swiss travel pass benefits

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10 Ultimate Benefits of Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass offers several benefits for travelers in Switzerland, including:

Unlimited Travel: Offers unlimited travel on consecutive or flexible days across the Swiss Travel System network in 90 urban areas.

Flexibility: Available in flexible or consecutive durations, such as 3, 4, 8, or 15 days within a month.

Comprehensive Access: Covers trains, buses, and boats on an extensive network of routes.

Scenic Routes: Includes some of the most scenic train routes in Switzerland, like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

Museum Entries: Free admission to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland.

Discounts: Provides up to 50% discounts or free travel on many mountain railways and cable cars, along with other activities and attractions.

Family Friendly: Children under 16 travel free with a parent holding a Swiss Travel Pass.

Convenience: Eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets, simplifying travel planning.

One of the best benefits of Swiss Travel Pass is that it helps you save a lot of money when compared to the cost of buying excursions and public transport tickets individually.

Here we have listed down the top 10 benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass.

Get your all-in-one ticket

Tour the country at a bargain like never before – with your swiss travel pass..

1.Unlimited travel by rail, road, and bus

Yes! It's true. Unlimited travel, no restrictions at all on the Swiss Travel System. This includes rail, boat, tram and bus. You just have to show your Swiss Travel Pass. That's it.

This is a big advantage especially for tourists who are looking to explore Switzerland in depth during the limited number of days they have. Without the benefits of Swiss Pass, travellers would have to pay for every train, bus or tram ride from point to point. This not only becomes a time-waster while you're on a tight schedule but also turns out much more expensive.

2. Children travel free

Children under the age of 16 years can travel absolutely free with a parent. All you have to do is select for a Swiss Family Card while booking your Swiss Travel Pass .

If you're travelling with kids under 16, Swiss Travel Pass is worth it. Children under 16 years are not only free on the Swiss Travel Pass but also travel completely free on most mountains that offer discounts to passholders.

In essence, you only pay for your children's accommodation in Switzerland. If you were ever at a crossroads as to whether to buy buy Swiss Travel Pass at all, this should be enough to show you which direction to go in.

3. Free entry to over 500 museums

Museum-lovers will love this benefit. You can enjoy free entry to over 500+ museums in Switzerland. It includes some of the most visited museums such as Olympic Museum, Chateau de Chillon, and the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum.

"Verkehrshaus" - The museum of transportation in Lucerne offers holders of a Swiss Travel pass discount of flat 50% on the regular entrance fee to the museum and discounts even on the day pass to the museum.

The day pass provides admission to the Museum, a visit to the Swiss Chocolate Adventure and the Media World and the daily screenings in the Filmtheatre and Planetarium.

4. Up to 50% off on excursions

Mountain excursions can be a bit expensive, but not when you are a Swiss Travel Pass holder. You can enjoy a discount on Swiss Travel Pass up to 50% of on major must-see mountain excursions in Switzerland.

With over100 million pictures per year, Matterhorn is the most photographed mountain in the world and no first-time traveller would miss the opportunity to visit this peak. Also famous for being on the Toberlone chocolate cover, a visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise would usually cost around CHF 44 to CHF 58 per Adult if you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass. For non-pass holders, the price would range from CHF 87 to CHF 115 per Adult.

Another one of the other most popular attractions in Switzerland is Europe's highest train station: the Jungfraujoch, at 3454 m above sea level. The observatory is located at 3571 m. Being the most popular peak amongst people visiting Switzerland, it is also the most expensive.

Holding a Swiss Travel Pass considerably reduces the cost of Jungfraujoch tickets . The prices range from CHF 118 to CHF 155 per Adult if you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass. For non-pass holders, the price would range from CHF 185 to CHF 235 per Adult.

Children under 16, usually pay half the adult price on all mountains. However if holding a Swiss Travel Pass/family card, these mountains become free.

Also Mountains like Stanserhorn and Rigi in Lucerne are completely free if you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass.

Stanserhorn is a unique mountain as you travel up in the World's first CabriO®, which is an open double decker cable car. Imagine having this experience free of cost. Non-pass holders have to pay full price.

Mount Rigi, the other free peak in Lucerne if you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass, is fondly called "Queen of the Mountains". Rigi Kulm is the highest point (1798 m) and offers great views of Lake Lucerne, the Alps in the south and the plains in the north, all the way to Germany.

5. Up to 50% on Scenic trains

Switzerland is known for its beauty scenic trains. In fact, there is a Grand Train Tour that takes you across Switzerland on a train. And you if you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass, you again enjoy discounted prices\

The Glacier Express & Bernina Express are Switzerland's two most scenic train journeys and these Panoramic journeys are free with your Swiss Travel Pass. However you need to pay a compulsory seat reservation fee regardless of whether you are holding a travel pass or point to point ticket. This means, the pass covers the cost of your full price point-to-point ticket, which is a massive saving.

The Golden Pass line is another extraordinary journey in 3 different trains, with a panoramic view of breath-taking scenery. Unlike the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, the Golden Pass is not a direct train. You pass three mountain passes, the famous 4000-metre Alpine peaks, 8 lakes and unforgettable views.

In this train, you can travel for free with a Swiss Travel pass. You do not even need seat reservations in 2nd class, although reservations are recommended for some legs of the train. In any case, it comes down to the same principle as the other two panoramic trains; you pay only for the seat reservation and not the full price of the point-to-point ticket.

6. Also available as E-Swiss Pass

E-Swiss Pass allows you to carry your Swiss Travel Pass ticket on your mobile or you can take a print of it. It is unlike the physical ticket, which if lost, will result in 100% loss of your ticket price.

Therefore, no need to worry about carrying paper tickets. Just show your Swiss Travel Pass on your cell phone.

7. Convenience of an all in one Ticket

If you have travelled before, you would know that more than anything else, time is very val-uable. In such a situation, the last thing one would want to do is stand in line for point-to-point tickets. With the pass, it is easy to just get onto your preferred mode of transport and get on with your day.

8. Available as Continuous as well as Flexi

The Swiss Travel Pass doesn't tie you down to consecutive days travel.

Let's suppose you intend to travel outside your base in Switzerland only for 4 out of the 8 days, you can benefit from the Flexi Pass option.

This option is valid on 3, 4, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month rather than 3,4,8 or 15 consecutive days offered in a continuous pass. The Flexi Swiss Travel Pass holders can enjoy the same benefits as that of the consecutive passholders but only on the chosen days of travel.

Travellers who want the comfort of a car but also want the best deals on the mountains and other benefits of the pass should opt for the Flexi option. That way, they can use the pass on certain days and get the best deals on those days.

9. Youth get additional discounts

Children below 16 travel free as we already mentioned.

