Dimitri BurkhardAre you planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering how to make the most of your journey? We’ll tell you a little secret: choose public transportation. Have fun divulging our Swiss Travel Pass overview. You’ll thank us for all the advice, and you’ll never look back!
In this useful guide, we've addressed some of the most frequently asked questions about the Swiss Travel Pass. And we delved into the nitty-gritty details, including the benefits it offers to tourists and travelers. It should provide a solid Swiss Travel Pass overview to help you in the decision-making and planning.
You’ll first learn about the Swiss Travel Pass types, prices, and purchase options. We then cover all the benefits in detail. And finally, we share insights and expert advice on how to use the pass while traveling in Switzerland.
Types of Swiss Travel Passes
There are three types of passes available:
Swiss Travel Pass
Unlimited travel on a select number of consecutive days
Swiss Travel Pass Flex
Unlimited travel on a set number of freely selectable days within 30 days
Swiss Travel Pass Youth
Discounted pass (30%) for those under 25
The Swiss Travel Pass durations are as follows: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days.
All three types of passes are available for either first or second classes. On certain trains, you can upgrade to first class on the spot. The first-class coaches offer more spacious seats, larger windows, and other amenities. But even second-class coaches are comfortable, and this could be a way to save money for those on a budget.
Important: a valid Swiss Travel Pass does not guarantee a seat on a train. Yet with a valid pass, you won't have to worry about purchasing individual tickets for specific dates. Simply board and train, including those that require a seat reservation, and produce the pass plus an ID document to the conductor.
There is one exception: seat reservations are required on the Glacier Express. And they are strongly recommended on popular lines like the Bernina Express or the GoldenPass Express. Reservations can be made through the respective train operator’s website.
Swiss Travel Pass Prices (2023)
Swiss Travel Pass prices 2023 have been released. For a side-to-side comparison with other rail passes, have a look at the various charts in our Swiss Travel Pass benefits post.
2023 adult pricing for the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass is as follows:
| First Class | Second Class | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day pass | CHF 369 | CHF 232 |
| 4-day pass | CHF 447 | CHF 281 |
| 6-day pass | CHF 570 | CHF 359 |
| 8-day pass | CHF 617 | CHF 389 |
| 15-day pass | CHF 675 | CHF 429 |
Swiss Travel Pass Discounts
Discounts are available for certain age groups.
- Children under 6 years travel free of charge on public transportation in Switzerland.
- Children aged 6 to 16 who are accompanied by at least one parent with a valid ticket travel free with the complimentary Swiss Family Card. A valid ticket could be a Swiss Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass.
- The Swiss Travel Pass Youth offers a 30% discount to those aged 16 to 25, up until their 26th birthday.
Where to buy a Swiss Travel Pass
The easiest way to buy a Swiss Travel Pass is at a reputable online travel agent like RailEurope. The pricing for the pass will be identical wherever you decide to buy it - the customer service experience may differ.
For spontaneous travelers, any train station in Switzerland will issue a Swiss Travel Pass, such as the station inside Zurich Airport.
When purchasing the pass online, simply select the type of pass, the number of days you plan to travel, and whether you want to remain flexible. And finally, input the desired travel class. Once the purchase is completed, you will instantly receive the pass electronically as an e-ticket.
Download a Swiss Travel Pass Map
With such a wide coverage including the entire rail system of Switzerland, it's good to know that there is an overview map available. The official "Area of Validity" map can be accessed as an interactive rail map - or you may download a printable PDF map.
When planning to move around from place to place during your Switzerland vacation, it's important to remember a few key things. You can have peace of mind that using the Swiss Travel Pass on trains, buses, and boats will be straightforward. So, no worries there.
The activation and validity are already baked into the pass if you ordered an electronic version. You must activate each day ahead of time if traveling on a Swiss Travel Pass Flex.
If you have a regular Swiss Travel Pass with consecutive days, keep the attached voucher copy with your passport while in Switzerland. If you lose your passport or the voucher copy, you can visit any Swiss railway station and ask for a temporary travel document valid for eight days from the date of issue. The document costs CHF 20 and must be stamped every time it is used.
Before you embark on your Swiss vacation, take a moment to ensure you can take advantage of all the benefits the pass offers. And a wee bit of crucial advice: reserve those train seats as early as possible, especially during the peak travel season.
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Our verdict about the Swiss Travel Pass
Charming chalets, green pastures, and snow-capped peaks: there is hardly a better way to see the model railroad country of Switzerland than by public transportation. For those wishing to travel through Switzerland smoothly and effortlessly, the Swiss Travel Pass is a perfect fit.
Luc
Kristīne
