FAQ's
Here you will find answers about the Swiss Travel Pass and other rail passes for Switzerland – including validity, benefits, prices and how to use them on public transport (train, bus and boat).
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General Info
Your pass is valid on the official Swiss Travel System network.
- Some mountain railways and private lines are only partially included or offer discounts instead of free travel.
Yes. Most passes include city transport such as buses, trams, and local trains in many Swiss cities.
Yes. Many lake cruises are included or discounted. However, for premium or special cruises, you sometimes pay a surcharge.
Yes. The Swiss PostBus network (yellow buses) is generally included in the validity area.
For the section of the route that is not covered by your pass, simply buy a separate ticket.
This depends on the offer. With the free Swiss Family Card, children from 6 to under 16 travel for free. Children under 6 travel free anyway.
For dogs, you need a Dog Day Pass (approx. CHF 25) or a half-fare ticket.
- Small dogs (up to 30 cm): Travel for free if they remain in a transport carrier.
Swiss Travel System passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Flex, Half Fare Card) are only available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
No. You receive all tickets as PDF e-tickets with a QR code.
- Simply show the ticket on your smartphone.
- Printing is only needed as a backup.
Once issued, tickets are generally non-refundable.
- Exception: With the Flex Cancellation Option, you can cancel up to 1 day before the start date.
- Always check your booking confirmation.
Practical Tips
Yes. Switzerland is very safe. However, always keep valuables with you and do not leave your luggage unattended.
The staff scans your QR code and checks your ID if necessary. Keep both ready during the journey.
Yes. You sit in any free seat in your class, as long as it is not marked as reserved.
Many trains and stations are barrier-free. You can organize assistance services in advance via SBB.
You place your luggage on the racks above the seats or in special luggage areas at the end of each carriage.
You only need internet to download the ticket. Once it is saved on your device, you need no internet connection during the journey.
Yes. Since the pass is personal, train staff may ask for a valid passport or ID to verify your identity.
You cannot upload your Swiss Travel Pass into the app. Use the app for timetables and journey planning. If you have a Swiss Half Fare Card, simply select this option when buying tickets in the app.
No. On regular InterCity or regional trains, reservations are not required. You only strictly need them for panoramic trains like the Glacier Express.
Yes. You buy a class upgrade for a specific route and pay only the difference between 2nd and 1st class.
Swiss Travel Pass
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass provides free entry to more than 500 museums across Switzerland during its validity period.
You can use the Swiss Travel Pass by simply showing the pass on your mobile device or printed version during ticket inspections on trains, buses, boats, and mountain routes.
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online as a mobile ticket or as a printable PDF through authorized retailers such as Swiss-Pass.ch.
The Swiss Travel Pass is worth it if you plan to make multiple long-distance journeys, visit several cities, or enjoy museum access and selected mountain excursions.
Seat reservations are not included in the Swiss Travel Pass. They are only required for certain panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express.
The Swiss Travel Pass includes full access to some mountain routes and discounts of up to 50% on many iconic peaks such as Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Schilthorn.
The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days in 1st or 2nd class.
The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel during its validity period; choose between 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days.
Children under 6 travel free of charge. Children aged at least 6 and under 16 travel free with the Swiss Family Card. Youth under 25 get 30% discount.
The Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel by train, bus, boat, plus free admission to over 500 museums and selected mountain excursions.
Swiss Travel Pass Flex
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex includes free access to some mountain excursions and discounts of up to 50% on many others across Switzerland on activated travel days.
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex provides free entry to more than 500 museums across Switzerland on activated travel days.
Travel days for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex must be activated online before boarding by selecting the date in your SwissPass account or through your retailer’s activation link.
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex can be purchased online as a mobile ticket or printable PDF through authorized retailers such as Swiss-Pass.ch.
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is worth it if you plan flexible travel days, long-distance trips, or visits to several cities, museums, and mountain excursions across Switzerland.
Seat reservations are not included in the Swiss Travel Pass Flex and are only required for certain panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express.
The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days, whereas the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose your unlimited travel days freely within one month.
Children under 6 travel free of charge. Children aged 6-16 travel free with the Swiss Family Card (if with parent). Unaccompanied children get 50% discount. Youth under 25 save 30% (Swiss Travel Pass Youth).
No, there is no discount for senior citizens.
Activate your pass on activateyourpass.com before your trip. Activated days create a valid ticket. Can be deactivated/changed up to 1 day before. Link: activateyourpass.com
Swiss Half Fare Card
Children with the free Swiss Family Card travel for free; otherwise, a 50% discount applies.
The Swiss Half Fare Card can be refunded before the start date according to the seller’s refund rules.