However, it's okay if your child missed the 16-year cut off for a free family pass. The Swiss Travel Pass offers a youth aged 16 to 25 years a 15% discount on the Adult Swiss Travel Pass. The other benefits of Swiss Rail Pass though, are the same as an adult Swiss Travel Pass.

10. Saves tons of money compared to multiple single-ticket journeys

Since you will be exploring Switzerland, you will certainly have to travel a lot. Using multiple sin-gle-tickets for train, bus, or boat will be very expensive compared to a one-time payment of Swiss Travel Pass.

Also, you get numerous money-saving benefits of Swiss Rail Pass like free entry to museums, 50% off on mountain excursions, and many more. To every traveller, the choice is obvious; it is al-ways a Swiss Travel Pass.

Let's take for example, a simple trip to Mt. Titlis if you had your base in Lucerne.

If you were holding a Swiss Travel Pass: Journey from Lucerne to Engelberg (Base of Mt. Titlis): No additional Cost, included in Pass Return Cable car ticket from Base station to the top of Mt. Titlis: CHF 60 per Adult Journey from Engelberg (Base of Mt. Titlis) to Lucerne: No additional Cost, included in Pass.

If you were NOT holding a Swiss Travel Pass: Journey from Lucerne to Engelberg (Base of Mt. Titlis): CHF 18.40 per Adult Return Cable car ticket from Base station to the top of Mt. Titlis: CHF 96 per Adult Journey from Engelberg (Base of Mt. Titlis) to Lucerne: CHF 18.40 per Adult

So taking the pass is definitely a no brainer.

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Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss travel pass flex, half fare card.

Your Passport to Swiss Travel Pass Experience

Swiss Travel Pass 2024

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

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

• 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.

10 Benefits of Swiss Travel Pass

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

Swiss Travel Pass: Your Worldwide Passport to Switzerland

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

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

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Switzerland Itinerary for First Trip

What is the Swiss Travel Pass

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

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

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

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

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

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Travel Pass Flex

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to use Swiss Travel Pass & Travel Pass Flex

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

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

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

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

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2024?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is included with the Swiss Travel Pass

This is what IS INCLUDED with the Swiss Travel Pass:

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

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

What is not included (but gives you a discount)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where can you buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday 30th of March 2024

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

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

Thursday 4th of April 2024

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

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

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

Sunday 24th of March 2024

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

Monday 25th of March 2024

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

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

Sunday 3rd of March 2024

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

Monday 4th of March 2024

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

John Altshuler

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

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

Wednesday 28th of February 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why visit Switzerland by train, bus and boat?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

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

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

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

Here are the benefits of buying a Swiss Travel Pass:

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

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost?

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

Now you can either buy one of the following passes:

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

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

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.

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

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

Where can I buy a Swiss Travel Pass?

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

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

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

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

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

How do I use my Swiss Travel Pass?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do I do with my luggage?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can organise your Swiss luggage transport here .

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

In a word – convenience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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

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Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024

Are you wondering whether the benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass outweigh its price tag in 2024? Look no further: we have thoroughly researched the budget-friendly Swiss pass for public transportation.

When planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the first things that comes to mind is the cost. The Swiss franc is historically strong, making Switzerland an inherently expensive destination for many tourists coming from abroad.

But the premium admission price doesn't mean you can't explore Switzerland on a budget.

While it's no secret that transportation costs usually make up the biggest chunk of a travel budget, Switzerland has a solution. You can keep transportation costs in check by simply traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass 2024

The inside scoop on what's included and how to get the most out of it.

All the Swiss Travel Pass benefits

How to hack the swiss travel pass for budget travelers, swiss travel pass 2024 price, is the swiss travel pass worth it for budget travelers, swiss travel pass discounts in 2024.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a comprehensive all-inclusive ticket that offers a variety of benefits for budget travelers. One of the biggest perks of the pass is that it includes unlimited travel on most train lines, mountain railway lines, cable cars, and boats throughout Switzerland.

The pass fully covers all panoramic train lines, such as the Bernina Express. And even public transportation in cities is included.

This means you will never have to stop at a ticket counter or purchase individual tickets online. Since the Swiss Travel Pass offers blanket coverage, it takes the guesswork out of navigating Switzerland. You will never have to buy separate tickets except for a few private train lines.

Premium panoramic train lines

Let’s get one of the biggest benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass out of the way first: five bucket-list-worthy panoramic train lines are included.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast or want to experience some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Swiss Travel Pass will give you access to some of Switzerland’s most iconic train lines.

In addition to offering free travel on BLS or Rhaetian Railways, the pass also covers local and regional trains operated by the Swiss Federal Railways.

Except for the Glacier Express, which requires a reservation, you can hop onto any train without paying extra for the ticket. This means you will never have to stop at a ticket counter or purchase a ticket online while exploring Switzerland.

Since it offers blanket coverage, the Swiss Travel Pass takes the guesswork out of navigating Switzerland.

Major panoramic train lines 100% included in the Swiss Travel Pass:

• Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano (Italy)  (4 h - 4 h 30 min)
• Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt (8 h)
• GoldenPass Express between Montreux and Interlaken (3 h 15 min)
• Gotthard Panorama Express between Lucerne and Lugano (5 h 30 min)
• Luzern–Interlaken Express (1 h 50 min)

Swiss Travel Pass mountain excursions: cable cars, funiculars, and mountain railways

A legitimate Swiss itinerary has to include a few mountain peaks in a country known for its mountains. There are dozens of destinations to pick from, but the Swiss Travel Pass facilitates the decision for budget travelers: three mountain peaks are included at no additional cost.

These mountain peaks are 100% included in the Swiss Travel Pass:

• Stanserhorn

The Swiss Travel Pass offers sweet discounts on cogwheel trains, funiculars, and cable cars for hikers and mountain enthusiasts looking to explore the Swiss Alps beyond the included peaks.

For trips to 14 other mountain peaks, Swiss Travel Pass holders enjoy a discount of up to 50%. Some highlights include Gornergrat, Schilthorn, Pilatus, or Titlis.

Arguably, one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland is the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at GetYourGuide

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

Boat rides on lakes and rivers

The pass is also valid on scenic boat rides on Switzerland’s lakes and rivers. This includes the historic steamboats on Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne. And on many other lakes, such as Lake Zurich, the pass entitles you to scenic lunchtime or sunset cruises!

If you can try out a boat in Switzerland, you will add another dimension to your trip: Switzerland, with its snowfields and glaciers, is the source of many of Europe’s rivers.

