swiss travel pass restrictions

Navigate at sbb.ch

• To contents

Service links

• Search Open Search term Search

English is currently selected as the language.

Swiss Travel Pass.

Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: the Swiss Travel Pass lets you travel by public transport to Switzerland’s most scenic regions.

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

Please note.

• The Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad. It is available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
• For online purchasing, purchase as a “guest”. You do not need a login.
• To receive the Swiss Family Card directly, add the child as a passenger under ‘Add passengers’ when you buy your Swiss Travel Pass.
• The Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss Half Fare Card / and the Family Card cannot be loaded onto a SwissPass card. You will not receive a customer number or an additional card.

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., children aged between 6 and 16..

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

Children under 6.

Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

Further content

Swiss travel pass, more on the topic..

• Children travel for free with the Swiss Family Card Link opens in new window.
• FAQ Link opens in new window.
• Miscellaneous provisions Link opens in new window.
• Map of validity Link opens in new window.
• Area of validity Swiss Travel Pass (PDF, 2,0 MB) Link opens in new window. This document is not barrier-free.

Replacements for Internet Explorer 11.

Microsoft is gradually discontinuing its support for Internet Explorer 11 ( more info on microsoft.com Link opens in new window. ). If you continue to use Internet Explorer to access SBB.ch, you may experience functional limitations and display problems in the future. For this reason, we recommend using a more modern browser (e.g.  Mozilla Firefox Link opens in new window. ,  Google Chrome Link opens in new window. ,  Microsoft Edge Link opens in new window. ).

We are aware that switching to a new browser may take some getting used to and cause some uncertainties. A more modern browser will allow you to benefit from faster and more secure internet access in future. We are committed to continuing our work with the utmost enthusiasm in the future to guarantee you accessible and inclusive access to SBB.ch.

Help & Contact

Do you have questions, need help or want to get in contact with us?  We’re here to help you.

Rail traffic information

Find the latest information on the current service situation, information, disruptions as well as planned construction work on the Swiss rail network and on strikes and on important disruptions and strikes abroad.

Newsletter & Social Media

Our newsletter regularly informs you of attractive offers from SBB via e-mail.

• Display the SBB Facebook page. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB X account. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB Youtube channel. Link opens in new window.
• Display the SBB Instagram account. Link opens in new window.
• SBB Social Media
• Jobs & careers Link opens in new window.
• Business customers Link opens in new window.
• Company Link opens in new window.
• SBB News Link opens in new window.
• SBB Community Link opens in new window.

Timeless SBB design.

Would you also like to get your hands on an official Swiss station clock by Mondaine? Whether you’d like it as a watch, wall clock, pocket watch or alarm clock, order the model you want online now. Link opens in new window. Take a look and order Link opens in new window.

• Cookie settings
• Legal information
• Data protection
• Accessibility

In collaboration with

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, can you issue print@home swiss travel system tickets.

The Swiss Travel Pass, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex and the Swiss Half-Fare Card can be issued as a print@home ticket / eTicket (you must print out the ticket).

Who is eligible to purchase a Swiss Travel System Pass nor Ticket?

Swiss Travel System passes and tickets are available to anyone who is resident outside Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Are the tickets refundable?

In the case of loss or theft, it is not possible to refund tickets.

Please contact us directly if you are unable to travel due nto sickness or accident or if you would like to exchange your paper Swiss Travel System pass or ticket. An exchange is only possible before the date of departure and within working hours. Please note our opening hours if trying to contact us (Monday to Friday from 08:00-17:00 and Saturdays from 10:00-16:00).

Important: Print at Home Tickets are non-exchangeable, non-refundable.

Swiss Travel Pass

What is the swiss travel pass youth.

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth is valid for those aged 16-24 years on the first day of travel and offers a 15% reduction on nthe normal adult price. The Swiss Travel Pass Youth entitles you to all of the same benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass.

Which Museums are included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free entry to more than 500 Museums , including the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Château de Chillon and the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum.

How long is a Swiss Travel Pass valid for?

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days in 1st or 2nd class.

