Berner Oberland Pass - This is how it works

Printing and validating the pass

The Berner Oberland Pass is ready for traveling once you've received it. You will get a PDF file via e-mail, with a code that train staff can scan from your smart phone. Set screen brightness to the maximum.

Optionally, you can print the pass on A4 or letter-sized paper, either at home or in your hotel.

Validation is not required if the pass contains all information (start date, passenger names and passport numbers), and there's nothing left to fill out.

Berner Oberland Pass travel days

The travel days are consecutive. If you don't travel on such a day, it still counts as a travel day.

Tickets

There are two types of trips:

• Trips on routes that allow free traveling. You can just board any train, bus, boat, etc. on such routes. You do not need a ticket;
• Trips on routes that allow discounted traveling. You need to arrange for a discounted ticket at the ticket office of staffed rail stations, from a ticketing machine, or online.

There are many cable cars that also allow free traveling. In such cases you may need to get a ticket as access gates require a specific ticket type. You can get a free ticket upon presenting your Berner Oberland Pass.

Seat reservations

You do not need seat reservations for 99% of all trains and buses in Switzerland. You can just board with your Berner Oberland Pass. Exceptions are some international trains and some panoramic trains. If you need, or want, seat reservations, you need to arrange for them separately. Seat reservations are not included in the pass.

About train seat reservations
About bus seat reservations

On board the train

Once you're on board, you will need to present your Berner Oberland Pass (and the discounted ticket if applicable) to ticket controllers upon request. The controller may want to check your passport as well, to make sure you're the owner of the presented pass.