Free public transportation in more than 90 towns and cities

From the moment you arrive, the Swiss Travel Pass allows you to hop onto municipal transportation without needing a separate ticket. For instance, you could easily transfer from the airport to your hotel using trains, trams, or buses.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire public transportation network of 90 major cities and towns. Travel in the following cities without additional costs: Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano, and Zurich.

Switzerland’s iconic yellow Postbus buses are included, too. (French: Car Postal, Italian: Auto Postale.) These nifty buses venture to villages and mountain regions where no city buses dare to go.

Free admission to more than 500 museums

Switzerland has many museums covering art, history, architecture, and science. Luckily, the Swiss Travel Pass includes free admission to over 500 museums, allowing you to embark on a cultural odyssey and learn more about Switzerland's rich heritage.

FREE Swiss Travel Pass Museums (Ultimate List)

Some must-see museums in switzerland that are free with the swiss travel pass:.

• Railway Museum (Bergün)
• Zentrum Paul Klee (Bern)
• Olympic Museum (Lausanne)
• Bourbaki Panorama (Lucerne)
• Museum of Fossils from Monte San Giorgio (Meride)
• Alimentarium (Vevey)
• Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis (Zermatt)
• Swiss National Museum (Zurich)
• Museum Rietberg (Zurich)

Many other museums offer discounts to pass holders, such as the Verkehrshaus Luzern. In short, Swiss Travel Pass holders can explore the country's rich cultural heritage without wasting too much cash on admissions.

Download a list of participating museums

One of the best things about the Swiss Travel Pass is that it's available in first-class and second-class categories:

• First-class travel offers more spacious seats, larger windows, and other amenities.
• On Swiss trains, even second-class coaches are comfortable and allow travelers to stay within their budget.

The Swiss Travel Pass is also available for various periods: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. If budget is no issue, buying a pass covering the entire travel period from the first to the last day would make sense. But you're reading this post because you want to save money while traveling in Switzerland.

• With clever planning, you can buy fewer days and stretch them for longer.

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

In our free guide, we are outlining a sample five-day itinerary on a three-day pass. This itinerary is geared toward budget travelers who want to get the most out of the pass by checking off as many included activities as possible without paying anything additional.

The prices for 2024 will increase compared to 2023. The entry-level price for a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass in 2nd class starts at 244 francs. It’s best to consult the website of GetYourGuide for the latest Swiss Travel Pass 2024 prices.

The Swiss Travel Pass can be a great value for those planning to use a significant amount of public transportation. Prices vary depending on the pass duration (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days) and whether you choose a first or second-class pass. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex offers the option to travel on non-consecutive days.

See the latest prices at GetYourGuide

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

Comparison: swiss travel pass vs. individual tickets.

Here is a real-life cost comparison between the Swiss Travel Pass and individual full-fare tickets. The basis is a five-day budget traveler itinerary of Switzerland using a four-day Swiss Travel Pass. The itinerary includes trains, mountain excursions, boat rides, and museum visits.

We have tallied the costs for public transportation and museums for each day. The fee comparison is based on an adult traveler above 26 years of age paying the full 2023 fare. Upon availability, discounted saver tickets may reduce the total.

Comparison: Swiss Travel Pass vs. Eurail and Interrail Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a great option for budget travelers who want to explore Switzerland without breaking the bank. However, it is only available to those with permanent residency outside of Switzerland.

The Eurail and Interrail Passes are ideal for those who also want to travel to other European countries by train. The difference between the two is simple:

• Swiss Travel Pass is for anyone with permanent residency outside of Switzerland.
• Eurail is for those who have resided outside Europe for at least six months.
• Interrail passes are available for anyone living in Europe for at least six months.

Like the Swiss Travel Pass, the Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass offer free public transportation on Switzerland’s trains. But they do not cover mountain excursions, boat cruises, or city transport.

As a consequence, travelers have to budget for individual tickets. On the other hand, the Interrail and Eurail Passes are ideal for those who also want to travel to Switzerland and other European countries by train.

Here’s an overview of notable differences in coverage between the three passes:

As you can tell, the Swiss Travel Pass provides some amazing value for budget travelers who want to climb some of Switzerland’s best mountains. The Eurail Global Pass and Interrail Passes are weak in this regard, although they offer other benefits and a budget-friendly alternative.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a more predictable option for seeing Switzerland by public transportation than buying individual tickets. No need to juggle multiple tickets and worry about transportation costs.

Swiss Travel Pass Map

With so many highlights in Switzerland included, wouldn’t having an overview map of the Swiss Travel Pass would be nice? The area of validity map is available electronically online or as a practical PDF document .

You be the judge! But as you can tell, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great option for budget travelers wanting to explore Switzerland without breaking the bank. It provides some amazing value for budget travelers.

The Swiss Travel Pass allows holders to climb some of Switzerland’s best mountains at no extra charge. The Eurail Global Pass and Interrail Passes are weak in this regard, although they offer other benefits and a budget-friendly alternative.

And compared to buying individual tickets, the Swiss Travel Pass is the perfect option for experiencing all the country offers without spending much money.

Despite the price increase in 2024, the Swiss Travel Pass remains a valuable investment. Here are ways to secure a discount on the Swiss Travel Pass, ensuring you enjoy those stunning panoramic trains without additional costs:

• Swiss Travel Pass Youth: If you're under 25, enjoy a 30% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Children aged 6 to 16: You travel for free when accompanied by a parent with a Swiss Travel Pass (a Swiss Family Card is required).
• Children under 6: Typically, children under six travel for free on Swiss public transport.

Happy travels!

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it in 2024?

Swiss Travel Pass Overview and Insights for 2024

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2024

Definitive Swiss Travel Pass Solo Traveler’s Guide (2024)

Dimitri Burkhard

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

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Bonus Benefits with the Swiss Travel Pass

Mountain railways.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex are entitled to at least 25% reduction on most mountain railways. Travelling to the top of Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos is even free of charge with a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Swiss Travel Pass: 500 museums included

Switzerland is home to a vast variety of fascinating museums. And you can visit more than 500 of them free of charge with the Swiss Travel Pass.

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The Swiss Travel Pass (Flex, Youth) – Everything You Need

The Swiss Travel Pass is the perfect pass for those who want flexibility on their trip to Switzerland , but do not want to pay the full price on what is one of the most expensive transport systems in Europe.

You can choose if you want 3, 4, 8, or 15 days of travel within a given month. And, which class of travel you wish to use.

With the standard Swiss Travel Pass, you are expected to travel on consecutive days (in a row). If you don’t, you lose those days.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose which when you want to travel. So, if your trip is not 100% planned or you want to have some flexibility, you can choose when to apply for the pass. You simply use the given day when you book your ticket to travel.

The Swiss Travel Pass (Standard and Flex) also comes with a massive list of other benefits including discounts on mountain trips, free entrance to museums and use of public transport in cities on the days you choose (see more below).

