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There are numerous tourist passes and all-inclusive tickets that can make your trip to Switzerland much easier and save you money. Some passes are valid throughout the entire country, while others can be used only in specific regions. No matter how long you plan to travel or where you’re headed, you’ll find the right tourist pass for your train journey.

However, there are certain restrictions that apply. Some passes are only valid for Europeans, but not for Swiss residents. Others can only be purchased by non-Europeans. Then, there are passes that are available to anyone who wants to buy them. To give you a good overview, below are the 9 most important tourist passes that will accompany you on your journey through Switzerland.

Karte Zug ReisenUnterwegs mit dem Zug (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Ticket kaufen Travel PassTicketkauf am Schalter (Foto: Swiss Travel System)

Swiss Travel Pass

The probably most famous and popular rail pass for visitors in Switzerland is the Swiss Travel Pass. You can't get a more comprehensive package than this. It's not just a ticket for public transport in Switzerland; it also gives you access to museums and many other interesting perks.

The following benefits are included with the Swiss Travel Pass:

  • Unlimited travel on all public transport in Switzerland—this includes buses, trains, and boats. Panoramic trains are also included, though seat reservations must be paid for separately.
  • Unlimited travel on mountain railways to Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos.
  • Up to 50% off other mountain railway tickets.
  • Free entry to over 500 museums.
  • Up to 30% off RailAway offers from SBB.

How long is the Swiss Travel Pass valid for?

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days and is valid from the date you specify at the time of purchase.

Who can buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is only available for people whose main residence is not in Switzerland. If you live in Switzerland, you can alternatively choose one of the regional travel passes.

Where can I buy the Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase the Swiss Travel Pass either online or at any major train station in Switzerland at the ticket counter. Various sales points abroad also sell the pass. Check with your nearest station or travel agency for more information.

The Swiss Travel Pass is personal and non-transferable, so you will need to present a passport or ID card when purchasing.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

The Swiss Travel Pass offers the most comprehensive travel options in Switzerland. It is relatively pricey, so if you're mindful of your budget, consider your purchase carefully. You can find a more detailed discussion on whether the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it.

If you’re someone who enjoys taking breaks occasionally, there is a wonderful, more flexible alternative to the Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Swiss Travel Pass Flex (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Zentralbahn ZugZentralbahn im Winter (Foto: Swiss Travel System)

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

As the name suggests, this pass is very similar to the Swiss Travel Pass. The only difference is its validity period. Otherwise, it also includes the following services on the days you use it:

  • Free travel on all public transport in Switzerland - i.e. bus, train and boat. This also includes the panorama trains, although seat reservations must be paid for additionally.
  • Free travel on the mountain railroads to the Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.
  • Up to 50% discount on other mountain railway tickets.
  • Free admission to over 500 museums.
  • Up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers.

How long is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex valid?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days within a month. During this period, you can use it on selected days, which you need to enter into the empty field on the Travel Pass for each travel day. Outside your travel days, the pass is invalid, and you cannot use it for any other discounts or entries.

Who can buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is only available to individuals who do not have their primary residence in Switzerland. If you live in Switzerland, you can alternatively choose one of the regional tourist passes listed below.

Where can I buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

You can purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online or directly at any major train station in Switzerland. Several sales points abroad also sell the pass. Check with your nearest train station or travel agency for more information.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is personal and non-transferable, so you must present a passport or an identity card when purchasing.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex worth it?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex offers the same benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass, with the added flexibility of choosing your travel days. If you're uncertain whether buying it makes sense for you, consider the following points:

  • Your primary residence is outside of Switzerland.
  • You plan to visit several regions in Switzerland and travel longer distances using public transport.
  • You intend to make one or more trips by boat or on a panoramic train.
  • You plan to stay in Switzerland for a longer period and want to have days in between when you won't be using public transport much.
  • You want to visit museums, castles, chocolate factories, or other attractions from this list during your stay.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and just being able to hop on any train or bus.
Ticket Zug Travel PassReisen mit dem Swiss Travel Pass (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Thunersee SchifffahrtDie Schifffahrt auf dem Thunersee ist im Swiss Travel Pass inklusive (Foto: Swiss Travel System)

If all of this feels overwhelming and you're ready to accept some compromises for a cheaper pass, there's a well-known train pass recognized across Europe. You've probably heard of it before.

