Is Swiss Travel Pass Worth It [2024]? All You Need To Know & Tips

Table of Contents

Is The Swiss Pass Worth It? Answer!
What Is Swiss Travel Pass?
Swiss Travel Pass Benefits: Quick Guide
What Is Included In Swiss Travel Pass?
What Is Not Included In Swiss Travel Pass
How Does Swiss Travel Pass Work
How Much Does Swiss Travel Pass Cost
Where To Buy Swiss Travel Pass
How To Use Swiss Travel Pass Effectively
Suggested Itinerary With Swiss Travel Pass
FAQs
More Tips For Switzerland Travel

Swiss train rides are not the most economical. Yet, there is a way to save up on train travel in Switzerland. Swiss Travel Pass enables you to travel economically through Switzerland for several days, with many discounts and benefits. I chose it for my Swiss itinerary and could not have done better. 

In this article, I’ll give you all the information you need about Swiss Travel Pass, the different types, what it includes, its advantages and drawbacks, and how you can get the most out of it.

Ready to get unlimited travel options in Switzerland? Let’s explore them together.

Is Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

It depends on the number of days you want to spend in Switzerland. The more days you travel in Switzerland, the more worth the Swiss Travel Pass brings you. It also depends on whether you want to see just one specific region or travel to various regions and places in Switzerland.

Travel More Than 3 Days In Switzerland: YES

If you want to spend 3 or more days in Switzerland and travel to at least 4 different places in Switzerland, YES, the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it in this case.

Let’s say you’ll travel from Zürich to Interlaken, then spend some time in the Jungfrau Region. After, you want to take a Swiss panoramic train to Montreux, visit Geneva, and explore Zermatt. In this case, you’ll travel a lot in Switzerland, and the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it.

The more you want to travel in Switzerland and the more things you want to do (cruises on Swiss Lakes, mountain excursions, museums, and cable cars), the more worth the pass will be for you.

Travel Less Than 3 Days In Switzerland: NO

If you want to spend less than 3 days in Switzerland: NO, the Swiss Travel Pass is not worth it in this case. You better look for other passes and discounts (scroll down for more details).

Swiss Travel Pass is also not worth buying if you only want to visit 1 specific region in Switzerland. If that’s the case, look for regional travel passes such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass, Bernese Oberland Pass, Zermatt Peak Pass, and Lake Geneva-Alps Pass.

For instance, don’t buy a Swiss Travel Pass if you only want to explore the Jungfrau Region and won’t travel to any other places in Switzerland. Instead, look for the Jungfrau Travel Pass, a discounted pass for everything you’ll explore within the region.

What Is Swiss Travel Pass?

Swiss Travel Pass is a rail pass for unlimited travel in Switzerland. Depending on how many days you choose to buy it, you can travel on these days by regular trains, Swiss panoramic trains, buses, and even all boats.

Moreover, some mountain excursions are included in the pass (like Rigi and Stanserhorn mountains). With other cable cars and mountains in Switzerland, you’ll get a 50% discount.

Swiss Travel Pass gives you options to explore the entire Switzerland for much less than buying single tickets. I explored Switzerland with it and admit it was so worth it.

What Is Included In Swiss Travel Pass?

Swiss Travel Pass includes the following:

✅ Regular trains & Panoramic trains in Switzerland
✅ Buses & Boats on Swiss Lakes
✅ Public transportation in Swiss cities
✅ 5 mountain excursions
✅ Museums in Switzerland

✅ Regular Train & Panoramic Trains In Switzerland

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel unlimitedly with all regular trains. Just check the timetable of your chosen route, hope on the train, and travel. There is no limit to how many trains you can take in one day.

There are only 4 trains, for which you’ll have to pay an extra fee for a seat reservation (it’s not a high fee). These are the panoramic trains in Switzerland. You don’t have to pay for the ticket for panoramic trains. It’s included in your Swiss Travel Pass. You only pay for the seat reservation.

