Is Swiss Travel Pass worth it? Swiss Travel Pass Review

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Visiting Switzerland? Here is a detailed Swiss Travel Pass review to help you narrow down your transportation options (and save money at the same time). We will share how you can use this All-In-One-Transport pass seamlessly with your itineraries. So, is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? We will uncover that and more!

This detailed post also includes the pros and cons of the pass and compares it to other travel cards that are available in Switzerland. 

We will also answer all the burning questions that we have received from our readers over the years – we are sure they will be helpful!

So let’s go ahead,

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? Swiss Travel Pass Review

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What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is a transportation pass that allows you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland. These savings/rides are covered for a set duration of time that you pay for. 

Depending on how long you plan to stay in Switzerland, there are different options available when purchasing a pass – 3 days, 4 days, 6 days, 8 days, or 15 days. 

The Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts on mountain railways and cable cars as well as free admission to over 500 museums in Switzerland. 

So, if you are planning on spending any length of time in Switzerland, this pass can save you a lot of money on transportation and sightseeing. 

Purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Travel Pass Prices

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online before your trip. You can buy it 60 days prior to your travel dates. 

You can buy it online on the Swiss Travel website, or from resellers like Klook and GetYourGuide.

The Swiss Travel Pass can be bought for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. You can choose between the first or second class passes.

Check out the tickets and prices below,

Swiss Pass	1st Class	2nd Class
3-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 369	CHF 232
4-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 447	CHF 281
6-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 570	CHF 359
8-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 617	CHF 389
15-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 675	CHF 429

The cost of your Swiss Travel Pass will depend on the 

• Duration of your visit
• Choice of 1st or 2nd class tickets

Second-class tickets are cheaper as compared to First class. No meals are included. 

As mentioned these rides are unlimited – if you are riding the train for 1 hour or 5 to get to your destination and back, it is all included in the Swiss Travel Pass.  

Types of Swiss Travel Pass

There are 5 types of Swiss Travel Passes, and they are

• Swiss Travel Pass: This is a regular pass meant for individuals over the age of 25 years. You pay for a set number of travel days
• Swiss Travel Pass Flex: This is valid on 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 selectable travel days within one month
• Swiss Travel Pass Youth: Regular pass for those under 25 years. It is a 30% off the Swiss Travel Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass Youth Flex: Valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 selectable travel days within one month, meant for travelers under 25 years of age and is a 30% discount on the regular pass
• Swiss Family Card: To get the Swiss Family Card, you can add a child as a passenger under ‘Add passengers’ when you buy an individual Swiss Travel Pass to get this card (valid for children between 6 to 16 years)
• Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge

The Pass types differentiate based on the age (25 under or above), and the one-month flexibility option. But transportation and sightseeing features are the same.

Highlights of the Swiss Travel Pass

Regardless of the type of Swiss Travel Pass you buy, it features the following 

• Transportation savings card: You ride public transportation for free on the Swiss travel system, for a set duration of time 
• It includes trains, trams, boats, and some sightseeing excursions
• Swiss Travel Pass covers mountain excursions such as Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos. For others, you can get up to 50% discount
• Unlimited travel on premium panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express (seat reservation fees extra)
• Swiss Pass holders also have access to over 500 museums for free

1st vs 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass tickets

When buying the Swiss Travel Pass, you further have 2 more options that can determine the cost/price of the pass.

And that is – whether you want to ride the 1st class or 2nd class.

We have been on both, and here is what we have seen and experienced, 

1st class tickets

Seats in 1st class are nicer, wider, and cleaner in our experience. 1st class seats were designed for business riders and hence the premium price with better amenities (charging ports, coat hangers, etc). 

We found that 1st class compartments were always empty and we were able to pick a seat by the windows and take in the views of the beautiful Swiss landscapes. 1st class windows are also larger as compared to second class. 

1st class tickets are expensive compared to 2nd class tickets, but it is soooo worth it – to sit comfortably, have your own space to work, daydream or even take photos from the comfort of your seat. 

Washrooms were also clean, and luggage racks were almost empty – which is handy when you are traveling from one city to another with bags. 