Interrail

The Interrail is a tourist pass that's particularly popular among young independent travelers. However, there is no age limit for this pass, which is available for 33 European countries.

The Interrail is divided into two types of passes. On one hand, there's the One-Country Pass, which can be used in just one country, while the Global Pass is valid in 33 European countries. The benefits of the Interrail in Switzerland are slightly less extensive than those of the Swiss Travel Pass. Since it's a train pass, it's primarily valid on the railways and includes the following offers:

  • Free travel on all SBB trains as well as these private railway companies.
  • Free travel on all scenic trains, although seat reservations must be paid for separately.
  • Free travel on the BLS boats on the Lake Thun and on the Lake Brienz.
  • 50% discount on various other boats, such as on Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne.
  • 25% discount on various cable cars, such as the [Jungfrau Railway]( ) or the Stanserhornbahn.
  • 15% off your stay at Swiss youth hostels.
  • 10% voucher for the Fashion Outlet in Landquart.

Please note that you are not allowed to use the Interrail on buses or in streetcars.

How long is the Interrail valid?

You can buy the One-Country Pass for Switzerland for 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 days. These travel days can be used flexibly during one month. You have to enter the date on the travel day.

The Global Pass has a much more comprehensive range. The shortest duration is 7 days and the longest pass is valid for three months. Up to 15 days, the travel days can be used flexibly within one to two months, while the pass is valid continuously and without interruption from 15 days.

Who can buy the Interrail?

The Interrail is only available to people who reside in Europe. However, you cannot buy an Interrail for the country you live in. However, in the case of the Global Pass, two journeys are included - the one from your home to the national border and the one back from the national border at the end of your journey.

Where can I buy the Interrail?

You can either order the Interrail online or buy it at a train station or travel agency in your home. The Interrail is personal and non-transferable, so you must show a passport or identity card to buy it.

Is the Interrail worth it?

The Interrail is ideal for people who like to travel by train. The following list can help you make a decision:

  • You have your primary residence in Europe, but not in Switzerland.
  • You plan to visit several regions in Switzerland and travel longer distances by public transport.
  • You plan to make one or more trips on a panoramic train.
  • You plan to stay a little longer in Switzerland and take days in between when you don't travel much by public transport.
  • You use local public transport, i.e. buses and streetcars, only sporadically and do not mind buying additional zone or route tickets.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to board the included means of transport on your travel days.
Interrail Bahnhof ZugIn Europa unterwegs mit dem Interrail (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Berg Schnee Transport WinterFahre mit dem Interrail vergünstigt in die Berge (Foto: Swiss Travel System)

Whether the Interrail or the Swiss Travel Pass is more suitable for you can only be determined by your travel plans. If you have a rough idea of what your plans look like, we recommend the following:

Calculate the difference between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Interrail for the time you need and roughly estimate whether this difference is enough for any bus, boat, and gondola rides as well as for a museum visit or two.

If you're feeling discriminated against as a non-European and are already planning the next protest march, we can reassure you that there are interesting options for you as well.

Eurail

The Eurail is a non-identical twin of the Interrail. It has more similarities than differences to the Interrail and is valid on the European rail network across 33 countries. Note that you cannot use the Eurail on buses or trams.

Unfortunately, there is no One-Country Pass for Switzerland. Thus, your only option for a trip with the Eurail through Switzerland is to purchase a Eurail Global Pass. Even with the Eurail Pass, the services are less comprehensive compared to those of the Swiss Travel Pass. Since it is a rail pass, it is mainly valid on trains and includes the following offers:

  • Free travel on all SBB trains as well as these private railway companies.
  • Free travel on all panorama trains, where seat reservations must be paid for separately.
  • Free travel on BLS boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
  • 50% discount on various other boats, such as on Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne.
  • 25% discount on various mountain railways, such as the Jungfrau railways or the Stanserhornbahn.
  • 15% off your stay at Swiss youth hostels.

How long is the Eurail valid?