Where is the Swiss Travel Pass valid?

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on the whole boat, rail and Postbus network in Switzerland, as shown here .

Which mountain excursions are included?

Trips up to Stoos, Brunni, Klewenalp, Stanserhorn and Rigi are included in the Pass. A 50% reduction is offered on most other mountain and cableways (Gornergrat, Titlis, etc).

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid on Swiss Panoramic Railways?

Your ticket price is included in the Swiss Travel Pass but seat reservations are compulsory and a supplement must be paid non most routes. It is possible to pay for a class upgrade if you have a 2nd class Pass but would like to travel in 1st class non one of these services.

Are there any further inclusions?

The Swiss Travel Pass also offers free entry to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days of your choosing in 1st or 2nd class within one month. On listed travel days, pass holders are entitled to all of the same additional benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass. Please note however, that on the days between specified travel days, additional benefits, such as 50% discounts and museum entries, are not valid.

Swiss Family Card

What is a swiss family card.

A Swiss Family Card allows children aged 6-15 years to travel free of charge when accompanied by a parent.

How can I get a Swiss Family Card?

A Swiss Family Card can be issued free of charge when at least one parent is travelling using a Swiss Travel System Pass.

What about children under 6?

Children aged 0-5 years travel free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Swiss Half Fare Card

What is the difference between the swiss half fare card and the swiss travel pass.

The Swiss Half Fare Card entitles you to 50% discount on the whole boat, rail and Postbus network in Switzerland. An additional ticket is needed if you wish to use public transport with the cities. Please ensure that you show your Swiss Half Fare Card together with any additional tickets if you are subject to an inspection at any time.

Will I get a discount on mountain railways or museum entrances?

Most mountain railways honour the 50% discount offered by your Swiss Half Fare Card. There is no reduction on museum entrances.

How long is the Swiss Half Fare Card valid for?

The Swiss Half Fare Card is valid for one month. It is not possible to extend this period. Please be aware that the reduction offered can sometimes be less than 50% due to reserved minimum pricing (eg. short journeys, city transport networks).

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.

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

Getting Around Zürich: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

The Best Rail Passes in Europe

Switzerland Travel Guide

Taking the Train in Italy

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Lisbon: Guide to Public Transportation

About Single Europe Train Tickets

Getting Around Los Angeles: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Madrid: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's in this Article

Where to buy the Swiss Travel Pass

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

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

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

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

Consecutive Day Swiss Travel Pass Prices

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

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

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

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

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 .

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Rail passes.

Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss Half Fare Card

Eurail Global Pass

Regional Rail Passes

Berner Oberland Pass

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Rail Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Itinerary Planning

Digital Guides

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

Mountain Excursions in Switzerland Discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass

How to Get from Zurich to Grindelwald

We travelling to Switzerland.

© Holidays to Switzerland 2024. All Rights Reserved . About • Privacy Policy • Disclaimer/Disclosure • Contact

• Main navigation
• Content area

Press releases from the Federal Administration

Service navigation.

The Federal Council The portal of the Swiss government

Main navigation, the federal council.

• Documentation
• Federal law
• Swiss government - Homepage
• Press releases

Coronavirus: New rules for entry to Switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the COVID certificate

End of page

(Last modification 20.09.2021)

Bern, 17.09.2021 - The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.

With the autumn school holidays approaching, the Federal Council has decided on new public health requirements at the border. This comes in response to experience made after the summer holidays: data from the cantonal contact tracing offices indicates that returning holidaymakers contributed to the worsening situation after the summer. The new rules reflect the fact that the highly contagious Delta variant can cause case numbers to rise very rapidly on a regional basis. It has therefore been decided that keeping and updating a list of risk countries is no longer the most appropriate health protection measure at Switzerland’s  borders.

Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered must present a negative test result (antigen or PCR) on entry into Switzerland, irrespective of where they are travelling from or by which means of transport they are entering the country. After four to seven days in the country, another test must be carried out, subject to a fee. The result of the second test must be sent to the relevant cantonal office. Testing is not required for vaccinated or recovered travellers who can present a COVID certificate or other valid proof of vaccination or recovery.

