TL;DR: The Swiss Travel Pass (from CHF 244 for 3 days) is better for active travelers visiting multiple cities and mountains over 4+ days. The Half Fare Card (CHF 120 for one month) is better for slower trips, budget travelers, or visitors spending most time in one or two locations. The break-even point is typically CHF 400--500 in total transport spending.
Quick answer
The Swiss Travel Pass and the Half Fare Card are the two main discount options for tourists using Swiss public transport. They work very differently: the Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited free travel on trains, buses, and boats plus free museum entry and mountain railway discounts. The Half Fare Card gives 50% off virtually every ticket in Switzerland for one month. The right choice depends on your trip length, pace, and number of mountain excursions.
This ch.tours guide calculates exact 2026 costs for six common trip scenarios so you can choose with confidence.
At-a-glance comparison
| Feature | Swiss Travel Pass | Half Fare Card |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2nd class, 2026) | 3 days: CHF 244 / 4 days: CHF 295 / 6 days: CHF 385 / 8 days: CHF 440 / 15 days: CHF 520 | CHF 120 (1 month) |
| Price (1st class, 2026) | 3 days: CHF 389 / 4 days: CHF 471 / 6 days: CHF 612 / 8 days: CHF 700 / 15 days: CHF 828 | CHF 120 (1 month, applies to all classes) |
| Train coverage | Unlimited free travel on SBB, most regional lines | 50% off all train tickets |
| Buses | Free on PostBus and city buses | 50% off PostBus; city buses vary |
| Boats | Free on all lake steamers | 50% off lake steamers |
| Mountain railways | 25--50% off (varies by mountain) | 50% off most mountain railways |
| Museums | 500+ museums free | No museum benefit |
| City transport | Free in 90+ cities | Not included (separate tickets needed) |
| Flexibility | Consecutive days | 1 full month |
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Choose travel days within 1 month (higher price) | N/A |
| Available for | Foreign tourists only (no Swiss residents) | Anyone (tourists and residents) |
| Where to buy | sbb.ch, MySwitzerland.com, train stations | sbb.ch, train stations |
How each option works
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket that covers:
- Unlimited free travel on SBB trains (IC, IR, RE, S-Bahn), PostBus, and lake boats
- Free entry to 500+ museums including the Swiss Museum of Transport, Kunsthaus Zurich, and FIFA Museum
- Free city transport in 90+ cities (tram, bus, metro)
- 25--50% off mountain railways (exact discount varies: Mount Rigi is free, Pilatus is 50% off, Jungfraujoch is 25% off)
- Free panoramic train base tickets (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express -- reservation fee still applies)
- Available in consecutive-day versions (3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days) or as the Swiss Travel Pass Flex (choose travel days within a month, ~15% more expensive)
Half Fare Card
The Half Fare Card is simpler:
- 50% off virtually every public transport ticket in Switzerland -- trains, buses, boats, cable cars, funiculars
- Valid for 1 full month from date of first use
- Stackable with supersaver tickets -- buy a half-price supersaver for even deeper savings
- No free museum entry, no free city transport, no free mountain railways
- Works on mountain railways too -- 50% off most cable cars and cog railways
- Available to anyone, including Swiss residents
Cost comparison: six real trip scenarios
Scenario 1: Active 4-day trip from Lucerne
Visiting Lucerne, Pilatus, Rigi, Zurich, and Bern in 4 days.
| Journey | Full Price | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (4-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 120 | CHF 295 |
| Zurich Airport to Lucerne | CHF 31 | CHF 16 | Free |
| Lucerne city transport (4 days) | CHF 24 | CHF 24 | Free |
| Mount Rigi return | CHF 76 | CHF 38 | Free |
| Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip | CHF 115 | CHF 58 | CHF 58 (50% off) |
| Lucerne to Bern return | CHF 72 | CHF 36 | Free |
| Lucerne to Zurich return | CHF 50 | CHF 25 | Free |
| Swiss Museum of Transport | CHF 36 | CHF 36 | Free |
| Rosengart Collection | CHF 18 | CHF 18 | Free |
| Lucerne to Zurich Airport | CHF 31 | CHF 16 | Free |
| Total | CHF 453 | CHF 387 | CHF 353 |
Winner: Swiss Travel Pass saves CHF 100 over full price and CHF 34 over the Half Fare Card.
