Using Swiss Half Fare Card on Postbus
A traveler named Tourgypsy is preparing for their trip to Switzerland and is confused about how to purchase bus tickets using their Swiss Half Fare Card, particularly at remote stops. They are looking for clear advice on ticket buying procedures before boarding the bus.
- Download the SBB Mobile App to buy bus tickets on the go without needing to enter your Swiss Half Fare Card details.
- Ticket prices in the SBB timetable are half-price by default, so you don’t need to worry about entering your card number to get discounts.
- You can often buy bus tickets online before boarding or at the bus stop, but for certain scenic routes, seat reservations are required.
- Set up mobile payment in the SBB app by registering as a new user; you don’t need to be a SwissPass user.
AI-generated summary-
OK, I’ve purchased my Swiss Half Fare Card. However, the instructions say that I cannot enter in the Swiss Pass (as it’s only a month). So, how does one go about purchasing bus tickets when you’re at a remote bus stop? It seems to read that you should purchase the ticket BEFORE you board the bus. Confused.
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Hi Tourgypsy,
Perhaps you can download the SBB Mobile App. This way you can buy your tickets on the go. You don’t need to key in your Swiss Half Fare Card details. Just make sure you have it when you’re asked to show it. I hope this clears your confusion.
Let us know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Anna
Yes, I have the app downloaded. Just thought I would need to have the Half Fare Card number in the app for it to actually give me the discounted price. Guess I’m good to go – only 52 days to go. Ha-ha.
Hi Tourgypsy,
The ticket prices on the SBB timetable are half-price by default. You can find more information about how to use the timetable here: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable
Have a good trip!
Regards,
Anna
Hi Tourgypsy! The ‘SwissPass’ account that’s visible in the SBB app is mainly for Swiss residents, allowing them to enter their SwissPass number. That’s different from the Swiss Travel Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass) and Swiss Half Fare Card (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard) for tourists though and I understand that’s confusing! The difference is explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/swisspass.
As for bus tickets: in most cases you can get them online before boarding. In some cases you can also get your (discounted) ticket at the bus stop or from the driver. It’s explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/bus/tickets. Mind that you need seat reservations for a limited number of bus trips, mainly the longer scenic ones over mountain passes: http://www.myswissalps.com/bus/reservations.
I know I’m missing something. I can’t find anywhere to store my payment information in the app. Will I have to carry my credit card numbers separately and add both those and personal information each time I need a ticket?
Hi Tourgypsy,
After you download the SBB mobile app, you can go to settings to register as a new user and set up your mobile payment. You don’t have to be a SwissPass user to set up an account (click the non SwissPass option).
Also, I noticed that some international travellers have problems registering their credit cards. Most often this has to do with the type of credit cards used and whether the cards are 3D secure for extra safety. So do check with your credit card provider if you encounter this problem.
Regards,
Anna
Thanks so much. I’ve finally figured it out.
That’s great. Thanks for the update.
Anna
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