Details, Benefits & Conditions

Benefits of the swiss travel pass & flex.

• Unlimited travel free on the chosen days – train, bus and boat ** See Map Of Valid Travel Areas
• Unlimited travel on city public transport (over 90 cities & urban areas) ** See Map Of Valid Travel Areas
• Free travel on premium trains (such as: Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Bernina Express etc. * Seat reservation required, surcharge applies for that)
• 50% discount on many mountain cablecars and trains (some free, see next point)
• Free mountain excursions to: Pilatus, Rigi & Schynige Platte
• Free access to museums (500 museums)

Traveling With Children

Children can travel free when :

• Between the ages of 6 and 16 , who are accompanied by at least one parent (holding a valid Swiss Pass) with the complimentary Swiss Family Card (available upon request)
• Under the age of 6, who are accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss ticket

Delivery Of Passes

The Swiss Travel Pass can either be ordered online and delivered per post or courier OR printed at home.

Paper passes that need to be delivered are subject to delivery fees.

Seat Reservations

• In general, seat reservations are not required on regional Swiss trains (although they can be purchased if you wish). Simply enter the train and take any available seat in the class you have purchased.
• Tip: Travel during peak periods (public holidays, school holidays) seat reservations on major lines may be necessary to avoid standing (ask when traveling)
• Reservations are required on special trains such as: Bernina Express, the Chocolate Train, the Glacier Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express. Also required for international trains.

* Seat reservations can be made within 90 days of travel (ie. not a year ahead)

Swiss Travel Pass Validity Map

The following is a map of the Swiss travel system in its entirety. You can use the Swiss Travel Pass on the majority of the lines (boat, train, bus).

Click Here To Open Map (Downloadable PDF)

Swiss Travel Pass Prices

The following are the prices for a Swiss Travel Pass for the number of consecutive days you wish to travel in a month, and the class of travel (1st or 2nd) you wish to take. You have the option of traveling for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days in total.

Remember, buying this standard pass means you should be traveling every day. Otherwise, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex below is a better option.

Swiss Travel Pass Adult

Swiss travel pass youth, (under 26 years old), swiss travel pass flex prices.

The following are the prices for a Swiss Travel Pass for the number of days you wish to travel within a given month, and the class of travel (1st or 2nd) you wish to take. Remember, buying this standard pass means you can choose to travel on whichever day you want. That means it will cost a little bit more, but the flexibility is often worth it, especially if you are staying multiple days in one location and not moving around much.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Adult

Swiss travel pass flex youth.

* Fares for the Swiss Travel Pass are estimated only due to currency fluctuations. Check current prices when purchasing.

Swiss Half Fare Card

Another option is the Swiss Half Fare Card, which is something locals use to get tickets for half price. The challenge for short-term visitors like yourself is that the cost is rarely worth it.

As of the time of writing (early 2022) the Half Fare Card cost 120 CHF (around 120 USD) for one month. 

It provides you with 50% off all train, bus and boat tickets as well as various discounts on most mountain gondolas.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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How To Use The Swiss Travel Pass

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

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

Table of Contents

Using the Swiss Travel Pass

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

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

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

Ticket Inspection on Public Transport

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

Using Your Swiss Travel Pass For Discounts

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

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

Activating Your Swiss Travel Pass (Pass Validity)

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

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

More On The Swiss Travel Pass

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

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SWISS TRAVEL PASSES AND BENEFITS

What does swiss travel pass cover​, discover the swiss travel pass benefits and discounts for 2024 : explore flex, regional pass, and swiss half fare card benefits for your swiss railway adventures.

Discover the ultimate convenience and flexibility in Swiss travel with our range of passes. Whether you opt for the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, the Swiss Half Fare Card, or the Swiss Regional Pass, you’re set for an unforgettable journey. Enjoy the Swiss Travel Pass benefits including:

• Unlimited travel across Switzerland by train, bus, and boat.
• Embark on the Premium Panoramic Train journeys: Glacier Express , Bernina Express , and GoldenPass Express . 
• Complimentary public transport in over 90 Swiss towns and cities.
• Free entry to 500+ museums. Explore the full list .
• Complimentary mountain excursions to Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos .
• Enjoy up to 50% discount on other mountain excursions .
• Avail up to 30% off with SBB RailAway offers at any Swiss ticket counter.
• Kids (6-16) travel free with the Swiss Family Card when accompanied by a Swiss Travel ticket holder.
• Children under 6? They travel at no cost.
• Choose the e-Ticket Swiss Rail Pass for seamless travel convenience.

Swiss Travel Pass

Available for durations of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

Provides unlimited travel across the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats.

• Offers free or up to 50% discounted mountain excursions .

Upon purchase, you’ll receive an e-Ticket , ready for your Swiss adventure.

No additional ticketing or reservations are required (with exceptions for certain panoramic trains), offering a hassle-free travel experience.

Ideal for extensive exploration of Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.

• Price from CHF 244
• Swiss Travel Pass Pricing Overview 2023-2024

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The  Swiss Travel Pass Flex  offers  non-consecutive day  travel options.

You can select 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 travel days within a  one-month  period .

It covers the extensive Swiss Travel System network, allowing unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.

The pass  requires activation  each day it’s used , offering ultimate flexibility.

Upon purchase, a  proof of purchase  is provided, which becomes an e-ticket upon activation each day of travel.

The pass offers free or discounted excursions to numerous mountain peaks.

Certain panoramic train journeys with the Flex pass may require reservations.

Ideal for travelers desiring control and flexibility in their Swiss itinerary.

• Price from CHF 279

Swiss Half Fare Card

The  Swiss Half Fare Card offers 50% discount  on travel throughout the Swiss Travel System network.

The card is valid for  one month  from the date of issue.

It covers trains, buses, and boats across the country.

It also includes a 50% discount on most mountain railways.

• Offers free or up to  50% discounted mountain excursions .

Upon purchase, a proof of purchase is provided which can be exchanged for a physical card upon arrival in Switzerland.

Ideal for long-stay and make occasional trips or those with self-drive plans

The Swiss Half Fare Card offers an affordable way to explore Switzerland at your own pace.

• Price from CHF 120

Swiss Family Card

The  Swiss Family Card  offers free travel for children aged  6 to under 16  when accompanied by at least one parent with a valid Swiss Travel System ticket.

The card is  free of charge  and  can be requested at the time of purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or Swiss Half Fare Card.

It’s valid for the same duration as the accompanying parent’s Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or Swiss Half Fare Card.

The card covers the same extensive network as the parent’s pass, including trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways.

