Possible to change SBB train ticket times?
A traveler named Jcwc is planning to take a train from Zurich to Luzern on May 20th and wants to know if they can change their ticket date or time in case of delays. They are specifically asking about missing a train and whether they can board a later one, or if they must purchase a new ticket for a different date.
- If you miss your train, you can usually board the next one without needing to exchange your ticket.
- For changing dates, you can get a refund if you buy a new ticket for the correct date or exchange it at a ticket counter.
- Be cautious of Supersaver tickets, as they are marked with a percentage sign and do not allow flexible travel times.
- It’s wise to verify if your ticket is a Supersaver ticket before purchasing to avoid time restrictions.
AI-generated summary-
Hi,
If I purchased a train ticket in advance on the SBB website, for example: from Zurich to Luzern on 20 May 2022 at 08:18 is it possible to change the date or time in case my plans change?
Case 1: say I’m late on 20th May and missed the 08:18 train. Can I just get on the next 08:48 train?
Case 2: say my timetable got upset and I need to change from 20th May to 21st May. Do I need to cancel and buy a new ticket?
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Hi Jcwc,
For case 1: A regular single ticket is usually valid for 1 single trip a day, so if you missed your connection you can take the next one: see https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland.
For case 2: It’s possible to get a refund provided you have purchased a new ticket for the right date. Or you can get it exchanged for a new one at the ticket counter. More information from the SBB website.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Anna
Thanks for the helpful reply Anna
I had the same question so thank you for posting! So just to clarify, if I am planning to arrive at Zurich airport at 10am on 7/16, and decide to buy a 12pm ticket in advance to Luzern so we don’t have to deal with the ticket machines at the airport train station, it is actually a valid ticket for Zurich airport to Lucerne anytime on 7/16. We could board an earlier train if we get through the airport faster, or later if we experience delays? I am a bit confused because if that is the case, why doesn’t it just allow an option to buy a ticket that is good for the whole day? Thanks, and sorry for the redundancy, just trying to verify I understand how the system works.
Also, how do you tell if it is a super saver ticket? I am worried I will accidentally buy a super saver ticket because it is the cheapest option and not realize I am limited to that time only. The prices I am seeing for trains from Zurich airport to Luzern are 10-15 CHF. The 10 CHF tickets have a % sign on them, does this indicate they are super saver tickets? If it would be better for me to start a new thread, I can do that but figured it is a somewhat related question. Thanks!
Hi Seru,
Yes, Supersaver tickets are marked with a percentage sign and it’s explained later in the purchase process too. This applies to SBB. Other websites may have different indications. On happyrail.com for example, each ticket has a “conditions” link and if you click that it is explained too.
With a Supersaver ticket, you cannot take an earlier or later train: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland.
Great! Thank you for clarifying.
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