The Global Pass is available for different periods of time. Started at 4 flexible days and stopped at 3 months of unlimited travel.

Who can buy the Eurail?

You may have noticed that the Eurail website is only in English, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. This is because only non-Europeans can buy a Eurail Pass. And since neither German nor Danish is spoken outside Europe, the language selection is different from Interrail.

Where can I buy the Eurail?

You can either order the Interrail online or buy it at a travel agency in your home. The Eurail is personal and non-transferable, so you must show your passport to buy it.

Is the Eurail worth it?

The Eurail is ideal for people who are planning a longer trip through Europe and like to travel by train. The following list can help you make a decision:

  • You have your primary residence not in Europe.
  • You plan to visit several countries in Europe apart from Switzerland and travel longer distances by public transport.
  • You plan to take one or more trips on a panoramic train in Switzerland.
  • You plan to stay a little longer in Switzerland and take days in between when you don't travel much by public transport.
  • You use local public transport, i.e. buses and streetcars, only sporadically and do not mind buying additional zone or route tickets.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to board the included means of transport on your travel days.
Bahnhof Zug(Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Zentralbahn ZugZugreise in der Schweiz (Foto: Swiss Travel System)

Tellpass

The Tellpass covers a range of tourist activities in Central Switzerland – around Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. If you're familiar with the legend of William Tell, you won't be surprised by this particular name. If not, here's a little refresher.

William Tell was the one who, in the 13th century, had to shoot an apple off his son Walter's head in Altdorf to escape the clutches of the treacherous bailiff Gessler.

With a crossbow, of course.

After the intense but successful shot, Tell was still captured but managed to escape Gessler during a fierce storm on Lake Lucerne. It was a fight for life and death...

With the Tellpass, which has nothing in common with good old William apart from its home region, you get access to the following offers:

  • Unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and boats, as well as several mountain railways in Central Switzerland according to this network.
  • Discounted entry to a selection of partner attractions like the Glasi Hergiswil, the bike park in Emmetten, or the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad.

How long is the Tellpass valid?

The Tellpass is available for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 consecutive days. The pass runs from its first day of validity and the travel days are not flexible over a longer period.

Who can buy the Tellpass?

Good news: No matter how old you are, where you come from, what color hair you have, and whether you like fondue or not, you can buy the Tellpass. It is for every guest of Central Switzerland.

Where can I buy the Tellpass?

There are over 80 points of sale throughout Switzerland where you can get your personal and non-transferable Tellpass. It is also available in the online store, although in this case it can only be booked two weeks before the first day of validity.

Is the Tellpass worth it?

The Tellpass is significantly cheaper than the Swiss Travel Pass and may be worth considering in the following cases:

  • You have your main residence in Switzerland and therefore cannot buy a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • You do not have a Half-Fare Card, General Abonnement, Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail or Eurail.
  • You are spending two or more days in Central Switzerland.
  • You plan to use public transport excessively on these days and also to visit some partner offers.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to board the included means of transport on your travel days.
Zug Transport Luzern VierwaldstätterseeZug am Vierwaldstättersee (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
RigiFahrt auf die Rigi (Foto: Rigi Bahnen Gaudenz Danuser)

Jungfrau Travel Pass

The Jungfrau Pass is perfect for tourists looking to have fun in the Interlaken region. There are two versions of this pass. The Top of Europe Pass covers the entire trip to Jungfraujoch, while the Jungfrau Travel Pass only offers a discount from the Eigergletscher station.

The following benefits are included with the Jungfrau Pass:

  • Unlimited travel on all trains and cable cars marked with solid blue lines. This also includes the local bus in Grindelwald.
  • Unlimited travel to Jungfraujoch (with the Jungfrau Travel Pass) OR a discount on the Jungfrau railway from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch with the Top of Europe Pass.
  • Unlimited boat travel on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, as well as on trains between Brienz – Interlaken Ost – Interlaken West. Note: This additional benefit only applies if you have a Jungfrau Pass valid for 5 to 8 days.
  • 10% discount when showing the Jungfrau Pass at the Top of Europe Shops.
Jungfrau Travel PassGültigkeitsbereich Jungfrau Travel Pass (Foto: Jungfraubahnen)

How long is the Jungfrau Travel Pass valid?

