This page was last updated by Arno on 29 April 2023.
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Must-knows about Swiss rail tickets and passes

  • Point-to-point tickets or day passes are fine for short journeys on just a few days. In most other cases, a rail pass pays off.
  • Nation-wide passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card are most popular with tourists.
  • Regional rail passes are a good choice if you want to explore just one Swiss area.
  • Even though they’re often called “rail passes”, they’re actually “public transport passes”: they include Swiss trains, buses, boats, and mountain routes.

Rail pass finder for your Switzerland holidays

RhB train with panoramic coaches near Punt Muragl, Oberengadin
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Swiss Travel Pass
Switzerland
Your complete Swiss Travel Pass resource, with a map of what’s included, how it works, prices, discounts, and insider tips.
Rhaetian Railways ticketing machine 1
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Swiss Half Fare Card
Switzerland
Find out all about the Swiss Half Fare Card: how it works, what’s included, prices, and where to best purchase it.
Cogwheel train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte
Berner Oberland Pass
Bernese Oberland
The Berner Oberland Pass includes much more than the famous Jungfrau Region. We recommend this pass if you plan to explore the area between Bern, …

Types of Swiss rail passes and tickets

Train and Fiore di Pietra building at Monte Generoso

Rail passes for Switzerland

The Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Swiss Half Fare Card are the main rail passes for tourists. …
Regional train along Lago Bianco at the Bernina Pass

Regional passes

Learn about the rail passes that cover specific regions in Switzerland: the Berner Oberland Pass, Tell-Pass, Jungfrau Travel Pass and …
Funiculars between downtown Locarno and Madonna del Sasso church

Day passes

The Saver Day Pass and Day Pass can be good options if you’ll make just one or two long journeys …
Point-to-point tickets

Point-to-point tickets

Most Swiss point-to-point tickets include all modes of traveling on the route and are valid all day long. Such tickets …
Frecciarossa train at Milano rail station

International travel passes

The Eurail Global Pass and Interrail Global Pass include Switzerland. Most train rides in Switzerland are free. Selected Swiss cable …
A Glacier Express train near Oberwald

Group discounts

Groups get a discount on their train tickets and passes for Switzerland in some cases. We’ll explain your options.
Ticketing machines in hall of Zurich HB station

Tickets for Swiss residents

Learn about the SwissPass, the GA Travelcard and the Half-Fare Travelcard. They’re mostly meant for Swiss residents. They’re not the …

Practical help with Swiss rail passes and tickets

Scenic panorama train near Rothenbrunnen, Graubünden

Compare rail passes

Picking the best rail pass for your Switzerland trip isn’t always easy. Our guide and free downloads help you out. …
Info desk with queue at Zürich HB

Where to buy

There are many points of sale that offer Swiss rail passes and tickets. Learn which are best in your case, …
Regional train to Tirano at the Bernina Pass

Discounts

Find cheaper rail passes and tickets for Switzerland. About current travel pass promotions, the Swiss Family Card and Junior Travelcard, …
1st class seat in panoramic Gotthard Panorama Express coach

Seat reservations

You don’t need seat reservations for Swiss trains and other public transport. There are exceptions, such as a few panoramic …

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.