This makes the Swiss Family Card an excellent choice for families traveling together in Switzerland, offering significant savings.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth

The  Swiss Travel Pass Youth offers a 30% discount  on the standard Swiss Travel Pass prices for young travelers  aged between 16 and 25 years .

It provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across the Swiss Travel System network.

The pass includes free or discounted excursions to several mountain peaks.

Upon purchase, a proof of purchase is provided, which serves as your e-Ticket .

Certain panoramic train journeys may require reservations.

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth is an affordable way for young travelers to explore the beauty and diversity of Switzerland.

• Price from CHF 172

Swiss Travel Pass Youth Flex

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth Flex offers a 30% discount on the standard Swiss Travel Pass prices for young travelers aged between 16 and 25 years .

Provides non-consecutive day travel, allowing travelers to choose between 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 travel days within a one-month period .

Enables unlimited access across the Swiss Travel System network, covering trains, buses, and boats.

Grants holders free or up to 50% discounted excursions to numerous mountain peaks .

Each day of travel requires prior activation, catering to spontaneous plans and ultimate flexibility.

A proof of purchase is handed upon buying the pass, which transforms into an e-Ticket upon daily activation.

Some panoramic train journeys and mountain excursions might need reservations in advance.

The pass is a perfect blend of affordability and adaptability, ideal for young travelers aiming to experience the diversity of Switzerland.

• Price from CHF 197

Berner Oberland Pass (Regional Pass)

Ideal for deep exploration of the Swiss Alps: The  Berner Oberland Regional Pass .

Offers unlimited travel for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 consecutive days.

Provides access to trains, buses, boats, and mountain transport  within the Bernese Oberland region .

Covers popular destinations like Interlaken, Jungfrau Region, Thun, and Lucerne.

Includes  discounted excursions  to peaks such as Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn , and First.

Perfect for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s dramatic alpine scenery.

• Price from CHF 240

Tell-Pass-Central Switzerland (Regional Pass)

Regional pass for  Central Switzerland : The Tell-Pass.

Offers unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 consecutive days.

Access to trains, buses, boats, and selected mountain railways.

Covers scenic areas around  Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, Rigi, Pilatus , and Titlis .

Ideal for explorers focusing on the heart of Switzerland.

Secure your Swiss Travel Pass for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days and receive your instant e-ticket complete with a QR code. Step off the plane and onto a train in Switzerland without the hassle of activating your pass.

Q: Do we need to reserve train seats, or can we just board with our Swiss Travel Pass e-Ticket?

A: With the Swiss Travel Pass , you have the freedom to board most trains in Switzerland without needing a reservation, allowing for spontaneous and flexible travel. However, for premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express , Bernina Express , and the GoldenPass Line , seat reservations are required to secure your spot and enjoy the breathtaking scenic journeys these routes offer. For regular trains and most intercity connections, you can simply hop on and enjoy the ride. It’s always wise to verify specific train requirements in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.

This question is part of our FAQs , including those on Swiss Travel Pass benefits . For more detailed information, please visit the Swiss Travel Pass FAQs page here .

"Choosing SwissASAP for my Swiss Travel Pass was a game-changer. Not only did I get the best price, but the process was seamless, and the added discounts made exploring Switzerland even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!"

Pongpat Kitsanayothin

Senior Manager, International Tax and Transaction Services, Ernst & Young LLP, Chicago

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Swiss Travel Pass

Starting From USD 261

Book Swiss Travel Pass

Type of pass : continuous.

• Unlimited travel within the set selected days For example: If you choose Consecutive 8 Days Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel unlimited times on Swiss Public Transport for 8 days.
• Pass is valid from the selected start date For example: If the selected start date is 1 st Jan 2024, then your pass is valid till 8 th Jan 2024 midnight.

Type of Pass : flexi

• Unlimited travel within 1 month from the selected start date For example: If you choose Flexi 8 Days Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel unlimited times for any 8 days in one month
• Pass is valid from the selected start date For example: If you select start date as 1 st Jan 2024, then your pass is valid till 30 th Jan 2024 and you can travel unlimited for any 8 days within these 30 days.

Type of First class

• The First Class pass means a passenger can access the first-class sections of public transport like Train and Boat.
• In a train, the first-class seating is more spacious and has a separate section
• In a boat, the first -class section is the upper deck of the boat

Type of Second class

• The Second Class pass means a passenger can access only the second-class sections of public transport.

Combo Offers

Combo Offer Conditions

• Last date of purchase: 30 th Apr 2024
• Offer applicable only on the 2 nd Class ticket of the Swiss Travel Pass
• Important Note: No two promotions / offers can be clubbed together.

About Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss travel pass is the ideal ticket to travel across switzerland..

You can enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, and boat to visit more than 90 cities, reach peaks of many mountains, and sail through beautiful lakes in Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass. You also benefit from free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation.

Swiss Travel Pass offers children up to the age of 16 travel free of charge, just select Swiss Family Card when you purchase your pass. There are two broad types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days. So, whether you are travelling alone or with family, Swiss Travel Pass is the most preferred option to experience Switzerland, while helping you save money in your journey.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a must-have for any traveller to Switzerland.

Apart from it being an ‘all-in-one’ pass which allows a traveller to access all modes of public transportation within the country, it also offers numerous other benefits on the mountain excursions.

You can use trains, buses and even lake ferries to reach any destination including popular cities like Montreux, Lausanne, Zermatt, Geneva, Bern, Basel, Zurich and Lucerne.

Just reach your station or bus terminal or pier and hop on to the next available train or bus or boat for your destination. Allow them to take you through the most picturesque sceneries of your dream destination.

The Switzerland Rail Pass is the perfect partner whether you are looking to travel from town to town, or up to the mountains or off into the sunset on a cruise, hop on and off trains, buses and ferries at any time according to your wish for the day or time.

You only have to remember that there are some scenic train and bus routes that require a mandatory reservation. It would be wise to check with the ticket office before you board any such transport as it may not include in your Swiss Travel Pass cost .

If you are not looking to travel to a new destination but only within the town you are staying at, you can still use the Swiss Pass to move around town on the local buses or trams.

This way you can cover each of the towns and their attractions seamlessly with your Swiss Pass and make the most of it.

It is jam packed with bonuses! Free public transportation, discounted city tours (check at the local tourism offices in each place or at the stations), free entrances to over 500 museums, free boat trips and more are included in your Swiss Pass price.

The Swiss Travel Pass benefits not just passengers who want to be constantly on the move.

If you are one of those travellers who wants to spend time in each place and move to other places only after a few days, you can opt for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex which will allow you to use your days as and when you need them within a period of one month.

So be it the adventurous, the avid or the leisure traveller, you will have the chance to make the most of your Switzerland Rail Pass. Switzerland tourism also benefits from such an inclusive pass that eases the overall cost of the travellers and helps in exploring the alpine country freely.

