Swiss Travel Pass explained: The Ultimate Ticket to Exploring Switzerland [2025]
- Stefan
- Nov 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 15
If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is one of the easiest ways to explore the country. It gives visitors seamless access to Switzerland’s trains, boats and buses and includes extras that make traveling stress-free.
What is the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket for unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, which covers trains, buses and boats. It also includes free entry to over 500 museums and discounts on many mountain excursions.
Why Get the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass offers multiple advantages that make it the go-to option for visitors:
Convenience: Forget the hassle of buying individual tickets. The Swiss Travel Pass lets you hop on and off trains, buses, and boats without worrying about separate fares or reservations (except for panoramic trains).
Savings: Traveling extensively in Switzerland can add up quickly, but the Swiss Travel Pass offers substantial cost savings. For example, a one-way ticket from Zurich to Interlaken costs around CHF 75. If you plan to visit multiple destinations, the pass pays for itself after just a few trips.
Flexibility: Choose from 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive travel days, allowing you to tailor the pass to your itinerary. Alternatively, opt for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, which provides non-consecutive travel days within a one-month period.
Added Perks:
Free entry to over 500 museums, including the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne and the Château de Chillon near Montreux.
Discounts (up to 50%) on cable cars, funiculars, and trains to famous mountain destinations like Jungfraujoch and Mount Titlis.
Seamless transfers between trains, buses, and boats.
Family-friendly: Children under 16 travel free with a Swiss Family Card.
Prices in 2025
Duration | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
3 days | CHF 244 | CHF 389 |
4 days | CHF 295 | CHF 469 |
6 days | CHF 379 | CHF 602 |
8 days | CHF 419 | CHF 665 |
15 days | CHF 459 | CHF 723 |
Youth (16–25) pay less. Children under 16 travel free with the Swiss Family Card. Prices are set in Swiss Francs and may change in 2026.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?
If you're planning to explore multiple destinations in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass (or Swiss Travel Rail Pass) is absolutely worth it. Here’s why:
Cost-Effective for Explorers: With unlimited travel and discounts on premium experiences, the pass pays off for travelers visiting cities, lakes, and mountains.
Ideal for Families: Children under 16 travel free, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Switzerland’s public transport system is renowned for its efficiency and sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint while you travel.
Where to Buy the Swiss Travel Pass
Online at SBB or the Swiss Travel Centre
At Zurich and Geneva airports (SBB counters)
At major train stations across Switzerland
What is Not Included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
While the Swiss Travel Pass provides extensive coverage, there are specific routes, services, and activities that are not fully included. Knowing these exclusions will help you plan and budget your Swiss adventure more effectively.
Certain Mountain Excursions Beyond Specific Points
The Swiss Travel Pass covers travel up to certain points on many mountain excursions, but additional costs apply for the final segments. Examples include:
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: Travel is covered up to Grindelwald or Wengen, but the final leg to Jungfraujoch requires a discounted ticket.
Gornergrat Railway: Travel to Zermatt is included, but the trip from Zermatt to Gornergrat requires a discounted ticket.
Schilthorn: The pass covers travel as far as Mürren. The cable car ride from Mürren to Schilthorn requires an additional discounted fare.
International Train Routes
The Swiss Travel Pass is primarily valid within Switzerland. Cross-border train journeys, such as:
Geneva to Paris
Zurich to Milan
Basel to Munich
require separate tickets for the international portions of the trip. The Swiss Travel Pass will only cover the Swiss sections of these routes.
Seat Reservations on Panoramic Trains
While the pass covers travel on Switzerland’s famous scenic trains, such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Golden Pass, seat reservations are mandatory and not included. Reservation fees typically range from CHF 10 to CHF 49, depending on the route and season.
Private and Premium Services
Certain privately operated transport services or premium offerings may not be included. For instance:
Chocolate Train (Montreux to Gruyères): While partially included, additional fees apply for the full experience, including meals and guided tours.
Adventure Parks and Ski Rentals: Activities such as sled or ski rentals and entry to adventure parks are not covered.
Extras on Trains and Boats
Dining services, first-class lounges on boats, and luxury options (like panoramic dining cars) are not included. These extras can usually be purchased separately on board.
