Public Transport Pass in Switzerland 2025: Complete Guide

Switzerland has one of the world's best public transport systems, but it's also one of the most expensive. Choosing the right travel pass can save you hundreds or even thousands of francs annually. This guide covers all Swiss public transport options, from the premium GA Travelcard to budget regional passes.

Data: December 2024

Main Swiss Public Transport Passes

GA Travelcard (Generalabonnement)

The ultimate Swiss travel pass: unlimited travel nationwide.

What's Included:

• All SBB trains (1st or 2nd class)
• All buses and trams in Switzerland
• Most boats and ferries
• Many mountain railways and cable cars (free or approximately 50% discount)
• Public transport in 90+ Swiss cities
• Night trains and InterCity connections

Annual Costs (2025):

Category	2nd Class	1st Class
Adult (25-64)	CHF 3,995	CHF 6,820
Young Adult (16-25)	CHF 2,870	CHF 5,075
Senior (65+)	CHF 2,870	CHF 5,075
Family (2 adults)	CHF 6,790	CHF 11,590
Child (6-16 with Family Card)	Free	Free

Payment Options:

• Annual upfront (no discount)
• Monthly installments (CHF 335/month for 2nd class adult)
• Employer subsidy (many companies offer 30-50% subsidy)

Worth It If:

• Your annual travel costs exceed CHF 4,000
• Daily commute costs approximately CHF 10-15 per day
• You travel more than 3 days/week
• You frequently travel for leisure
• You live far from workplace

Break-Even Calculation:

• CHF 3,995 ÷ 365 days = CHF 10.95/day
• CHF 3,995 ÷ 250 workdays = CHF 15.98/day
• If your daily commute costs more than CHF 16, GA pays off

Half-Fare Travelcard (Halbtax)

Get approximately 50% discount on nearly all public transport.

Annual Cost: CHF 185 (adults), CHF 120 (children 6-16)

Benefits:

• 50% off all train, bus, tram, boat tickets
• 50% off most mountain railways
• Nationwide coverage
• No restrictions on travel times
• Valid 1 year from purchase date

Worth It If:

• Annual travel costs exceed CHF 370
• You travel occasionally but not daily
• Flexible travel schedule
• Mix of short and long trips

Break-Even Examples:

• Zurich-Bern return: CHF 110 (full price) vs. CHF 55 (Half-Fare)
• Geneva-Lugano return: CHF 146 vs. CHF 73
• Just 3-4 medium-distance trips = Half-Fare paid off

Track 7 / Gleis 7 (Under 25)

Budget pass for young adults.

Cost: CHF 390/year

Benefits:

• approximately 50% discount on all trips (like Half-Fare)
• Free travel after 7pm every day
• Free travel all day weekends
• Valid nationwide
• Only for those under 25

Worth It If:

• Under 25 years old
• Student or apprentice
• Social life in evenings/weekends
• Some weekday travel needed

Comparison to Half-Fare:

• Track 7: CHF 390 with free evening/weekend travel
• Half-Fare: CHF 185 with approximately 50% discount always
• Choose Track 7 if you travel evenings/weekends regularly

Regional Travel Passes

Ostwind (Eastern Switzerland):

• Coverage: St. Gallen, Appenzell, Thurgau region
• Annual: CHF 2,290 (adult), CHF 1,630 (young/senior)
• Monthly: CHF 230
• Unlimited regional travel

Libero (Bern region):

• Coverage: Bern and surrounding areas
• Zone-based pricing
• Zone 100 (central Bern): CHF 55/month
• Multiple zones: CHF 100-200/month

ZVV (Zurich):

• Coverage: Canton Zurich and surrounding areas
• Zone-based system
• 1-2 zones: CHF 89/month
• All zones: CHF 170/month
• Network pass (all zones): CHF 1,990/year

Mobilis (Lake Geneva region):

• Coverage: Geneva, Vaud, parts of Valais
• Zone-based pricing
• Geneva city: CHF 70/month
• Multiple zones: CHF 100-180/month

SNCF TER (Cross-border):

• For those living near French border
• Cheaper than Swiss passes for cross-border commutes
• Annemasse-Geneva: CHF 80/month vs. CHF 130 (Swiss pass)

Specialized Travel Products

Junior Travelcard (Kinder-Mitfahrkarte)

Cost: CHF 30/year per child

Benefits:

• Children 6-16 travel free with parent
• Valid on all public transport
• Parent should generally have valid ticket/pass
• Up to 4 children can travel free
• Essential for families

Worth It If:

• You have children aged 6-16
• You travel together regularly
• Pays for itself in 1-2 trips

Children's Co-Travelcard (Kinder-Begleitkarte)

Cost: Free

Benefits:

• Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by parent/grandparent
• Up to 8 children per adult
• Valid on all public transport

Grandchild Travelcard (Enkel-Mitfahrkarte)

Cost: CHF 30/year

Benefits:

• Grandchildren travel free with grandparents
• Same benefits as Junior Travelcard
• Great for grandparents who babysit

