Best Tips For Cheaper Train Travel in Switzerland

Switzerland train travel is efficient, punctual, and clean, and it is an excellent way to explore this beautiful country. 
However, public transportation in Switzerland can be costly, especially if you are travelling with large group or family.
As result, here are some suggestions for saving money on Swiss train tickets.
Full-fare train travel in Switzerland can be prohibitively expensive. 
one-way ticket from Geneva to Zurich, for example, can cost around 195 Swiss francs.
CHF 25 from Zürich to Luzern
CHF 33 from Luzern to Interlaken
CHF 125 from Zürich to Zermatt
CHF 102 from Zermatt to Geneva

Seniors and students do not receive discount on full  fare train tickets, but they do receive discounts on certain travel passes, travel cards, and mountain excursions.

 

Passes for Short-Term Travel
Tourist travel passes are designed to make Swiss travel more convenient and cost effective. 
Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each day of travel, tourists can purchase travel pass for set number of days ranging from to 10 days. Most travel passes include public transportation (trains, trams, and buses) as well as discounts on mountain excursions and recreational activities.  Please see the specific pass details for the exact benefits for more information.
1. Travel Passes in Switzerland
The Swiss Travel Pass is the most popular tourist option. 
It includes transportation on trains, buses, and boats for set number of days. 
It also provides discounts on mountain transportation in many locations. 
This is the most adaptable pass and is ideal for long-distance travel with no set itinerary.
2. Regional Transportation Passes
Many mountain resorts provide regional travel pass that covers trains, buses, boats, and some mountain transportation (or discounts on them) in given region for set number of days. 
These passes are generally only worthwhile if you don’t own car (meaning you always travel to and from places by public transportation) and will be using expensive mountain transportation every day.
3. International Travel Documents
If you have an InterRail or Eurail pass and are travelling across Europe, you may be eligible for discounts on Swiss train travel. 
If Switzerland is the main focus of your trip, however, it is far better to purchase Switzerland-specific pass.
Passes for Long-Term Travel
These travel cards are primarily intended for Swiss residents, providing them with long-term discounts on travel. 
Tourists can, however, purchase these, which may be more cost-effective option in some cases.
4.Half-Fare Travel Pass
The SBB Half- fare  Travelcard, which costs CHF 185 for year, provides 50% discount on public transportation and most mountain transportation. 
To get the card, you must first order Swiss Pass, which is essentially travel ID card. 
Once you have the Swiss Pass, you can load travel passes onto the card.

For short-term travel, locals and visitors can buy a 1 month Half-fare card for CHF 120 (in 2021). This card can provide significant savings, particularly if you frequently travel to expensive mountain destinations.

The Junior Travel Card allows children to travel for free.
If you are travelling with children aged 6 to 16, the SBB Junior card should be purchased (sometimes called the Family Card). It costs CHF 30 per year and entitles the child to free public transportation and most mountain transportation when accompanied by a parent holding a valid ticket.

Both residents and visitors can purchase the Junior Card. The Junior card can be purchased at any train station with a ticket office. You must bring identification proving your children’s age.

One Month GA Travel Card

If you are staying in Switzerland for a few weeks, a one-month GA card may be the most affordable way to travel. A GA pass includes free public transportation all over Switzerland and a 50% discount on mountain railways (some free) – see the validity map below. A one-month GA pass costs CHF 420, about the same price as an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass (see below).

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