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Why should you buy the Swiss Travel Pass
Complete Swiss coverage
If you’re planning to visit multiple cities or regions, the Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire national rail network, buses, boats, and even some mountain railways, offering seamless travel across Switzerland.
Self-paced & laid-back traveling
For those who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace, the Swiss Travel Flexi Pass lets you explore at your own pace and the Swiss Half Fare Card lets you pay as you go, saving 50% on every journey, ideal for families or travelers with flexible plans.
Unbeatable savings
Both the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half-Fare Card offer significant savings compared to buying individual tickets, especially for multi-city or adventure-packed trips.
Extra perks you can't miss!
Enjoy extra perks like free or discounted entry to over 500 museums, panoramic trains, and mountain excursions, making your Swiss adventure even more rewarding.
Swiss Travel Pass types to choose from
Swiss Travel Pass features & add-ons
1st vs. 2nd class
First class offers more spacious seating, quieter carriages, and often larger windows, which is a significant advantage on panoramic routes like the Glacier Express or along Lake Geneva. Second class is perfectly comfortable, more social, and cost-effective, making it the popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and families.
Maximize family & personal savings
Youth passes (up to 25) offer substantial savings. The standout benefit is the Swiss Family Card, provided free with any adult pass, which allows all accompanying children under 16 to travel entirely for free on trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways.
Reservation requirements
Reservations are generally not required. However, they are mandatory and separate for famous panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express) and for specific high-altitude mountain railways (e.g., Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat). Book these popular routes well in advance!
Mountain excursion discounts
While the pass covers many lower-altitude routes, it provides a 50% discount on most major mountain railways and cable cars (e.g., Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Schilthorn). You can purchase these discounted tickets at the station.
Travel itineraries using the Swiss Travel Pass types
5-Day Swiss itinerary for couples
This route prioritizes stunning scenery, luxury experiences, and iconic train journeys, perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Day 1: Zurich to Lucerne. Arrive in Zurich and take a short train to Lucerne. Settle into a lake-view hotel, stroll across the Chapel Bridge, and enjoy a fondue dinner in the old town.
- Day 2: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus. Use your pass for the 50% discount on the "Golden Round Trip" to Mount Pilatus: a boat on Lake Lucerne, the world's steepest cogwheel railway up, and cable cars down for breathtaking Alpine views.
- Day 3: Lucerne to Interlaken (GoldenPass Line). Board the GoldenPass scenic train for a picturesque journey to Interlaken. Spend the afternoon in the serene village of Iseltwald or on a Lake Brienz cruise (both covered by the pass).
- Day 4: Interlaken to Montreux (GoldenPass Line Continuation). Continue your panoramic train journey on the GoldenPass route to the Swiss Riviera town of Montreux. Walk the flower-lined lakeshore promenade and visit Chillon Castle.
- Day 5: Montreux to Geneva & Departure. Take a quick train along Lake Geneva to explore the city's elegant waterfront and old town before you depart from Geneva Airport.
5-Day Swiss itinerary for nature & adventure lovers
This active itinerary focuses on iconic mountain landscapes, hiking, and adrenaline, using the pass for maximum access and flexibility, perfect for adventure lovers.
- Day 1: Zurich to Grindelwald. Travel directly to the adventure hub of Grindelwald. Use the afternoon for a local hike like the Glacier Canyon or to acclimatize with the First Cliff Walk.
- Day 2: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Tackle the iconic journey to Europe’s highest railway station. Use your pass for a 50% discount on the tickets to Jungfraujoch. Hike on the Aletsch Glacier or simply marvel at the panoramic views.
- Day 3: Grindelwald to Zermatt. Take regional trains via Interlaken and the Lötschberg Base Tunnel to the car-free mountain village of Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn. Enjoy an afternoon hike to a Matterhorn viewpoint like Riffelsee.
- Day 4: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Use your 50% pass discount for the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Explore the glacier palace, enjoy the 360° panoramic platform, or opt for summer skiing.
- Day 5: Zermatt to Zurich (Glacier Express Option). For a grand finale, board the Glacier Express panoramic train (seat reservation mandatory) for its most spectacular leg to Andermatt or Chur, then connect back to Zurich. Alternatively, take a direct train for a quicker return.
Frequently asked questions about Swiss Travel Pass types
Is the Swiss Half Fare card better than the Swiss Travel Pass?
The best choice depends on your itinerary. The Swiss Half Fare card is ideal for flexible, pay-as-you-go travel, while the Swiss Travel pass offers unlimited travel and extra perks for those planning to use trains daily.
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on mountain excursions?
Yes, the Swiss Travel pass includes free rides on some mountain routes (like Mt. Rigi, Stanserhorn, Stoos) and discounts (25–50%) on most others, including Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat.
Do I need to reserve seats with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Seat reservations are only required for panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, etc.) and some mountain railways. For most regular trains, you can simply hop on.
Are buses and boats included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, both the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card cover buses and boats on the national network, as well as public transport in over 90 cities and towns.
Can families save with Swiss Travel Pass?
Absolutely. With the Swiss Family card, children up to 16 travel free when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
How do I activate my Swiss Travel Pass?
Both passes can be activated digitally before your first journey. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to select travel days as you go, while the Half Fare Card is valid for 1 month from first use.
Is the Swiss Half Fare card valid for scenic trains?
Yes, you get 50% off the fare on scenic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, but you’ll still need to pay the seat reservation fee.
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass for local city transport?
Yes, both passes include local buses, trams, and even some funiculars in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne.
What’s the best Swiss Travel Pass for a short trip?
For intensive sightseeing over a few days, the Swiss Travel pass (3 or 4 days) is usually the best value. For longer, slower-paced trips, the Half Fare card is more cost-effective.
Do I need to buy the Swiss Travel Pass in advance?
It’s recommended to buy your pass before arriving in Switzerland, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and take advantage of digital activation.