No activation is required; the card is valid from the selected start date.
The Swiss Half Fare Card is worth it if you plan to take multiple train, bus, boat, or mountain rides during your stay in Switzerland.
The Swiss Half Fare Card provides 50% discounts on most cable cars throughout Switzerland.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card offers 50% off long-distance trains, including InterCity and regional services.
The Swiss Half Fare Card provides 50% discounts on most mountain railways and cable cars across Switzerland.
Children under 6 travel free. Children 6-16 travel free with Swiss Family Card (if with parent). Unaccompanied children need separate ticket.
No, there is no discount for senior citizens.
Allows purchasing unlimited half-price tickets for trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways for one month.
Berner Oberland Pass
Many routes are fully included, while some sections are discounted depending on the operator.
Yes, the pass can be used digitally on a mobile device and does not need to be printed.
Yes, discounts are available with the Half Fare Card. The Swiss Travel Pass usually makes the Regional Pass unnecessary as it covers different validity areas.
Children under 6 travel free. Children with a Swiss Family Card (6–15) also travel free. Others require a discounted child pass.
You enjoy the free ride from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren. You will receive a 50% reduction on the connecting ticket to the Schilthorn.
Yes, unlimited boat travel on Lakes Thun and Brienz is included.
The Regional Pass "Bernese Oberland" is a personal ticket and is not transferable.
The Regional Pass Berner Oberland does not include the Jungfraujoch, but pass holders receive a discount on the connecting ticket from Eigergletscher.
You can exchange the purchased Regional Pass, provided that the new Regional Pass is valid for a longer period.
The Schilthorn is not fully included, but pass holders receive discounts on certain sections depending on the season.
Lucerne Travel Pass
No. You must purchase a separate ticket for your bicycle for the respective route in addition to the Lucerne Travel Pass.
No. You cannot obtain winter sports day passes with the Lucerne Travel Pass.
No. For safety reasons or maintenance work, some railways are closed in winter or operate on modified schedules. Always check the winter timetable beforehand.
No. General cancellation of the Lucerne Travel Pass is not possible.
- Exception: In the event of illness or an accident, go to your point of sale and present a medical certificate. You will receive a pro-rata refund.
Travelers with disabilities can take a companion or a guide dog with them for free.
- Requirements: Residence in Switzerland, an official disability card, and the need for assistance. One of the two needs a valid Lucerne Travel Pass.
- Important: Foreign disability cards do not entitle you to free accompaniment or discounts with the Lucerne Travel Pass.
Yes. You can travel on the entire network with the Lucerne Travel Pass as often as you like.
Generally, no. However, when it's busy during peak season, reservations are recommended for the following railways:
- Brienz-Rothorn Railway
- Pilatus Railways
- Stanserhorn Cabrio
Important: Reservation fees are not included in the Lucerne Travel Pass.
The Lucerne Travel Pass is your regional excursion ticket for Central Switzerland and the Lake Lucerne Region.
- Free travel by train, bus, and boat.
- Includes rides on numerous mountain railways and cable cars.
- Unlimited travel across the entire regional network.
You choose between 3, 4, 5, or 10 days for the Lucerne Travel Pass.
Yes. The days run consecutively. You cannot split them up.
Jungfrau Travel Pass
Yes, unlimited travel to Schynige Platte is included.
Yes, the Mürren cableway and connecting trains are included.
Yes, the pass can be used digitally on a smartphone without printing.
No, the pass is personal and non-transferable.
Yes, Half Fare Card holders receive a discount when purchasing the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Yes, unlimited travel on the Eiger Express gondola is included.
Yes, the cable car to First is included in the pass.
Children 6-16 fixed price CHF 30. Under 6 free. Swiss Family Card is NOT valid. No youth discount.
No, it is not valid.
Matterhorn Paradise
Your ticket includes the ascent and descent as well as:
- Entry to the Glacier Palace
- Free access to the Cinema Lounge
- Visit to the InfoCube (Trockener Steg)
Yes. For health reasons, children under 3 years are not allowed to travel to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, as the altitude (3,883 meters) can be dangerous for them.
No. There is free seating in the cabins and cable cars of Zermatt Bergbahnen. Reservations are not possible.
Partially. The ride in the gondolas and the arrival at the mountain station are wheelchair accessible. However, you can reach the highest viewing platform only via stairs.
Yes. Children under 9 years travel for free. Children between 9 and 15 years travel for free with the Swiss Family Card, provided a parent accompanies them.
Yes. With the Flex Cancellation Option, you cancel your ticket for free up to 1 day before validity and receive 100% of the amount back.
Start at the valley station in Zermatt. Take the Matterhorn Express to the Trockener Steg middle station. Change there to the large aerial cableway or the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, which takes you to the summit.
