Half-Fare Pass clarification, Haute Route 9 days

We will be hiking part of the Haute Route, followed with some day hikes into the mountains out of Zermatt. Just wanting confirmation that the Half-Fare Pass is the way to go for this trip of about 9 days.Will our train trips from Geneva to catch the post bus to Arolla at the start and from Zermatt to Zurich at the end be free, with all the cable cars, trains, etc in between at 50%? I've read different information about whether or not the beginning and ending train travel is inclusive. Also wanted to confirm that we did not need to pre-book our rail travel. Merci! Vielen Dank!

Welcome to MySwissAlps, bonniecg!

The Swiss Half Fare Card doesn't get you any free rides. It will provide a 50% discount on your trips, including Geneva-Arolla and Zermatt-Zurich. Please see our Swiss Half Fare Card page. All details, including a validity overview, can be found there.

I think you may be confusing this with the Swiss Transfer Ticket Combi. This pass does provide a free inbound trip Geneva-Arolla, a free outbound trip Zermatt-Zurich and a 50% discount on further trips you plan to make in between.

Seat reservations or pre-purchasing tickets aren't necessary: www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/reservations.

Many thanks, Annika!