2nd class tickets

2nd class fare is cheaper and very very popular. 

These are the basic – must pay to ride the train/transport – tickets. You get the same benefits of unlimited travel on all public transportation. 

Being a popular option, you will find seats mostly occupied by passengers including children (we rarely saw any kids in first-class SBB trains on popular routes, mostly work and military personnel or mature travelers). 

Recognizing between 1st and 2nd class trains 

When you are on the train platform, you will see the number ‘1’ or ‘2’ written on the train compartment. 1st class cars also have a yellow exterior. 

There are also digital signs and route information available when you board the train.

You can see these numbers inside the train car as well – at the door, and/or at each individual seat.

In most long-distance trains, where there is a dining car, 1st, and 2nd class compartments are separated by the restaurant. 

Note: 

Quite a few times, we saw 2nd class ticket holders sit in the 1st class compartment (unknowingly), and when the SBB ticket agent came to scan the passes – they made the passengers leave for the 2nd class – even if seats in the 1st class compartment were empty. 

The agents/operators were very clear on this – and they make no concessions – you have to pack up and leave, or pay the difference while on board. 

Keep in mind, when you buy a 1st class Swiss Travel Pass, you will also ride the Glacier Express/Bernina Express or any other train where this pass is valid, on the 1st class as well. 

The same goes for 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass holders > riding the 2nd Class Glacier Express/Bernina Express. 

You can ‘upgrade the ticket’ wherever that option is available when you travel. 

• 1st class option is available on nearly all trains
• Buses, trams, cable cars, and mountain trains or cogwheel rides only have one standard class available 
• Boats have both 1st and 2nd class options onboard

Pros of Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Travel Pass Benefits

Quickly, with the Swiss Travel Pass, we boarded the train without having to pay each time. 

We printed a copy of the ticket and when requested by the SBB operator we showed our pass and they scanned it for us!

We had a 1st class ticket and enjoyed the comfortable seats and compartment. 

Saving money on transportation

If you’re visiting multiple cities in Switzerland then buying a Swiss Travel Pass will save you money compared to buying train tickets separately. 

Plus, it makes traveling easier since there’s no need to buy tickets at every station—just show your pass and board your train right away! 

We saved money when traveling from Zurich airport to the Old town (where we stayed) and later traveled to other cities. Tickets from Zurich to Basel, to Zermatt and Bern, and Luzern were included and made connecting to different places easy.

Also, savings on accommodation 

With the Pass, we saved money on hotels as well, as we stayed in one place like Zurich and booked multi-night stays. 

Taking day trips to nearby cities made it easy for us to enjoy the train rides, without hauling all the bags. 

Now, Zurich to Basel, Luzern, Bern, and Chur – are all located just one hour’s train ride away, which is fantastic for sightseeing. 

Switzerland as a country is not very huge, and you can surely check off all the primary attractions in any city or town in one day – this is also perfect for those on a budget. 

Savings on special panoramic train rides

Swiss Travel Pass also includes unlimited rides on panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina, and the Golden Pass line. 

Panoramic trains are a great way to explore Swiss landscapes, the Alps, and towns from the comfort of your seat. 

With the Swiss Travel Pass, we only paid for seat reservations on the Glacier Express ride, which would have otherwise cost over 267 francs + seat reservations (mandatory for all travelers). 

Here is our detailed guide to Glacier Express review, and how to use the Swiss Travel Pass to save money.

Note: All panoramic train rides require you to pay a mandatory seat reservation fee. 

We are sharing this screenshot from the Glacier Express website, where you can deduct the ticket fees, and just pay for the seat reservation fee (mandatory) and any extras (optional). 

Sightseeing made easy

Swiss trains/SBB are an efficient way to connect to various cities and small towns in Switzerland (without having to rent a car). 

We explored 4 cities, and 2 mountain towns and in Jungfrau, we visited so many small villages – wherever the pass was allowed like Wengen! 

All this was covered using an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass. So definitely worth it when you wish to go sightseeing and include multiple places in your Switzerland itinerary.