The Jungfrau Pass is available for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 consecutive days. The pass begins on its first valid day, and travel days cannot be used flexibly over a longer period.

Who can buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass?

Like the Tell Pass, the Jungfrau Pass is available to all guests in the region, Swiss or not.

Where can I buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass?

The easiest way to purchase the personal and non-transferable Jungfrau Travel Pass is through Swiss Activities. It is also available at most Swiss train stations and at the tourist information offices in the Jungfrau region.

Is the Jungfrau Travel Pass worth it?

We’ve addressed whether the Jungfrau Travel Pass is worth it in a separate article. Here are some points to consider when deciding:

  • You live in Switzerland and therefore cannot buy a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • You might have a Half Fare Card but no General Abonnement.
  • You may have an Interrail or Eurail Pass that is only valid in this region, but you want to make good use of public transport in and around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Kleine Scheidegg.
  • You're on vacation in the Jungfrau region and plan to use public transport on several consecutive days.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to hop on included transport easily.
Grindelwald First JungfrauGrindelwald First (Foto: Jungfraubahnen)
Jungfraubahn ZugJungfraubahn (Foto: Jungfraubahnen)

Berner Oberland Pass

If you're planning a holiday in the Bernese Oberland, this regional pass is likely to make your heart race. It covers an incredibly large area that extends well beyond the Canton of Bern. If you're spending some time within the rectangle formed by Lucerne, Bern, Saanen, and Brig, you're in the coverage area of the Berner Oberland Pass.

The following offers are included with the Berner Oberland Pass:

  • Unlimited travel on all trains, buses, boats, and mountain railways according to this overview map. Note: buses and trams are not included in the pass, except in Thun and Interlaken.
  • 50% discount on all dotted lines according to the same map.
  • Discounts ranging from 10% to 100% at around 40 leisure activities like the Aare Gorge in Meiringen, the kitschy turquoise Lake Blausee, or a castle tour around Lake Thun.

How long is the Bernese Oberland Pass valid?

The Bernese Oberland Pass is available between April and October for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 consecutive days. The pass runs from its first day of validity and the travel days are not flexible over a longer period.

Who can buy the Bernese Oberland Pass?

The Bernese Oberland Pass is available to any guest in the region.

Where can I buy the Bernese Oberland Pass?

The easiest way to buy the personal and non-transferable Bernese Oberland Pass is in the BLS online store. It is also available at most Swiss railroad stations and at the tourist offices in the region.

Is the Bernese Oberland Pass worth it?

The Bernese Oberland Pass offers a terrific selection of excursion destinations. It is slightly more expensive than the Jungfrau Travel Pass. But if you plan to travel outside the Jungfrau region on a larger scale, the surcharge might be worth it.

However, I do not recommend combining the Jungfrau Travel Pass with the Swiss Travel Pass, as it makes little sense to have two all-round carefree packages in your pocket. The following points can help you decide whether the Bernese Oberland Pass is something for you or not:

  • You live in Switzerland and therefore cannot buy a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • You own a Half-Fare Card but no General Abonnement, no Swiss Travel Pass and no Interrail or Eurail.
  • You are spending your vacations between April and October in the Bernese Oberland and plan to use public transport in the area of validity on several consecutive days.
  • You would like to take advantage of various included leisure activities and benefit from discounted admission.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to board the included means of transport.
Kambly Zug Winter Kambly Zug im Winter (Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Thunersee SchifffahrtThunersee Schifffahrt (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)

Graubündenpass

The Graubündenpass is valid throughout the canton of Grisons, with several subcategories. At first glance, it seems a bit complicated, but somehow we will pass through this thicket as well. The canton is divided into the zone north and the zone south. You have the choice whether you want to buy the pass for only one or both zones.

Included in the Graubündenpass are the following services:

  • Free travel on all trains and buses in the canton of Grisons as well as on some mountain railroads.
  • 50% price reduction on certain mountain railroads certain mountain railroads.
  • Free transport of your bike for one day if you buy the Graubündenpass Bike.

How long is the Graubündenpass?

