swiss travel id

Passport and identity card

Switzerland and the United States of America

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Swiss citizens are entitled to a passport and an identity card. The current biometric passports contain a chip on which your fingerprints and an image of your face are stored electronically. All Swiss travel documents are produced in Switzerland.

You can apply online for your passport and identity card. Once your application is reviewed, you receive an invitation to record your biometric data at the competent Swiss representation. Be sure to check the expiry date on your current passport and identity card and leave enough time to order new ones.

Applying for an identity document

Do you require a passport and/or an identity card?

Loss or theft

Have you lost your passport or identity card, or have either of them been stolen?

Temporary passport

Do you need to travel at short notice, or do you require an emergency passport?

How much does an identity document cost?

Travelling with a Swiss passport

What do you need to know?

Federal Act on Identity Documents for Swiss Nationals IDL (Federal Identity Documents Act, IDL; RS 143.1) (de, fr, it)

Ordinance on Identity Documents for Swiss Nationals (Identity Documents Ordinance, IDO; RS 143.11) (de, fr, it)

Mobile biometric passport station USA

Since the introduction of the biometric passport, applicants must appear in person to record their biometric data: a photograph of the applicant and the fingerprints. A mobile biometric passport station is travelling around the United States and provides Swiss citizens with an opportunity to appear locally or at least closer than the next representation for the issuance of a new Swiss passport.

The schedule of the mobile biometric passport station will be directly communicated by each representation to their Swiss community.

Start of page Last update 25.04.2023

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2024

The Swiss Travel Pass is designed for backpackers, city hoppers, families, and railway lovers. It offers a cost-effective way to travel across Switzerland by public transportation.

You’re probably wondering: How much does it cost? And are there any discounts? We often get these and many other questions about the Swiss Travel Pass.

Deciding whether the Swiss Travel Pass is right for you can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive overview of benefits could be a good starter. But first-timers will end up with many unanswered questions, still.

So, we decided to answer them once and for all. We've got you covered, from where to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass to its activation and available discounts to the refund policy. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor to Switzerland or want to plan a Swiss itinerary for your friends from abroad, keep reading for answers to the most common Swiss Travel Pass FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Swiss Travel Pass

Purchase and refunds.

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for consecutive periods of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days and must be activated within six months of the purchase date.

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased on the official SBB website, at SBB ticket offices and authorized resellers, or worldwide through online travel agencies such as RailEurope .

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for anyone with a permanent residence outside of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. This includes any foreign nationals and Swiss people with a permanent address abroad. It’s important that Swiss who live abroad can produce the following forms of identification while traveling on a Swiss Travel Pass: a Swiss passport, plus a residence permit, driving license, or residence certificate from abroad.

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts for children and teenagers up to 16 years. Youth from 16 up until their 25th birthday enjoy a 30% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass Youth. However, there are no discounted rates for senior citizens. Children up to 6 years travel for free on all Swiss public transport. From the age of 6 to 16, they travel for free with a parent who is a holder of a Swiss Travel Pass and a Swiss Family Card. The latter is a free add-on that can be requested at a train station or during the online purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass. On the SBB website, simply add the child as a passenger under “‘Add passengers” in order to receive the Swiss Family Card automatically.

The Swiss Travel Pass price does not vary between online outlets and ticket booths in Switzerland. But time is money, and purchasing it in advance may save you precious time during your trip. Simply skip the lines at the ticket office and hop onboard public transportation! You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass a maximum of 60 days before the day you want it for, right up to the day before travel.

You can secure your Swiss Travel Pass up to 11 months ahead , ensuring availability during peak seasons and potentially benefiting from early booking discounts. Early purchase also lets you focus on other trip planning aspects.

Yes, you can get a refund if the Swiss Travel Pass is returned to the vendor before you start using it. If you have already started your journey, you may get a partial refund if you provide proof of illness or injury, if you had to stop your trip unexpectedly, or if you have a confirmation from a railway office.

