travel pass zurich

Buying A Swiss Travel Pass in Zurich Airport

Have you just landed in Zurich Airport and want to buy a Swiss Travel Pass?

No problem. Just head towards the Zurich Airport train station and you find the SBB ticket office nearby. There you can buy your Swiss Travel Pass directly, with a starting date of your choice.

Related Reading

Zurich airport to city center, where to buy your swiss travel pass at the zurich airport.

To buy your Swiss Travel Pass just follow these directions to the SBB ticket counter:

• Once you leave the baggage claim and customs area look for the Bahn/Train signs
• Follow the train signs all the way to the shopping and food court area
• Take the escalators down to the ground floor
• Look for further signs to Billette/Tickets
• The SBB ticket counter is along the wall on your right (see on Google Maps )

If you get lost, ask for the SBB ticket counter or the way to the trains. The ticket office is right above the train lines, which is why I suggest first following the signs for the train, then the tickets.

Note: Do not follow the signs for the Buses or Trams as that is upstairs and not the way to find the SBB ticket office.

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Guest cards and tickets

In most Swiss destinations, guests get a guest card if they book one night’s stay or more, or can buy one at a discount. Almost all of these allow you to use public transport for free and to benefit from discounts on numerous attractions and activities.

Zurich and its region

Zurich Card : Gives you free travel on public transport in the city of Zurich and the surrounding area, free or discounted admission to 43 museums and many other benefits. 

Cityticket Baden: Book one night’s stay or more for free use of public transport, along with other benefits and discounts. 

Bern region

Lenk-simmental.

Simmental Card : Book one overnight stay or more and benefit from a range of free or discounted offers. Summer and winter vary. 

Bern Ticket : Book one night’s stay or more in the city to get free travel on the public transport network in and around Bern.

Brienz guest card : Free village tour in Brienz and discounts on cable cars and mountain railways and on leisure activities.

Nature Park Card : Book one night’s stay or more and get free travel by PostBus, as well as a surprise gift made of Diemtigtaler wood and other benefits. 

Interlaken Guest Card : Free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations when you book one night’s stay or more.

Habkern / Beatenberg

Guest Card : When you book one night’s stay or more, you can enjoy free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations.

Lake Thun PanoramaCard : Book one night’s stay or more for free travel with the STI bus and PostBus in the Lake Thun region. In addition, numerous discounts on activities in and around Thun. 

Bernese Oberland

Berner Oberland Pass: Free travel by train, bus, boat and many cable cars and mountain railways, as well as discounts with various partners on the selected days. Only in summer.

Gstaad Card : Free use of public transport in Gstaad and the Lenk-Simmental region when you book one night’s stay or more, together with numerous benefits and discounted offers. Only in summer.

Graubünden Pass : Free train and bus travel throughout the canton of Graubünden, as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain railways and leisure activities on the days selected. 

Arosa Card : Book one night’s stay or more for free use of cable cars and mountain railways, public transport and leisure facilities, as well as various discounts.

Various guest cards : with each guest card, you benefit from discounts and free offers.

Lucerne - Lake Lucerne

Tellpass : The card gets you free travel on trains, buses, boats and several cable cars and mountain railways, along with discounts on leisure activities on selected days. 

Seetal Lucerne

Lucerne Region Guest Card : Booking one overnight stay or more gives you numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and other leisure activities. 

Lake Sempach region

Guest card : Book one night’s stay or more to get numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and excursions.

Lake Geneva area

Lausanne Transport Card: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of public transport in the Greater Lausanne area, together with unique discounts and numerous benefits in museums and stores, and other leisure time offers. 

Montreux Riviera Card : free use of public transport and attractive discounts on excursions and leisure activities when you book one night’s stay or more. 

Geneva City Pass : Explore the city of Geneva for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Purchase of the City Pass allows free use of public transport as well as free or discounted admission to attractions and activities. 

Lake Geneva Region

Regional Pass : Buy a five or seven-day pass, and get free travel on public transport on two or three days, and a 50% reduction on the others. Only in summer.

Free Access Card: Free use of public transport in the region and other attractive discounts when you book one night’s stay or more. Only in summer.

Ticino Ticket : One night in a hotel, youth hostel or camp site entitles you to the Ticino Ticket free of charge. This allows free use of public transport as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, boat trips and tourist attractions. 

