TL;DR: The SBB Mobile app is the single most essential tool for traveling in Switzerland. It covers real-time timetables, ticket purchases (including Supersaver fares up to 70% off), digital passes, and the EasyRide check-in/check-out feature. Download it before your trip -- it is free, works on iOS and Android, and replaces paper tickets entirely.
Why the SBB Mobile app matters
The SBB Mobile app is Switzerland's official public transport app, developed by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). It is used by over 5 million people and handles more than 90% of digital ticket sales in the country. For visitors, it is the single most practical tool you can carry -- timetables, tickets, passes, and disruption alerts all live in one place.
Every piece of advice on ch.tours ultimately connects back to this app. Whether you are checking the next train to Lucerne, buying a Supersaver ticket to Zermatt at 70% off, or loading your digital Swiss Travel Pass, the SBB Mobile app is where it happens.
How to download and set up the app
Download
The SBB Mobile app is free and available on both platforms:
- iOS: Search "SBB Mobile" in the Apple App Store (requires iOS 15 or later)
- Android: Search "SBB Mobile" in Google Play (requires Android 8.0 or later)
The app is approximately 120 MB. ch.tours recommends downloading it at home before departing for Switzerland -- this way you can explore timetables and buy advance tickets before arrival.
Create an account
- Open the app and tap "Register"
- Enter your email address and choose a password
- Verify your email via the confirmation link
- Add your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Add a payment method (credit card, Mastercard, Visa, TWINT, or PostFinance)
Tip from ch.tours: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. All prices in the app are in CHF (Swiss Francs). Your bank handles the conversion automatically.
Language settings
The app supports English, German, French, and Italian. Change the language in Menu > Settings > Language. The English version is fully functional -- all timetable data, station names, and ticket options appear correctly.
Buying tickets in the SBB Mobile app
Point-to-point tickets
The most straightforward way to travel. Tap the search bar, enter your origin and destination, pick your train, and buy.
| Ticket Type | Description | Refundable | Example Price (Zurich to Bern, 2nd class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ticket | Full-price, fully flexible | Yes (CHF 5 fee) | CHF 51 |
| Supersaver ticket | Discounted, train-specific, non-refundable | No | From CHF 15.40 |
| Day Pass | Unlimited travel for one day across all of Switzerland | No | CHF 75 (with Half Fare Card: CHF 52) |
Prices valid for 2026 (source: SBB).
How to buy a ticket step by step
- Open the app and tap the search field at the top
- Enter your departure station (e.g., "Zurich HB")
- Enter your arrival station (e.g., "Interlaken Ost")
- Select date and time
- Choose class (1st or 2nd)
- Tap "Search"
- The app shows available connections with prices. Supersaver fares appear in green with a savings badge
- Select your preferred connection and tap "Buy"
- Confirm payment -- the ticket is stored digitally in the app under "Tickets & Subscriptions"
No printing needed. The conductor scans the QR code on your phone screen.
Supersaver tickets explained
Supersaver tickets (Spartickets) are the best-kept-not-so-secret way to save money on Swiss trains. They offer discounts of 10% to 70% off the standard fare, depending on demand and how far in advance you book.
How Supersaver tickets work
- Available: 60 days before the travel date
- Discount range: 10% to 70% off the standard price
- Train-specific: Valid only on the exact train you select. If you miss it, the ticket is void
- Non-refundable: No changes, no cancellations, no refunds
- Limited quantity: Each train has a fixed number of Supersaver seats. Popular routes sell out quickly
Real savings examples (2026 prices, 2nd class)
| Route | Standard Price | Best Supersaver Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich -- Bern | CHF 51 | CHF 15.40 | 70% |
| Zurich -- Interlaken Ost | CHF 72 | CHF 21.60 | 70% |
| Zurich -- Lugano | CHF 65 | CHF 19.50 | 70% |
| Geneva -- Zermatt | CHF 89 | CHF 26.70 | 70% |
| Basel -- Lucerne | CHF 36 | CHF 10.80 | 70% |
| Bern -- Interlaken Ost | CHF 31 | CHF 9.30 | 70% |
Best Supersaver prices are available on early-morning and late-evening trains with low demand. Not all trains offer 70% discounts -- most Supersaver tickets offer 20-50% off.