See more in less time

You can explore a lot of Switzerland with their trains – regular or panoramic and the Swiss Travel Pass makes it easy. 

The discount on attractions and free access to 500 museums is also a great bonus if you plan on doing lots of sightseeing while in Switzerland. 

Plan and pay ahead of time

Switzerland is an expensive country to visit. But you can keep your travel expenses low by planning and paying for things before you travel.

Just like making a hotel booking and paying in advance, you can save money on all of the transportation with the Swiss Travel Pass, rather than paying on the go. 

If you buy the Pass on Klook or GetYourGuide online, you are also paying in your local currency, rather than paying for tickets in Swiss Francs. 

Cons of Swiss Travel Pass

While the pass can be a great way to save money during your trip, there are also some drawbacks to consider before you purchase,

One of the primary drawbacks of buying a Swiss Travel Pass is its cost. The passes can be expensive, especially if you’re visiting Switzerland on a very tight budget or are a budget traveler. 

It could also be costly for those who are visiting for a couple of days (less than 3-4 days), and not looking to go sightseeing. 

So before purchasing one, you can calculate how much money you would save using it versus buying individual tickets or passes for each attraction that you plan to visit. You may find that it doesn’t make financial sense for you to get the pass. 

Another drawback of having a Swiss Travel Pass is that it only covers regular SBB transportation services – so even if you do have one, there may still be additional costs associated with your trip. 

This can be in the form of seat reservation fees or mountain excursions that are not included. 

However, keep in mind the excluded excursions – you can still get 25 to 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass. 

Be sure to do your research ahead of time so that there aren’t any surprises when it comes time for payment for special mountain passes and excursions. 

Click to view: Swiss Travel Pass coverage map

**We will cover some of the other available transportation cards and mountain excursion tickets below.

Other Switzerland Rail Passes and Train Tips

Swiss Half Fare Card

Swiss Half Fare Card is another transport savings card that you may consider depending on your itinerary. This card is valid for one month, and your discount is 50% off on all public transportation. 

You can check out the Swiss Half Fare Card here

Keep in mind, being 50% off you will have to pay for each ride (50%) when you catch a bus, train, boat, or tram. 

You will have to carry an ID such as a passport along with the Half Fare Card to redeem the discount.

Pro tip: If you have a set schedule like X number of days in Switzerland and you are exploring multiple places, the Swiss Travel Pass is a better option for you. 

If you are visiting for a month or so and have a loose itinerary and are unsure where and when you will be venturing to different cities and towns, then the Half Fare Card makes sense. 

Half Fare Travelcard

SBB also offers an add-on to a Swiss Travel Pass called the Half Fare TravelCard. What it does is that it provides you with the benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass for up to 1 year, and it can be renewed annually. 

You can enjoy half-price travel throughout Switzerland for one year, starting from CHF 185. 

Each ride on trains, trams, boats, etc is 50% off and valid for 1 year. 

• Half Fare Travelcard for Youth is also available, and this is for travelers aged between 16 and 25 years old (which is around CHF 120 a year)
• It also has other benefits such as discounts on car rentals, and other partner services such as Mobility Carsharing, PubliBike, SwitzerlandMobility, and a range of ski resorts

When buying a Half Fare Travelcard, your SwissPass card is valid for several years and your Half Fare Travelcard remains activated on the same card.

Saver Day Pass

The Saver Day Pass is transportation savings pass valid for one day only. This is of course, cheaper as compared to the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Travelcard, but it is good for one day only. 

You can save more money by booking this pass earlier. 

It is valid on all routes in the GA area – in trains, boats, buses, trams, or post-buses. 

You can use this Pass as an add-on to a Swiss Travel Pass. Let’s say you are visiting Switzerland for 7 days – you can pay for a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass, stay in one location/city for sightseeing for a couple of days, and then add one Saver Day Pass to connect to another city.

How much does the Saver Day Pass Cost?

The Pass costs CHF 29 with a Half Fare Travelcard and it starts from CHF 52 without a Half Fare Travelcard. It is available for both the 1st and 2nd classes.

