5 simple steps to using your Swiss Travel Pass

Want to travel through Switzerland using public transportation and discover the most beautiful places in the country? Then the Swiss Travel Pass is your best companion.

You can read a detailed explanation of what this pass includes and how you can use it in our Swiss Travel Pass article.

Here, we'll guide you in five steps on how to choose the right Swiss Travel Pass, where to buy it, activate it, and make the most of it. This way, nothing will stand in the way of your journey through Switzerland.

1. Decide which Swiss Travel Pass you need

The Swiss Travel Pass comes in different versions and at various prices. With the regular Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days. With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, on the other hand, you can travel for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 freely chosen days throughout Switzerland. However, you need to choose these days within 30 days of your purchase.

So, the first step is to decide which pass is right for you. To make this decision, we strongly recommend that you first read this article about the Swiss Travel Pass.

2. Buy your Swiss Travel Pass

Once you've chosen your perfect travel companion, the next question is where to buy it.

Good news: We offer both passes directly through Swiss Activities so you can get this step done quickly. Just select the start date, the desired duration, and the class. You’ll then be redirected to a form where you can fill in the passenger information.

• Buy Swiss Travel Pass
• Buy Swiss Travel Pass Flex

3. Activate your Swiss Travel Pass

We frequently get asked whether you need to activate the Swiss Travel Pass. The answer is straightforward.

Yes and no...

You don’t need to activate the Swiss Travel Pass. It is valid from the date you choose at the time of purchase. So, all you have to do is bring the PDF you receive from us after booking.

However, you must activate the Swiss Travel Pass Flex on the days you wish to use it. You can do this in the following steps:

• Open the PDF that we send you via email after booking. It contains all the information you need for activation.
• Go to the page activateyourpass.
• Enter the reference number, first name, last name, and date of birth.
• On the next page, you can select the days you want to travel. Important: Your Swiss Travel Pass Flex is only valid on the days it is activated.
• For each activated travel day, a valid ticket will be generated. You can choose to view, download, or add it to your wallet using the red buttons.
• If you want to deactivate a travel day, you can do this as many times as you like until 23:59 the day before. Note that you cannot change or deactivate an activated ticket on the actual travel day.

4. Install the SBB app

If you're using public transportation in Switzerland, the SBB app is a must-have. Download it from the App Store or the Google Play Store. This will equip you perfectly to check your timetables and plan your trips.

5. Use your Swiss Travel Pass

Now you're ready to explore Switzerland with your Swiss Travel Pass. You can show your ticket as an E-Ticket, in printed form, or on your mobile phone. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Always show the control staff your Swiss Travel Pass along with an official ID.
• Make sure to activate your Swiss Travel Pass Flex on the day of travel.
• The pass is personalized and cannot be transferred to other people.
• Note that you can't travel for free on mountain railways with the Swiss Travel Pass; you'll need to purchase a discounted ticket.
• If you're traveling with your kids, you’ll receive a free Swiss Family Card in combination with your Swiss Travel Pass. This allows your children to travel with you for free. You can book the Swiss Family Card for free here.

We wish you a great journey with your Swiss Travel Pass.