Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth it? Review and Guide (2025)
Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you might be wondering whether the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it. Swiss trains and its public transport network are world-class —but it comes at a price. Whether the pass is a good investment depends on several factors, including:
- How long will you be in Switzerland?
- Will you stay in one area or travel between cities and regions?
- Do you plan to take panoramic train rides or visit mountaintop attractions?
- Will you be exploring the Jungfrau or Bernese Oberland region? If so, the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass may be a better option, as they include most cable cars and gondolas.
- Are you keeping your itinerary flexible? If so, you may want to weigh the Half Fare Card as an alternative.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider, and the Swiss Travel Pass isn’t the only option. But don’t worry—after traveling extensively through Switzerland, we think we have a pretty good handle on it and will pass along what we learned! This guide will break down all the major travel pass options to help you choose the one that best suits your trip.
Travel Pass Options Covered in this article (click to jump to each one):
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel across Switzerland’s trains, buses, and boats. It includes free museum entry, scenic train routes, and discounts on mountain excursions. It is an ideal pass for travelers exploring multiple regions.
Unlimited Travel for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 Days
When you purchase your Swiss Travel Pass, you will have the option to choose 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days of travel. If you will not be traveling for consecutive days, consider the Swiss Travel Pass Flex as an option.
Where is the Swiss Travel Pass Valid?
- Unlimited travel on intercity trains, buses, and boats.
- Free panoramic train rides like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and the Gotthard Panorama Express (seat reservation fees will apply).
- Some free mountain excursions such as Rigi and Stoos.
- Discounts up to 50% on other mountain top excursions like Grindelwald First, Jungfrau Top of Europe, and Schilthorn.
- Free entry into 500 museums across Switzerland.
Here is the map of all covered routes (click the link for a more detailed version):
Panoramic Trains and Mountain Excursions with Swiss Travel Pass
With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can enjoy free travel on Switzerland’s panoramic train routes such as the Glacier Express, Golden Pass, and the Bernina Express to name a few. However, if you wish to secure a seat in a panoramic train car, a reservation surcharge applies. Be sure to factor this into your budget when planning your routes.
Below is a complete list of scenic trains, mountain excursions, and the available discounts offered to those with a Swiss Travel Pass:
Scenic Trains with Swiss Travel Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
Free (no discount on seat reservations) | |
Centovalli Railway | Free (no discount on seat reservations) |
Chocolate Train | 35% Discount |
Free (no discount on seat reservations) | |
Free (no discount on seat reservations) | |
Gotthard Panorama Express | Free (no discount on seat reservations) |
Lotschberg Mountain Railway | Free (no discount on seat reservations) |
Free (no discount on seat reservations) |
Mountain Excursions with Swiss Travel Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
Bettmerhorn | No Discount (Bettmerall to Bettmerhorn), 50% Discount (Betten to Bettmeralp) |
Brienzer Rothorn | 50% Discount |
50% Discount (Kehrsiten-Burgenstock) | |
Cardada – Cimetta | 50% Discount |
Corvatsch | No Discount |
Eggishorn | 50% Discount |
50% Discount | |
50% Discount | |
50% Discount | |
50% Discount | |
25% Discount (from Wengen or Grindelwald) | |
Mannlichen | 50% Discount (from Wengen or Grindelwald) |
50% Discount | |
Mittelallalin | 50% Discount |
Monte Bre | 50% Discount |
Monte Generoso | 50% Discount |
Monte San Salvatore | 50% Discount |
Monte Tamaro | 50% Discount |
Niesen | 50% Discount |
Parsenn – Weissfluhgipfel | No Discount |
Pfingstegg | 50% Discount |
50% Discount | |
Free | |
Rochers-de-Naye | 50% Discount (Haut-de-Caux to Rochers-de-Naye Train) |
50% Discount | |
Schynige Platte | 50% Discount |
Stanserhorn | Free |
Stoos | Free, (Stoos to Fronalpstock and Klingenstock chairlifts – no discount) |
Sunnegga-Rothorn | 50% Discount |
50% Discount |
Swiss Travel Pass Prices (2025)
The price per day declines significantly the more days you purchase. The prices below are for second class tickets (Prices are in Swiss Francs, not U.S. Dollars). First Class Swiss Travel Pass tickets can be purchased for a premium, with the primary difference being larger seats.
