Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2023

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The Swiss Travel Pass is designed for backpackers, city hoppers, families, and everyone else in between. 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 get these and many other questions about the Swiss Travel Pass a lot.

It can be overwhelming to decide whether the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you. 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. From where to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass to its activation, and from available discounts to the refund policy, we've got you covered. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor to Switzerland or would like 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

How long is the Swiss Travel Pass valid?

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for consecutive periods of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days and must be activated within 6 months of the purchase date.

Where can I purchase the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased on the official SBB website, at SBB ticket offices and authorized resellers, or worldwide through online travel agencies such as RailEurope.

Who’s eligible to travel on the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for anyone with a permanent residence outside of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. This includes any foreign nationals and Swiss people with a permanent address abroad.

It’s important that Swiss who live abroad can produce the following forms of identification while traveling on a Swiss Travel Pass: a Swiss passport, plus a residence permit, driving license, or residence certificate from abroad.

Are there any Swiss Travel Pass discounts?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts for children and teenagers up to 16 years. Youth from 16 up until their 25th birthday enjoy a 30% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass Youth. However, there are no discounted rates for senior citizens.

Children up to 6 years travel for free on all Swiss public transport. From the age of 6 to 16, they travel for free with a parent who is a holder of a Swiss Travel Pass and a Swiss Family Card. The latter is a free add-on that can be requested at a train station or during the online purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass. On the SBB website, simply add the child as a passenger under “‘Add passengers” in order to receive the Swiss Family Card automatically.

Is it cheaper to buy a Swiss Travel Pass in advance?

The Swiss Travel Pass price does not vary between online outlets and ticket booths in Switzerland. But time is money, and purchasing it in advance may save you precious time during your trip. Simply skip the lines at the ticket office and hop onboard public transportation! You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass a maximum of 60 days before the day you want it for, right up to the day before travel.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass refundable?

Yes, you can get a refund if the Swiss Travel Pass is returned to the vendor before you start using it. If you have already started your journey, you may get a partial refund if you provide proof of illness or injury, if you had to stop your trip unexpectedly, or if you have a confirmation from a railway office.

What should I do if I lose my Swiss Travel Pass?

If you lose your Swiss Travel Pass, contact the Swiss Federal Railways as soon as possible by submitting a loss report. They can cancel the pass to prevent unauthorized use and issue a new one at a fee. However, If you lose your pass or it gets stolen, you cannot get a refund.

In the event of sickness or an unexpected accident, can I get a refund for my Swiss Travel Pass?

Unfortunately, travel passes can only be refunded if they are returned to the issuing office prior to the first day of validity. Generally speaking, you cannot change dates of an active pass.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass physical or electronic?

The Swiss Travel Pass is available as a PDF attachment that can be downloaded to a mobile device. We recommended keeping a printed copy as a backup, just in case you run out of battery on your smartphone. Both paper and digital versions are accepted, but it is important to carry a photo ID each time you travel.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at RailEurope

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at EUR 238. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

Buy now

👉 Activation and logistics

How do I activate the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass for consecutive days does not need to be activated. When you purchase your pass from an online travel agent, they send an email directly to your account. You will receive a PDF file containing a QR code the train staff can check and scan.

You may also receive a link in the email that will allow you to add the code to any wallet app on your smartphone. Alternatively, you may print out the PDF on a sheet of paper. The pass is ready to be used if it contains information such as your start date, passenger name, and birth date.

If you have purchased a consecutive ticket, you must fill in your start date during the check-out. Your pass will automatically be activated on that particular date and run for the preset number of days. Once in Switzerland, simply present the pass and your passport or ID to the conductor on board.

How do I activate my flexible Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex must be activated in Switzerland before each day of travel. There is a dedicated website where you have to enter your ticket reference number and name in order to validate the travel days.

How long is a travel day on the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

A travel day on the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is based on the calendar day, allowing for travel within the validity period of the pass. However, remember that travel days are not calculated on a 24-hour basis, and the final day of validity ends at 5 AM on the following day.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass available for purchase for Swiss residents?

The Swiss Travel Pass is unavailable for purchase by Swiss residents, as it is primarily marketed toward tourists visiting Switzerland. It is only available to those with a permanent residency outside of Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein.

What are the alternatives for Swiss residents?

Swiss residents have other options, such as the Half Fare Card, the GA, or other regional passes that may be more suitable for their travel needs.

Swiss Travel Pass Electronic Ticket on a Smartphone — Swiss Travel Pass Electronic Ticket

👉 Benefits and perks

Does the Swiss Travel Pass guarantee a seat on a train?

No, the Swiss Travel Pass does not guarantee a seat on a train. With a valid pass, you can board any train that has seats available, including trains such as the Glacier Express that explicitly require a seat reservation. Contact the conductor to make a seat reservation on the spot.

Are all trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers most of the public transportation services in Switzerland. Some private transportation services may require an extra fee or reservation. Have a look at the area of validity map to see exactly which lines are included.

Are all museums and attractions included in the free entries offered by the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free entry to over 500 museums and other attractions. Some special exhibitions and events may require an additional fee, even with the pass. Download a list of participating museums

Is it possible to travel in first class with the Swiss Travel Pass?

You bet. The Swiss Travel Pass is available in both the first and second classes. Make your choice during the check-out when you purchase the pass but remember that you can pay the differential to first class if you ever decide to upgrade on the spot.

Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express trains?

The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and boats operated by the Swiss Federal Railways and other participating companies, including the famous Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express lines.

Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass for transportation to and from the airport?

Yes, city transportation is a key benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass. It is valid for transportation to and from the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, as well as other airports in Switzerland.

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs - Zurich Airport Train Station — Zurich Airport Train Station

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 enables them to 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 a wide range of 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 having to purchase individual tickets.

Read our dedicated post to find out: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

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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.