Entry form required for everyone

All travellers entering Switzerland – whether vaccinated, recovered or with a negative test – must also complete the entry form (Passenger Locator Form, SwissPLF). This will enable the cantons to carry out random checks to determine whether people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered and who entered the country with a test have actually taken the second test after four to seven days.

No test or form requirement for cross-border commuters 

The test and entry form requirements do not apply to travellers in transit through Switzerland without stopping, drivers who transport people or goods professionally, and cross-border commuters or people entering from border areas. The Federal Council is thus taking account of the close economic, social and cultural exchange in the border regions. Children under 16 are also exempt from the test requirement.

Risk-based inspections

More than two million people and one million vehicles cross Switzerland's borders every day. Risk-based inspections are to be carried out to ensure compliance with the new rules. Anyone required to present a negative test result and who cannot do so on entry must take a test immediately after entering Switzerland. The cantons are required to carry out random checks to ensure that incoming travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered have actually taken the required second test. Fines may be imposed if these rules are breached (CHF 200 for missing test certificates and CHF 100 for incomplete forms). In international travel, the airlines and bus companies are responsible for ensuring that travellers to Switzerland have completed the Passenger Locator Form and can present a COVID certificate or a negative test result. The Federal Customs Administration and local police forces will carry out risk-based inspections on all modes of cross-border travel. In a few weeks, the Federal Council will evaluate the experience with the new entry rules and make adjustments if necessary. 

The existing entry regulations remain unchanged. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to operate a list of high-risk countries, which is used to determine who may enter Switzerland. Any non-Schengen state not on this list is still considered a risk country for which restrictions on entry to Switzerland apply to unvaccinated third-country nationals. As a Schengen associated country, Switzerland aligns its entry regulations as far as possible with the decisions taken by the European Union. The Travelcheck online tool can be used to check the conditions for travellers wishing to enter Switzerland from specific countries.

Swiss COVID certificate for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad

As of 20 September, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities here. Currently, only the certificates of countries using the EU Digital COVID Certificate are compatible with the Swiss system.

The documents can be submitted electronically. Each canton must designate a contact point for persons who have been vaccinated abroad. All cantonal contact points will be listed on a federal website. A federal working group (FDHA, FDFA, FDF) will oversee implementation together with the cantons and other agencies (data protection). The aim is to find a solution that is as efficient, straightforward and user-oriented as possible. In a transitional phase until 10 October 2021, all foreign vaccination certificates for EMA-approved vaccines will be valid for access to events or facilities requiring a COVID certificate.

As in neighbouring countries, access to the Swiss COVID certificate will not be extended to all WHO vaccines. Exceptions are being made for Swiss citizens living abroad returning to the country, non-EU citizens working in Switzerland, employees of international organisations and accredited diplomatic staff, as well as students.

Outcome of the consultation

The Federal Council had consulted on two variants for adapting the entry regulations, one with a requirement to take two tests and one with mandatory quarantine. Based on the results of the consultation, the Federal Council decided in favour of the first variant, which was found to be more practicable and should involve less additional work for the cantons.

Address for enquiries

Federal Office of Public Health Coronavirus Infoline +41 58 463 00 00 COVID-19 Vaccination Infoline +41 58 377 88 92

• List of high-risk countries
• Travelcheck

The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Home Affairs http://www.edi.admin.ch Federal Office of Public Health http://www.bag.admin.ch State Secretariat for Migration https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html Federal Office for Customs and Border Security https://www.bazg.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

Top of page

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

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sunday 28th of April 2024

Hi, what's the difference between second class and first class and which do you recommend?

Monday 29th of April 2024

Hi Lan, there are a few benefits in the 1st class vs. 2nd. You have more space and more comfortable, adjustable seats on the train. First-class passengers can also sit on a higher deck on most boat trips. Some trains also have 'quiet zones' in the 1st class, but that's more interesting for business travelers who want to work during their journey. Hope this helps.

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.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail.

