Frequently asked questions on Swiss rail passes and railway travel in Switzerland

Do you wonder which train pass meets your needs best? Are you looking for time tables? Do you want to find out whether your children can travel along for free? On this page, we hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions on Swiss rail passes and public transportation in Switzerland. The questions are organized in two main categories: one on Swiss rail passes and one on rail travel in Switzerland. Below, you will find subcategories.

Do you still have questions after reading our FAQ? Of course, you are welcome to post your question in our Swiss rail forum.

FAQ categories

1) Swiss rail passes

Choosing the right pass
Validity and validation of your pass
The costs of your pass
Ordering your pass
Discounts on Swiss rail passes (for children, youths, seniors, etc.)
Your dog and Swiss rail passes

2) Rail travel in Switzerland

Planning and costs of your trip
1st and 2nd class
Seat reservation
Discounts on regular train tickets (for children, youths, seniors, etc.)
Special panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass Panoramic, Chocolate train, William Tell Express)
Taking along your dog

All FAQ

1) Swiss rail passes

A. Choosing the right pass

What Swiss rail pass is best for my Swiss travel plans?
What Swiss rail pass is best, if I want to travel in other European countries too?
What Swiss rail pass is best, if I want to travel within one region only?
How can I calculate which Swiss rail pass is most economical for my travel plans?
Where can I find the Swiss timetable?
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?
If I have a 2nd class Swiss rail pass, can I still make a specific trip in 1st class?

Is my Swiss rail pass valid at this trip?
Is my Swiss rail pass valid in this special (panoramic) train (for example Glacier Express or Bernina Express)?
How long is my Swiss rail pass valid?
Do the valid days of my Swiss rail pass have to be consecutive?
How should I validate my pass?

C. The costs of your pass

How much does my Swiss rail pass cost?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for children, youths, seniors, etc.?
How can I calculate which Swiss rail pass is most economical for my travel plans?
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class in public transportation in Switzerland?
If I have a 2nd class Swiss rail pass, can I still make a specific train trip in 1st class?

D. Ordering your pass

Can I purchase my pass online or in Switzerland?
How do I have to pay when I purchase my pass online?
Can I change or cancel the order of my Swiss rail pass?
How long will it take my Swiss rail pass to arrive?
Can I receive my pass at another address than the billing address?
I'm not sure if my Swiss rail pass order has been processed correctly. What sould I do?

E. Discounts on Swiss rail passes (for children, youths, seniors, etc.)

What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for children (0-5)?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for children (6-15)?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for youths (16-25)?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for students?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for seniors?
What discounts on Swiss rail passes are available for groups?

F. Your dog and Swiss rail passes

Are dogs allowed in Swiss trains and cable cars?
Are Swiss rail passes for dogs available?

2) Rail travel in Switzerland

A. Planning and costs of your trip

Where can I find the Swiss timetable?
What are the costs of my trips in Switzerland?

B. 1st and 2nd class

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class in public transportation in Switzerland?
If I have a 2nd class Swiss rail pass, can I make a specific train trip in 1st class?

C. Seat reservation

Do I have to reserve seats for this train trip in Switzerland?
How can I reserve seats for trains in Switzerland?
Do I have to reserve seats for my children as well?

D. Discounts on regular train tickets (for children, youths, seniors, etc.)

What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for children (0-5)?
What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for children (6-15)?
What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for youths (16-25)?
What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for students?
What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for seniors?
What discounts on regular Swiss rail tickets are available for groups?

E. Special panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass, Chocolate Train, William Tell Express)

Do I have to reserve seats for this Swiss panoramic train?
How can I reserve seats for trains in Switzerland?
Do I have to reserve seats for my children as well?
Is the Swiss rail pass I want valid for this special panoramic train?
Where can I find the timetable of this Swiss panoramic train?

F. Taking along your dog

Are dogs allowed in Swiss trains and cable cars?
How much does it cost to take along my dog in Switzerland?