Scenario 2: Relaxed 7-day trip, mostly one base
Staying in Interlaken for 7 days with 2 mountain trips and one day trip.
| Journey | Full Price | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (8-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 120 | CHF 440 |
| Zurich to Interlaken | CHF 68 | CHF 34 | Free |
| Jungfraujoch return | CHF 240 | CHF 120 | CHF 180 (25% off) |
| Schilthorn return | CHF 105 | CHF 53 | CHF 53 (50% off) |
| Interlaken to Bern return | CHF 58 | CHF 29 | Free |
| Lake Thun cruise | CHF 52 | CHF 26 | Free |
| Interlaken to Zurich | CHF 68 | CHF 34 | Free |
| Total | CHF 591 | CHF 416 | CHF 673 |
Winner: Half Fare Card saves CHF 175 over full price and CHF 257 over the Swiss Travel Pass. When you stay in one place with few train journeys, the Half Fare Card dominates.
Scenario 3: Grand train tour, 8 days
Zurich -- Lucerne -- Interlaken -- Zermatt -- Glacier Express -- St. Moritz -- Bernina Express -- Lugano -- Zurich.
| Journey | Full Price | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (8-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 120 | CHF 440 |
| Zurich to Lucerne | CHF 25 | CHF 13 | Free |
| Lucerne to Interlaken | CHF 33 | CHF 17 | Free |
| Interlaken to Zermatt | CHF 68 | CHF 34 | Free |
| Glacier Express (Zermatt--St. Moritz) | CHF 158 + CHF 49 res | CHF 79 + CHF 49 res | Free + CHF 49 res |
| Bernina Express (St. Moritz--Tirano) | CHF 44 + CHF 14 res | CHF 22 + CHF 14 res | Free + CHF 14 res |
| Tirano to Lugano (bus) | CHF 32 | CHF 16 | Free |
| Lugano to Zurich | CHF 63 | CHF 32 | Free |
| Mount Pilatus | CHF 76 | CHF 38 | CHF 38 (50% off) |
| Gornergrat Railway | CHF 100 | CHF 50 | CHF 50 (50% off) |
| Museums (4 entries) | CHF 80 | CHF 80 | Free |
| Total | CHF 806 | CHF 578 | CHF 591 |
Winner: Half Fare Card by a narrow margin (CHF 13 less than the Swiss Travel Pass). However, the Swiss Travel Pass adds free museums and city transport not counted here.
Scenario 4: Weekend city break, 3 days
Zurich and Bern over a long weekend, light schedule.
| Journey | Full Price | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (3-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 120 | CHF 244 |
| Geneva to Bern | CHF 52 | CHF 26 | Free |
| Bern to Zurich | CHF 52 | CHF 26 | Free |
| Zurich to Geneva | CHF 89 | CHF 45 | Free |
| City transport (3 days) | CHF 30 | CHF 30 | Free |
| Museums (2 entries) | CHF 40 | CHF 40 | Free |
| Total | CHF 263 | CHF 287 | CHF 244 |
Winner: Swiss Travel Pass -- barely. The Half Fare Card actually costs more than full price for this short, light trip.
Scenario 5: Budget backpacker, 14 days
Moving every 2--3 days, hostels, using supersaver tickets.
| Component | Full Price (supersaver) | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (15-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 120 | CHF 520 |
| 8 intercity journeys (avg CHF 30 supersaver) | CHF 240 | CHF 120 | Free |
| 3 mountain railways (avg CHF 80) | CHF 240 | CHF 120 | CHF 120 (50% off avg) |
| Local transport (14 days) | CHF 70 | CHF 70 | Free |
| Museums (5 entries) | CHF 90 | CHF 90 | Free |
| Lake cruises (2) | CHF 80 | CHF 40 | Free |
| Total | CHF 720 | CHF 560 | CHF 640 |
Winner: Half Fare Card for budget travelers who book supersaver tickets in advance.
Scenario 6: Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids under 16)
5-day trip from Zurich covering Lucerne, Pilatus, Jungfraujoch.
| Component | Full Price | Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass (6-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | -- | CHF 240 (2 cards) | CHF 770 (2 adult passes) |
| Children | Full fare | Half fare | Free (Swiss Family Card, included) |
| Zurich to Lucerne (family) | CHF 100 | CHF 50 | Free |
| Pilatus (family) | CHF 280 | CHF 140 | CHF 140 (50% off adults, kids free) |
| Lucerne to Interlaken (family) | CHF 132 | CHF 66 | Free |
| Jungfraujoch (family) | CHF 480 | CHF 240 | CHF 360 (25% off adults, kids free) |
| Interlaken to Zurich (family) | CHF 272 | CHF 136 | Free |
| Museums (family) | CHF 120 | CHF 120 | Free |
| Total | CHF 1'384 | CHF 992 | CHF 1'270 |
Winner: Half Fare Card for families, primarily because the Swiss Family Card (which makes children free) is already included with the Swiss Travel Pass, but the Half Fare Card's flat savings on expensive mountain railways outweighs the pass benefits.