Days | Price (2025) | Youth Price (Under 25) |
|---|---|---|
3 Days | 244 CHF (81.33 CHF per day) | 172 CHF |
4 Days | 295 CHF (73.75 CHF per day) | 209 CHF |
6 Days | 379 CHF (63.17 CHF per day) | 268 CHF |
8 Days | 419 CHF (52.37 CHF per day) | 297 CHF |
15 Days | 459 CHF (30.60 CHF per day) | 328 CHF |
Major Swiss Travel Pass Benefit: Children (Under 16) Travel Free!
Switzerland is an expensive country to travel, so this is huge if you are traveling with younger children! Also, those between 16 and 25 receive a 30% discount.
Where to Buy a Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased at train stations or here.
Swiss Travel Pass Flex
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex offers the same benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass but allows travel on non-consecutive days. It’s a great option if there will be days you won’t use Switzerland’s public transit. It’s valid for one month from your chosen start date and must be activated at activateyourpass.com before your first journey.
Swiss Travel Pass Flex Price
The added flexibility comes at a slightly higher cost (prices are for 2nd class).
Days | Swiss Travel Pass Price (2025) |
|---|---|
3 Days | 244 CHF |
4 Days | 295 CHF |
6 Days | 379 CHF |
8 Days | 419 CHF |
15 Days | 459 CHF |
Swiss Half Fare Card
The Swiss Half Fare Card is valid one month from the activation date and gives you a 50% discount on journeys by train, bus, boat and most mountain lifts, gondolas, and panoramic routes. It also applies to public transport within over 90 Swiss cities and towns! Just like the Swiss Travel Pass, it also allows children under the age of 16 to travel for free when accompanied by an adult with a Half Fare Card!
As of Spring 2025, the Half Fare Card costs 120 CHF ($131).
Who Should Choose the Half Fare Card?
The Half Fare Card is ideal for those who want the most flexibility. If you are unsure of your itinerary and want to be safe, the Half Fare Card may be the cheapest way to go!
Tip: Since you’ll still need to buy individual tickets, we recommend downloading the SBB Mobile App. It lets you purchase tickets with your Half Fare Card discount and skip the lines at transportation stations.
Where to Purchase a Half Fare Card
You can purchase your Half Fare Card at nearly every railway station or purchase here.
Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card
To determine whether the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Cards is a better value will require you to plan out your itinerary. You will want to make a note of which fares are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and which receive discounts. Compare these to the 50% discounted prices of the Half Fare Card + the up front cost of the Half Fare Card.
Regional Travel Passes
Switzerland has several passes that are valid on regional train journeys and other modes of transportation within a certain geographical area. These can be ideal if you plan to stay within these areas for most or all of your time in Switzerland. Here is a comprehensive list that will be covered in detail below:
- Bernese Oberland Pass
- Jungfrau Travel Pass
- Tell-Pass
- Regional Pass for Lake Geneva-Alps
- Graubunden Pass
- Ticino Ticket
- Zurich Card
Bernese Oberland Regional Pass
The Bernese Oberland Pass gives you unlimited travel between and within Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, Brig, Domodossola, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and other major Passes are available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 days.
Where is the Bernese Oberland Pass Valid?
The Bernese Oberland Pass grants unlimited travel to destinations like Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. It also covers buses and ferries within these areas, plus free or heavily discounted access to most gondolas, cable cars, and over 25 mountain railways. It is a great option for hikers and adventurers in and around Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne, and Kandersteg. Even the cable car journey to the top of Schilthorn is fully covered!
Here is a downloadable version of all destinations covered.
Another great perk: If you’re under 25 or traveling with children, your pass comes at a steep discount (see prices below)!
