates on which you are using it online (you'll get the instructions when you get the pass) and if someone checks it on the day you didn't activate it for, you may get a fine. It might be simpler/cheaper to buy a local ticket if you need it for just one or two short rides on those days and keep your Swiss Pass for the days when you embark on the much more expensive journeys.

Sunday 3rd of March 2024

Thank you Jurga, for your Travel Pass explained, you saved my sanity! The official sites are good but not usually for a first-time visitor. Like how you explained one should board the N1 trolley and not the bus from Lucerne railway station to get to Kriens. Additionally, your guides to Lucerne and the various day trips from the picturesque city are very insightful. I am now confident with my decision to take the acclaim Swiss public transportation from Geneva to Lucerne in the spring for a girls' trip. Fingers crossed ;)

Monday 4th of March 2024

Glad to help, Jacqi. Have a great time in Switzerland!

John Altshuler

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Most helpful discussion of the various Swiss passes I've seen so far.

Wednesday 28th of February 2024

Glad to help, John. Have a great time in Switzerland!

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.

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!

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!

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Reusable Water Bottle

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

Travel Backpack

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

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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

Portable 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.

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!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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24h-tickets

A 24h-ticket pass or multiple 24h-tickets enable you to travel within specified zones for 24 hours – where you want, how you want and as often as you want. The multiple 24h-ticket also offers savings of up to 10 per cent compared to a single 24h-ticket.

A 24h-ticket or a multiple 24h-ticket is the best choice for occasional travellers who only want to use public transport for one day.

Zones and validity times are printed on all tickets or shown in the app. You can travel as often as you wish on all types of transport in your selected zones for 24 hours.

You can buy 24h-tickets with the ZVV app , from ticket machines, in the online ticketshop or at a sales outlet .

Fares 24h-tickets

Multiple 24h-ticket.

This option provides six 24h-tickets for use on any travel dates required. The ticket promises even cheaper travel: you save as much as 10 per cent compared to a single 24h-ticket. Multiple 24h-tickets are available via the ZVV app , from a ticket machine or at a sales outlet .

Multiple-24h-tickets must be validated at the ticket machine before the journey.

Fares multiple 24h-tickets

Zurich (zone 110) and Winterthur (zone 120) each count as two zones as the public transport networks in these cities are much more dense than elsewhere.

Short distances

Short-distance trips in the cities of Zurich and Winterthur may involve travel over city boundaries. Areas of validity are shown on the ticket machines. A short distance list and map of each stop can also be found here (in German) . The easiest and fastest way to buy short distance tickets is to use the ZVV app or the ticket machine.

Local network

A local network covers a municipality (not including the cities of Zurich and Winterthur). The easiest and fastest way to buy local zone tickets is to use the ZVV app or the ticket machine.

Juniors with full fare multiple 24h-tickets

Where one field on a multiple 24h-ticket is validated at full price, two persons can travel provided they are both eligible for a reduced fare (i.e. children, Half-Fare Travelcard holders) and at least three zones are paid for.