Parking, Taxis, and Rideshares
The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover private transportation, including parking fees, taxis, or ridesharing platforms like Uber. Plan accordingly for destinations without public transport access.
Special Train and Attraction Services
Some seasonal or tourist-focused trains and attractions may not be fully included. For example: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Travel to Zermatt is included, but the cable car to the summit requires a discounted ticket.
Harder Kulm: The pass includes a discount for the funicular ride from Interlaken to Harder Kulm.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Swiss Travel Pass
Train Routes
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass from Zurich to Interlaken? Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers this route, including scenic stops like Lucerne.
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Glacier Express? Yes, but seat reservations are mandatory and cost extra.
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Bernina Express? Yes, it’s valid, but you need to reserve seats separately.
Mountain Excursions
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Jungfraujoch? The pass covers travel to Grindelwald or Wengen. From there, you’ll receive a discount for the final leg to Jungfraujoch.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Mount Titlis? Yes, it provides discounts on the cable car ride to Mount Titlis.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Harder Kulm? Yes, the pass offers a discount for the funicular ride to Harder Kulm.
Other Questions
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass for airport transfers? Yes, it covers travel from Zurich and Geneva airports to city centers or other destinations.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover public transport in cities? Yes, it includes unlimited travel on local transport networks in over 90 towns and cities.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass include scenic boat rides? Yes, it covers boat rides on major lakes like Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Geneva.
Can I upgrade to first class for a specific journey? Yes, you can purchase a class upgrade for individual trips if you hold a second-class pass.
How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass
Activate:For physical passes, write the travel date on the pass. For mobile passes, the pass activates automatically on the start date selected during purchase.
Show:Always have your pass ready for inspection by conductors on trains, buses, and boats.
Enjoy:Use the pass to explore museums, take advantage of discounts, and travel effortlessly across Switzerland.
Further Reading on Switzerland Travel
Top Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland Explore panoramic train journeys covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, including the Glacier Express and Golden Pass.
Jungfraujoch: Visiting the Top of Europe A complete guide to making the most of your trip to Jungfraujoch with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Best Museums in Switzerland Discover museums covered by the pass, from the Swiss Museum of Transport to Château de Chillon.
Family-Friendly Travel in Switzerland Learn how to maximize your Swiss Travel Pass benefits when traveling with children.
Guide to Swiss Mountain Excursions A curated list of must-visit mountain destinations and how the Swiss Travel Pass makes it easier.
Conclusion
The Swiss Travel Pass is more than just a ticket—it’s your gateway to an enriching Swiss adventure. Whether you're captivated by Switzerland’s stunning alpine landscapes, cultural treasures, or charming towns, the Swiss Travel Pass (or Swiss Travel Rail Pass) ensures you experience it all with ease and affordability.
Start planning your Swiss journey today by purchasing your pass online at the Swiss Travel Centre or at any major train station. Do you need help understanding the Swiss train system, or are you looking for our favorite train trips? The two linked articles will help.
Updates for 2026
From 1 January 2026, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex pass prices will increase by around 5% on average. travelswitzerland.com
The Swiss Half Fare Card cost is rising from CHF 120 to CHF 150. travelswitzerland.com
New official rates for the Swiss Travel Pass in 2026 (second class / first class):• 3-day pass: ~ CHF 254 / CHF 405 SwissASAP+2MySwissAlps.com+2• 4-day pass: ~ CHF 309 / CHF 492 MySwissAlps.com+2SwissASAP+2• 6-day pass: ~ CHF 399 / CHF 634 MySwissAlps.com+1• 8-day pass: ~ CHF 439 / CHF 697 MySwissAlps.com+1• 15-day pass: ~ CHF 499 / CHF 787 MySwissAlps.com+1
Promotion valid from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026: when you buy a 1st class Swiss Travel Pass for 4 days, you get one extra free day; for 8 days, you get two extra free days. SBB Online Portal+1
🏔️ Your Ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide! 🇨🇭
Planning a trip to Switzerland? Get insider tips, must-visit destinations, and practical advice all in one place! From stunning alpine hikes to scenic train rides, our Switzerland Travel Guide has everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.