Bike Pass

Day Pass: CHF 5 (with Half-Fare or GA) Without pass: CHF 14

Benefits:

• Take bike on train
• All day unlimited trips
• Peak hours restrictions on some routes

Dog Pass

Day Pass: CHF 25 Annual: CHF 780

Benefits:

• Take dog on all public transport
• Large dogs require pass (small dogs in carriers free)

Choosing the Right Pass: Decision Guide

Step 1: Calculate Your Annual Travel Costs

Track your travel for one month:

• Note every trip and cost
• Multiply by 12 for annual estimate
• Include leisure travel

Example Calculation:

• Commute: Winterthur-Zurich, CHF 13.20/day
• 220 workdays/year = CHF 2,904
• Leisure trips: CHF 500/year
• Total: CHF 3,404/year

Step 2: Compare Pass Options

For above example (CHF 3,404/year):

Option 1: Pay per ride

• Cost: CHF 3,404
• Flexibility: High
• Best for: Inconsistent travel

Option 2: Half-Fare Card

• Pass cost: CHF 185
• Travel at 50%: CHF 1,702
• Total: CHF 1,887
• Savings: up to CHF 1,517/year

Option 3: GA Travelcard

• Cost: CHF 3,995
• Total: CHF 3,995
• Extra cost: CHF 591 vs. Half-Fare

Conclusion: Half-Fare is best for this travel pattern

Step 3: Consider Additional Factors

Choose GA if:

• Spontaneous travel important
• No need to check prices/plan
• Peace of mind valuable
• Travel with kids (they travel free)
• Employer subsidy available (30-50% common)
• Combined with 1st class preference

Choose Half-Fare if:

• Predictable travel pattern
• Mix of short and long trips
• Budget-conscious
• Travel 1-3 times/week
• Can plan trips in advance

Choose Regional Pass if:

• All travel within one region
• Daily commuter in that region
• Rarely travel outside region

Choose Single Tickets if:

• Travel less than once per week
• Very short distances only
• Irregular schedule
• Annual travel costs under CHF 370

Special Offers and Discounts

Employer Subsidies

Many Swiss employers offer transport subsidies:

Common Subsidy Rates:

• 30-50% of GA cost (typical)
• 50-70% for some companies
• Full coverage in rare cases

How It Works:

• Employer pays portion of pass
• You pay remainder (often via payroll deduction)
• May be taxable benefit (check with employer)

Ask HR about:

• Company transport policy
• Subsidy percentage
• Tax implications
• Required documentation

Student Discounts

University Students:

• Some universities offer discounted regional passes
• ETH/UZH Zurich: Semester pass CHF 160 (vs. CHF 510 normal)
• EPFL Lausanne: Integrated in semester fees

Apprentices:

• Special apprentice rates on GA
• Track 7 pass (under 25): CHF 390

Family Packages

Family GA:

• 2 adults + children
• 2nd class: CHF 6,790 (vs. CHF 7,990 individual)
• Children 6-16 travel free
• Savings: up to CHF 1,200+ for 2-person household

Promotional Offers

Watch For:

• Black Friday deals (November)
• New Year promotions (January)
• SBB app exclusive offers
• Credit card partnerships (e.g., Swisscard Combi)

Typical Promotions:

• 10-20% off Half-Fare
• Free months on annual passes
• Bonus points/rewards

Regional vs. National Passes

When Regional Makes Sense

Criteria:

• 90%+ of travel within one region
• Live and work in same canton
• Rarely need intercity travel
• Regional pass costs 50%+ less than GA

Example: Zurich Commuter

• Live: Winterthur
• Work: Zurich city
• ZVV Network Pass: CHF 1,990/year
• GA Travelcard: CHF 3,995/year
• Savings: up to CHF 2,005/year

But consider:

• Can't easily travel to other regions
• Need separate tickets for trips to Bern, Geneva, etc.
• Less flexibility overall

When National Makes Sense

Criteria:

• Cross-regional commute
• Frequent leisure travel across Switzerland
• Business travel to multiple cities
• Live near regional border

Example: Cross-Border Commuter

• Live: Solothurn
• Work: Zurich
• Crosses Bern and Zurich regions daily
• GA is only practical option

App-Based Tickets and Tools

SBB Mobile App

Features:

• Buy tickets instantly
• Save Half-Fare/GA to app
• Real-time connections and delays
• Platform information
• Seat reservations

EasyRide:

• Automatic ticket purchase
• Check in/out via app
• Charged best price automatically
• Daily price cap applied
• No need to select zones/destinations

Benefits:

• Never forget ticket
• Always charged correct price
• Convenient for irregular travel

Drawbacks:

• should generally remember to check in/out
• Battery-dependent
• Requires data connection

Alternative Apps

Fairtiq:

• Similar to EasyRide
• Works across Switzerland
• Automatic best price guarantee
• Daily and monthly caps

Lezzgo:

• Pay-as-you-go
• No subscriptions needed
• App-based tracking

Tips to Save Money on Public Transport

1. Buy Annual Passes Early in Year

If you're going to buy annual pass:

• Buy January/February
• Get full year value
• Avoid mid-year partial value loss

2. Combine Passes Strategically

Example Strategy:

• Half-Fare for adults: CHF 185
• Regional pass for daily commute: CHF 1,200
• Total: CHF 1,385
• vs. GA: CHF 3,995 (saves CHF 2,610)

3. Use Saver Day Pass

For occasional long trips:

• Saver Day Pass: CHF 52 (2nd class)
• Unlimited travel for one day
• Advanced booking required (3+ days)
• Limited quantities
• Worth it for CHF 52+ of travel in one day

4. Share Junior Cards

One Junior Card covers up to 4 children:

• Don't buy multiple cards
• Share cost with other families
• Coordinate travel

5. Check Credit Card Benefits

Some credit cards include:

• SBB discounts or cashback
• Half-Fare reimbursement
• Points toward travel
• Check your card benefits

6. Commute Off-Peak When Possible

Some employers allow flexible hours:

• Travel after 9am (less crowded)
• Some regional passes cheaper for off-peak
• More comfortable journey

7. Combine Bike and Public Transport

Bike + Train Strategy:

• Bike to/from stations (saves zone)
• Shorter travel pass needed
• Healthier and cheaper
• Bike parking usually free at stations

8. Consider Car Sharing for Some Trips

For occasional long-distance:

• Mobility car sharing
• Carpooling (mitfahrgelegenheit.ch)
• May be cheaper than train for groups

Most Common Mistakes

1. Buying GA Without Calculating

Problem: Assuming GA is best without doing math

Solution: Track actual travel costs for 2-3 months before committing

2. Not Asking About Employer Subsidy

Problem: Paying full price when employer would subsidize 50%

Solution: Always ask HR about transport benefits

3. Forgetting to Show Pass

Problem: Buying ticket when you have Half-Fare/GA

Solution: Add pass to SBB Mobile app for easy access

4. Not Buying Junior Card for Kids

Problem: Paying full child fares when CHF 30 card makes them free

Solution: Buy Junior Card at start of school year

5. Paying Monthly for Regional Pass

Problem: Paying CHF 170/month when annual is CHF 1,990

Solution: Buy annual upfront (saves CHF 50/year)

6. Ignoring Track 7 (Under 25)

Problem: Young adults buying Half-Fare or single tickets

Solution: Track 7 usually better value for under-25s who travel evenings/weekends

Special Situations

Tourists

Swiss Travel Pass (for visitors):

• 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days
• Unlimited travel
• 3 days: CHF 255
• 8 days: CHF 455
• 15 days: CHF 541

Worth it for tourists planning multiple trips

Cross-Border Commuters

Living in Germany/France/Italy, working in Switzerland:

• Special cross-border passes available
• Often cheaper than Swiss-only passes
• Check with local transport authority
• Example: SNCF TER for France-Geneva commute

Remote Workers

With flexible schedule:

• Half-Fare often best
• Travel off-peak for comfort
• Work on trains (1st class more space)
• Don't need daily pass

Retirees

Senior (65+) Advantages:

• Discounted GA: CHF 2,870 (vs. CHF 3,995)
• Can travel off-peak (more comfortable)
• Time to explore Switzerland
• GA often worth it for active retirees

Future Trends

Digital Tickets

Coming Soon:

• Fully integrated payment systems
• Account-based ticketing
• No physical cards needed
• Automatic best-price generally provides

Climate Ticket Discussion

Potential Future:

• National annual pass at lower price (CHF 1,000-1,500?)
• Still under political discussion
• Would make public transport accessible to all
• Not yet implemented (as of 2025)

Dynamic Pricing

Being Tested:

• Variable pricing based on demand
• Cheaper off-peak tickets
• Higher prices during rush hour
• Similar to airline pricing

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Pass

Swiss public transport is expensive, but the right pass can save you thousands of francs annually:

Quick Decision Guide:

Choose GA (CHF 3,995) if:

• Annual travel costs exceed CHF 4,000
• Daily commute costs approximately CHF 16+
• Spontaneous travel important
• Employer subsidizes 30%+

Choose Half-Fare (CHF 185) if:

• Annual travel costs approximately CHF 370-4,000
• Travel 1-3 times weekly
• Mix of short and long trips
• Budget-conscious

Choose Regional Pass (CHF 1,500-2,500) if:

• 90%+ travel within one region
• Daily commuter
• Rarely leave region

Choose Track 7 (CHF 390) if:

• Under 25 years old
• Regular evening/weekend travel
• Some weekday travel needed

Buy Single Tickets if:

• Travel less than weekly
• Annual costs under CHF 370
• Very irregular schedule

The best pass is the one that matches your actual travel patterns. Track your journeys, do the math, and choose accordingly. Don't forget to ask about employer subsidies - they can make expensive passes suddenly affordable.

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In the future, checkeverything.ch will feature an interactive public transport calculator to help you determine which pass offers the best value based on your specific travel patterns. Stay tuned!