How to use your Swiss Travel Pass 

 

Nice! Step 1 is complete: Your new pass is ready to go. Now comes Step 2: Knowing how to make the most of it. Keep reading to find out how to squeeze all that juicy value out of your new Swiss Travel Pass.

How do I download and use my Swiss Pass?

Downloading your Swiss Travel Pass is easy, just follow these simple steps to start your Swiss adventure.

1. Find the pass in your inbox
Once purchased, look out for an email from us (don’t forget your junk folder). Depending on your pass, this email will either contain a PDF attachment of your Swiss Travel Pass, or instructions on how to activate it.

  • Swiss Travel Pass Flex: This pass needs to be activated prior to the day of your first journey. Your confirmation email contains all the info to activate your travel dates. A ticket is generated for each travel date activated – dates that have already been activated can be deactivated as many times as you like until the validity period starts.

 

2. Save the pass

Once you’ve found your pass or received tickets for activated travel dates, you can store them digitally on your phone or print them out to show the conductor.

  • Don’t forget: Keep a valid ID or passport with matching details to your pass on hand. 

 

3. Seat reservations

 On some trains, buses and boats a seat reservation needs to be purchased separately and presented along with the pass, especially during peak season. Please use the specific carrier’s websites to check requirements and book any seats.

  • Panoramic trains: Seat reservations are required on most panoramic trains. This leads to additional costs (varied depending on the provider). We recommend making seat reservations via the carrier's websites at the earliest. Be sure to pay just for the "Seat Reservation" option as your Swiss Pass covers the ticket costs.

 

4. Where you can go

With different passes offering different access areas and discounts, you can use this helpful map to plan your journey with your specific pass type.

  • Perks: You’ll also get free admission to over 500 museums and discounts of up to 50% on most mountain railways and cable cars. As well as free travel on public transport in over 90 Swiss towns and cities.

 

5. Refunding your pass

We offer 100% refunds on Swiss Travel Passes up to one day before the set start date. After that, exceptional partial refunds are possible – if you need help refunding your pass, reach out to our friendly customer service.

 

 

 

Your Swiss Pass Number is located in the confirmation email, right under the name of the passenger.

For the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you must activate your Pass via activateyourpass.com before starting your trip. Your receipt will
contain all the information you need.

 

What’s the difference between Swiss Pass and Swiss Pass Flex?

It’s all in the name! Here’s a quick breakdown.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 non-consecutive days within a month.

 

Cost and type will vary depending on:

  • Number of travellers
  • Their age at the date of travel
  • The number of days of travel by train
  • Class of travel

 

Travelling with kids?

Good news – children under six travel pass-free (for free).

For any children aged 6-16, they can also travel for free, as long as you’ve added the Swiss Family Pass to your pass order. To do so, simply select the number of children travelling with you while booking.

The Swiss Family Card is strictly in combination with a parent holding a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex or a Swiss Half Fare Card. ​Grandparents, aunts or uncles don’t count, and the child would need to acquire a separate pass or a valid ticket.​

Simply check the box to confirm that all the children in your booking are travelling with a parent holding a Swiss Travel Pass.