The ride from Zermatt to Europe's highest mountain station takes approx. 40 minutes each way.
The cable cars run year-round. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open 365 days a year. Check the current timetable for exact operating hours beforehand.
Yes. You only pay half price (50% discount) if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or a Swiss Half Fare Card.
Gornergrat
Zermatt is car-free. Here is how you travel:
- By train: Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn directly to Zermatt station.
- By car: Park at the Matterhorn Terminal in Täsch. Take the 12-minute shuttle train from there.
The valley station of the Gornergrat Railway is right opposite Zermatt station.
The ride takes exactly 35 minutes each way. You reach the summit at 3,089 meters directly without changing trains.
For the best view of the Matterhorn during the ascent, choose a seat on the right side in the direction of travel.
Yes. You can get off at any intermediate station (like Riffelalp or Riffelberg). However, each route section can only be traveled once per direction (ascent or descent).
Yes. You get a 50% discount if you hold one of these passes on your travel day:
- Swiss Travel Pass
- Swiss Travel Pass Flex
- Swiss Half Fare Card
Simply select the corresponding option when buying.
A return ticket (Zermatt – Gornergrat) is valid for 10 days from the selected travel date.
Yes. If you selected the Flex Cancellation Option, you can cancel your ticket for free up to 1 day before validity. You receive a full refund. Fees apply without this option.
No. There is free seating. Book a Priority Boarding Ticket to board 3 minutes before everyone else and secure your seat.
Yes. Dogs travel for free. Please keep your dog on a leash and make sure it does not sit on the seats.
Yes. Here is how it works:
- Trains: Every train has low-floor cars for easy boarding.
- Summit: The Kulmhotel and the "ZOOOM the Matterhorn" exhibition are wheelchair accessible.
- Stations: Getting off at Riffelalp and Riffelberg is easily possible.
Jungfraujoch
Your ticket includes the return journey and entry to the top attractions on the summit:
- Sphinx Observation Terrace
- Ice Palace
- Alpine Sensation (experience tour)
Yes. From May to October, a seat reservation is mandatory. In other months, it is highly recommended. Book your seat separately directly with Jungfrau Railways (not included in the ticket price).
Yes. It is best to choose the arrival with the Eiger Express from Grindelwald. This route is fully wheelchair accessible. For the classic route via Kleine Scheidegg, you must register by phone in advance.
Yes. Here is how it works:
- Children under 6 years travel completely for free.
- Children between 6 and 15 years travel for free with the Swiss Family Card if accompanied by a parent.
Yes. You can get off at stations like Eigergletscher or Kleine Scheidegg. The Jungfrau Railway trains also make a 5-minute photo stop at the Eismeer station.
Yes. If you selected the Flex Cancellation Option, you can cancel your ticket for free up to 1 day before validity. You receive a full refund. Fees apply without this option.
You reach the Jungfraujoch via different routes:
- From Grindelwald: Take the Eiger Express (gondola) or the classic cogwheel train via Kleine Scheidegg.
- From Wengen/Lauterbrunnen: Take the cogwheel train via Kleine Scheidegg.
You can combine different routes for the outward and return journey.
The journey time varies depending on the route:
- With the Eiger Express: approx. 45 minutes from Grindelwald Terminal.
- With the cogwheel train: approx. 1.5 hours from Grindelwald or Wengen.
The trains run year-round and daily. In autumn, there are short maintenance periods for individual routes (e.g., the Eiger Express). Check the current Jungfrau Railways timetable beforehand.
Yes. You get the following discounts:
- Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% discount on the entire route.
- Swiss Travel Pass (Flex): 25% discount from Grindelwald/Wengen and 33% discount from Interlaken Ost.
Simply select the pass when buying your ticket.
Titlis
Start in Engelberg. First, take the Titlis Xpress gondola to the Stand station. Change there to the rotating Titlis Rotair cable car, which takes you directly to the summit.
The ride from the valley station in Engelberg to the summit takes exactly 30 minutes each way.
The cable cars basically run year-round. Please note the annual maintenance periods in autumn (usually November). Check the daily updated timetable before your excursion.
Yes. You get a 50% discount if you hold one of these passes on your travel day:
- Swiss Travel Pass
- Swiss Travel Pass Flex
- Swiss Half Fare Card
Your ticket includes the ascent and descent as well as these summit attractions:
- Titlis Cliff Walk (Europe's highest suspension bridge)
- Ride on the Ice Flyer (glacier chairlift)
- Glacier Cave
- Glacier Park (Snow Toys in summer)
No. There is free seating throughout the Titlis gondolas and cable cars. A seat reservation is not possible.
