To take Switzerland’s public transportation network, which consists of trains, buses, postbuses, boats, and trams, you can choose to get a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Half-Fare Card. On the one hand, the Swiss Travel Pass will give you unlimited rides on public transit for 3-15 days (consecutive or non-consecutive), along with sightseeing and experience perks. On the other hand, the Swiss Half-Fare Card will give you 50% discount when you book your trains, buses, and other transportation tickets. Below we have a detailed comparison to help you plan your itinerary, but you can book any of these passes on the official website here or on Klook here to save money.
In a nutshell
- Swiss Travel Pass. Get this if you want unlimited rides on Switzerland’s public transportation network for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 consecutive days. This all-in pass is ideal for travelers who plan to visit as many cities and towns within a 2-week period; who need to take the train or bus at least once each day; and who want to visit museums or join mountain excursions (admission to over 500 museums and several mountain excursions are included with the Swiss Travel Pass). You can check availability and prices of the pass on these platforms: official website, Klook, and GetYourGuide.
- Swiss Travel Pass Flex. If you want to visit a city or town in Switzerland and stay there for a couple of days before moving to the next one, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex may be more ideal for you. With this, you can have any 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days of travel within one month. For instance, with a 3-day Flex Pass, you can travel from Lucerne to Interlaken on a Monday, leave Interlaken for Bern on Thursday, and go from Bern to Zurich the following Tuesday. This option starts at $367.5 on the official Rail Europe website, but you can book here for only $352 — save $15.5!
- Swiss Half-Fare Card. This option does not include any ride but a 50% discount for every public transportation booking that you make (train, bus, boat, etc.). Think of it as your automatic promo code — you automatically get a 50% discount when you use the Half-Fare Card to book tickets online or buy on-site. (It is possible to buy a Swiss Half-Fare Card and book your train tickets online at half the price on the official website and Klook.) Learn more ➜
Where to Book
Rail Europe
Klook
KKDay
GetYourGuide
Swiss Travel Pass
Switzerland offers a variety of public transport services to travelers. From scenic trains and local buses to boats on lakes and city trams, there are many ways you can get from one point to another, and each offers a different experience. If you want to save money and time on your trip, you can get the all-in-one transportation card in Switzerland called the Swiss Travel Pass. This pass provides free and unlimited access to the wide transit system for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days — perfect for all kinds of travelers!
But aside from being a mobile transportation card, the Swiss Travel Pass also offers a lot of sightseeing perks and other travel deals for museums. Here’s a quick rundown so you’ll know what else you can get by purchasing a pass:
- Unlimited rides on trains, scenic trains (or panoramic trains), boats, and buses in 90 cities
- Access to the following scenic routes where you can view charming villages, scenic landscapes, and mountain sceneries: Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, & Lötschberger
- Free and discounted admission to over 500 Museums including the Swiss National Museum, the Swiss Museum of Transport, and the FIFA Museum
- Free and discounted mountain excursions (Klewenalp, Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos)
- Special pass holder fares on TGV Lyria (France-Switzerland TGV)
- Kids from 6 up to 15 included travel free with a Free Swiss Family Card (terms and conditions apply)
Book a Swiss Travel Pass: Flex, Consecutive, & Half-Fare Card
The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8, & 15 days, but you can choose to travel on consecutive days or flexibly. This is what the Flex & Consecutive options are all about. If you would like to travel between 3-15 straight days, then you can get the Swiss Travel Consecutive Pass. If you would like to travel, stay in a city for a period of time, and hop on to another city, then you’d be better off getting the Swiss Travel Flex Pass. The Flex option provides 3-15 days of travel (that do not have to be consecutive) within a 30-day period. Here’s how much the passes cost:
1. Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive 3 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $273!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for 3 consecutive days, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: Validity starts at the selected date during booking and ends at 05:00 AM the morning after the pass expiry date
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass (PDF e-ticket) with automatic activation on the selected date.
- BEST REVIEW: “[A] MUST purchase pass when [you] travel around Switzerland. It’s very worthy. This pass includes most transports unlimited train and bus rides as well free entry to a few museums. Half price for activities in Swiss that can be purchase in Klook as well. With this pass u only required to pay for the seat reservation if you’re booking Bernina Express. Klook offers the best price 👍🏻 very easy and convenient to use.”
2. Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive 4 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $308!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for 4 consecutive days, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: Validity starts at the selected date during booking and ends at 05:00 AM the morning after the pass expiry date
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass (PDF e-ticket) with automatic activation on the selected date.
3. Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive 6 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $411!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for 6 consecutive days, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: Validity starts at the selected date during booking and ends at 05:00 AM the morning after the pass expiry date
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass (PDF e-ticket) with automatic activation on the selected date.
4. Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive 8 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $445!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for 8 consecutive days, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: Validity starts at the selected date during booking and ends at 05:00 AM the morning after the pass expiry date
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass (PDF e-ticket) with automatic activation on the selected date.
5. Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive 15 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $490!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for 15 consecutive days, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: Validity starts at the selected date during booking and ends at 05:00 AM the morning after the pass expiry date
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass (PDF e-ticket) with automatic activation on the selected date.
6. Swiss Travel Pass Flexible 3 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $305!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for any 3 days within a 30-day period, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and ötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: The 3 travel days can be used within a period of 1 month from the first date of validity.
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass – Flex (PDF e-ticket) with manual activation required.
- BEST REVIEW: “Swiss Travel Pass is very convenient and cost-effective if you are visiting Switzerland for 15 days on free and easy mode. We can change our plan anytime based on the weather and mood. We have also visited some of the museums and all 3 free mountains at Luzern. When booking other mountain rides with Klook, remember to check out if Swiss Travel Pass provides any discount (usually 50%), dont pay for full price without any checking.”