Bernese Oberland Pass Price
Days | Standard Price | Youth Price (16-25) | Children (5-16) | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Days | 240 CHF | 168 CHF | 30 CHF | Free |
4 Days | 280 CHF | 196 CHF | 30 CHF | Free |
6 Days | 350 CHF | 254 CHF | 30 CHF | Free |
8 Days | 395 CHF | 287 CHF | 30 CHF | Free |
10 Days | 435 CHF | 316 CHF | 30 CHF | Free |
Note: Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and Swiss Half Fare Card, receive the Berner Oberland Pass at a reduced price.
Where to Purchase the Bernese Oberland Pass
The Bernese Oberland Pass can be purchased here, at railway stations, or at airport stations in Zurich and Geneva.
Jungfrau Travel Pass
The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers only the Jungfrau region but offers better discounts on some lifts around Grindelwald than the Bernese Oberland Pass.
Where is the Jungfrau Travel Pass Valid?
The Jungfrau Travel Pass includes all trains, buses, ferries, cable cars, and gondolas in and around Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren. The only exception is the final leg to the Jungfrau Top of Europe, but this pass offers the best discount—50% off. Even the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte is covered!
If you’re staying in Interlaken or nearby towns in the Jungfrau region, this pass is well worth considering. Plus, if you have the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, you can buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass at a discount, which could save you money if you’re exploring other parts of Switzerland.
Jungfrau Pass Map
See the downloadable version of the Jungfrau map here.
Jungfrau Travel Pass Prices (2025)
Ticket prices as of Spring 2025 (In Swiss Francs):
Days | Standard Price | Reduced Rate (STP or HFC) | Children (6-15) |
|---|---|---|---|
3 Days | 210 CHF | 165 CHF | 30 CHF |
4 Days | 235 CHF | 180 CHF | 30 CHF |
5 Days | 270 CHF | 210 CHF | 30 CHF |
6 Days | 290 CHF | 225 CHF | 30 CHF |
7 Days | 310 CHF | 240 CHF | 30 CHF |
8 Days | 330 CHF | 255 CHF | 30 CHF |
Jungfrau Travel Pass – Where to Buy Tickets
Book your Jungfrau Travel Pass here.
Tell-Pass
With a single ticket, you get unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and cable cars across the Lake Lucerne Region. Choose from options ranging from two to ten consecutive days. The Tell-Pass is a great option for those staying around Lake Lucerne for a few days and offers promotional rates with partnering hotels and activities around Lake Lucerne.
Tell-Pass Map
See the downloadable version of the Tell-Pass map here.
Tell-Pass Ticket Prices and Where to Buy:
Depending on the season, the price will vary with summer prices ranging from 190 CHF to 340 CHF and winter prices from 120 CHF to 260 CHF. Children are always 30 CHF.
Tickets and their current prices can be found here.
Regional Pass for Lake Geneva-Alps
The Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across the Lake Geneva region, including Montreux, Lausanne, and the Alps. It also provides discounts on mountain excursions and cable cars. Available for 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days, it’s perfect for exploring the area’s scenic lakes, vineyards, and alpine landscapes.
Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps Price and Where to Buy
This pass is available in 5-day and 7-day options, with prices ranging from 110 CHF to 136 CHF for adults. Children aged 6-16 get a 50% discount, and those with a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass receive 20% off.
Graubunden Pass
The Graubünden Pass provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and select cable cars across Switzerland’s largest and most scenic canton. This pass is perfect for discovering alpine landscapes, charming villages, and world-famous rail routes. With extensive coverage and flexibility, it’s ideal for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers looking to experience Graubünden’s amazing beauty.
There are two different zones (north and south) for Graubunden, which can be purchased individually if you don’t plan to venture to any of the destinations in the other. Passes are available for 2 days (must be used within 7 days) or 5 days (must be used within 14 days).
Graubunden Pass Bike
Offered to mountain bikers and cyclists, the Graubunden Bike Pass allows you to take a bike with you!
Graubunden Pass Map
The full version can be found here.
Graubunden Pass Prices and Where to Buy
Check here for current prices and purchasing the Graubunden Pass.
