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Swiss Travel Pass.

Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: The Swiss Travel Pass takes international guests to the most beautiful places in the country on flexible and affordable public transport.

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages.

The advantages for you.

• 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
• Free admission to more than  500 museums Link opens in new window.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Discount of up to 50% on other mountain excursions
• Discount of up to 50% on leisure travel offers

Swiss Family Card.

With the Swiss Family Card, children aged at least 6 and under 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss Travel Pass. 

Offers for adults aged 25 or over.

Choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel.

Prices effective until 31.12.2024. Prices and product specifications subject to change.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Valid on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month.

Offers for young persons under 25.

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth gives young persons under 25 a 30% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass. It offers the same validity.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth.

Swiss travel pass flex youth., important information about the 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.
• The Swiss Travel Pass is available online or at any staffed public transport point of sale.
• For online purchasing, purchase as a “guest”. You do not need a login.
• The Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Family Card cannot be loaded onto a SwissPass card. You will not receive a customer number or an additional card.
• Children aged under 6 travel free. 

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Swiss travel pass, more on the topic..

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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 50% 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.

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 Travel Switzerland.

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.

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’. 

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’. 

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. 

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.

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.

> 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 .

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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!

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 .

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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

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Swiss Travel Pass

Buy your Swiss Travel Pass and discover the most beautiful corners of Switzerland by public transport. Choose the most coveted Rail Pass for visitors from abroad and take advantage of  unlimited travel  in Switzerland by train, bus, boat during  3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days .

What's included?

In addition to unlimited access to Swiss public transport, you get the following benefits:

• Up to 50% discount on most mountain railways such as Gornergrat, Pilatus, Jungfraujoch. Exception: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos are free. More information on this detailed map of validity .
• Free entrance to over 500 museums
• Free Swiss Family Card for families - Children up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent travel free of charge throughout Switzerland.
• For the panoramic trains, an additional seat reservation is required. 

The Swiss Travel Pass can only be sold to non-residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

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Swiss Travel Pass Flex

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Swiss travel pass flex, half fare card.

Your Passport to Swiss Travel Pass Experience

Experience the best of switzerland with unlimited travel and exclusive benefits.

Welcome to MySwissTravelPass.com , your gateway to an incredible Swiss adventure. The Swiss Travel Pass is your all-access pass to explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture of Switzerland with ease and convenience. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, our range of pass options ensures you get the most out of your journey. Travel seamlessly across the country’s extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, and boats, and experience the freedom to explore at your own pace with the Swiss Travel Pass 2024 .

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you gain access to a 29,000-kilometre network covering the most beautiful corners of Switzerland. Enjoy unlimited travel on Switzerland’s comprehensive public transport system, allowing you to visit more than 500 museums and exhibitions for free. Discover the benefits of the Swiss Rail Pass and make the most of your Switzerland summer holidays.

Key Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass:

Unlimited travel and convenience:, unlimited travel:.

Enjoy unlimited access to Switzerland’s extensive network of trains, buses, and boats with just one pass. Travel seamlessly across the country and experience the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Flexible Options:

Choose the pass that best fits your travel plans. Our options include 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15-day passes, allowing you to customize your Swiss adventure.

Convenience:

Skip the hassle of buying individual tickets and save time. Simply hop on and off public transport with ease, making your travel experience smooth and stress-free.

Cultural and Scenic Exploration:

Premium panoramic trains:.

Take in the breathtaking scenery on Switzerland's iconic premium panoramic trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express, all fully covered by your pass.

Mountain Excursions:

Enjoy up to 50% discounts on thrilling mountain excursions. Ride cogwheel trains, cable cars, and funiculars to some of Switzerland's most spectacular peaks.

Museum Access:

Gain free entry to over 500 museums and exhibitions across Switzerland. Dive into Swiss art, history, and culture without any extra cost.

Family-Friendly and Cost-Effective:​

Family-friendly:.

Travel with your family without worrying about extra costs. Children under 16 travel for free when accompanied by a parent with a valid pass. Additionally, teens under 25 enjoy a youth rate with a 30% discount.

Experience significant savings compared to individual tickets. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unbeatable value, making it the smartest way to travel in Switzerland.

Special Offers:

Take advantage of seasonal promotions and discounts, providing even more value and making your Swiss adventure affordable and memorable.

Why Buy Swiss Travel Pass with MySwissTravelPass.com?

At MySwissTravelPass.com , we are a proud partner with Rail Europe, the largest distributor of European rail products. We are dedicated to providing the best travel solutions for travelers from around the world. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily purchase your Swiss Travel Pass online and start planning your adventure right away. Our team of experts is here to provide support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring you get the most out of your trip to Switzerland. With our strong support team, you don’t need to worry both before and after your purchase. We are always here to help.