You can buy the Saver Day Pass on the SBB smartphone app or at SBB.ch. (website). 

Bernese Oberland Regional Pass

The regional pass of Bernese Oberland is valid only in that region. It is valid from Bern, Brig, Lucerne, or any place in the Bernese Oberland. 

This pass works great when you want to explore mountains, ride cable cars, and more. 

Bernese Oberland pass includes free public transport for 3,4,6,8 and 10 consecutive travel days. It also covers

• Free sailing on the lakes of Thun and Brienz
• Free travel on over 25 mountain cable cars

So, this is a regional pass, and it goes beyond the routes covered in the Swiss Travel Pass. 

As an example, the Swiss Travel Pass covers up to Mürren/Wengen. Anything beyond that will be 25 to 50% discounted. 

But it is covered with the regional pass. Here is the validity of the Bernese Oberland regional pass – map

Using the Swiss Travel Pass for your Itineraries: Switzerland itinerary

The Swiss Travel Pass is sold for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days. Here is how you can make the most of your passes, 

3-day Swiss Travel Pass: See Swiss 3 cities in 3 days

• Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, and go sightseeing (free access to 500 museums)
• Day 2: Travel by train from Zurich to Bern (1+ hour train ride) to explore the capital city of Switzerland. Visit museums and other attractions in the city
• Day 3: Take a day trip to Lucerne from Zurich (50+ minute ride) to explore 

4-day Swiss Travel: Glacier Express + Sightseeing in 2-3 places

For an overall Swiss experience, we recommend a 4-day pass, this way you can cover the following

• Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, and go sightseeing (free access to 500 museums). Also, use the pass for the airport ride, and trains and trams
• Day 2: Travel by train to Zermatt or St Moritz to ride the Glacier Express. Use this day to explore either resort towns
• Day 3 – Ride the 8-hour Glacier Express (reservation fee extra), and arrive in either Zermatt or St Moritz. Or cut the trip short to Chur, and then connect to Zurich
• Day 4 – Use it to travel back to Zurich to fly out  

8-day Swiss Travel: Best of cities + landscapes + Glacier Express

• Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, and go sightseeing (free access to 500 museums). Also, use the pass for the airport ride, and trains and trams
• Day 2: Travel to Lucerne. Explore the city
• Day 3: More of Lucerne, and visit Mount Titlis (mountain cable car ride is 50% off)
• Day 4: Travel to Basel and explore its century-old museum 
• Day 5: Explore more of Basel city
• Day 6: Travel by train to Zermatt to ride the Glacier Express. Use this day to explore the town. Matterhorn Glacier express tickets are 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Day 7: Ride the 8-hour Glacier Express (reservation fee extra), arrive in Chur and then connect to Zurich. Chur to Zurich is a one-hour train ride
• Day 8: Explore more of Zurich, and visit Rhine Falls

Other Switzerland itineraries: 2 days in Switzerland itinerary | 5 day Switzerland itinerary | 7 days in Switzerland itinerary

Swiss Travel Pass covers all the train and tram rides in the itinerary above. Extras are – 50% pay for Mount Titlis and Matterhorn Glacier express and seat reservation for Glacier Express. 

Click to grab your Swiss Travel Pass here!

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs

Which special train rides are included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

• Glacier Express: The Glacier Express is a train that runs between the Swiss towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz. The journey takes about 7.50 to 8 hours. Along the way, riders are treated to some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Switzerland. Snow-capped mountains, gushing rivers, lush valleys, and picturesque villages dot the landscape. 

• Bernina Express: Bernina Express starts in Chur (a 1-hour train ride from Zurich), and ends its journey in Tirano, Italy. It is a 4+ hour ride, and you can hop off at different stations. Bernina Express goes through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. 

• Golden Pass Line: This panoramic train route starts and ends in Lucerne. It takes 5.25 hours to complete the route, and it is not a direct train (like the Glacier and Bernina Express). Along the way, you will travel through Central Switzerland, upper Gstaad, and Lake Geneva.

• Gotthard Panorama Express Ride: This is a seasonal ride that combines a boat and train journey between Central Switzerland and Ticino.