Don’t forget your Swiss Pass is the most family friendly pass ever! It allows your children under 16 years to travel absolutely FREE with the Swiss Travel Pass Family Card !

Types of Swiss Pass

Validity: Valid on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 days Both the above passes are available in 1st and 2nd class and also offer the youth pass option for travellers under 25 years of age.

There are 2 types of Swiss Travel Passes:

Continuous and Flexi Swiss Passes

• Continuous Swiss Travel Pass The pass allows the passengers to travel on consecutive days depending on the number of days the pass is purchased for.
• The Swiss Travel Pass Flex This pass offers the same services and benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass but gives greater flexibility since it allows you to utilize the chosen number of days within a one month period.

Major Benefits of Switzerland Rail Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is packed with benefits, some of which are listed below

• Unlimited Free travel on all public buses, boats and trams and trains in over 90 cities
• Free travel on panoramic trains (reservations may be needed)
• Free admission to over 500 museums
• Free mountain excursions: Rigi, Stoos and Stanserhorn
• Up to 50% Swiss Travel Pass discount on other mountain excursions
• Children under 16 years of age accompanied by at least one parent holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass, travel FREE with the Swiss Family Card.
• Available in electronic version making it really simple
• The Swiss Travel Pass is worth it when compared to multiple single-journey tickets

How and Where to Buy Swiss Travel Pass

Make sure that your Swiss Travel Pass is purchased from a reliable supplier. You can buy Swiss Travel Pass online on swisstours.com and the same will be instantly sent to your email id.

How to choose your Swiss Rail Pass

Depending on your Switzerland itinerary , create your Swiss Travel Pass itinerary. If you are in Switzerland for a short duration, it would be best to have a pass covering your entire stay. This way you will be able to use the pass on a daily basis for intercity and local public Switzerland transport as well.

If you are staying for a relatively longer period and are sure you will not be travelling every day, then you may want to consider the Swiss Travel Pass Flex so that you can use it only for your intended days of travel.

Basic steps to identifying your ideal Swiss Pass would be

• List your travel days and requirements
• Find out the point to point sector fares for the same
• Compare it to the cost of the available Swiss Pass cost

What are Swiss Travel Pass Inclusion?

Your Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel all the public boats, trains, trams and buses in 90 cities and towns in Switzerland.

It also includes free transport to some of the mountains and discounted travel on many others. The pass also allows free entrance to over 500 museums on your Switzerland trip.

Top free museums

The Switzerland Train pass allows free entrance to almost 500 museums.

Some of the more popular ones are the Open-air museum in Ballenberg, The Tinguely Museum in Basel, the Richard Wagner Museum in Lucerne and the Einstein Museum in Bern.

Free and Discounted attractions

The Swiss Travel Pass allows free travel to some really popular mountains.

Travel to them for some amazing views over towns, lakes and nearby regions.

Just show your Switzerland train pass at the base stations of these mountains and take the next available transport to the peaks.

Free mountain excursions

• Stanserhorn

Top discounted mountains with Swiss Pass

Enjoying mountain excursions is always included in every traveller’s things to do in Switzerland

No Switzerland tour package is complete without visiting the most popular mountains. There are many mountains in each region that you can visit.

Your Swiss Travel Pass will allow you to avail of either discounted fares to reach these peaks by train, funicular or cable cars.

Some of the most popular mountain excursions and the places that you can reach them from are as follows :

• Jungfraujoch , Interlaken
• Mount Titlis , Lucerne
• Mount Pilatus, Lucerne
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt
• Gornergrat, Zermatt
• Sunnegga Paradise, Montreux
• Glacier 3000 , Gstaad

Free boat cruises

Your Switzerland Rail Pass also covers the transport on some of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Some popular cruises listed below. You just have to show your pass and hop on these cruises

There are also other lake cruises in Switzerland like the boat trip on the Rhine from Basel, on which you can use your with Swiss Travel Pass discount.

How to use a Switzerland Train Pass

The Switzerland Pass is super easy to use. All passes are now electronic passes making it really simple.

The Swiss Travel Pass 2022 is a pre validated pass. It is ready for travel once you have received and printed the same.

The PDF file that you receive will have a code that train staff can scan from your smart phone. However, officially you need a printout too, which is why it is always good to carry an A4 sized printout of the swisspass with you at all times

Once your swiss rail Pass is valid, you can use it for the number of days you purchased it for. The time of start does not matter.

The swisspass works on calendar days, which means if you have an 8 days Switzerland itinerary and purchased an Swiss Pass 8 Days starting on the 5th of May, the pass will be valid till midnight on the 12th of May.

You do not need seat reservations for trains and buses in Switzerland. You can simply board with your Swiss Travel Pass.

However there are exceptions - the panoramic trains like the Glacier Express which require a mandatory seat reservation at an extra cost. Seat reservations are not included in the swiss rail pass cost.

If you are travelling to a mountain or using any other discounted service, you must keep in mind that one of your Swiss Travel Pass will be used that day. You will be requested to show your Swiss Train Pass and the purchased mountain voucher at the boarding point of such services.

Electronic passes or e-Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Rail Pass is an electronic pass.

The electronic Switzerland Rail Pass can be shown on your smart phone or as an A4 size print whenever requested for by the checker.

Remember that you must also have your passport in hand incase it is asked for along with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Where is the Switzerland Travel Pass valid

Your Switzerland Travel Pass is valid throughout the country. Some of the most popular places that you can visit and stay at with your Swiss Train pass are

It is the industrial, financial, and cultural centre of the country and one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic Swiss cities. Throughout the city centre, green space extends to the shores of Lake Zürich, which are lined by attractive public parks, and up to the slopes of Zürichberg.

Zürich’s lively and well-preserved Altstadt (Old Town), part of the city centre, boasts an architectural legacy including the Romanesque Grossmünster, built by Charlemagne in the 700s; the 13th-century St. Peter’s Church; and elegant guild houses and patrician residences, some of which are used as restaurants or for civic functions.

Among the must see places in Zurich are the Grossmünster, The Fraumunster, Uetliberg- Zurich;s own mountain, Zurich Lake and the famous Bahnofstrasse where you can see all the high end luxury shops and indulge in some retail therapy. Don’t forget your Swiss Pass price includes the tram network of the city making all these places very accessible to you.

Lucerne or Luzern as it is called, is divided into two parts by the Reuss River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the town.

Lucerne has one of the most picturesque settings in Switzerland. The Spreuerbrücke (1407), which is now considered the oldest bridge, is roofed and decorated with 56 paintings including scenes from the Dance of Death from the early 17th century.