The Graubündenpass Bike is available for one day at a time for either one or both zones. The regular Graubündenpass is available for two periods:

  • 2 days within 7 days
  • 5 days within 14 days

The travel days can be used flexibly throughout the overall validity period.

Who can buy the Graubünden Pass?

The Graubünden Pass is available to all guests in the canton of Graubünden.

Where can I buy the Graubünden Pass?

You can purchase the Graubünden Pass at the following locations:

  • At any counter of the Rhaetian Railway
  • At the SBB counters in Chur and Landquart
  • At the post offices in Flims and Lenzerheide
  • At the PostBus sales point in Chur
  • From PostBus drivers
  • In the online shop

Is the Graubünden Pass worth it?

Even though the Graubünden Pass might seem a bit complex, it offers quite an appealing deal. It could be worth it for you if:

  • You plan to spend one to two weeks exploring the Canton of Graubünden.
  • You don't have a rail ticket like a Half Fare Card, nor a general subscription, a Swiss Travel Pass, or Interrail/Eurail.
  • You’re travelling longer distances in the Canton of Graubünden using public transport.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about getting the right ticket and just hopping on the included transport options.
Bernina Express ZugBernina Express in Graubünden(Foto: Swiss Travel System)
Rheinschlucht Rhätische Bahn ZugRhätische Bahn in der Rheinschlucht (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)

Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass

The latest tourist pass takes us to Western Switzerland, or more specifically, to the beautiful Lake Geneva region. The Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass is valid in the area between Zweisimmen, St. Maurice, Geneva, and Yverdon-les-Bains. It offers a combination of free and discounted travel that we haven't seen in any other tourist pass so far.

The following benefits are included in this pass:

  • Free travel on all trains, buses, boats, and cable cars along the continuous lines according to this validity plan.
  • 50% discount on routes marked with a dotted line according to the same map.

Also included is the ride on the Golden Pass train from Montreux to Zweisimmen. If you want to continue your journey from Zweisimmen to Interlaken on the Panoramic Train, you'll need an additional ticket. However, you can get that ticket at half price with the Geneva Lake-Alps Regional Pass. Unfortunately, this pass doesn’t offer any other discounts or reduced entry fees.

How long is the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass valid?

The Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass is available in two versions. One pass is valid for 5 days, where you enjoy free travel on the entire network on 2 days and a 50% reduction on the network on the remaining 3 days.

The second version is valid for 7 days. On 3 days you get free travel and on 4 days 50% reduction on the remaining tickets. The Lake Geneva Alps Regional Pass is available all year round, although certain mountain railroads and boats operate seasonally at reduced rates or not at all. Check the timetable on the SBB website or app before you start your journey.

Who can buy the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass?

The Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass is available to everyone.

Where can I buy the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass?

The easiest way to buy the personal and non-transferable Regional Pass is in the online store. It is also available at the train stations and the boat landing stages in the Lake Geneva region.

Is the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass worth it?

The Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass covers quite a large area and gives you access to many wonderful destinations. Be it a trip on a paddle steamer on Lake Geneva, a train ride along the beautiful Lavaux vineyards or a trip on the Golden Pass train to the Bernese Oberland. The following points can help you decide whether the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass is something for you or not:

  • You live in Switzerland and therefore cannot buy a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • You may own a Half-Fare Card but not a General Abonnement, a Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail or Eurail.
  • You plan to use public transport in the area of validity for longer distances on two or three days and only sporadically or not at all on the other days.
  • You prefer the freedom of not having to worry about buying the right ticket and being able to board the included means of transport.

One major advantage of the Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass is that it isn't valid for 5 or 7 consecutive days in full. This allows for a lower price while giving you the flexibility to plan both busy and relaxing travel days, without feeling like you wasted money on the pass during quieter days.

For two to three days with bigger excursions, such as taking the Golden Pass to Zweisimmen or a boat trip on Lake Geneva, the pass pays for itself very quickly.

By the way, if you need help choosing your itinerary in Switzerland, we're happy to assist with our articles.

Schifffahrt GenferseeSchiff auf dem Genfersee (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)
GenferseeLavaux Weinberge am Genfersee (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)