OSKAR : Can be purchased for CHF 15 when two nights or more are booked (children half price). Guests benefit from free public transport within the Ostwind fare zone, as well as a host of free holiday experiences. 

Appenzell Holiday Card : Book three nights or more to get free use of public transport in and around Appenzell, attractive discounts on cable cars and leisure activities (additional offers vary depending on the season).

Basel region

BaselCard : When you book one night’s stay or more in a Basel hotel, free public transport and access to Basel Guest Wi-Fi and attractive reductions on leisure activities.  

Baselland Guest Pass : Free use of public transport in the Basel region if you book one night’s stay or more, as well as discounts on various leisure activities. 

Aargau Solothurn region

Wellness Pass in Aargau : When you buy the pass you get one admission each to Bad Schinznach, Thermalbad Zurzach and the Sole Uno Wellness World – a total saving of 15%.

Jura & Three-Lakes

Jura Pass : Gives you free use of public transport within the Vagabond fare zone when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as attractive discounts for a wide range of leisure activities. 

Neuchâtel Tourist Card : Free use of public transport in the canton of Neuchâtel when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as free admission to museums, and other discounts.

Vallée de Joux

ValPass: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of regional public transport and discounted admission to several sights. 

Fribourg region

“Passeport La Gruyère” : Benefit by booking hotel accommodation through the regional tourism office. Free travel on public transport, as well as discounts on museums, cable cars and mountain railways, and various activities.

Cross-regional and nationwide offers

RailAway : Benefit from travel by public transport and discounted leisure experiences.

Adventure Card : Free travel on the entire MGBahn network, on BLS trains between Kandersteg, Brig and Domodossola, on the SBB line from Brig to Salgesch as well as on all PostBus routes in the Upper Valais on the selected days, plus various discounts. Only in summer.

Questions and Answers on the Zürich Card

Zürich card in general, where can i buy the zürich card.

In the Zürich City Guide app, on zuerich.com, at the Tourist Information, and at any ticket machine.

How much does the Zürich Card cost?

CHF 29 (children CHF 19) for 24 hours and CHF 56 (children CHF 37) for 72 hours.

Can I buy several Zürich Cards on one smartphone?

Yes, Zürich Cards can also be purchased for several people in the Zürich City Guide App.

From when is the Zürich Card valid?

Your Zürich Card is valid for 24 or 72 hours from the specified date and time. (Example: a 24 hour Zürich Card is valid from 01.08.23 15.00 until 02.08.23 14.59)

Do children under the age of 6 require a Zürich Card?

No, children under 6 years of age do not need a ticket on the local public transportation network if they are accompanied by an adult. However, not all activities (e.g. museums) are free for children.

Can the Zürich Card be combined with the Junior Card?

Yes, during its validity, the Zürich Card is valid as a public transport ticket for the specified zones and can therefore be combined with the Junior Card.

Is the Zürich Card also valid in other cities? For example, can I use it to travel to Lucerne?

No, the Zürich Card is only valid for the specified zones in Zurich City: 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155. However, in combination with a ZVV extension ticket for 4 zones, the Zürich Card is valid in the entire canton of Zurich.

Why isn’t the Zürich Card free of charge?

The Zürich Card is an independent product offered by Zürich Tourism and is self-financing (i.e. it is not subsidized by the city authorities).

How do I buy an extension ticket for other zones?

It is not possible to purchase extension tickets in the Zürich City Guide App . Please use the ZVV app , the ZVV online shop (in German), or a regular ticket machine.

In which areas of Zurich can I use the Zürich Card for traveling on the public transportation network?

The Zürich Card is valid for the following ZVV zones: 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155. See on map .

Can I cancel Zürich Cards that I have purchased or have them refunded?

If the Zürich Card has not yet been activated or is not yet valid, you can ask for a refund. To do so, use this contact form or contact our Support team .

Is the Zürich Card transferable to other people?

No, the Zürich Card is personal and cannot be transferred to another person.

Do you offer a discount for students, seniors, or pensioners?

How do i redeem the zürich card with a zürich card partner.

You should present your valid Zürich Card on arrival or at the cash desk.

I have not received a confirmation e-mail. What should I do?

Please check your spam folder or contact our Support team .

Is there a price difference between Zürich Cards purchased in the app, via the webshop or on location?

No, there is no difference in price. The Zürich Card costs the same wherever you buy it.