Yes. The valley station, the Titlis Xpress, the Titlis Rotair, and the panorama restaurant are fully accessible. Only the Glacier Cave is not accessible for wheelchairs due to a turnstile.
Yes. Children under 6 years do not need a ticket. Children between 6 and 15 years travel completely for free with the Swiss Family Card when accompanied by a parent.
After your online purchase, you receive a voucher by email. Show this (digitally on your smartphone or printed) at the ticket office of the Titlis valley station in Engelberg. You will receive your valid ticket there.
Yes. Choose the Flex Cancellation Option when buying. This allows you to cancel your ticket for free up to 1 day before the ride and secure a full refund.
Pilatus
Yes, for the cogwheel railway. For rides from Alpnachstad, a reservation is highly recommended on beautiful days (not included in the ticket). No reservations are possible for the gondolas from Kriens.
Yes. Both the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad and the gondolas from Kriens are easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Yes. Children under 6 travel for free. Children between 6 and 15 years also travel for free thanks to the Swiss Family Card, provided a parent travels with them.
You receive a digital voucher after purchase. Simply show it at the ticket offices in Kriens or Alpnachstad to receive your physical ticket for the trains and cable cars.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on the Pilatus trains and cable cars. For larger dogs, you must buy a dog ticket (or dog day pass) at the ticket office.
Yes. With the Flex Cancellation Option, you cancel your ticket for free up to 1 day before the trip. Without this option, we retain a cancellation fee.
You have two options:
- From Alpnachstad: Take the steepest cogwheel railway in the world directly to Pilatus Kulm.
- From Kriens: Glide to the summit with the panorama gondola and the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway.
You can flexibly combine both routes as a round trip.
The travel time depends on your route:
- Cogwheel railway (from Alpnachstad): approx. 30 minutes.
- Gondolas (from Kriens): approx. 35 minutes.
The gondolas from Kriens run year-round (except during autumn maintenance). The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad runs seasonally from mid-May to November.
Yes. You benefit from a 50% discount on your ticket if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or Swiss Half Fare Card.
Schilthorn
You arrive by aerial cableway. Start either at the very bottom in Stechelberg or in the mountain village of Mürren. The cable car takes you directly to the summit (Piz Gloria) via the Birg intermediate station.
The travel time varies depending on the starting point:
- From Stechelberg: approx. 30 minutes.
- From Mürren: approx. 20 minutes.
The aerial cableways run daily and year-round. Consider the regular maintenance periods (usually spring and late autumn) in your planning.
Yes. You secure a 50% discount if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, or Swiss Half Fare Card. Select the pass when buying.
The ticket includes the ascent and descent as well as:
- Thrill Walk (cliff walk at Birg station)
- Skyline Walk (observation deck Birg)
- Spy World (interactive James Bond exhibition)
No. You stand during the ride in the large aerial cableways. There are no fixed seats and therefore no reservation options.
Yes. The cable cars, the mountain station, and the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant are wheelchair accessible. Only the "Thrill Walk" cliff path is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Yes. Children under 6 do not need a ticket. With the Swiss Family Card, children between 6 and 15 years also travel completely for free if a parent is present.
Yes. You can get off at the Birg intermediate station. Use the stop to walk the Thrill Walk, and then continue with the next cable car.
Yes. Add the Flex Cancellation Option to your shopping cart. This keeps you flexible and allows you to cancel the ticket for free up to 1 day before departure.
Glacier 3000
Travel by bus or car to the Col du Pillon valley station (near Les Diablerets/Gstaad). Take the aerial cableway from there directly to the Scex Rouge mountain station.
The cable car ride from Col du Pillon to the mountain station takes only approx. 15 minutes each way.
The aerial cableway runs year-round. Please note the short closures due to maintenance work (usually October/November).
Yes. You secure a 50% discount if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, a Swiss Half Fare Card, or the Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps.
The ticket includes the ride on the aerial cableway as well as:
- Peak Walk by Tissot (suspension bridge)
- Ice Express (chairlift onto the glacier)
- Glacier Walk
- Snow Fun Park
Yes, a recommendation: For health reasons, the operators advise against taking toddlers under 15 months to an altitude of over 3,000 meters.
No. There are no fixed seats in the aerial cableways to Glacier 3000. You cannot make a reservation.
Limited. The ride with the aerial cableway and the arrival at the mountain station (restaurant) are accessible. Activities like the Peak Walk or the glacier are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Yes. Children under 6 travel for free. With the Swiss Family Card, children up to 15 years also travel for free when accompanied by a parent.
Yes. If you booked the Flex Cancellation Option, you can cancel the ticket up to 1 day before the trip and get the full price refunded.
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