I’ll break down the prices of seat reservations for panoramic trains for you later in this article, so keep reading.

✅ Buses & Boats on Swiss Lakes

You can also use your Swiss Travel Pass for all Swiss buses. Switzerland has an excellent and well-developed railway system, but there are some routes where you need to take a bus. It’s usually in small villages, as trains only reach the bigger cities and towns.

What I love about the Swiss Travel Pass is the unlimited boat travel. Swiss boats are incredible. You are floating on Swiss lakes and feel you are on vacation somewhere in Greece. They add extra excitement to your Swiss itinerary.

All boat rides are included in the Swiss Travel Pass, too. You don’t have to make boat reservations. Hop on the boat and go wherever you want.

✅ Public Transportation In Swiss Cities

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can also use public transportation in and around all Swiss cities.

For example, you can use your Swiss Travel Pass if you arrive at Zurich airport and want to take a train to the city center or a bus to your hotel.

Or you want to make a boat excursion from Zurich on the lake; it’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

Your Swiss Travel Pass fully covers all public transportation. There is no need to buy tickets or make reservations. When a controller stops you, just show him your pass and travel.

✅ 5 Mountain Excursions

Additionally, the Swiss Travel Pass fully covers 5 mountain excursions. The following mountains are 100% included in your Swiss Travel Pass:

• Rigi
• Stanserhorn
• Stoos
• Brunni
• Klewenalp

✅ Museums In Switzerland

Swiss Travel Pass also gives you free entry to the 500+ museums in Switzerland.

The best museums that you can visit free with Swiss Travel Pass are:

• Matterhorn Museum – Zermatt
• Swiss National Museum – Zurich
• FIFA Museum – Zurich
• Fine Arts Museum – Basel
• Olympic Museum – Lausanne
• Museum of Montreux
• Gruyeres Medieval Castle

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Where Do You Get Discounts With Swiss Travel Pass?

You’ll get a discount (around 50%) for the following mountain excursions with the Swiss Travel Pass:

1. Gornergrat

➡ Full price: 126 CHF (adult – return ticket)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 55 CHF

2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

➡ Full price: 109 CHF (adult – return ticket)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 54.40 CHF

2. Jungfraujoh – Top Of Europe

➡ Full price: about 220 CHF (adult – return ticket)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 145.60 CHF

👉 READ ALSO: Is Jungfraujoch Worth It? Revealed!

3. Pilatus Mountain

➡ Full price: 111.60 CHF (adult – Golden Roundtrip)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 39 CHF

4. Titlis Mountain

➡ Full price: 96 CHF (adult – return ticket)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 48 CHF

5. Glacier 3000°

➡ Full price: 90 CHF (adult)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 46 CHF

6. San Salvatore Mountain

➡ Full price: 32 CHF (adult)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 16 CHF

7. Schilthorn Mountain

➡ Full price: 108 CHF (adult)
➡ Price with Swiss Travel Pass: 42.80 CHF

👉 READ ALSO: 8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit

What Is Not Included In Swiss Travel Pass

As you can see, you have almost everything included in your Swiss Travel Pass. However, there are a few things for which you have to pay a little extra.

The only thing NOT included in the Swiss Travel Pass is seat reservations on the following panoramic trains in Switzerland:

• Glacier Express
• Bernina Express
• GoldenPass Express
• Gotthard Panorama Express

The good thing is that you don’t necessarily have to ride on these panoramic trains. You can always take regular trains instead if you don’t want to pay extra.

NOTE: The rides on these panoramic trains are included in the Swiss Travel Pass. You only have to pay extra for the seat reservation, which is compulsory for everyone.

How To Buy Seat Reservations For Panoramic Trains In Switzerland

Panoramic trains in Switzerland are the most expensive in the country as they have special window-to-ceiling panoramic windows, commentary on board, and extra services such as breakfast and lunch on board. It’s a unique experience.

