Zurich Lucerne Interlaken Geneva Lausanne, Montreux & Vevey Switzerland

Ultimate Swiss Travel Pass Guide for First Timers - All Your Questions Answered

Klook ANZ

Last updated 19 Jun 2023

Ahh Switzerland - the country of postcard-worthy alpine sceneries, stunning lakeside views, and thrill-seeking adventures!

Since there are so many places to go and things to do at every turn, it’s ideal to visit all the nooks and crannies of Switzerland to experience it in its full glory but that can cost lots of time and money. You won’t have to worry about any of this with the Swiss Travel Pass! you can enjoy unlimited travel via train, buses, boats, and local public transport with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Wondering how you can skip the queues and get big savings on transportation with a single pass? Here’s how:

What does the Swiss Travel Pass cover?

With a Swiss Travel Pass, travellers can enjoy unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and city transport all over the country. The best part is that it also covers famous scenic trains like the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and the Golden Pass Line. It even covers discounts on cable cars, cogwheel trains, and the world’s steepest funiculars.

Are Swiss Travel Passes worth it?

If you’re planning to travel to lots of different Switzerland mountains during your stay, the Swiss Travel Pass is the best way to save money since the cost of point-to-point tickets can pile up.

It’s also the best option for people with flexible travel plans since you can just travel from north to south, west to east at the drop of a hat without any additional costs (except for mandatory reservation fees on select premium trains).

How far in advance can I buy a Swiss Travel Pass?

Worried about running out of tickets? Don’t fret. You can buy a Swiss Travel Pass way ahead of time, but it will only be valid on the specified date you chose while booking.

#KlookTip: We do understand that your travel plans may change. That's why the Swiss Travel Pass is fully refundable up to one day before the 'valid from' date. After this date, if the pass has not been used, you can request for a refund of up to 85% of its value via Klook.

Where can I buy a Swiss Travel Pass?

No need to queue in long lines for your ticket. Get your Swiss Travel Pass right here on Klook, so you can get the best price available and have it ready to go on your phone. Just show the pass before you board and you’re all set!

Book Swiss Travel Pass - Skip the lines when you book on Klook

How much is the Swiss Travel Pass?

You can get a Swiss Travel Pass for as low as AUD 323.59 and enjoy unlimited travel throughout Switzerland for three consecutive days. There are also options for longer stays like passes that are valid for 4 days, 6 days, 8 days, and 15 days. Flexible passes cost a bit higher, starting at AUD 372.39.

Planning to travel with kids? Great news! The Swiss Travel Pass is free for kids aged 15 years old and below when travelling with an STP holder. There’s also a 30% discount for travellers aged 16 to 24 years old.

For a more premium experience, you can opt for the first class passes which range from as low as AUD 514.65 for 3-day consecutive passes and as high as AUD 984.69 for 15-day flexible passes.

What's included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

On top of transportation access, the Swiss Travel Pass also includes free entry to more than 500 museums all over the country, including the National Museum Zurich, Château de Gruyères, and St. Gall's Abbey Library.

You can also travel to the top of Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos for free with the pass! It also avails travellers with at least 25% discounts on Glacier 3000, Gornergrat, and Jungfraujoch.

How do I use the Swiss Travel Pass?

There are two types of Swiss Travel Passes available. First, the Flexible Pass allows you to use the pass up to the selected number of days within 1 month of activation. This is perfect for those who wish to stay longer at each stop and have the flexibility of when you want to move on to your next destination.

There's also the more popular Consecutive Pass that will be valid for the selected number of days starting on the date you have selected.

#KlookTip: If you aren’t entirely sure which dates you’ll be traveling and prefer flexibility during your trip, check out the Swiss Half Fare Card instead! Enjoy up to 50% off tickets for Switzerland's public transport systems for one calendar month and travel around Switzerland with ease.

Once you’ve bought your Swiss Travel Pass on Klook, you’ll get your e-ticket either as a PDF or as a link, which you can save the QR code directly on your mobile phone. The train conductor will scan your QR code during travel.

For Flexible Passes, make sure that it includes all important information like your full name and birthday, then you can register your travel date and start using the transport system.

For Consecutive Passes, your Swiss Travel Pass will be automatically activated on the date selected during booking. No activation procedures are required.

#KlookTip: Check if you need to make a reservation before you head to the train station. Some panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express require reservations beforehand and may incur additional fees.

Download the SBB App

We highly recommend that you download the SBB app to plan for your daily travels and also check for the latest train timings.

The SBB app is available on App Store and Play Store

How long is a Swiss Travel Pass valid for?

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 days. Validity ends at 05:00 in the morning after the pass expiry date. Passes are given a start date at the time of purchase. This is the first date of travel and, the pass will only be valid from this date.

If you’re going to cross routes with free travel, there’s no need to purchase a separate ticket in advance — show your pass and passport when the conductor checks your ticket on the train.

As for routes with discounted travel, you must purchase tickets individually, whether online or at ticket booths, and present your pass to get the discount.

What’s the difference between First Class and Second Class?

One of the main differences between the two classes is their availability. While first-class seats are available in most trains, it’s not offered in cogwheel trains and cable cars as well as city transport options like buses and trams.