If you lose your Swiss Travel Pass, contact the Swiss Federal Railways as soon as possible by submitting a loss report . They can cancel the pass to prevent unauthorized use and issue a new one at a fee. However, If you lose your pass or it gets stolen, you cannot get a refund.

Unfortunately, travel passes can only be refunded if they are returned to the issuing office prior to the first day of validity. Generally speaking, you cannot change dates of an active pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass is available as a PDF attachment that can be downloaded to a mobile device. We recommended keeping a printed copy as a backup, just in case you run out of battery on your smartphone. Both paper and digital versions are accepted, but it is important to carry a photo ID each time you travel.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at GetYourGuide

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at CHF 244. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

What the physical Swiss Travel Pass contains:

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2024?

As of January 1, 2024, the prices for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex will increase an average of 5.9 percent compared to 2023. The prices for both passes will continue to be offered for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days.

Swiss Travel Pass Price 2024: Fares, Discounts, Price Changes

What's the difference between the consecutive swiss travel pass and the swiss travel pass flex.

There are two types of Swiss Travel Passes: the consecutive Swiss Travel Pass. and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Both passes offer unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, but there are some key differences between the two.

The consecutive Swiss Travel Pass is valid for a specified number of consecutive days , such as 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. You can use the pass for continuous travel within the specified days.

On the other hand, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose a certain number of non-consecutive days within one month.

For example, if you have a 15-day Flex pass, you can travel for 15 days within one month, but these days do not have to be consecutive. The Flex Pass is ideal for travelers who wish to have more flexibility in their itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.

When choosing between the two passes, consider your travel itinerary, stay duration, and budget. If you plan to travel extensively around Switzerland and visit many museums, then the Swiss Travel Pass is a good option. However, the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is a better choice if you want more flexibility in your itinerary and have the freedom to choose when and where to travel.

Activation and logistics

The Swiss Travel Pass for consecutive days does not need to be activated. When you purchase your pass from an online travel agent, they send an email directly to your account. You will receive a PDF file containing a QR code the train staff can check and scan. You may also receive a link in the email that will allow you to add the code to any wallet app on your smartphone. Alternatively, you may print out the PDF on a sheet of paper. The pass is ready to be used if it contains information such as your start date, passenger name, and birth date. If you have purchased a consecutive ticket, you must fill in your start date during the check-out. Your pass will automatically be activated on that particular date and run for the preset number of days. Once in Switzerland, present the pass and your passport or ID to the conductor on board.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex must be activated in Switzerland before each day of travel. There is a dedicated website where you have to enter your ticket reference number and name to validate the travel days.

A travel day on the Swiss Travel Pass Flex is based on the calendar day, allowing for travel within the validity period of the pass. However, remember that travel days are not calculated on a 24-hour basis, and the final day of validity ends at 5 AM on the following day.

The Swiss Travel Pass is unavailable for purchase by Swiss residents, as it is primarily marketed toward tourists visiting Switzerland. It is only available to those with a permanent residency outside of Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Swiss residents have other options, such as the Half Fare Card, the GA, or other regional passes that may suit their travel needs.

Benefits and perks

No, the Swiss Travel Pass does not guarantee a seat on a train. With a valid pass, you can board any train that has seats available, including trains such as the Glacier Express that explicitly require a seat reservation. Contact the conductor to make a seat reservation on the spot.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers most of the public transportation services in Switzerland. Some private transportation services may require an extra fee or reservation. Have a look at the area of validity map to see exactly which lines are included.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free entry to over 500 museums and other attractions. Some special exhibitions and events may require an additional fee, even with the pass. Download a list of participating museums or read our suggestions for free Swiss Travel Pass museums to visit.

You bet. The Swiss Travel Pass is available in both the first and second classes. Make your choice during the check-out when you purchase the pass, but remember that you can pay the differential to first class if you ever decide to upgrade on the spot.