Tips for getting the best Supersaver fares
- Book exactly 60 days in advance. Set a calendar reminder. The cheapest fares appear at midnight, 60 days before travel
- Be flexible with time. Early morning (before 07:00) and late evening (after 20:00) trains have the deepest discounts
- Avoid peak routes at peak times. Zurich to Bern at 08:00 on a Monday will rarely have big discounts
- Check both directions. Sometimes the return journey has better Supersaver availability than the outbound
- Buy early, even if unsure. At CHF 15 for a Zurich-to-Bern ride, the risk of a non-refundable ticket is minimal
Important: Supersaver tickets are not available if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass (the pass already covers unlimited travel). They are best combined with a Half Fare Card, which doubles the Supersaver discount -- you get 50% off the already-reduced Supersaver price.
Timetable features
The SBB Mobile app has the most accurate and comprehensive public transport timetable in Switzerland. It covers not just SBB trains but also PostBus, city trams, lake boats, mountain railways, and even some cable cars.
Real-time information
- Live departure boards: See real-time departures from any station, including delays (updated every 30 seconds)
- Platform numbers: The app shows which platform your train departs from -- useful at large stations like Zurich HB (26 platforms) and Bern (12 platforms)
- Disruption alerts: If a line is closed or delayed, the app shows alternative routes automatically
- Occupancy forecast: A green/orange/red indicator shows how full each train is expected to be. Green means plenty of seats; red means standing room only
Offline timetable
The app stores timetable data offline. Even without mobile internet (e.g., in a tunnel), you can look up the next train. The offline data refreshes automatically when you reconnect to the internet.
Useful timetable tips
- Tap any station on the map to see live departures
- Save frequent routes (e.g., Hotel to Zurich HB) as favorites for one-tap access
- Set "via" stations if you want the route to pass through a specific city
- Filter by transport type (train only, bus only, boat only) to narrow results
EasyRide -- check in, check out, best price
EasyRide is an innovative feature that turns your phone into a virtual travel card. Instead of buying a ticket before each trip, you simply check in when you board and check out when you arrive. The system calculates the best possible fare automatically.
How EasyRide works
- Open the SBB Mobile app
- Tap "EasyRide" on the home screen
- Tap "Start EasyRide" (check in) when you board your first train, bus, or tram
- Travel freely -- change trains, take buses, ride trams. Everything is tracked via GPS
- Tap "Stop EasyRide" (check out) when you reach your final destination
- The app calculates the best fare and charges your payment method automatically
EasyRide pricing
- EasyRide always calculates the cheapest possible fare for your journey, including any day pass options if you make multiple trips in one day
- If you hold a Half Fare Card (digital or physical), EasyRide automatically applies the 50% discount
- The maximum daily charge is capped at the price of a day pass (CHF 75 standard / CHF 52 with Half Fare Card, 2026 prices)
- No Supersaver prices: EasyRide uses standard fares (with Half Fare Card discount if applicable), not Supersaver fares. If you know your route in advance, buying a Supersaver ticket is almost always cheaper
When to use EasyRide vs buying tickets
| Scenario | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Planned intercity trip, booked in advance | Supersaver ticket |
| Spontaneous short trip within a city | EasyRide |
| Multiple short trips in one day (city sightseeing) | EasyRide (caps at day pass) |
| You have a Swiss Travel Pass | Not needed (pass covers everything) |
| You forgot to buy a ticket and the train is arriving | EasyRide (check in immediately) |
Important: Always remember to check out. If you forget, the system may charge you a higher fare based on the last detected location. You can correct a forgotten check-out within 24 hours via the app under "EasyRide > Trip History".
Digital passes in the SBB Mobile app
Half Fare Card (digital)
The Half Fare Card (Halbtax) gives you 50% off virtually all public transport in Switzerland for one year. Since 2023, it is available as a fully digital card in the SBB Mobile app.
- Price: CHF 185 for one year (2026)
- How to buy: In the app, go to Menu > Subscriptions > Half Fare Card
- Activation: Immediate. The digital Half Fare Card appears in the app and is valid from the purchase date
- Who can buy it: Anyone -- Swiss residents and visitors alike. Visitors staying 2+ weeks often find this more economical than a Swiss Travel Pass
GA Travelcard (digital)
The GA Travelcard (General Abonnement) is the ultimate Swiss transport pass -- unlimited travel on all public transport for one year. It is primarily used by Swiss residents but available to anyone.