Until its destruction by fire in 1993, the Kapellbrücke or the more popularly called Chapel Bridge, was the oldest bridge.

The old town is distinguished by well-preserved 14th-century town walls with nine watchtowers, quaint alleys, and squares. It houses the old town hall, the historical museum, St. Peter’s Chapel, the Hofkirche, the Lion Monument and the Swiss Museum of Transport .

You can use your Swiss Train Pass to cover the things to do in Lucerne town using its buses and boat cruises.

You can take one of the free boat cruises or opt for the Lucerne Dinner Cruise or the Saphir boat cruises both of which are discounted on the Switzerland Travel pass

Interlaken is a town in Central Switzerland in the Bernese Highlands. The town gets Its name from its position nestled between 2 lakes: Lake Brienz to the east and Thun to the west. It is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most frequented summer tourist resorts.

The main attraction of this tiny town is its main avenue, the Höheweg, which is lined with numerous watch and jewellery shops, souvenir shops and hotels that range from modest hostels to luxury and boutique hotels.

Interlaken commands a magnificent view of the Jungfrau to the south and is a starting point for many Alpine excursions.

Closer to home it has the Harder Kulm which you can visit for a lovely snack and an amazing view over the town. Your Swiss Travel Pass allows you to travel on the buses and trains that connect this city and run between Interlaken ost (East) and West.

Interlaken is also a perfect base if you want to stay for a few days and cover the rest of the country from there. Among the things to do in Interlaken includes the Trummelbach falls, and Giesbach Falls.

The nearby towns of Thun, Brienz and Grindelwald are also a huge attraction. You can also take a boat cruise for free on the Lakes with your Swiss Travel Pass or else opt for the adrenaline pumping jet boat cruise (payable).

The town itself is at an elevation of 5,302 feet and commands some of the finest views in Switzerland and is also a popular centre for mountaineering and winter sports. Cableways are numerous, and the highest in Europe leads up the Klein-Matterhorn.

Equipped with your Switzerland Train pass, you can visit one or more of the most popular mountain excursions: the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with Swiss Pass discount, the Gornergrat or the Rothorn Paradise.

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland in winter .

Your Swiss Travel pass allows you unlimited access on all of these peaks.

A town that offers it all, lakes, mountains and vineyards, Montreux offers a picture perfect landscape.

It is the perfect base from which you can cover the full Geneva region including Geneva and Lausanne.

Montreux and the nearby region has been immortalised by many celebrities. Freddy Mercury’s album cover for Made in Heaven is picturised here, Charlie Chaplin chose to spend the last 2 decades and more of his life in the region. Visit the Chillon Castle, walk the lake promenade, visit the casino and enjoy the unmatched beauty of this lakeside resort with your convenient Swisspass.

Take a boat cruise and reach Lausanne, visit the nearby cheese factory in Gruyeres or the buildings of the UN and the famous jet D’eau in Geneva.

Your Switzerland Train Pass will allow you to get up close to all of the must-see places in the region

Montreux and the nearby region has been immortalised by many celebrities. Freddy Mercury’s album cover for Made in Heaven is picturised here, Charlie Chaplin chose to spend the last 2 decades and more of his life in the region.

Visit the Chillon Castle, walk the lake promenade, visit the casino and enjoy the unmatched beauty of this lakeside resort with your conveneient Swiss Travel pass.

If you are on honeymoon in Switzerland , Montreux is a must-visit place for you.

Your Switzerland Train Pass will allow you to get up close to all of the must-see places in the region.

Lugano, the largest city in the Canton of Ticino is situated in the Southern Italian speaking belt.

Lugano lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints. Thanks to its mild climate, Lugano is a popular all round tourist destination.

Lugano is famous for its lake promenade with lush green vegetation, parks with sub- tropical plants and wood carvings.

It also has 2 mountains which make for nice excursions Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, give you an outstanding panorama of the town, Lake Lugano and the alpine scenery.

From Monte Brè there is a walk down to the village of Brè, which has preserved its typical Ticino village centre, and enhanced it with works of art.

From the San Salvatore another popular walk leads down through the beautifully situated Carona to Lake Lugano at Morcote. Taking a boat trip back to Lugano is a splendid way to round off the day.

Other excursions are to the fishing village of Gandria, up the Monte San Giorgio or the Monte Generoso or to the Lilliput world of Switzerland in Miniature at Melide.

All in all Lugano is a place to eat, chat and enjoy the mild Mediterranean atmosphere. The Swiss Travel Pass will help you to discover this regions. You can use it on the buses, boats and trams that connect the region.

Taking a boat trip back to Lugano is a splendid way to round off the day. Other excursions are to the fishing village of Gandria, up the Monte San Giorgio or the Monte Generoso or to the Lilliput world of Switzerland in Miniature at Melide ( Swiss Miniatur ).

All in all Lugano is a place to eat, chat and enjoy the mild Mediterranean atmosphere. The Swiss Pass offers you to discover this regions. You can use it on the buses, boats and trams that connect the region.

Scenic routes on Switzerland Train Pass

All you need to do to avail of this amazing journey is purchase a reservation for the segment needed and then use the same with your Switzerland Travel Pass.

Journey time:

Total journey time: The entire route takes almost 5.5 hours.

Segments: Montreux to Zweisimmen, Zweisimmen to Interlaken, Interlaken to Lucerne

Highlight: VIP seats Montreux to Zweisimmen

Your Swiss Travel Pass offers you to travel on some of the most beautiful routes and trains that the country offers.

Glacier Express

Sit back and prepare to be amazed!! You are aboard the Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world!!

The panoramic journey on the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps is one to remember. Start off in St. Moritz, the playground of the rich and famous and travel to Zermatt, the home to the world's most photographed mountain, the Matterhorn.

This 8-hour journey takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Along with the eyes, feast your palate as well! Order the meal freshly prepared on board and served at your seat.

All you have to do now is learn more about the route through the Alps via headphone – making sure you don't miss a single highlight.

To make the experience even more special, opt for the Glacier Express Excellence The new Excellence Class sets standards as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route.

All you need to do to avail of this amazing journey is purchase a reservation for the segment needed and then use the same with your Switzerland Train pass

Total journey time: 7.30 hours

Zermatt to St Moritz or vice versa

Along the way: Oberalp pass, Rhine Gorge, Landwasser viaduct

Bernina Express

Go from snow- capped mountains to palm fringed lakes all in a day! Switzerland’s South is arguably the most stunning. It is also the melting pot of its various cultures and languages.

Traverse through this enchanting wonderland of diverse landscapes through towns dotted with castles, lake rivieras and UNESCO World heritage sites on the unique Bernina Express journey via bus and train.

Travel in Spring if you want to see the perfect combination of green valleys and lots of snow in the mountains. In winter, the section from St. Moritz to Tirano is especially worth it.