Others + Swiss Half Fare Card FAQs

Saver Day Pass vs. 1-Day Pass

The 1-day pass is not available for all, you need to have the Swiss half-fare card to use this pass.

But the Saver Day Pass can be bought as a standalone. You can save money if you have half fare card but it is not mandatory. 

Where to Get the Swiss Travel Pass

You can buy online on the Swiss Travel website, or from resellers like Klook and GetYourGuide. 

Swiss Pass	1st Class	2nd Class
3-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 369	CHF 232
4-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 447	CHF 281
6-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 570	CHF 359
8-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 617	CHF 389
15-day Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 675	CHF 429

Exploring Switzerland by Train: Tips for Train Travel in Switzerland

Traveling in Switzerland is a unique and exciting experience. The country is known for its breathtaking views, charming alpine villages, and world-class cities. 

For those looking to explore all that Switzerland has to offer, taking the train is the way to go! 

Booking tickets 

The first step when it comes to taking the train in Switzerland is booking your tickets. You can book tickets either online or at ticket machines and ticket counters in train stations. 

When you purchase your tickets online, you will be presented with a variety of options depending on how long you plan to stay in Switzerland and where you want to go. 

We have covered different passes and travel cards like

• Swiss Travel Pass
• Swiss Half Fare Card
• Swiss Saver Day Pass

There are also discounts available for students, and young people under 26 years old. It is also important to know that these savings passes are meant for tourists and having your passport handy is essential when boarding or buying tickets. 

Note: There are no high-speed trains in Switzerland (like we see in Italy or Thalys to connect to different countries). There are long-distance trains that can connect to nearby countries or cross over many cantons. But they are not called ‘high speed’. 

If Zurich to Lucerne train takes 50 minutes, that’s the fastest route available. 

Ticketless Travel  

Using an app such as SwissPass or SBB Mobile provides real-time updates on train departures, arrival times, and connections so that travelers can easily navigate the railway system with ease.                                                                          

Travel Tips

When traveling by train in Switzerland it’s important to keep a few things in mind: 

Timing:

Trains are almost always on time. When using an app or checking the departure boards, ensure you are at the station/platform a few minutes prior. 

Tickets – Single tickets or Swiss Pass:

Tickets are checked by the SBB official on board. So ensure you have the mobile pass or printed ticket handy. At times, a passport may be requested for Swiss Pass holders. 

Seats on board:

Whether you board the 1st or 2nd class trains, there are no seat reservations allotted. You can get on to the train based on your paid ticket. 

Ensure you use one seat for yourself, there are overhead bins for luggage or racks available in various compartments. 

The second class is usually busy, and depending on the time of travel, you may hear the operator asking you to follow passenger seat etiquette. 

Seat reservations on special/panoramic trains:

Remember that some trains require seat reservations which you have to pay for, and it is mandatory for all passengers. 

Food on board: 

SBB trains also have a dining car on most routes. You can buy coffee or snacks. Their restaurant is also very nice. 

To save money you can always bring snacks and water with you. 

Play area:

In the second class compartment, there is a play area for children as well. 

Taking trains in Switzerland can be both convenient and affordable if done correctly! By following these tips, you can make your journey around this beautiful country even more enjoyable! 

With great discounts available there’s no reason not to explore this stunning part of Europe by rail! 

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for you?

At the end of the day whether or not a Swiss Travel Pass is right for you depends on how long you’ll be staying in Switzerland and what kind of activities you want to do while there. 

If public transportation is going to play an important role in your travels then definitely look into getting one; they offer great value and convenience! Buy your Swiss Travel Pass here

However, if all you plan to do is stay in one place then maybe consider other options instead. 

Weigh all your choices carefully before making a decision. We have traveled with and without a Swiss Travel Pass before, and definitely enjoyed the convenience and savings it provided. 

Happy travels!

Read other Switzerland travel guides

• Switzerland in winter: Places to see in Switzerland in winter | Switzerland for nonskiers
• Zurich: 2 days in Zurich itinerary | Zurich in winter | Where to stay in Zurich

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