Swiss Travel Pass: price, ID, digital vs print out
A traveler named orangej has questions about the Swiss Travel Pass, including its pricing, currency fees when purchasing, passport requirements, and the best ways to keep the pass secure. They want to know whether the price changes closer to their trip and how to manage their passport while traveling.
- The price of the Swiss Travel Pass is generally fixed, but promotions can affect this.
- When purchasing from the SBB website, check your bank's foreign transaction fees.
- You must carry your physical passport, as copies are not accepted for ticket verification.
- It's advisable to download the pass to your phone and also keep a paper copy for backup.
- Buying the pass online is convenient and typically faster than purchasing at the airport.
AI-generated summary-
Hi everyone,
I just had a few questions on the STP:
1.Is the price of the pass fixed no matter when you purchase it before your trip? Or is it more expensive closer to your trip dates?
2. If we purchase from SBB ch site – will we be charged foreign exchange fees on our credit card?
3. Do you need to provide your passport with the ticket to board the trains? Is a photo of the passport enough for those who don’t carry it around all the time?
4. Do you recommend downloading the pass to the phone and having a photocopy on paper?
Thanks
-
1. Prices may vary when there is a promo on. Otherwise the price stays fixed
2. if you are normally charged fees by your bank, that will be the same for ticket purchases
3. You are required to have your passport on your person (technically you should carry it at all times as a non resident). Trains are ‘walk on’ – just show your valid pass when a train conductor requests it
4. Yes that is good practice
Hello orangej,
Thank you for your questions regarding the Swiss Travel Pass: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass
Please find to follow:
1. Prices are set for the year 2023, unless yes, a promotion is offered. You can view all information on the Swiss Travel Pass including prices, where to buy and promotions (if any) in the above link.
2. Correct, if you are currently being charged by your credit card company for foreign transactions, it is likely you will be charged when purchasing tickets on the SBB website.
3. There is no ticket control when you board your train. Inspections normally take place once you are enroute. In your case, if asked, you would need to show your Swiss Travel Pass and most likely your passport as identification.
4. Yes, this would be a good idea, incase for whatever reason, your phone is not working.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you both for the quick responses!
Would a photo of the passport do? Is there a reason non residents need to carry it around as from my understanding most tourists do not to avoid losing them.
It is so that you can prove your identity if requested to do so my an official.
I always carry my passport with me.
Hi Orangej,
Some additional tips: note that the SBB ch website is geared to residents. You can buy there, but it’s more complex, payment issues do occur from time to time, and support is often harder to reach from abroad. If you want to purchase from SBB, then use their tourist webshop instead. It is included in the overview here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price. You also find other purchase options there (all trusted), that may offer the pass in your own currency. That can save you money in some cases, but you need to check that for yourself as all banks have different fees and different exchange rates.
Thank you everyone for your responses!
Once purchased, do we need to activate or can I use it immediately upon arrival?
Hi orangej,
The Swiss Travel Pass is ready for use upon arrival. No activation is required. You can find more information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/howtouse
Regards,
Anna
Hi Anna, do you recommend buying the pass online ahead of time or can I buy it when I arrive at the airport? I see that it requires you to enter a date (day 1 of when I plan to start using it). If I purchase online, will I receive the ticket via email immediately?
Hello orangej,
You can do both – at the rail station at the airport or online. Online purchase is very convenient and yes, you will receive the pass via email, shortly after purchase. You can then immediately digitally store it on your mobile phone or print it out. In case you needed some online resellers, see the link below.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Hello orangej
You must show your physical passport whenever you are asked to show your ticket. Kindly note, passport copies are not accepted as they are not tamper-proof.
Regards,
Roland
Thanks Roland.
Hi Yolanda,
Do Swiss Travel Passes get sold out? Is there a limitation to how many travellers can buy in a time period. I’m thinking of buying it at the airport in Zurich (if available) so was wondering if this would be an issue.
Thanks
Hi Orangej,
They don’t get sold out. It’s quicker and safer to buy online though. You’ll skip the queue that might be there, and you’ll get a digital version you’ll have copies of. You can’t lose it unlike the paper version. Please see http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price and the links given above for how it works.
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