Swiss Travel Pass on non-valid routes

We have the STP, but what will happen if we travel with a train in Switzerland where the STP in not valid?

Do we then just pay the regular ticket price to the person who is checking the tickets, or will we be fined for not having valid tickets?

Hi Bengt,

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on most public transport and mountain transportation in Switzerland. Exceptions are private or tourist trains that you'll find operating in most major towns. In most cases, you have to arrange to get the tickets for these private trains in advance. Usually there is a point of sale located nearby.

You can download the Swiss Travel Pass validity map here: www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/validity

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Anna

No, it didn’t help, but thanks.

I was once on the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg. A family sitting near us had the STP but had not bought the required (reduced) ticket. The conductor charged them for those required tickets and added a very hefty fine (well over 100 SF, if I remember correctly). Considering the STP was valid for half fare and still resulted in a big fine for not having bought the required ticker, I would not want to find out what happens if the STP is not even valid and you don't have any other ticket.

To put the response you have received on a diferent angle, you will have to pay before boarding. Swiss transports are based on the honor system. You can pay on-board on some but not all (definitely not on moutain transport). The map you were privided with explains discounts provided with your pass. Being fined isn’t fun! And taking the place that someone paid for is not either!

Hi Bengt,

If you travel without a valid ticket or with only a partly valid ticket, you will pay a surcharge in addition to the fare. At www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact/my-travelcards/travel-without-valid-ticket.html you can find a FAQ regarding this question.

If you are unsure that your Swiss Travel Pass is valid for a route, better to check before the travel. You can ask us or the train station staff.

Regards,

Ildiko

Hi Bengt,

For non-covered routes you indeed need to get a ticket before boarding. The pages below may help:

• www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/howtouse: see the paragraph "Traveling beyond the area covered by the pass"
• www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland

@pvonk and @LeVoyageur: thanks for your input!