Making seat reservations for these panoramic trains is compulsory, which adds an extra cost.

Riding on panoramic trains is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. You only have to purchase a seat reservation.

Go to the website of each panoramic train (listed below) and buy your seat without a ticket. Your ticket is the Swiss Travel Pass.

Glacier Express With Swiss Travel Pass

• Glacier Express ticket: 152 CHF (adult) – included in your Swiss Travel Pass
• Seat reservation: 49 CHF – compulsory to buy extra
• Buy Seat Reservations: Glacier Express website

Bernina Express with Swiss Travel Pass

• Bernina Express ticket: 63 CHF (adult) – included in your Swiss Travel Pass
• Seat reservation: 20 CHF – 26 CHF (depending on the season) – compulsory to buy extra
• Buy seat reservation: Bernina Express website

GoldenPass Express With Swiss Travel Pass

GoldenPass Line consists of 2 sections.

The first section is the Zentralbahn from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. You don’t have to pay for a seat reservation for this section. Just hop on the train and travel. The ride is included in your Swiss Travel Pass.

The second section is with the GoldenPass Express panoramic train from Interlaken to Montreux. For this section, you’ll have to make a seat reservation.

• GoldenPass Express Ticket: 53 CHF (adult) – included in your Swiss Travel Pass
• Seat Reservation: 20 CHF – compulsory to buy extra
• Buy Seat Reservations: GoldenPass Express website

Gotthard Panorama Express With Swiss Travel Pass

Gotthard Panorama Express also consists of 2 sections. The first one is a boat ride, and after, you’ll hop on the Gotthard panoramic train.

Your Swiss Travel Pass includes the boat ride from Flüelen to Lucerne. Therefore, you only have to pay extra for the seat reservation on the Gotthard Panorama Express train, which is 16 CHF.

• Gotthard Panorama Express ticket: 160 CHF (adult) – included in your Swiss Travel Pass
• Seat Reservation: 16 CHF – compulsory to buy extra
• Buy Seat Reservations: Gotthard Panorama Express website

👉 READ ALSO: 5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland: Ultimate Guide

How Does Swiss Travel Pass Work

You can book the Swiss Travel Pass for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. Then, travel within one day through Switzerland using trains, buses, and Swiss boats.

You must mark the day you are traveling into your Swiss Travel Pass in the morning before getting on your first train. Write the date of the day when you use the Swiss Travel Pass.

The train assistant will stamp it on the first train ride of that day. You can then use it for the rest of the day. You’ll only show the Swiss Travel Pass to a train assistant once you are on a different train.

Do I Have To Make Seat Reservation For Trains In Switzerland?

No, you don’t have to make a seat reservation on trains in Switzerland.

The only trains you must book in advance and reserve a seat for are the panoramic trains in Switzerland.

All other trains don’t require a seat reservation. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel unlimitedly on all Swiss trains without booking or reserving in advance.

Types Of Swiss Travel Pass: Which One To Choose

There are 2 types of Swiss Passes you can choose from:

• Swiss Travel Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass Flex

Swiss Travel Pass works on fixed consecutive days. That means you must travel for several days in a row. You can choose the number of days, which are 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex gives you more flexibility. The advantage is that you can travel on a chosen number of days (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days) within a month. It doesn’t have to be consecutive. This gives you extra time to enjoy mountain excursions, Swiss towns, and hiking trails.

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is slightly more expensive than the regular Swiss Travel Pass, but it’s much worth it in the end.

I bought the Swiss Travel Pass Flex and spent the entire day hiking in the Swiss mountains or checking out waterfalls, and I didn’t travel that day. That means I didn’t use my pass that day, and I saved 1 day.

Remember, once you make a train ride, it’ll automatically count as 1 day, even if you only did 1 train ride on the day.