7. Swiss Travel Pass Flexible 4 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $370!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for any 4 days within a 30-day period, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: The 4 travel days can be used within a period of 1 month from the first date of validity.
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass – Flex (PDF e-ticket) with manual activation required.
8. Swiss Travel Pass Flexible 6 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $402!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for any 6 days within a 30-day period, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: The 6 travel days can be used within a period of 1 month from the first date of validity.
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass – Flex (PDF e-ticket) with manual activation required.
9. Swiss Travel Pass Flexible 8 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $440!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for any 8 days within a 30-day period, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: The 8 travel days can be used within a period of 1 month from the first date of validity.
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass – Flex (PDF e-ticket) with manual activation required.
10. Swiss Travel Pass Flexible 15 Days
- PRICE: Book here starting at $515!
- INCLUSIONS: Unlimited train, boat, and bus rides for any 15 days within a 30-day period, Access to scenic routes (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Chocolate Train, Centovalli Express, and Lötschberger), free admission to 500+ museums and exhibits, & discounts on mountain excursions
- VALIDITY: The 15 travel days can be used within a period of 1 month from the first date of validity.
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Pass – Flex (PDF e-ticket) with manual activation required.
Looking for a cheaper alternative to the Flex or Consecutive options? If you’re traveling on a budget or don’t necessarily need unlimited train rides for a specific number of days, you can also book the following Swiss Travel Pass:
11. Swiss Travel Pass Half-Fare Card
- PRICE: Book here starting at $133!
- INCLUSIONS: 50% discount on tickets for regular and premium trains, buses, and boats
- VALIDITY: One (1) calendar month
- PASS TYPE: Mobile Swiss Travel Half-Fare Pass that can be applied on both online and offline ticket purchases
- BEST REVIEW: “Easy to use, only show QR when there is a ticket check! Smooth process buying, redeeming and using it throughout my trip in Switzerland! It is value for money, saving almost 50% for those attractions and transportation fare! Must buy!”
How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass
After booking your Swiss Travel Pass, check out how to activate it below:
1. Consecutive Pass
The consecutive pass option of the Swiss Travel Pass does not need to be activated separately. After booking, the pass will automatically be activated on your selected date. To enjoy the free and included rides, all you need is to show your mobile ticket. (Note that some trains and other modes of transportation require a prior seat reservation using your Swiss Travel Pass details. Additional booking fees may apply.)
2. Flexible Pass
The Flex option requires a separate activation. Here are the quick and easy steps:
- You will receive a purchase receipt via email.
- Visit activateyourpass.com and enter the booking reference number on your purchase receipt.
- Enter other traveler details to complete the activation.
Once your Swiss Travel Pass Flex has been updated, simply show your mobile pass to redeem your free rides. (Note that some trains and other modes of transportation require a prior seat reservation using your Swiss Travel Pass details. Additional booking fees may apply.)
Swiss Travel Pass Sample Itinerary
Where can you go and what are the experiences that await you when you book the mobile Swiss Travel Pass? Here are just a few to help you get started with your itinerary!
1. Bernina Express
With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can take this panoramic train that travels through the heart of the UNESCO-listed site of the Rhaetian Railway. The iconic red train offers unmissable and film-like views of mountains, glaciers, and palm trees!
2. Titlis
Tick off this must-visit mountain of adventure on your travel bucket list! With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can enjoy 50% off on tickets for an independent cableway trip from Engelberg to the top of the Titlis.
3. Glacier Express
Take the world’s slowest express train and capture the beauty of St. Moritz, Rhine Gorge, the Oberalp Pass, and Europe’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn in Zermatt!
4. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Use your Swiss Travel Pass to get to Jungfraujoch, the glacier saddle that connects the Jungfrau and the Mönch.
5. Lake Lucerne
Last but definitely not least on this list is the boat cruise on Lake Lucerne! Enjoy the scenic ride on the waters of the lake without paying any extra fees with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? Check out these reviews!
With over 100,000 bookings and a near-perfect 4.9/5 rating from some 5,000 Klook users, the Swiss Travel Pass is definitely a highly recommended transport pass! A customer who left a review for the 4-day consecutive Swiss pass said that it is a “great way to travel across Switzerland” and that they “… did not have to worry about buying tickets” and got “access to some special trains along with many discounts to different peaks.”
Another customer who booked the Swiss Travel Pass wrote the following review: “I bought this for the first time when I was visiting Switzerland for 4 days and now I am repeating the order after a month to return back to Switzerland. This pass is phenomenal as it covers bus and trams and all trains except the ones going all the way to the top of the mountains. It’s unlimited ride and it saves the hassle to go to the machine to purchase tickets like the Swiss half fare. For short trips in Switzerland it’s definitely worth it.”
FAQ: Swiss Travel Pass
Curious about a thing or two about the Swiss Travel Pass Flex or Consecutive? Check out the most commonly-asked questions below!
1. Who can get a discounted Swiss Travel Pass?
Youth travelers aged 16-24 get a 30% off on Swiss Travel Pass! Book the option here.
2. What is the Swiss Family Card?
The Swiss Family Card is a family-friendly pass that allows children 6-15 years old to travel for free when accompanied by at least 1 parent (including step and foster parents) who has a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or Swiss Half Fare Card. You will automatically get a Swiss Family Card when you book at least 1 adult option and 1 child option here.
3. Do I need to make seat reservations even with a Swiss Travel Pass?
While you will be able to hop on most local and regional trains without making a seat reservation, scenic trains, night trains, international trains, and high-speed trains almost always require a reservation. Find more details here.