- Price: CHF 3'860 (2nd class) / CHF 6'320 (1st class) per year (2026)
- Available digitally: Yes, fully integrated in the SBB Mobile app
- For visitors: Only worthwhile if you are spending several months in Switzerland. For trips under one month, the Swiss Travel Pass is more cost-effective
Swiss Travel Pass (digital)
The Swiss Travel Pass can be loaded directly into the SBB Mobile app as a digital ticket. After purchasing on sbb.ch or swistravelsystem.com, link it to your SBB account and it appears in the app. Conductors scan the QR code on your screen -- no paper pass needed.
Advanced features and hidden gems
Journey planning with connections
The app calculates door-to-door journeys including walking segments. If your hotel is a 7-minute walk from the station, the app factors that into the connection time. It also shows accessible routes (elevators, ramps) when you enable the accessibility filter.
SwissPass linking
If you have a SwissPass card (the physical card used for GA, Half Fare Card, or regional passes), you can link it to the SBB Mobile app. This lets you view your pass status, renewal dates, and use mobile tickets alongside your physical pass.
Apple Watch and Wear OS
The SBB Mobile app has a companion app for Apple Watch and Wear OS smartwatches. It shows your next departure, platform number, and real-time delay -- useful when your hands are full with luggage.
Widget support
On both iOS and Android, the SBB app offers home screen widgets showing live departures from your favorite station. Set your nearest station and see the next 3-4 departures without opening the app.
International connections
The app also shows connections to neighboring countries -- trains to Munich, Milan, Paris, and Vienna all appear in the timetable. You can buy international tickets directly in the app for many routes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a standard ticket when Supersaver is available. Always check for the green Supersaver badge before purchasing
- Forgetting to check out on EasyRide. Set a phone reminder or enable the app notification that prompts you when GPS detects you have stopped moving
- Not creating an account before arrival. Set up your SBB account and payment method at home. Swiss station Wi-Fi can be unreliable when you are rushing to catch a train
- Ignoring the occupancy indicator. If a train shows red (very full), consider taking the one 30 minutes earlier or later
- Not saving your route as a favorite. If you take the same train daily (e.g., hotel to city center), save it for one-tap access
- Assuming Supersaver tickets are refundable. They are not. If your plans might change, buy a standard flexible ticket instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SBB Mobile app free?
Yes, the SBB Mobile app is completely free to download and use on both iOS and Android. There are no subscription fees or premium versions. You only pay when you purchase tickets or passes through the app.
Do I need a Swiss phone number to use the app?
No. The SBB Mobile app works with any international phone number and email address. You can register with your home country phone number and a credit card from any country. Visa and Mastercard are accepted worldwide.
Can I use the SBB Mobile app offline?
Partially. The timetable data is cached locally, so you can look up train schedules without internet. However, buying tickets, using EasyRide, and viewing real-time disruption alerts require an internet connection. ch.tours recommends buying a Swiss SIM card or using your mobile roaming plan for reliable connectivity.
How do I find Supersaver tickets in the app?
Search for your route and date as usual. Supersaver fares appear in green with a discount badge showing the percentage saved (e.g., "-50%"). If no Supersaver tickets appear, they may be sold out for that train -- try a different time or date. Supersaver tickets are released 60 days before the travel date.
Can I buy tickets for someone else?
Yes. When purchasing a ticket, you can change the traveler name to another person. The recipient does not need their own SBB account -- you can forward the ticket via email or show the QR code on your phone. This is useful for families or groups.
What happens if my phone battery dies and my ticket is in the app?
Take a screenshot of your ticket QR code and save it to your camera roll as a backup. Some travelers also keep a portable charger (power bank) for peace of mind. If your phone does die during a journey, explain the situation to the conductor -- Swiss train staff are generally understanding and can verify your purchase by looking up your name in the system.
Is EasyRide cheaper than buying individual tickets?
EasyRide charges standard fares, not discounted Supersaver fares. For planned intercity journeys, buying a Supersaver ticket in advance is almost always cheaper. EasyRide is best for spontaneous trips or city travel where the daily cap (CHF 75 / CHF 52 with Half Fare Card) provides peace of mind. Think of EasyRide as a convenience feature, not a savings feature.
Can I use the SBB Mobile app for buses and boats too?
Yes. The SBB Mobile app covers the entire Swiss public transport network: SBB trains, PostBus (yellow buses), city trams and buses (ZVV, Bernmobil, TPG, etc.), lake boats (SGV, CGN, ZSG), and many mountain railways. Tickets purchased in the app are valid across all these operators. The timetable integrates all modes of transport into a single journey planner.
Source: ch.tours | Last updated: March 2026 | Data from SBB (sbb.ch), Swiss Travel System (swistravelsystem.com), MySwitzerland.com