So, plan wisely, travel longer routes, and do several daily rides. On other days, don’t use the pass to save the days and stay at one destination. Swiss Travel Pass Flex will enable you to do so.

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can’t stay for a day in one destination without using it. You have to travel and use it consecutively on the chosen number of days.

How Much Does Swiss Travel Pass Cost

The price of your Swiss Travel Pass depends on various factors.

First, you must choose the number of days you want to travel with a Swiss Travel Pass. It can be 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days.

After, decide whether you want to buy a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Then choose if you want to travel in 1st class on the trains in Switzerland or the 2nd class.

There are 3 different price categories for the Swiss Travel Pass:

• Adults from 25 years old
• Youth until 25 years old
• Children up to 15 years travel free of charge with parents

Below, I’m giving you prices for adults. So follow the 3 steps mentioned above and see the price of your chosen Swiss Pass:

Swiss Travel Pass Prices

VALIDITY	1st Class	2nd Class
Swiss Travel Pass 3 DAYS	$411.47	$258.70
Swiss Travel Pass 4 DAYS	$498.45	$313.34
Swiss Travel Pass 6 DAYS	$635.60	$400.32
Swiss Travel Pass 8 DAYS	$688.01	$433.77
Swiss Travel Pass 15 DAYS	$752.69	$478.37

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

	1st Class	2nd Class
Swiss Travel Pass Flex 3 DAYS	$472.80	$297.73
Swiss Travel Pass Flex 4 DAYS	$573.16	$360.17
Swiss Travel Pass Flex 6 DAYS	$680.21	$428.20
Swiss Travel Pass Flex 8 DAYS	$723.69	$456.07
Swiss Travel Pass Flex 15 DAYS	$787.25	$500.68

Which Class To Choose For Your Swiss Travel Pass

Switzerland is all about high standards. Trains and transportation, in general, are not an exception. I wouldn’t say there is a considerable difference between the first and second classes.

The second class is clean, has space, and is pretty quiet. The only disadvantage is that it can get very crowded on the bigger trains between main cities.

The first class’s advantage is that it’ll be quieter and less crowded.

Where To Buy Swiss Travel Pass

The best place to buy a Swiss Travel Pass is online. By buying it online, you can print it at home, save it on your phone, and use it when you arrive in Switzerland.

Buying the Swiss Travel Pass at train stations in Swiss cities is also possible. However, there are often big crowds (especially in the summer), and you’d have to wait longer to get it.

Get your Swiss Travel Pass here. You’ll receive it via email. Then save it on your phone and travel. I also highly recommend printing a copy or 2, just in case.

My Experience With Swiss Travel Pass

I bought my Swiss Travel Pass to travel 8 days in Switzerland. It was the best trip of my life by now, and I always reflect on it.

Not having a travel pass in Switzerland, I’d spend far more money than I did. Swiss Travel Pass saved me over 50% of my travel costs in Switzerland.

My favorite part of the Swiss Travel Pass was the flexibility. I didn’t have to care about tickets at all. I traveled through half of the country on 4 different trains without paying anything extra and worrying about train tickets.

What I also loved were the boat rides on Swiss Lakes. If I got bored with traveling on trains, I simply switched to a boat and enjoyed the scenery.

My Tip For Using Swiss Travel Pass

My biggest suggestion to get the most out of the Swiss Travel Pass is to plan your journey. If you don’t plan, you might waste your days on the Swiss Travel Pass, which would eventually be a waste of money. So, plan the entire Swiss itinerary.

First, decide which places you want to visit. Then, squeeze into one day as many train rides and mountain excursions as possible to get the most out of your Swiss Travel Pass.

Advantages & Drawbacks Of Swiss Travel Pass

With that said, here is my conclusion about the advantages and disadvantages of the Swiss Travel Pass.