Ticino Ticket
The Ticino Ticket gives travelers unlimited access to public transportation across Switzerland’s sunny Ticino region, including buses, trains, and boats. Available for free to hotel, hostel, and campsite guests, it also offers discounts on mountain cable cars, tourist attractions, and boat cruises. Whether exploring Lugano, Locarno, or the stunning valleys, this pass makes getting around easy and affordable, letting you fully experience Ticino’s Mediterranean charm, picturesque lakes, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
One thing to note, is the free hotel stay benefit doesn’t apply to AirBnB and vacation home rentals.
More information on Ticino Ticket here!
Going to Locarno? See our Guide for things to do while you’re there!
Zurich Card
The Zürich Card provides unlimited travel on all public transportation in Zürich and its surrounding areas. It also includes discounts at various shops and museums, making it a great option for a day trip to Zurich if you are not already covered by another pass. Passes can be purchased for 24 hours and 72 hours.
Check here for information and prices on the Zurich Card!
Other Travel Passes to Consider
Saver Day Pass
The Saver Day Pass is similar to the Swiss Travel Pass and is a great choice if you only need one or two travel days in Switzerland. However, keep in mind that it does not offer discounts on most scenic mountain train rides.
Eurail Pass:
If you’re traveling across multiple European countries, the Eurail Pass could be a good option. It covers train travel between Swiss cities; however, it does not include public transportation within cities, panoramic train rides, gondolas, or cable cars—though some offer discounts for Eurail Pass holders.
So is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?
In most cases, the Swiss Travel Pass will help you save money, but other options may be better depending on your travel plans. The Half Fare Card could be a better choice for those who prefer a flexible itinerary and want to avoid the up front price sting of the Swiss Travel Pass while still enjoying discounts. For those staying within a specific region, a regional pass is also worth considering.
Other Travel Pass Tips in Switzerland
Use the SBB Mobile App for Schedules and Ticketing
We highly recommend using sbb.ch or downloading the SBB App—it’s a game-changer for getting around Switzerland! With the app, you can plan routes, reserve seats, buy tickets, and store your travel passes, including the Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and regional travel cards, making your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Plan Your Routes in Advance
We highly recommend planning your routes in advance and choosing the best travel pass to match your itinerary. This is especially important for mountain train excursions, as full-price tickets can be costly. Check whether your pass covers these trips or offers discounts to maximize savings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pass Has the Best Discount for Jungfrau Top of Europe Train?
There is no travel pass that fully covers the cost of the Jungfrau Top of Europe excursion. The Half Fare Card and Jungfrau Travel Pass will give the largest discount at 50%. Those with the Swiss Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass will receive a 25% discount.
Which Travel Pass is Best to Choose for Hikers?
If you’re hiking in a specific region of Switzerland, a regional pass might be your best bet. For example, the heart of Swiss hiking is in the Bernese Oberland, making the Bernese Oberland Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass great options—just ensure you’ll use a regional pass enough to justify the cost! Also, don’t overlook the Half Fare Card. After planning our hikes around Interlaken, we chose the Half Fare Card for its perfect balance of flexibility and savings.
Which Pass is Best for Those Who are “Winging It”?
The Half Fare Card is often the better deal for those without a clear itinerary. Sure, you might be able to save a bit more by planning your itinerary in advance and choosing the most suitable travel pass, but in most cases, the Half Fare Card will reduce your overall transit costs
Which Swiss Travel Pass is Best for Those Traveling with Children?
If your trip involves city hopping with children, the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex are excellent options, as they allow children under 16 to travel for free.
For those seeking flexibility with an uncertain itinerary, the Half Fare Card is another great choice, as it also provides free travel for children when accompanied by a parent with a Half Fare Card.
What is the Difference between 1st and 2nd Class?
First class passengers will have more spacious seats, less crowded, and on longer routes there may be the option for meal service. For most people, second class tickets are fine as Swiss Trains are clean with comfortable seats.
Check out our Other Switzerland Travel Guides!
Hiking the Eiger Trail in Grindelwald, Switzerland: Complete Guide
3 Day Interlaken Itinerary – A Swiss Adventure!
11 Awesome Things to Do in Locarno, Switzerland
Niesen Funicular: Views from the Swiss Pyramid
Oeschinen Lake Panorama Hike in Switzerland
