Dimitri BurkhardThe Swiss Travel Pass is designed for backpackers, city hoppers, families, and railway lovers. It offers a cost-effective way to travel across Switzerland by public transportation.
You’re probably wondering: How much does it cost? And are there any discounts? We often get these and many other questions about the Swiss Travel Pass.
Deciding whether the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive overview of benefits could be a good starter. But first-timers will end up with many unanswered questions, still.
So, we decided to answer them once and for all. We've got you covered, from where to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass to its activation and available discounts to the refund policy. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor to Switzerland or want to plan a Swiss itinerary for your friends from abroad, keep reading for answers to the most common Swiss Travel Pass FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Swiss Travel Pass
Purchase and refunds
What the physical Swiss Travel Pass contains:
How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, the prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex have been increased from the prior year. The prices for both passes will continue to be offered for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days.
| Pass Type | Duration | 2nd Class Price | 1st Class Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass | 3 days | CHF 254 | CHF 405 |
| 4 days | CHF 309 | CHF 492 | |
| 6 days | CHF 399 | CHF 634 | |
| 8 days | CHF 439 | CHF 697 | |
| 15 days | CHF 499 | CHF 787 | |
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | 3 days within 1 month | CHF 289 | CHF 461 |
| 4 days within 1 month | CHF 349 | CHF 555 | |
| 6 days within 1 month | CHF 424 | CHF 674 | |
| 8 days within 1 month | CHF 459 | CHF 729 | |
| 15 days within 1 month | CHF 519 | CHF 819 |
What's the difference between the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?
There are two types of Swiss Travel Passes: the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass. and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Both passes offer unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, but there are some key differences between the two.
The consecutive Swiss Travel Pass is valid for a specified number of consecutive days, such as 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. You can use the pass for continuous travel within the specified days.
On the other hand, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose a certain number of non-consecutive days within one month.
For example, if you have a 15-day Flex pass, you can travel for 15 days within one month, but these days do not have to be consecutive. The Flex Pass is ideal for travelers who wish to have more flexibility in their itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.
When choosing between the two passes, consider your travel itinerary, stay duration, and budget. If you plan to travel extensively around Switzerland and visit many museums, then the Swiss Travel Pass is a good option. However, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is a better choice if you want more flexibility in your itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.
Activation and logistics
Benefits and perks
Swiss Travel Pass vs. Half-Fare Card vs. Supersaver Tickets: Complete Cost Comparison
This is the comparison that generates more confusion than any other topic in Swiss travel planning. Here is a clear breakdown of your three main options:
| Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Half Fare Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | CHF 244–619 depending on duration and type | CHF 120 for one month | Free to buy; pay per journey |
| What it does | Unlimited travel, free museums, mountain discounts, family card | 50% off all public transport fares for one month | Discounted point-to-point tickets on specific trains |
| Flexibility | Board any train, any time, no booking | Board any train, buy tickets at half price | Locked to a specific train on a specific date and time |
| Availability | Always available | Always available | Limited quantities; best prices disappear weeks before travel |
| Who can buy it | Tourists (non-Swiss residents) | Anyone, including Swiss Residents | Anyone |
| Mountain railways | 25–50% discount included | 50% discount on most | No automatic discount |
| Museums | 500+ included free | Not included | Not included |
| Family benefit | Free Family Card (kids under 16 free) | Separate Junior Card needed (CHF 30) | Children pay half fare |
| Best for | Intensive multi-city travel over 3–15 days | Longer stays (1–4 weeks) with moderate travel | Budget travelers with fixed plans who book far in advance |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Half Fare Card | Individual Supersaver Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | CHF 254–819, depending on duration and type | CHF 120 for one month | Free to buy; pay per journey |
| What it does | 4 days | CHF 309 | |
| Flexibility | 6 days | CHF 399 | |
| Availability | 8 days | CHF 439 | |
| Who can buy it | 15 days | CHF 499 | |
| Mountain railways | Swiss Travel Pass Flex | 3 days within 1 month | CHF 289 |
| Museums | 4 days within 1 month | CHF 349 | |
| Family benefit | 6 days within 1 month | CHF 424 | |
| Best for | 8 days within 1 month | CHF 459 | |
| 15 days within 1 month | CHF 519 |
Is the Swiss Travel Pass the same as the Swiss Pass?
Good question! No, the two passes are not the same. Consider the Swiss Travel Pass a golden ticket for tourists, granting them access to various transportation options. Swiss Pass is the former name.
Today, the SwissPass is a chip card and digital account intended for Swiss residents. It lets them load annual public transport passes and other products onto an electronic card.
As a tourist, it's important to remember that the Swiss Travel Pass and SwissPass are two distinct products, each catering to different needs. Adding your Swiss Travel Pass to a SwissPass online account would be like trying to use a library card to buy groceries - it simply doesn't make sense.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Swiss Travel Pass offers many benefits that can greatly enhance your travel experiences in Switzerland.
Key benefits include saving money on transportation, free access to museums, and the convenience of not purchasing individual tickets.
Read our dedicated post to find out: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
Get our ultimate free guide!
Swiss Travel Pass: How to make it work in 2026
The free guide includes a round-trip itinerary starting in Zurich for budget travelers. It “hacks” a three-day Swiss Travel Pass to make it last for a five-day stay…
Got any more questions?
We hope to have answered your pressing Swiss Travel Pass FAQs. If you have any additional inquiries, please leave a comment or send an email. We will research the answer and reply as soon as possible.
Idit
We are traveling to Switzerland in July and our must do is the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur. If I purchase the Swiss travel pass that will get us on the train but then we need to purchase and actual seat, is that correct?
I’m still confused. Three of us are flying into Zurich staying one night. Going to Lucerne for two nights. Then going to Interlaken for two nights. Then traveling to Basel where we will board a Viking cruise. We hope to experience as many things as we can June 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 before we leave on the 28, 2024. Could you please advise what kind of pass we should purchase or should we pay as we go. Of course, we are trying to save as much money as we can. Also, where should we purchase and can we do this in advance?
Thank you for your help.
Marne Burr
964 Woodbridge Drive
Madison, MS. 39110
6018706893
[email protected]