Plan Your Trip

Travel Guides

Destinations

Hotel Guides

Find Best Tours

Travel Gear

Travel Resources

How To Start A Blog

Photography Guides

Support the site

Follow On Socials

© 2024 Jonny Melon Adventure Travel Blog. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms | Sitemap

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

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

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

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

Summer & Autumn

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

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

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

Accommodation

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

Other types of accommodation

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

Transport & Stay

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

About Switzerland

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

Weather & Climate

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

Where are you from?

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

Language, region and important links

• Slovenština

Service Navigation

• Help & Contact

Covid-19: Travel Conditions

For vacations and travel in Switzerland, you'll find all the current information hereafter. 

Clean & Safe

Last update: 22 April 2022 Tourism takes place in Switzerland without restrictions. 

• Entry from Schengen / EU / EFTA: possible without restrictions.
• Entry from third countries: With effect from 2 May 2022, all remaining countries are removed from the SEM risk country list. This means that entry into Switzerland from all countries in the world will again be possible as before the pandemic.

Testing in Switzerland

Travel purpose testing: We recommend the test centre at Zurich Airport, information can be found here . Cantonal Test Centers Suppliers of tests in Switzerland

Covid Certificate

In Switzerland there is no Covid certificate, you can move freely without conditions .

Mountain railways

Please contact the service providers directly (online/by phone) for information regarding their business hours and safety protocols.

The mountain railways are operating.

Public transportation.

Informieren Sie sich direkt über die Öffnungen bei den Betreiber auf Ihre Website oder telefonisch

Public transport services are operating.

Air traffic.

Please contact the airlines directly (online/by phone) about the current air traffic situation.

More topics

Winter: excursion tips.

Wide slopes, deep snow, cool halfpipes, awesome cross-country ski trails, varied tobogganing runs and fabulous winter hiking trails – all within quick and easy reach. Switzerland is the ultimate winter paradise.

FOPH recommends a pragmatic approach to the certificate requirements.

COVID testing (COVID antigen speed test) is available for all foreign guests at dedicated test facilities specified by the cantons. Please consult with your hotel or the local tourist office to find a test center. Further information on CoVid-19 testing can be found here .

You can apply for the Swiss COVID certificate using an online form .

• Non EU-certificates can only be converted into a Swiss Covid certificate if people are vaccinated with an EMA approved vaccine  (Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen/Johnson&Johnson, AstraZeneca and all licensed vaccine such as Covishield, etc.) 
• The cost for the conversion is 30 Swiss Francs per person and has to be paid in advance
• The canton where you will be staying in will issue the certificate
• The processing time can take up to 5 working days

If you have any questions, please contact our service center under: 1-800-794-7795 (free) or via [email protected]

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Switzerland

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Switzerland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.

Read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Switzerland

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for people entering Switzerland.

More information is available from the Federal Office of Public Health or by calling the Coronavirus Infoline on +41 58 463 00 00 (7am to 5pm GMT). Assistance is available in English.

Public spaces

Cantons (administrative area) may impose further restrictions. Check cantonal websites for more details.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Switzerland as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

You can find more information on travel documents on the cantons website website. If you live in Switzerland, read our Living in Switzerland guide for passport stamping information.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

UK nationals do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. At passport control, UK nationals should use the ‘ALL PASSPORTS’ lane, whatever their residence status.

If you’re travelling to Switzerland and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Swiss government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you may need with the Swiss Embassy website .

If you are travelling to work in Switzerland , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in Switzerland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Additional documents required by tourists

At Switzerland’s border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home)
• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – around 100 Swiss francs a day

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into and out of Switzerland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. There is information about Swiss customs regulations on the cantons website .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Switzerland guide .

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey .

• Go to navigation
• Go to main content
• Go to search
• Go to footer

Main content

Travel preparations.

SWISS Travel Briefing - Useful information at a glance

The SWISS Travel Briefing gives you an overview of the most important things you should take note of on your next flight.

Digital services

Get all the most important things done for your upcoming trip while you’re still at home by using our digital services and feel more relaxed when travelling on the day of your trip.