Ready to explore Switzerland? Get your Swiss Travel Pass today and unlock the ultimate Swiss travel experience. Book now and start your adventure!

Key Swiss Travel Pass Options:

• Swiss Travel Pass (Best Seller) : Offers unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout Switzerland, perfect for those who want to explore continuously without interruption. Experience the ultimate convenience with the Swiss Travel Pass. Simply identify your start date and the number of days (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15-day options), and the system will generate an e-ticket that is automatically activated.
• Swiss Travel Pass Flex : Provides the flexibility to travel on non-consecutive days within a month, ideal for travelers who prefer a more flexible itinerary or are planning longer stays. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex adapts to your unique travel schedule. Customers activate their own e-ticket for the day they specify to travel.
• Half Fare Card : Enjoy 50% off most trains, buses, boats, and mountain railways, making it a cost-effective choice. This pass is particularly suitable for customers who travel by rental car but want to use the benefit of mountain excursion discounts.

Swiss Travel Pass (Best Seller)

• Enjoy limitless travel across the Swiss Travel System network.
• Available in 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15-day options.

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

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

Explore the beauty of Switzerland with the convenience and freedom of the Swiss Travel Pass . For more information and to purchase your pass, book now. Your adventure awaits!

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

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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: August 14, 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. In some cases, it might be better to buy the Swiss Half Fare Card .

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. Some examples of regional cards include the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the  Berner Oberland Regional Card , and there are many others.

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 the last update, 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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Jason Wetzler

Thursday 29th of August 2024

Hello! I am writing to inform that Stoos funicular is no longer included with the Swiss Travel Pass (we had regular, not flex).

It cost my wife and I 66 CHF for a full day pass with the discount provided by the travel pass.

Tuesday 20th of August 2024

Hello Jurga. We are arriving in Zurich on 30 October and then going to Lucerne on 1 November until 5 November. We then have to go back to Zurich to fly to Amsterdam. Apart from the flying part, will the Travel Pass cover us for all of the internal travelling that we need to do back and forth. Thank you.

Hi Karen, the Swiss Travel Pass will cover all train travel and other public transport, some museums, etc. And it gives discount on many mountain rides. It could well be worth it in your case, but it really depends on what exactly you are planning to do each day. The more train trips you plan on taking, the more beneficial it is.

Monday 19th of August 2024

Hi Jurga, What about the guest pass? I booked a hotel that offers guest passes to us. I'm not sure if the Swiss Half Fare Card would be more beneficial for us or if the guest pass will suffice. We are traveling with 4 adults and 1 child (3 years old) and will be staying in Grindelwald for 4 days to cover the First Cliff Walk, Jungfraujoch, and nearby attractions.

Wednesday 21st of August 2024

@Jurga, Thanks for your reply and advice. Which pass offers the maximum discount on Jungfraujoch? It's the most expensive item in our itinerary.

The guest passes offered by hotels usually give very small discounts, sometimes free buses or some 10% discount for cable cars, but it’s not comparable with regional passes or Swiss Travel Pass or half-fare card. You can research exactly what is covered by the pass you’ll get but if you are staying in the Jungfrau Region for 4 days, you better get the Jungfrau Travel Pass.

Tuesday 23rd of July 2024

What is your opinion on the Swiss travel half pass?

Wednesday 24th of July 2024

Hi Kristi, the Swiss Half Fare Card makes sense if you are in the country for a longer period of time and take an occasional trip by public transport, or if you want to get discounts on cable cars when traveling in different parts of Switzerland. It is very interesting for someone who is in Switzerland for a few weeks and up to a month and travels let's say every weekend or for people visiting Switzerland by car for a longer time, but it doesn't make much sense for tourists who come for a week or two and travel extensively for days and days in a row using public transport every time. In that case, Swiss Travel Pass is better. Update: We now published a detailed guide explaining what the Swiss Half Fare Card is and when it makes sense.

Friday 19th of July 2024

Is it worth buying a travel pass for 4 days? We will be travelling from Geneva to Gruyere to Lausanne, Zurich and Lucerne. Hoping to fit a scenic rail day trip in too. Thanks

@Jurga, thank you so much

Hi Annie, if you are planning on taking trains between different cities every day (and other public transport in towns) then yes, it's definitely worth it. If you just take a train once or twice, then you are better off with single tickets (which can be very expensive if booked last minute or quite affordable if booked in advance). In general, if you are doing lots of traveling around and don't want to stress about the practicalities, then getting the pass is the simplest option. It will save you a lot of time on research as well.

The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway between Disentis and Andermatt.

The 'loetschberg' steamship is the flagship of the fleet on lake brienz in the bernese oberland., glacier express on the landwasser viaduct near filisur, swiss rail passes, swiss travel pass.

