The Swiss Travel Pass (Flex, Youth) – Everything You Need

The Swiss Travel Pass is the perfect pass for those who want flexibility on their trip to Switzerland, but do not want to pay the full price on what is one of the most expensive transport systems in Europe.

You can choose if you want 3, 4, 8, or 15 days of travel within a given month. And, which class of travel you wish to use.

With the standard Swiss Travel Pass, you are expected to travel on consecutive days (in a row). If you don’t, you lose those days.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose which when you want to travel. So, if your trip is not 100% planned or you want to have some flexibility, you can choose when to apply for the pass. You simply use the given day when you book your ticket to travel.

The Swiss Travel Pass (Standard and Flex) also comes with a massive list of other benefits including discounts on mountain trips, free entrance to museums and use of public transport in cities on the days you choose (see more below).

Details, Benefits & Conditions

Benefits Of The Swiss Travel Pass & Flex

• Unlimited travel free on the chosen days – train, bus and boat ** See Map Of Valid Travel Areas
• Unlimited travel on city public transport (over 90 cities & urban areas) ** See Map Of Valid Travel Areas
• Free travel on premium trains (such as: Glacier Express, Golden Pass, Bernina Express etc. * Seat reservation required, surcharge applies for that)
• 50% discount on many mountain cablecars and trains (some free, see next point)
• Free mountain excursions to: Pilatus, Rigi & Schynige Platte
• Free access to museums (500 museums)

Traveling With Children

Children can travel free when:

• Between the ages of 6 and 16, who are accompanied by at least one parent (holding a valid Swiss Pass) with the complimentary Swiss Family Card (available upon request)
• Under the age of 6, who are accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss ticket

Delivery Of Passes

The Swiss Travel Pass can either be ordered online and delivered per post or courier OR printed at home.

Paper passes that need to be delivered are subject to delivery fees.

Seat Reservations

• In general, seat reservations are not required on regional Swiss trains (although they can be purchased if you wish). Simply enter the train and take any available seat in the class you have purchased.
• Tip: Travel during peak periods (public holidays, school holidays) seat reservations on major lines may be necessary to avoid standing (ask when traveling)
• Reservations are required on special trains such as: Bernina Express, the Chocolate Train, the Glacier Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express. Also required for international trains.

* Seat reservations can be made within 90 days of travel (ie. not a year ahead)

Swiss Travel Pass Validity Map

The following is a map of the Swiss travel system in its entirety. You can use the Swiss Travel Pass on the majority of the lines (boat, train, bus).

Click Here To Open Map (Downloadable PDF)

Swiss Travel Pass Prices

The following are the prices for a Swiss Travel Pass for the number of consecutive days you wish to travel in a month, and the class of travel (1st or 2nd) you wish to take. You have the option of traveling for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days in total.

Remember, buying this standard pass means you should be traveling every day. Otherwise, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex below is a better option.

Swiss Travel Pass Adult

Swiss Travel Pass Youth

(Under 26 years old)

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

The following are the prices for a Swiss Travel Pass for the number of days you wish to travel within a given month, and the class of travel (1st or 2nd) you wish to take. Remember, buying this standard pass means you can choose to travel on whichever day you want. That means it will cost a little bit more, but the flexibility is often worth it, especially if you are staying multiple days in one location and not moving around much.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Adult

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Youth

(Under 26 years old)

* Fares for the Swiss Travel Pass are estimated only due to currency fluctuations. Check current prices when purchasing.

Swiss Half Fare Card

Another option is the Swiss Half Fare Card, which is something locals use to get tickets for half price. The challenge for short-term visitors like yourself is that the cost is rarely worth it.

As of the time of writing (early 2022) the Half Fare Card cost 120 CHF (around 120 USD) for one month. 

It provides you with 50% off all train, bus and boat tickets as well as various discounts on most mountain gondolas.