Is the Zürich Card valid for boat trips?

Yes, the Zürich Card is valid on the Limmat boats and for the Short Lake Cruises operated by the Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG).

Where can I find the ZSG timetable?

You can find the timetable here: zsg.ch

Is the Zürich Card valid from Zurich Airport?

Yes, the Zürich Card entitles the holder to travel between Zurich Main Station and Zurich Airport and vice versa within the validity period of the Zürich Card.

Does the Zürich Card need to be scanned or validated before traveling on public transportation?

When you purchase your Zürich Card, you will be required to enter the date and time when you wish to start using it. It will then remain valid for 24 or 72 hours from that date/time. During that period, it does not need to be scanned or validated.

Is there a reduction for customers with a valid Swiss Half-Fare Card?

What other special offers are included in the zürich card besides free travel on the local public transportation.

The Zürich Card includes free admission to many Zurich museums, as well as discounts or culinary surprises at many of Zürich Tourism’s partners. You can find further information in the Zürich City Guide App and on zuerich.com/benefits .

What should I do if I a ticket inspector asks to see my ticket?

You must be able to show your Zürich Card in the Zurich City Guide app (QR code) on your smartphone or as a PDF ticket to public transportation ticket inspectors at all times. Please note the zones in which the Zürich Card is valid.

Zürich Card Bike & PubliBike

How much does the zürich card bike cost.

CHF 34 for 24 hours and CHF 65 for 72 hours. The card is only available for adults over 16 years of age.

Where can I buy the Zürich Card Bike?

Only in the Zürich City Guide app.

What is included in the Zürich Card Bike?

Everything that is offered in the standard Zürich Card (see above), plus a 24 hour or 72 hour credit for the use of PubliBike rental bikes (bicycles and e-bikes).

Where can I download the PubliBike app?

Apple Store Google Play Store

How does the PubliBike rental system work?

The use of PubliBike bikes is described in detail on the following website: How it works

How do I activate my PubliBike credit?

When you purchase a Zürich Card Bike, you will receive a personal promotional code for using a PubliBike rental bike. You will find this code on your ticket (PDF or in the Zürich City Guide app under “Tickets”). You can use this promo code to register with PubliBike. The credit is then valid as of immediately.

In order to use the Zürich Card Bike, you need to install the Publibike app. Only one code can be used per app and smartphone to unlock one specific bike.

I activated my PubliBike credit too early. What should I do?

Please contact our Support team via e-mail or Whatsapp .

Can I log in to PubliBike with the discover.swiss login?

No. To use the PubliBike service, an additional PubliBike login is required.

Can I reserve a PubliBike rental bike for the entire duration of the card?

No. PubliBikes must be rented at PubliBike stations and returned to any PubliBike station after each ride. The location of the stations are displayed on the map on the Zürich City Guide app or the PubliBike app.

What is the difference between Zürich Card and Zürich Card Bike?

The services provided by Zürich Card and Zürich Card Bike are identical, except that the use of PubliBike rental bikes is also included with Zürich Card Bike.

Who should I contact if I have problems using PubliBike?

All technical problems relating to the Zürich Bike Card must be reported directly via the PubliBike app. You will receive the necessary help there.

Zürich City Guide App

Do i need an internet connection to use the app and purchase a zürich card.

Yes, an Internet connection is necessary to use the app and buy the Zürich Card.

How do I pay for a Zürich Card that I have purchased via the app?

You can pay by credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

How do I buy a Zürich Card in the app?

To purchase a Zürich Card in the Zürich City Guide App, you need a valid credit card and Internet access. Open the app. On the Home screen you will see the field, “Zürich Card”. Click on that, then work your way through the purchase process.

Is my credit card data stored anywhere?

Your credit card details are deposited with our payment partner, Stripe. If you are logged in, you can also store the data in your Discover.swiss profile. Zürich Tourism is not authorized to store this data.

Will I receive an e-mail confirmation for Zürich Cards purchased in the app?

Yes, you will receive an e-mail with a link to download the Zürich Card in PDF form.

Can I amend my e-mail address or other personal data?

If you have logged in via a discover.swiss account, you can amend your data in your profile. If you are using the app as a guest, your personal data is not stored in the app and can therefore not be amended.

What happens to my personal data?

