Travel in Switzerland - tickets before boarding?

Hi! I noted some signs in Switzerland saying something like we should ensure we have tickets before we board.

I am just wondering can we buy the ticket from the ticket man (bus, tram, train - noted there are IR and other types, may I know how to differentiate?)

Thanks!

Hi HuiTeng,

Yes, you'd best assume you need a ticket, or more conveniently a pass, before you board any mode of transport. There are some exceptions, like buses in rural areas where you can buy from the driver if you don't have a ticket yet, or buses with ticketing machines on board.

All the train types do not matter to you as a traveler. You can board any train on the route you have a ticket or pass for.

Hi Arno! Thanks!

Assuming travelling by train, any circumstances that passengers are able to buy tickets from ticket man/lady?

By the way, thanks for recommending us to buy Swiss Pass! They are super convenient!!

Always before travel in by train you must buy a ticket.

You can buy it by the ticketmachine or ticketwindow.

When you on board whithout a ticket you must pay a very very high price.....

Greetings from the Netherlands, Brahms

Hi Huiteng-

<<"Assuming travelling by train, any circumstances that passengers are able to buy tickets from ticket man/lady?">>

For many years that was possible, but, a few years ago they discontinued the practice. So, the signs help you remember.

Tickets are conveniently available from multilingual ticket machines, as well as at ticket counters. However, the Swiss Travel Pass is super-convenient. (Not the Swiss Pass which is for Swiss residents.)

If you don't travel a lot by train, Arno might suggest some other pass.

What is your itinerary?

Slowpoke