Decision flowchart
Get the Swiss Travel Pass if:
- You are traveling 4+ days with 3+ cities on your itinerary
- You plan to visit museums regularly (500+ free museums save CHF 15--40 per visit)
- You want maximum convenience (no ticket purchases, just board any train)
- You are visiting Mount Rigi (completely free with the pass, worth CHF 76)
- You are doing scenic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express base tickets are free)
- You value free city transport in 90+ cities
Get the Half Fare Card if:
- You are staying 7+ days but mostly in one or two bases
- You prefer to book supersaver tickets in advance for the deepest discounts
- You are on a tight budget and willing to plan ahead
- You are doing many mountain railways (50% off adds up fast)
- You do not plan to visit many museums
- Your total transport spending will be under CHF 500
Get neither if:
- You are staying 2 or fewer days in one city with minimal travel
- You are renting a car and only making one or two train trips
Swiss Travel Pass Flex: the middle ground
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex lets you choose your travel days within a one-month period. It costs approximately 15% more than the standard consecutive-day pass:
| Duration | Standard Pass (2nd) | Flex Pass (2nd) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | CHF 244 | CHF 281 |
| 4 days | CHF 295 | CHF 340 |
| 6 days | CHF 385 | CHF 443 |
| 8 days | CHF 440 | CHF 506 |
| 15 days | CHF 520 | CHF 598 |
The Flex Pass is ideal for travelers who want the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass but are spending some days in one location without needing transport. On non-travel days, you can still get the 50% mountain railway discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a 7-day trip, the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card?
It depends on your pace. If you are visiting 4+ destinations with mountain trips and museums, the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass (CHF 440) typically saves more. If you are staying in one or two bases with fewer train journeys, the Half Fare Card (CHF 120) is better.
Can you buy both the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half Fare Card?
No. They are mutually exclusive -- the Swiss Travel Pass already includes benefits that overlap with the Half Fare Card. You should choose one or the other.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for 3 days?
The 3-day pass (CHF 244) is worth it if you are making at least 2 long-distance train journeys and visiting free museums. A Zurich--Lucerne--Interlaken loop with a Rigi trip and museum visits would exceed CHF 244 in regular tickets.
Does the Half Fare Card work on mountain railways?
Yes. The Half Fare Card gives 50% off most mountain railways, cable cars, and funiculars in Switzerland. This includes popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Pilatus, and Gornergrat.
Are children free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Children aged 6--15 travel free with a parent or grandparent who holds a Swiss Travel Pass, thanks to the included Swiss Family Card. Without the pass, children pay reduced fares. With the Half Fare Card, children pay half the child fare.
Where do you buy the Swiss Travel Pass?
Purchase online at sbb.ch or MySwitzerland.com before your trip, or at major Swiss train stations (Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lucerne). Buying online in advance is recommended as some stations may have queues.
Can Swiss residents buy the Swiss Travel Pass?
No. The Swiss Travel Pass is exclusively for foreign tourists. Swiss residents should look at the GA Travelcard (CHF 3'860/year for 2nd class) or the Half Fare Card.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Glacier Express?
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the base ticket for the Glacier Express. You still need to pay the mandatory seat reservation fee (CHF 49 for 2nd class, CHF 39 for 1st class in 2026). Without the pass, the base ticket alone costs CHF 158.
Is the Half Fare Card worth it for a short trip?
The Half Fare Card costs CHF 120 and is valid for one month. It pays for itself when your total transport spending exceeds CHF 240 (since you save 50%). For a 3-day trip with one mountain excursion and a couple of train journeys, you will likely hit this threshold.
What about the Saver Day Pass?
The Saver Day Pass (from CHF 52 for 2nd class) gives unlimited travel across Switzerland for one day. It is available on sbb.ch and prices vary by day (cheaper on weekdays, more expensive on weekends and holidays). Combining a Half Fare Card with Saver Day Passes on travel days can be very cost-effective.
Source: ch.tours | Last updated: 2026-03-03 | Data from SBB, Swiss Travel System, MySwitzerland.com