--- title: "Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card (2026): Real Examples" description: "2026 prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and the CHF 150 Half Fare Card, three itineraries priced line by line, and the rules we use to choose for our travelers." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-travel-pass-vs-half-fare-card" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124FV0NDJM68AX2V6K08.BBevgpTQ_Z1y1oYV.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which Saves More in 2026 [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which Saves More in 2026 2026 prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and the CHF 150 Half Fare Card, three itineraries priced line by line, and the rules we use to choose for our travelers. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Published on October 22, 2026 · 7 min read ![Lucerne 2](/_astro/01M5J4124FV0NDJM68AX2V6K08.BBevgpTQ_2lxJws.webp) For most travelers who stay two or three nights in each place, the Swiss Half Fare Card now costs less than the Swiss Travel Pass, especially in 1st class. The Half Fare Card costs CHF 150 (about $185) for one month in 2026 and halves almost every fare, while the Swiss Travel Pass costs from CHF 254 (about $315) for three days in 2nd class and covers trains, buses, boats and museums outright. The pass wins when you cover long distances in a few days, ride a lot of lake boats and city transport, or simply want never to buy a ticket. Below are the 2026 prices, three itineraries worked out line by line, and the rules we use when we choose for our travelers. ## What changed in 2026 Two price changes shifted the balance this year: - **The Swiss Half Fare Card rose from CHF 120 to CHF 150** on January 1, 2026. - **Swiss Travel Pass prices rose by about 5 percent** for passes starting on or after January 1, 2026. The 3-day pass in 2nd class went from CHF 244 to CHF 254. Most comparisons online still quote the old prices. Point-to-point train fares, on the other hand, did not change for 2026. ## The two products side by side | | Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Half Fare Card | | --- | --- | --- | | Price in 2026 | From CHF 254 (3 days, 2nd class) to CHF 787 (15 days, 1st class) | CHF 150, same price for 1st and 2nd class | | Validity | 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days, or Flex days within a month | One month | | Trains, buses, boats | Unlimited, free | 50 percent off (a little less on some short trips with minimum fares) | | City transport in 90+ towns | Free | 50 percent off | | Panoramic trains | Ticket free, reservation extra | Ticket half price, reservation extra | | Mountain railways | Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos free; up to 50 percent off most others | Up to 50 percent off most | | Museums | Free entry to more than 500 museums | No museum benefit | | Children 6 to 15 | Free with the Swiss Family Card | Free with the Swiss Family Card | | Saver Day Pass and Supersaver tickets | Not needed | Available at the reduced price | | Who can buy | Residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein | Residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein | Both are bought up to 11 months ahead and checked against your passport on board, so carry the original, not a photo. ### Swiss Travel Pass prices in 2026 (CHF, adult) | Days | Consecutive, 2nd | Consecutive, 1st | Flex, 2nd | Flex, 1st | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 3 | 254 | 405 | 289 | 461 | | 4 | 309 | 492 | 349 | 555 | | 6 | 399 | 634 | 424 | 674 | | 8 | 439 | 697 | 459 | 729 | | 15 | 499 | 787 | 519 | 819 | Travelers under 25 pay about 30 percent less (for example CHF 179 instead of CHF 254 for three days in 2nd class). SBB lists these prices as valid until December 31, 2026; prices for 2027 travel are usually published at the end of the year. ## Example 1: a classic first week, 2nd class, 8 days Zurich, two nights in Lucerne, two in the Jungfrau region, two in Zermatt, fly home from Geneva. This is close to our [Switzerland in 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) route. | Journey or excursion | With Half Fare Card | With Swiss Travel Pass | | --- | --- | --- | | Zurich to Lucerne | 13.50 | 0 | | Rigi day pass (cogwheel railways) | 42 | 0 | | Lucerne to Interlaken (Luzern-Interlaken Express) | 17 | 0 | | Schilthorn from Interlaken, return | 67.60 | 45.70 | | Interlaken to Zermatt | 43 | 0 | | Gornergrat, return | 66 | 66 | | Zermatt to Geneva | 51 | 0 | | Card or pass | 150 | 439 (8 days) | | **Total, CHF per adult** | **450.10** | **550.70** | The boat from Lucerne to the foot of the Rigi adds a little on the card side, which the pass covers. Even so, the Half Fare Card saves close to CHF 100 per person. The pass narrows the gap if you add lake cruises, buses and museums every day, but on a trip with two-night stays it rarely catches up. ## Example 2: four fast days, 2nd class Zurich to Zermatt, the Glacier Express to St. Moritz, a Bernina Express round trip to Tirano, then back to Zurich, on four consecutive days. | Journey | With Half Fare Card | With Swiss Travel Pass | | --- | --- | --- | | Zurich to Zermatt | 65 | 0 | | Glacier Express, Zermatt to St. Moritz | 83 | 0 | | St. Moritz to Tirano and back | 33 | 0 | | St. Moritz to Zurich | 40 | 0 | | Card or pass | 150 | 309 (4 days) | | **Total, CHF per adult** | **371** | **309** | Here the pass wins by about CHF 60. Long journeys on consecutive days are exactly what it is built for. The Glacier Express reservation (CHF 54) and the Bernina Express reservation (CHF 32) come on top in both cases, because no pass or card covers them. Details are in our [Glacier Express guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/glacier-express-guide) and [Bernina Express guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/bernina-express-guide). ## Example 3: the same scenic trains in 1st class Geneva to Zermatt, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express, then the Bernina Express to Tirano, over four days in 1st class. | Journey | 1st class with Half Fare Card | 1st class Swiss Travel Pass | | --- | --- | --- | | Geneva to Zermatt | 87 | 0 | | Gornergrat, return | 66 | 66 | | Glacier Express, Zermatt to St. Moritz | 142 | 0 | | Bernina Express, St. Moritz to Tirano | 28.50 | 0 | | Card or pass | 150 | 492 (4 days) | | **Total, CHF per adult** | **473.50** | **558** | In 2nd class the same trip comes out almost even (CHF 366.50 with the card, CHF 375 with the pass). In 1st class, the card wins by more than CHF 80, because it costs the same CHF 150 whatever class you ride, while the 1st class pass costs about 60 percent more than the 2nd class one. For travelers who ride 1st class, which is what we book for most of our clients on panoramic trains, this is the single most important rule. ## Two tools that make the Half Fare Card stronger - **Saver Day Pass:** with the Half Fare Card, a day of unlimited travel on the whole GA network starts from CHF 29 in 2nd class and CHF 49 in 1st class, bought in advance (1 day to 6 months ahead) from a limited quota. On a Glacier Express day, a Saver Day Pass bought early can cost less than the half-price ticket. Prices rise as the quota sells, and refunds are limited. - **Supersaver tickets:** for a specific train, sold up to six months ahead, up to 50 percent below the regular fare, and Half Fare Card holders pay half of that. The trade-off is flexibility: these fares tie you to a day or a train, which the Swiss Travel Pass never does. ## When the Swiss Travel Pass is the better choice - **High mileage in a short trip:** Zurich to Zermatt, the Glacier Express and back in four days. - **Lake days:** a Lake Lucerne day pass costs CHF 86 in 2nd class, half with the card, and nothing with the pass. - **Museums and city transport every day:** in Zurich, Basel, Bern or Lucerne, the free trams and museum entries add up quickly. - **The Schilthorn and the Rigi:** the pass price for the Schilthorn (CHF 45.70 from any starting point) beats the half-fare price from Interlaken, and the Rigi is free. - **Peace of mind:** no ticket to buy, no app to manage, hop on any train. For some travelers that is worth CHF 100. ## When the Half Fare Card is the better choice - **Slow trips:** two or three nights per base, with day trips nearby. - **1st class travelers:** the card costs the same in both classes. - **Mountain-heavy trips:** the card gives up to 50 percent off most mountain railways and cable cars, while the pass discount varies (free, 50 percent, or smaller on some summits such as the Jungfrau railways). Our [comparison of Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat and the Schilthorn](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/jungfraujoch-vs-gornergrat-vs-schilthorn) gives each summit's price. - **Trips longer than two weeks:** a 15-day pass costs CHF 499 in 2nd class, against CHF 150 for a month of half price. And for one or two train journeys only, neither: buy Supersaver tickets. ## Families and young travelers Both products include the free Swiss Family Card: children aged 6 to 15 travel free with a parent who holds a pass or card (for the Half Fare Card, the parent needs a valid ticket too). Children under 6 always travel free. Travelers under 25 get about 30 percent off the Swiss Travel Pass, which brings it back into contention for students. For a family with teenagers, run both scenarios. ## Accessibility and luggage Both products work the same way for travelers with reduced mobility: SBB boarding assistance is free and booked through the SBB Contact Center Handicap (0800 007 102, or +41 800 007 102 from abroad), at least one hour before departure. A companion's fare is not included in either product, so price both travelers. Luggage services are paid separately; until December 15, 2026, Swiss Travel Pass holders get up to 50 percent off SBB luggage services, an argument for the pass on a multi-stop trip in the autumn. ## How we decide for our travelers We price every itinerary both ways before quoting. Our [Swiss Travel Pass calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/swiss-travel-pass-calculator) does the same comparison on your own route, and our guide on [how many days to spend in Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/how-many-days-in-switzerland) helps