Your data is stored on the third-party platform, discover.swiss , by Zurich Tourism, and by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) , which issues the tickets.

What happens if my smartphone battery runs out?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your smartphone always has sufficient battery power, so that when traveling on the public transportation network you are always able to present your Zürich Card if asked to do so by a ticket inspector. To be on the safe side, print out the PDF ticket and carry it with you, so that you can show that if your phone doesn’t work.

More Information

Good things to know about the Zürich Card

Benefits of the Zürich Card

Find out why it is worth buying the Zürich Card.

The practical app for Zurich, featuring an interactive city map, up-to-date tips, and a wealth of information.

Purchase Here

The Zürich Card is available at numerous points of sale in and around Zurich or in advance online.

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Zurich card or swiss travel pass - Zurich Forum

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Zurich card or swiss travel pass

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Hello everyone

I would like to understand if getting a Swiss travel pass for 6 days makes sense or zurich card would be good enough.

We plan to do trips to interlaken, lucerne, mt rigi from zurich and chamonix and paris from geneva . Would the swiss pass cover train travels to paris and milan?

We are travelling with a toddler and an infant hence would like to have everything well arranged.

Thank you in advance!

12 replies to this topic

If you plan activities in Central Switzeland ( Lucerne , Mt. Rigi ), you should also have your base there, and not in Zurich.

A day trip to Paris with small children is impossible, simply too far. Simply be reasonable.

Skip Geneva, rather choose Lucerne, and perhaps Interlaken.

Paris as a day trip from Geneva is not really doable.

Regarding passes: Zurich Card is for Zurich itself. Since you plan on visiting lots of places that are not in Zurich that will not help you. A Swiss Travel Pass may be a good option. But that does not of course cover trains outside of Switzerland .

But you first need to rethink your itinerary.

Hello Vini,

To visit Lucerne , Rigi and Interlaken, Lucerne would be a better base than Zurich, to shorten the daily travels. Interlaken itself is not spectacular and if the weather is goodi would look for a tour in the nmountains, especially those of the Jungfrau area (Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren)

Chamonix is a good daytrip from Geneva , if the weather is good. Paris from Geneva is a 3h1/4 ride on high speed trains, eanch way. That means at least 6h1/2 on trains, leaving little time to enjoy a great place like Paris.

Geneva - Milan is another long train ride.

November is not the best month to visit Switzerland: short days, cold climate, possibly bad weather, off season in the mountains. Would it be possible to postpone the trip to next Summer?

What I would do in your place: come in Summer, land in Zurich, have a look at the old city that day and in the evening go to Lucerne and stay in Lucerne, not Zurich. Visit Lucerne and the Rigi. Then leave for a location in the mountains, not Geneva: either a) the Bernese Oberland (Interlaken region), staying in one mountain village or b) visit quickly Interlaken (if you really have to) en route to Zermatt . Enjoy the Swiss mountains instead to go to Chamonix.

Skip Paris, out of your way and finally travel more comfortably from the Bernese Oberland or Zermatt to Milan.

I also agree that a day trip to Paris would be totally impractical with small children, and exceptionally tiring for you. If you still choose to do it, then fine. It's your choice. I understand that 4hrs+ might feel reasonable to to you.

Summarizing the 4 DEs advice, X-Factor style: "Four no's!" :-D

Unfortunately we have booked hotels accordingly so we can't change the itinerary much 😔 we can though work around the places we can see conveniently from these locations. I thought rigi and lucerne are easy day trips from zurich!

Thank you for your reply

Ok, so you have your hotels booked and your dates are definite.

lucerne and Rigi are a very easy day trip from Zurich, as is Paris , so we need to look at how to make this work for you without being too exhausting.

OK Vini, let's squeeze the best out of your fixed logistics.

While in Zurich I would begin to visit Zurich: it's not that bad and, depending of your interests, it offers some special things, as the Swiss National museum for a contemporary introduction to Switzerland , the Lindt House of Chocolate or the historic city center between lake and rivers.

While in Geneva, beside the historic city center, the Red Cross Headquarters and museum and the brand new CERN reception facility and exhibit.

Use the day of the transfer between Zurich and Geneva either for a visit to the stunning medieval city center of Bern or to visit Lucerne and Interlaken during your trip across the Alps on the Golden Pass line.

