Swiss Half Fare Card vs Half Fare Travel card?

Short summary – read this first

Samsen is planning a family trip to Switzerland and wants to buy the Swiss Half Fare Card. They are confused about whether the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Swiss Half Fare 'Travel' Card are the same and if they can book tickets online using the latter option. Clarifications from other users confirm that they are indeed the same.

Key takeaways:
  • You can book tickets online using the Swiss Half Fare Card through the SBB website at half price.
  • Each adult needs their own Swiss Half Fare Card, and kids aged 6-15 can travel for free with a Swiss Family Card.
  • Always double-check ticket booking options on the SBB site for clarity.
➤ We can plan your Switzerland trip for you. Save time and avoid mistakes! See how it works
InfoAI-generated summary
  • Samsen
    Participant
    4 posts
    6 March 2019 at 10:23:11 #820257

    Hi.

    I intend to buy the Swiss Half Fare Card for my family on our upcoming vacation to Switzerland. Can I book tickets in advance online since at the SBB website, I am getting options of buying tickets in advance at half price for holders of the Swiss Half Fare ‘Travel’ Card and none for Swiss Half Fare Card.

    I am a bit confused as to whether the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Swiss Half Fare ‘Travel’ Cards are the same and whether I can go ahead and order online at SBB selecting the Swiss Half Fare ‘Travel’ Card option.

    Thanks in advance.

  • User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 1 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 2:36:16 #905788

    It’s one in the same thing

    As has been discussed on here before, the fare that comes up by default on the SBB ticket purchase site is the half fare rate, so that should make it easier for you.

    Plan your Switzerland itinerary the easy way

    ➤ Skip the planning stress. We’ve traveled in Switzerland for years and will design your custom, independent journey from scratch. See how it works

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 2 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 5:31:53 #905789

    Hello Samsen and Welcome to MySwissAlps

    Perhaps I am reading too much into it but your “I intend to buy the Swiss Half Fare Card for my family” has me mildly worried. You do realise that you need one Swiss Half Fare card for each adult and a Swiss Family Card for kids >5 <16 years old to travel free, right?

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 3 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 6:02:44 #905790

    Hi Samsen and welcome to MySwissAlps!

    As the experts confirmed they are one and the same. Please have a look at this link for more information:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard

    And as Rockoyster suggested, you also have travel options for children together with the Swiss Half Fare Card: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw issfamilycard

    Maria.

    Samsen
    Participant
    4 posts
    Reply 4 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 6:03:39 #905791

    Oh yes. That I have understood from the websites. Thanks for your response.

    Samsen
    Participant
    4 posts
    Reply 5 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 6:04:24 #905792

    Thank you very much for the confirmation. Really appreciate

    Samsen
    Participant
    4 posts
    Reply 6 of 6 • 7 March 2019 at 6:07:57 #905793

    Thank you to all for clarifying the issue and for the helpful suggestions/links.

  • The thread ‘Swiss Half Fare Card vs Half Fare Travel card?’ is closed to new replies.

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 9050 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.