This popular Rail Pass for Switzerland provides unlimited access across the entire Swiss Travel System network. The Swiss Travel Pass is available for durations of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days and includes free admission to over 500 museums and exhibitions.

Additionally, you can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on various mountain excursions and leisure travel experiences.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you can freely choose your travelling days. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex gives you access on the Swiss Travel System network for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 non-consecutive days within a month and includes free admission to over 500 museums and exhibitions.

Swiss Half Fare Card

Swiss excursions, swiss regional pass.

Your benefits at this store:

• Low prices guaranteed
• Secure booking guaranteed
• Immediate confirmation

Exclusive to this online shop:

• Several articles are available as „e-ticket“ and can be printed at home. E-tickets will be sent separately.

Benefit even more now:

• Don't forget to add the new Swiss Coupon Pass to your order.

This is an official website for the sale of the Swiss Travel Pass as well as other Swiss Rail Passes within the Swiss Travel System.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient and popular option for tourists traveling within Switzerland.

If you’re planning on buying the Swiss Travel Pass, here are some options:

Table of Contents

Buy It Online Before You Go

I use Get Your Guide to buy most of my online passes before I go anywhere. Why? Well, they are so flexible it is almost ridiculous. And they are such a big company, you have no doubt who you are dealing with.

You can pay at the last minute (instead of when you order it) and cancel right up to the date. So, order it now and then change your mind later if you want.

Plus, who wants to have to deal with buying passes on vacation? Grab it now, and arrive in Switzerland knowing you have all your transport sorted.

Swiss Train Stations

If you don’t manage to buy your Swiss Travel Pass before you leave, you can make your way to a local Swiss Train Station and line up to buy one there. It’s a lot less convenient as they are often very busy, and only open during business hours.

All the main cities have big offices where you can buy your Swiss Travel Pass, and technically the smaller stations too. Although they are open even less often and have less staff available.

Airport Train Stations

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Both Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport have SBB train stations inside. And you can also head to their sales offices when you land.

Again, there are often long lines of visitors at these stations buying train tickets and making inquiries, so I personally don’t recommend you do it if you can avoid it.

Authorized Sales Agents

Several travel agencies around the world are authorized to sell the Swiss Travel Pass. Check for a local agency in your country or city that might offer this service.

Many larger tourist agencies

Other Websites

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass directly from the official website of the Swiss Travel System at www.swissrailways.com . This is one of the most straightforward ways to make a purchase, and you can either choose to print your pass at home or have it delivered.

Many travel websites and platforms offer the Swiss Travel Pass for sale. Before purchasing from a third-party website, ensure that they are reputable and read reviews from previous customers.

The Swiss Travel System has an official app called SBB Mobile that allows you to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass and other tickets. It’s available on both Android and iOS platforms .

More On The Swiss Travel Pass

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

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How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

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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.

Related Articles

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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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

More Switzerland Destinations and Travel Guides

• Things to Do in Thun- Gateway to the Bernese Oberland
• Getting to Know St. Gallen- A Tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town
• Alta Verzasca Bike Route- Cycling in Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley

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Switzerland Packages for 2024

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• Sightseeing

SWISStours Recommended

Swiss travel pass, unlimited travel on train, bus, and boat across switzerland.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Europe's highest altitude railway station at 3454 metres.

Mount Titlis

World’s first revolving cable car offering you a magical 360° panoramic view.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Europe’s highest and largest snow sport destination at 3883 metres.

Glacier 3000

Amazing attractions: Alpine Coaster – the highest bobsleigh track, Husky sled rides & the snow bus.

Mount Pilatus

Known as the Mountain of Dragons, Pilatus boasts the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

Guided day Tours

Zurich Tour with Cruise and Chocolate

Take a guided stroll through the Old Town, embark on a pleasant boat trip Lake Zurich, and visit the world's largest Lindt Chocolate museum with unlimited chocolate tasting.

Rhine Falls and Zurich City Tour

A super saver package combining Europe’s biggest waterfall along with an afternoon city tour of Zurich

Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Discover the Europe’s biggest waterfall, and the Laufen Castle. Explore the medieval village Stein am Rhein on a guided walk.

Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

Enjoy this classic combination of Zurich city tour by bus, guided walking tour of the Old Town with a one-hour boat trip on Lake Zurich!

Popular Packages

Chalet Style Holiday - Interlaken

7 nights / 8 days

Live it up in Lucerne

Glimpses of Switzerland & Paris

Best of Zurich

2 nights / 3 days

Tops of Switzerland

4 nights / 5 days

Magic of Glacier Express

6 nights / 7 days

Swiss Highlights

7 Nights / 8 Days