Book the most famous routes from St Moritz to Lugano via Tirano in Italy on this famous train and bus combination and make your holiday truly special with a discount with the Swiss Pass .

All you need to do to avail of this amazing journey is purchase a reservation for the segment needed and then use the same with your Switzerland Rail Pass

Average journey time: 4 hours

Chur / Davos / St Moritz to Tirano

Bus from Tirano to Lugano

Highlights: 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, UNESCO World Heritage site

Golden Pass Line

A cross-country journey like no other! The 3 train journeys that make up the amazing Golden Pass Line route takes you from the pristine Lake Geneva region, past the Bernese Oberland and into the historical heart of Switzerland.

Start your Switzerland Tour by taking off from Montreux say goodbye to the Mediterranean ambience and the views of Lake Geneva.

In Zweisimmen, be prepared for a treat if you have booked early enough and are privileged enough to get the seats with the drivers eye view. Then sit back and relax on the Lucerne Interlaken Express which passes through amazing lake vistas and the Brunig pass before getting you into Lucerne.

Why To Buy Swiss Travel Pass

• Unlimited Access to Rail, Boat, and Bus in 90+ Towns and Cities
• Free Entry at 500+ Museums
• Up to 50% Discount on Many Mountain Excursions and Rail Travel
• Children Entry Free

How It Works

Select your swiss travel pass.

Choose the right Swiss Travel Pass that suits your requirements in terms of number of days, and class of travel.

Confirmation

Follow the step-by-step booking procedure which allows you to view rates, select total number of passengers and see your total amount payable before you make the final booking.

Make the Payment

After selection of the pass and submission of your details (name, date of birth, email id etc.) you will be directed to the 3D secured payment page where you can make payment by Debit/ Credit Card/ Net Banking/ UPI.

Time to Travel like a Swiss

Once you have made the payment, you will immediately receive a confirmation email from us. You can download your e-Swiss Travel Pass from your email (a download link will be in the email).

* If you need assistance in selecting the right Swiss Travel Pass for you, please contact us.

* If you are travelling to multiple countries in Europe, you can also book rail passes of other countries with us.

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FAQs on Swiss Travel Pass

What is a swiss travel pass.

A Swiss Travel Pass is a pass that allows you to access unlimited travel on a train, bus, boat, and tram across Switzerland’s public transport and provides up to 50% discounts on excursions.

Where can I use my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can use your Swiss Travel Pass in the whole Swiss Travel System : in all trains, post buses, trams & even boats.

How do I book the Swiss Travel Pass online with Swisstours?

• Book your pass on www.swisstours.com by clicking on the Swiss Travel Pass tab on the home page.
• From the list of passes, select the Swiss Travel Pass that suits your travel requirements in terms of the number of days, 1st or 2nd class and consecutive or Flexi days’ pass.
• If you need help selecting the most appropriate pass, contact our specialists at [email protected]
• After selection of the pass and submission of your details (name, date of travel, and other mandatory information) you will be directed to the payment page to make the payment.
• Once the payment is complete, you will immediately receive an e-Swiss Travel Pass voucher in your email as an attachment.

How can I validate my Swiss Travel Pass?

Effective 1st September 2015, the Swiss Travel Pass is a pre validated & closed dated pass.

The traveller will need to provide their first day of use of the pass while making the booking. This date will be printed on the pass.

Travellers must carry a valid passport in order to travel with this rail pass.

What is an adult pass?

A passenger 25 yrs and above is entitled to purchase an adult Swiss Travel Pass.

What is a youth pass ?

A person under 25 yrs can purchase a youth Swiss Travel Pass.

Are there family passes?

The Swiss travel system offers the Swiss family card. This card provides free travel for children under 16 years when travelling with atleast one parent.

What is the difference between a Consecutive-day pass and a Flexi pass?

A consecutive-day pass provides unlimited rail travel on all days for the chosen duration of the pass. This pass is preferred by those who wish to travel every day during their stay in Switzerland. A flexi pass is valid for a specific number of days which can be used consecutively or non-consecutively within a longer period. This pass is preferred by those who wish to travel only on certain days during their stay in Switzerland.

Till what age can children travel free on the Swiss transport system?

Children under 16 years of age accompanied by at least one parent can travel free on the Swiss travel system. Children travelling without parents can still avail of a 50% discount on the Swiss travel pass.

Is reservation on trains compulsory if I have a Swiss Travel Pass?

Swiss Travel Pass is valid on trains operated by SBB (Schweizerische BundesBahn), the national railway company of Switzerland. For domestic trains operated in Switzerland, seat reservations are not required. Exceptions are the special scenic trains such as Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass and Wilhelm Tell Express. For these trains, a supplement and/or seat reservation is required for Swiss Travel Pass holders.

What is the cancellation charge if I am unable to use my Swiss Travel Pass?

• Refundable up to 2 days prior to first date of validity with an administrative fee of CHF 10 per pass.
• Thereafter, no refund. If pass is used or flexi days are activated, non-refundable.
• Once the pass has been cancelled the passenger will not be able to use it.

Can Mountain excursions be bought along with the Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, you can surely buy the mountain excursions online with the Swiss Travel Pass and benefit from upto 50% discounted rates. Once you have purchased your Swiss Travel Pass you can add the desired mountain excursions to your shopping cart and pay for all services at one go.

The mountains in the combo offer are added to the Swiss Pass. Kindly select your number of Swiss Pass days and click ‘Book Now’ to proceed with the combo offer.

A Swiss Half Fare Card is valid for one month. It doesn’t have to be the first day of a month. You can choose any start date you want. For example: you can start the validity period on August 10. In this case, September 9 is the last day you can use it.

Validity ends at 5: 00 AM of the day following the last day.In the above example, validity ends on September 10, 5: 00 AM.

• Once booking is complete, you will receive a PDF file on the email ID entered at the time of boking. Keep that on your smartphone. The file contains a code that train staff can scan. Alternatively carry a print on plain A4 paper.
• The pass is good to use as it has all the necessary information, such as the start date, passenger name, and birth date. Your passport number won't be included on the card. If your name is too long to fit, it might be shortened on the pass, but that's not an issue.
• You don’t have to link your pass to any account, such as a SwissPass account or the SBB App.
• Proof of owning a Swiss Half Fare Card is not required at the time of ticket purchase; it will be verified on board.
• Most trains in Switzerland don't require seat reservations. With your Swiss Half Fare Card and a discounted ticket, you can board the train. However, panoramic trains require compulsory seat reservations.

You must secure your discounted tickets prior to boarding. Tickets can be purchased on the SBB app or website, from ticketing machines at the stations or at staffed rail stations during operating hours.