During the transfer from Geneva to Milan , stop in Montreux for a couple of hours or, if you get up early and the weather is sunny up in the mountains, dare a detour to Zermatt to briefly admire the Matterhorn , the Monterosa and many of the highest peaks of the Alps. A 7h30' long but feasible trip.

I completely agree, but people will go to extraordinary lengths when they've travelled so far.

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Romania and Bulgaria join Europe’s Schengen travel zone but keep land border checks

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Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union.

After years of negotiations to join the Schengen Area , there is now free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place due to opposition primarily from Austria, which has long blocked their bid over illegal migration concerns.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the change as a “huge success for both countries” and a “historic moment” for what is the world’s largest free travel zone.

Travel & Experiences

Schengen agreement: Understand the 90/180 rule before European travel

Question: Twice a year for more than 10 years, I have been flying to Zurich, Switzerland, from LAX.

March 30, 2015

The Schengen Area was established in 1985. Before Bulgaria and Romania’s admission, Schengen consisted of 23 of the 27 EU member countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Around 3.5 million people cross an internal border each day.

Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen zone at the end of 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013.

Siegfried Muresan, a Romanian member of the European Parliament, told the Associated Press that it is “an important first step” that will benefit millions of travelers annually.

“Bulgaria and Romania have been fulfilling all criteria for joining the Schengen Area for years — we are entitled to join with the terrestrial border as well,” he said, adding that it “will offer additional arguments to the last EU member state that has been vetoing the full accession.”

World & Nation

Croatia set to adopt euro currency and borderless EU travel in the new year

As of Jan. 1, Croatia will use the EU’s common currency and join its borderless travel area, a milestone since gaining independence 31 years ago.

Dec. 22, 2022

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called it a “well-deserved achievement” for Romania that he said will benefit citizens who can travel more easily and will bolster the economy.

“We have a clear and firmly assumed government plan for full accession to the Schengen Area by the end of the year,” he said.

The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, has said for more than a decade that Romania and Bulgaria both meet the technical criteria for full accession, which requires unanimous support from their partners. Both countries have agreed to implement random security screening at airports and maritime borders to combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.

“Bulgaria’s full accession to Schengen will happen by the end of 2024,” Kalin Stoyanov, Bulgaria’s interior minister, told reporters on Sunday. “We showed and continue to show to illegal migrants that they should not take the road to Europe through Bulgaria.”

EU countries wrestle with a proposed ban on Russian tourists

Northern European Union countries are calling for a broad ban on tourist visas for Russian citizens, but Germany, among other EU members, demurs.

Aug. 31, 2022

The lifting of border control is expected to facilitate operations at Bulgaria’s four international airports, which in 2023 saw nearly 11 million passengers, according to official data.

The airport in the capital, Sofia, serves as the biggest hub for Schengen flights, which constitute 70% of all flights, airport representatives said.

While the eased regulations are expected to positively impact the tourism sector, members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns about long queues at the EU’s land borders and the impact it can have on trade in the bloc’s single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.

Truck drivers are frequently stuck in kilometers-long queues at the borders of both Romania and Bulgaria. The Union of International Carriers in Bulgaria estimates delays cost the sector tens of millions of euros each year.

Stephen McGrath and Veselin Toshkov write for the Associated Press. McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.

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In stunning reversal, European Union agrees to open membership talks with Ukraine

Dec. 14, 2023

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NetworkPass

Monthly and yearly travelcards for those who travel regularly.

With a monthly travelcard you can travel as often as you like in the zones you have purchased. The monthly NetworkPass is good value for anyone making just three or four journeys per week. Or you can buy a yearly travelcard. With this you can travel for a whole year and save more than 20 percent.

Both passes are available as a personal or transferable travelcard. Personal travelcards are issued on the SwissPass .

>>> Buy your NetworkPass online

Personal ZVV NetworkPass Adult

Transferable zvv networkpass adult.

Please contact a sales outlet to purchase a transferable subscription.

Personal ZVV NetworkPass Child/Young Adult (6–24.99 years)*

Personal travelcard.

The personal travelcard can be replaced for a fee if lost.

If you forget your personal travelcard at home and get checked, you can present it at the counter within 10 days and pay only CHF 5 instead of the full inspection fee.

Local network

A local network covers a municipality (not including the cities of Zurich and Winterthur).

Travelcards for 1–2 zones are available for the cities of Zurich (zone 110) and Winterthur (zone 120).