Swiss Half-fare card

frjtb

2 posts
new member

Jun 10, 2010 - 2:15 AM

Hi there

My family (2 adults and 2 children) is planning a visit to Switzerland in July for 17 days. We are still undecided whether to purchase the Swiss Pass or the Swiss Half-fare card. Last year when we visited Switzerland we bought the Swiss Pass and it served us well. But we felt that we did not use it to its full potential as we only travelled in one region only. And so we thought we paid a lot of money for nothing. This year we think we will go for the Half-fare card. The longest journey we will take is from Zurich to Wengen.
Will it be less expensive to use the Half-fare card considering that we will not make long journeys?
Do children travel free with the Half-fare card when we adults pay half-price and when using mountain cable cars?

Is it possible to buy the card from Zurich Airport when we arrive?
Is the Half-fare card valid if we cross the border into Germany?

Sorry for all the questions. But thanks anyway for your interesting site and keep up the good work.

Frans

Annika

7360 posts
expert &
moderator

Jun 10, 2010 - 9:11 AM

Hi Frans and welcome to this forum! A Swiss Half Fare Card can indeed be more economical if you'll be making only one longer train journey and mostly short, regional trips. However, exact calculations should be made to be entirely sure. If you have in mind which trips you'll be making, you can follow the tips in our rail FAQ to calculate which pass is best.

If you purchase a free STS Family Card along with your Swiss Half Fare Card, children up to (and including) 15 years old will indeed travel along for free, even in cable cars and mountain trains. Children up to 5 years old travel for free anyway, as long as they're accompanied by an adult.

The Swiss Half Fare Card can be purchased at the railway station of Zurich Airport. It's for sale online as well.

The Swiss Half Fare Card will be valid until the Swiss-German border. Once in Germany, it's not valid anymore. A map showing the area of validity can be reviewed by clicking the link 'Overview of the network on which the Swiss Half Fare Card is valid' at the Swiss Half Fare Card page.

MySwissAlps.com recommends to read this:
Swiss Half Fare Card prices Discounted tickets for the Swiss Half Fare Card

Last modified on Jan 27, 2020 - 11:19 AM by Arno

frjtb

2 posts
new member

Jun 11, 2010 - 1:07 AM

Ok thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. I will decide accordingly.

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