fix the pace, which is what really decides the answer. On our [Legendary Swiss Trains](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) week, with its long scenic train days, the pass usually wins; on slower lake and mountain trips, the card does. If you want us to run your exact route through both options and book the result, [ask one of our travel designers](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip) for a custom version. More guides: [Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/swiss-trains)[Trip costs](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/costs)[Planning](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/planning) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Trips for this guide - [![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_ZyK0QU.webp)**Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train**From €1,999 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_2ePJvK.webp)**Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days**From €2,199 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it in 2026? It is worth it if you travel long distances on consecutive days, use lake boats and city transport often, or visit many museums. On a relaxed trip with two or three nights per base, the Swiss Half Fare Card at CHF 150 usually costs less, especially in 1st class. Price your route both ways before buying. ### How much is the Swiss Half Fare Card in 2026? The Swiss Half Fare Card for visitors costs CHF 150 in 2026, up from CHF 120. It is valid for one month, costs the same for 1st and 2nd class travel, and gives up to 50 percent off trains, buses, boats, most mountain railways and city transport. Children 6 to 15 travel free with the Swiss Family Card. ### Can you combine the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half Fare Card? There is no reason to hold both at the same time, since the Swiss Travel Pass already covers what the card discounts. On a long trip, though, a Swiss Travel Pass Flex for the big travel days and point-to-point tickets for the rest can work. Compare that with a Half Fare Card plus Saver Day Passes on your long days. ### Does the Half Fare Card work on the Glacier Express? Yes, it halves the Glacier Express ticket: in 2026 the Zermatt to St. Moritz fare drops from CHF 166 to CHF 83 in 2nd class and from CHF 284 to CHF 142 in 1st class. The mandatory CHF 54 seat reservation is paid in full, as it is with the Swiss Travel Pass. Excellence Class needs a 1st class ticket. ### Is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex better than the consecutive pass? The Flex pass lets you choose travel days within a month, at CHF 20 to CHF 40 more in 2nd class. It suits trips with rest days between long journeys. Remember that museum entries and mountain discounts apply only on the days you activate, and that SBB does not support the Flex pass in its mobile app. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_Z1l0N9k.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) Six nights by train through Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Montreux: Pilatus, a free day in the Jungfrau region, sunset on the Matterhorn and a wine walk in Lavaux. Central 4-star hotels; a good first Switzerland. From **€1,999** per person ![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_1szWel.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) Six nights by train from Interlaken to Lucerne, with the GoldenPass, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, in 4-star hotels beside each station. For first-time visitors who want the big views without a car. From **€2,199** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Gornergrat](/_astro/01M5J4124NRYSTNRRTNV7PE0J3.CX_BdyRm_EnXjX.webp) Europe ### [Private Tour vs Group Tour in Europe: An Honest Comparison With Real Prices](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/why-tailor-made-travel-is-better-than-group-tours-in-europe) Private tailor-made trip or escorted group tour in Europe? Real prices, what each includes, who should choose which, and the hidden costs on both sides. ![Munich to Nuremberg, Germany Christmas Markets by Train: Munich to Berlin in 9 Days](/_astro/01M5J4124GJ346ZHZ739D1EZVM.DkW1KR_6_x9bGI.webp) Switzerland ### [Switzerland in November: Above the Fog, Revision Season and First Markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-november) Switzerland in November 2026: which lifts and trains are closed, how to get above the fog, Christmas market opening dates, Thanksgiving week and prices. ![Ghent day trip, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124FYFYZA5SGPJFKBG8A.BgWhDBfT_Z5KtFS.webp) Europe ### [Multi-Country Europe Itinerary: How Many Nights per Base, and 3 Routes](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/how-to-plan-a-multi-country-europe-trip-without-feeling-rushed) How to plan a multi-country Europe itinerary without rushing: our rule of nights per base, real train times between countries and three sample routes to copy. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. 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