Advantages Of Swiss Travel Pass

• flexibility
• affordable – saved me 50% of my travel costs
• unlimited travel in Switzerland
• easy to use
• all-in-one pass
• includes expensive panoramic trains
• includes boats, buses. public transport in cities, museum entries
• discounts forcable cars & mountain excursions

Disadvantages Of Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The only disadvantage of the Swiss Travel Pass is that it doesn’t entirely include mountain excursions. Still, you’ll get 50% discount for all of them.

How To Use Swiss Travel Pass Effectively

The most effective way to use your Swiss Travel Pass is to have an itinerary.

Plan your journey. Know which places you’ll visit, how many train rides you can make daily, and which mountain excursions you want to do.

Planning your itinerary is the most effective way to use your Swiss Travel Pass. This way, you will save your valid days on your pass and get the most out of its value.

Also, choose various types of transportation for a day. For example, travel by train and then switch to a boat for the second part of your journey. Once you arrive at your final destination and still have time, take a bus to explore more.

See as much as possible because everything is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. So take advantage of it.

PRO TIP: Follow the Grand Train Tour Of Switzerland to see all the Swiss highlights with your Swiss Travel Pass.

Other Popular Swiss Transportation Passes

Other popular passes/travel cards that you can use in Switzerland and save up on travel significantly are:

• Half-Fare Card
• Saver Day Pass
• Regional Passes

Half-Fare Card

Half-Fare Card costs 120 CHF and is valid for a month in Switzerland. Once you have the Half-Fare Card, you’ll get 50% off for all trains, buses, boats, and mountain excursions whenever you want to travel.

It’s worth getting if you only want to make a few journeys in Switzerland.

You can buy a Half-Fare Card on the SBB website.

Saver Day Pass

Saver Day Pass is a great travel card if you only want to travel in Switzerland for 1 or 2 days. You can buy it online on the SBB website. The more in advance you buy, the more affordable it’ll be. You’ll choose it for a specific day.

Once you buy it, you can use it for the entire Swiss transportation system on that day (excluding mountain excursions).

Regional Passes

Many regions in Switzerland have their own passes. They give you unlimited travel within that specific region.

The most popular regional passes are the Jungfrau Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass, Zermatt Peak Pass, Davos & Klosters Premium Card, and Lake Geneva-Alps Pass.

These are worth getting when you only want to explore one Swiss region.

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Half-Fare Card

Many clients ask me whether getting the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half-Fare Card is better. And the answer is, well, it all depends on the places you want to see, the time you want to spend in Switzerland, and the things you want to do.

Traveling with a Half-Fare Card in Switzerland is often cheaper than a Swiss Travel Pass. If you have a specific itinerary, want to visit only a few places, and don’t want to travel a lot on the panoramic trains, buy a Half-Fare Card instead of a Swiss Travel Pass.

Generally, the longer you travel in Switzerland, the more panoramic trains you want to ride, and the more mountain excursions you want, the Swiss Travel Pass is more worth it.

A Half-Fare Card can be cheaper with a shorter travel itinerary (e.g., 4 days).

PRO TIP: So, I encourage you to sit down, write down your destinations, and calculate how much the itinerary would cost you with both cards. Compare and then choose the pass that fits you the most.

My Experience: Half-Fare Card vs. Swiss Travel Pass

For me, the Swiss Travel Pass has always been a great value because it gives me flexibility and I wanted to see a lot from Switzerland.

I don’t have to pay for every train, bus, and boat ticket. Everything is included for me, which is much easier to travel with. Even though it can be slightly more expensive in some cases, depending on the things I want to do in Switzerland.

If you need help choosing the right pass, email me at info@voicesoftravel.com. I can answer additional questions or design a travel itinerary in Switzerland tailored to you.

Suggested Itinerary For Using Swiss Travel Pass

As I mentioned above, I got to travel 8 days in Switzerland using my Swiss Travel Pass Flex. I literally traveled through the entire Switzerland because I was so excited to see it all.

