How to Save Money on Swiss Trains and Day Trips with the Swiss Travel Pass
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience and research. The Swiss Travel Pass is only available to tourists, not Swiss residents. Prices and offers can change, so always confirm details on the official websites before booking.
Train Travel in Switzerland
Having lived in Switzerland for many years, I know one universal truth: train travel here is amazing, but it’s expensive. I still remember when my family and I first arrived, the shock of paying CHF 100+ for a simple return trip was real.
Over time, I learned the tricks locals use — Half Fare Cards, Saver Day Passes, regional passes. But there’s one option that consistently comes up when friends or relatives visit us from abroad: the Swiss Travel Pass.
This pass isn’t for residents like me, but I’ve seen how it transforms the way visitors explore Switzerland. Instead of juggling tickets, they enjoy unlimited travel across trains, boats, and buses — plus museums and discounts. The feedback is always the same: “Why didn’t we know about this sooner?”
So in this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the Swiss Travel Pass, why I recommend it to visitors, and how it can save money on trains and day trips.
Why Trains Are Expensive in Switzerland
Let me paint a picture:
Zurich → Lucerne one-way: CHF 25.
Geneva → Zermatt return: CHF 200 for two adults.
Family of four Zurich → Interlaken return: CHF 300+.
These are standard fares. And while the service is world-class — punctual trains, spotless carriages, jaw-dropping scenery — the costs add up fast.
This is why I always tell visitors: don’t buy tickets one by one. Look at passes and compare. For tourists, the Swiss Travel Pass almost always wins.
What Is the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass is like a golden ticket for visitors. Instead of buying individual tickets, you pay once for a set number of days and enjoy almost unlimited travel.
It includes:
Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.
Scenic trains like Glacier Express and Bernina Express (seat reservation fees extra).
Free entry to 500+ museums.
Up to 50% discounts on mountain trips (Titlis, Rigi, Jungfraujoch).
Free travel for kids with the Swiss Family Card.
👉 Visitors can buy it online via GetYourGuide. I usually recommend these platforms to friends since the booking process is in English and straightforward.
Types of Swiss Travel Passes and Costs
Durations: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.
Prices: Start at CHF 232 for 3 days; CHF 429+ for 15 days (adult, 2nd class).
Youth discounts: 30% off under 26.
Swiss Family Card: Kids under 16 travel free with parents.
It feels like a lot upfront, but compared to point-to-point tickets, the pass pays for itself quickly.
Why I Recommend the Swiss Travel Pass to Visitors
For families coming to visit us, this pass has been a lifesaver. My sister, for example, came with her kids for a summer holiday. They managed to see Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Interlaken in a few days without stressing about buying separate tickets. And since her kids traveled free, she saved a small fortune.
For tourists in general, the pass makes sense because:
It’s simple — no calculations or queues at ticket machines.
It’s flexible — hop on and off trains as you like.
It’s family-friendly — kids ride free.
It’s cultural — free museums add extra value.
From what I’ve seen, most visitors break even by Day 2 or 3. Everything after that feels like a bonus.
How Visitors Can Use the Swiss Travel Pass for Day Trips
These are some of the most popular trips I’ve recommended to guests:
Zurich → Lucerne & Lake Boat Ride → Classic Swiss day trip, scenic and stress-free.
Bern + Thun + Interlaken → A perfect “city plus nature” combo.
Lausanne → Montreux → Lake Geneva vibes, wine terraces, boat rides.
Chur → Tirano via Bernina Express → One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Geneva → Gruyères → Cheese factory, castle, and chocolate — Swiss essentials!
Individually, these would cost CHF 100–150 each. With the pass, they’re covered.
Hidden Benefits Visitors Often Miss
Beyond trains, the pass includes things many overlook:
Museums → My guests loved the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne — both free with the pass.
City trams and buses → Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and more.
Spontaneity → No stress about “is it worth it?” when the weather changes.
How to Plan Trips Around the Swiss Travel Pass
When I help visiting family plan, these are my go-to tips:
Cluster destinations → Pair cities with nearby lakes or mountains.
Mix culture and scenery → Museum in the morning, lake cruise in the afternoon.
Use scenic trains → Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line — worth it for the views.
Travel early → More trips in a day = more value.
One weekend, my relatives did Zurich → Bern → Interlaken → Lucerne. They said it felt like a dream — and they didn’t pay extra beyond the pass.
Seasonal Ways to Use the Pass
Spring → Flower festivals, vineyard walks, rainy-day museums.
Summer → Boats, mountain hikes, lakeside picnics.
Autumn → Wine harvest trips, golden forests, scenic train rides.
Winter → Christmas markets, snowy mountains, fondue evenings.
The pass isn’t just for peak summer — it’s valuable all year.
Budget Comparison
Here’s a typical 3-day calculation I showed a friend before she visited:
Day 1: Zurich → Lucerne (CHF 25) + Boat (CHF 30) + Museum (CHF 20) = CHF 75.
Day 2: Bern → Thun → Interlaken (CHF 80) + Lake Cruise (CHF 25) = CHF 105.
Day 3: Montreux → GoldenPass Line (CHF 60) + Local transport (CHF 10) = CHF 70.
Total without pass: CHF 250+.Swiss Travel Pass 3 days: CHF 232.
And this didn’t even count the free kids’ travel.
Alternatives for Locals and Expats
Since the Swiss Travel Pass isn’t for us residents, here’s what I (and many locals) actually use:
Half Fare Travelcard (CHF 185/year) → 50% off most tickets.
Saver Day Pass → As low as CHF 29 if booked early.
Regional passes → e.g., Tell-Pass, Jungfrau Travel Pass.
But for short stays, visiting families, or tourists, the Swiss Travel Pass beats them all.
FAQs
Can residents buy it?
No, it’s for tourists only.
Do kids need their own pass?
No — with the Swiss Family Card, they’re free.
Does it include mountain trains like Jungfraujoch?
Not fully, but discounts apply.
Is it worth it if I only travel once?
Probably not. It shines when you’re doing 2–3 trips a day.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It? My Honest Take
From my experience helping visitors, the answer is yes. If you’re here for a week or two and want to see as much as possible, the pass saves money and removes stress.
For residents like me, it’s not an option. But for my sister, cousins, and friends who’ve come, it’s been the difference between “let’s do one big trip” and “let’s explore every corner of Switzerland.”
Conclusion
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but train costs can overwhelm visitors. The Swiss Travel Pass is the easiest way to unlock the country affordably.
👉 If you’re planning your Swiss adventure, check the latest offers at GetYourGuide.
Your Swiss bucket list just got a lot more realistic.
Comments