The other difference is comfort. First-class seats offer more space, comfortable seats, and bigger windows so you can have the best view of the mountainside scenery. Depending on the train and route, some may also include meal services.

How do I board my train with a Swiss Travel Pass?

When boarding a train, simply show the train conductor or ticket inspector your Swiss Travel Pass. Prepare your passport as well, in case they would like to cross-check your information.

Do I need to buy a Swiss Travel Pass for my kids?

Planning to travel with kids? Great news! The Swiss Travel Pass is free for kids aged 15 years old and below when travelling with an actual Swiss Travel Pass holder. There’s also a 30% discount for youth travellers aged 16 to 24 years old.

You may book the passes together with your own Swiss Travel Pass on Klook.

What else can I use my Swiss Travel Pass for?

The Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t just cover transportation around the country, it also includes selected routes to other bordering countries like Italy and Liechtenstein. Check the map that comes with your pass to see which bus and train routes are included.

Besides free transport, you can also enjoy discounts on mountain excursions and railway offers with your ticket.

How to reserve seats on the Premium Panoramic Trains with a Swiss Travel Pass?

Due to the popularity of some premium panoramic trains, it is highly recommended to reserve seats ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You may follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Bernina Express

Follow these simple steps to make reservations for the Bernina Express with the Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss half fare card:

Step 1: Visit the Bernina Express official website; input your train journey details. Book early as trains can be sold out quickly!

Step 2: Choose the train and seats

Step 3: Input your personal details; make sure to choose Swiss Travel Pass under the Reduction tab to enjoy the discounts

Step 4: Pay and you are set to go! Receive the ticket and kindly present the ticket to board the train

2. Glacier Express

Follow these simple steps to make reservations for the Glacier Express with the Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss half fare card:

Step 1: Visit the Glacier Express official website; select your train journey

Step 2: Input your train journey details

Step 3: Choose the train and seats

Step 4: Input your personal details; make sure to choose Swiss Travel Pass under the Reduction tab to enjoy the discounts

Step 5: Select your meal option

Step 6: Conduct payment with discounts and you are set to go! Receive the ticket and kindly present the ticket to board the train

3. GoldenPass Express: Interlaken - Montreux

Follow these simple steps to make reservations for GoldenPass Express with Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss half fare card:

Step 1: Visit GoldenPass Express official website

Step 2: Go to the reservation page. Search for a route (eg. Interlaken <> Montreux) and pick a date

Step 3: Select your seats

Step 4: Input your personal details; be sure to choose “Only reservation” or “Half fare” under the Reduction tab to enjoy the discounts

Step 5: Conduct payment with discounts and you are set to go! Receive the ticket and kindly present the ticket to board the train.

4. Luzern-Interlaken Express: Luzern - Brünig - Interlaken Ost

Follow these simple steps to make reservations for the Luzern-Interlaken Express with the Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss half fare card:

Step 1: Visit the Luzern-Interlaken Express official website

Step 2: Search any routes between Luzern <> Brünig <> Interlaken Ost and pick a date

Step 3: Input your personal details; make sure to choose “Swiss travel pass” or “Half fare” under the Reduction tab to enjoy the discounts

Step 4: Select your seats

Step 5: Conduct payment with discounts and you are set to go! Receive the ticket and kindly present the ticket to board the train.

5. Gotthard Panorama Express

Boat: Luzern-Flüelen;

Train: Arth-Goldau / Flüelen-Bellinzona-Lugano

For 1st class Swiss travel pass holders / half fare card holders, follow the steps below to make reservations for the Gotthard Panorama Express:

*For Swiss Travel Pass holders, please note that only 1st class pass holders can reserve Gotthard Panorama Express trains with additional seat reservation fees. For 2nd class pass holders, if you wish to upgrade your pass to 1st class, please contact .

Step 1: Visit the Gotthard Panorama Express official website. Search routes: Arth-Goldau / Flüelen-Bellinzona-Lugono. Pick a date.

Important Note: 1st-class Swiss Travel Pass & Half fare card only include these routes, for other routes under the Gotthard Panorama Express, please buy the tickets separately.

Step 2: Input your personal details; make sure to choose “Only reservation” or “Half fare” under the Reduction tab to enjoy the discounts

Step 3: Select your seats

Step 4: Conduct payment with discounts and you are set to go! An e-ticket will be sent to your email and kindly present the mobile tickets to board the train.

What are the best places to go with a Swiss Travel Pass?

Now that you know how to travel, it’s time to know the best places to visit in Switzerland. For an incredible alpine experience, Jungfraujoch is your best bet. There’s pretty much snow all year round and you can get uninterrupted views of the icy panorama below from the Sphinx observation deck.

If you want to experience Switzerland’s romantic charm, head to Lake Geneva, where you can visit enchanting monuments like the Chillon Castle, sip on wines at vineyards, and see impressive collections of art at one of the many museums.

Thrill-seekers can head to Zermatt, where you can climb the Matterhorn, ski in the winter, and hike in the summer. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the mountain that inspired the Toblerone shape.

lizziemcalvin, warnwhann, and alessandra.arduino

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Zurich Lucerne Interlaken Geneva Lausanne, Montreux & Vevey Switzerland

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