Thanks to my experience, I’ve designed a full 8-day Switzerland itinerary you can use and travel with a Swiss Travel Pass. You can get the Swiss Travel Pass or the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. It’s up to you.

8-Day Swiss Itinerary With Swiss Travel Pass

1. Lugano & San Salvatore Mountain
2. Gotthard Panorama Express (including a boat ride to Lucerne)
3. Train from Lucerne to Interlaken (optional boat ride on Lake Brienz)
4. Jungfrau region mountain excursions
5. GoldenPass Express (from Interlaken to Montreux)
6. Train from Montreux to Zermatt
7. Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz)
8. Train from St. Moritz to Engadin Valley & Zurich

PRO TIP: Get at least some pass, don’t pay for single train tickets in Switzerland; you’ll overpay. For instance, a one-way ticket from Zürich to Interlaken Ost already costs 70 CHF. That’s the price of the Saver Day Pass for the entire day. So think wisely and choose the pass that suits you the most.

FAQs: Is Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

To help you decide whether Swiss Travel Pass is worth it, I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions. So check them out below.

Does Swiss Pass Cover All Trains In Switzerland?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains in Switzerland, including the panoramic trains. You only have to pay an extra fee for a seat reservation on the scenic trains, which is compulsory for everyone.

Why Is Swiss Pass So Expensive?

Swiss Travel Pass is expensive because travel in Switzerland is expensive. But if you were to pay for a single ticket for every train, bus, and boat ride, you would pay much more than the cost of a Swiss Travel Pass. Therefore, the Swiss Pass saves you half the costs when traveling in Switzerland.

In Jungfraujoch Free With Swiss Travel Pass?

No, Jungfraujoch is not free with a Swiss Travel Pass. You only get 25% off the regular price to Jungfraujoch if you’re a Swiss Travel Pass holder.

Is Interlaken Included In Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, Interlaken is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. You can reach Interlaken on many trains from different directions, and all of the trains are included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

Is Grindelwald Included In Swiss Pass?

Yes, Grindelwald is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. The ride from Interlaken to Grindelwald and also to Lauterbrunnen are included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

Does Swiss Pass Include Gondolas?

No, the Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t fully cover gondolas. You’ll only get a discount for all gondola rides in Switzerland. Check this article to learn about the discounts for mountain excursions with a Swiss Travel Pass.

When Should I Buy Swiss Pass?

It’s up to you when you buy the Swiss Travel Pass. The best time is to buy it online before your journey. That way, you can already use the pass when you enter Switzerland.

Should You Buy Swiss Travel Pass In Advance?

Yes, buying a Swiss Travel Pass in advance online is better. This way, you’ll get to use it already when entering Switzerland. You’ll also avoid crowds at the train stations in Switzerland trying to get the pass on the spot.

Is It Necessary To Buy Swiss Travel Pass?

It’s not necessary to buy a Swiss Travel Pass. It depends on you, the number of days you’ll travel to Switzerland, the places you want to see, and the things you want to do.

Generally, the longer you stay in Switzerland, and the more things you want to do, the more the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it.

What Is The Difference With Swiss Pass & Swiss Travel Pass?

There is no difference between SwissPass and Swiss Travel Pass. It’s the same thing, just written differently.

Wrap-Up: Is The Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

There are two main factors to decide whether Swiss Travel Pass is worth it for you.

Factor 1: How many days you want to travel in Switzerland?

Factor 2: Do you want to explore only 1 Swiss region or travel to various places in the whole Switzerland?

If your answer to the first question is that you want to travel in Switzerland for more than 3 days and the second answer is that you want to see various places in the whole of Switzerland: YES Swiss Travel Pass is worth it for you.

If your answer to the first question is that you want to travel for less than 3 days in Switzerland or only explore one specific region: NO, the Swiss Travel Pass is not worth it for you in this case.

So first, plan your journey, calculate, and get the pass that best suits your itinerary.

Happy Swiss Travels!