The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and boats operated by the Swiss Federal Railways and other participating companies, including the famous Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express lines.

Yes, city transportation is a key benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass. It is valid for transportation to and from the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, as well as other airports in Switzerland.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass the same as the Swiss Pass?

Good question! No, the two passes are not the same. Consider the Swiss Travel Pass a golden ticket for tourists, granting them access to various transportation options. Swiss Pass is the former name.

Today, the SwissPass is a chip card and digital account intended for Swiss residents. It lets them load annual public transport passes and other products onto an electronic card.

As a tourist, it's important to remember that the Swiss Travel Pass and SwissPass are two distinct products, each catering to different needs. Adding your Swiss Travel Pass to a SwissPass online account would be like trying to use a library card to buy groceries - it simply doesn't make sense.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Swiss Travel Pass offers many benefits that can greatly enhance your travel experiences in Switzerland.

Key benefits include saving money on transportation, free access to museums, and the convenience of not purchasing individual tickets.

Read our dedicated post to find out: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

Get our ultimate free guide! Swiss Travel Pass: How to make it work in 2024

The free guide includes a round-trip itinerary starting in Zurich for budget travelers. It “hacks” a three-day Swiss Travel Pass to make it last for a five-day stay…

Got any more questions?

We hope to have answered your pressing Swiss Travel Pass FAQs. If you have any additional inquiries, please leave a comment or send an email. We will research the answer and reply as soon as possible.

Definitive Swiss Travel Pass Solo Traveler’s Guide (2024)

Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024

Swiss Travel Pass Overview and Insights for 2024

Dimitri Burkhard

As the founder, editor, and community manager of Newly Swissed, Dimitri owns the strategic vision. He is passionate about storytelling and is a member of Swiss Travel Communicators. Dimitri loves discovering new trends and covers architecture, design, start-ups and tourism.

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Swiss Travel Pass

Exploring Switzerland has never been easier! For foreign guests, the all-in-one ticket Swiss Travel Pass is the key to Switzerland’s public transport network.

This single ticket enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train, bus and boat on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.  View area of validity
• Unlimited travel on premium panoramic trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply).
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities.
• Free admission to more than  500 museums .
• Mountain excursions included:  Rigi ,  Stanserhorn  and  Stoos
• Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions.
• Up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers. Available at all ticket counters within Switzerland.
• Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary  Swiss Family Card .
• Children under 6 years of age who are accompanied by a holder of a valid Swiss Travel System ticket travel free of charge.
• The Swiss Travel Pass is available as e-ticket.

Information

• A seat reservation and/or supplement is required to travel on some trains/buses/boats such as Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Palm Express.
• Swiss Travel System tickets are available to persons with residence outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein
• In Switzerland, fares apply in Swiss Francs as detailed in the chart (in case of cash payment in EUR, USD or GBP: current exchange rates apply)

General provisions and legal information

Price – adult.

Valid on consecutive travel days.

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024

Price – Youth

Valid on consecutive travel days, for young travellers up to their 25th birthday (30% discount). 

Swiss Family Card

With the Swiss Family Card , children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday travel free of charge.

On request, a Swiss Family Card is provided free of charge, entitling children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday to travel free if accompanied by at least one paying parent.

Bonus Benefits with the Swiss Travel Pass

Regional passes, sales outlet swiss travel system.

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How to activate and use your Swiss Travel Pass

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If you've decided that the Swiss Travel Pass is for you and you've bought it (congratulations, by the way!), this post is for you. Because it answers two questions that you probably have at this stage.

• How do you activate your Swiss Travel Pass?
• And how do you use it?

Without any further ado, let's dive right in...

Do you need to activate your Swiss Travel Pass?

I often get asked the question if you need to activate your Swiss Travel Pass once you have it or if you're good to go right away. The answer is simple.

It depends...

Don't we love when people say that? Sounds like another way to complicate things. But don't worry. It's super easy.

If you have a "normal" Swiss Travel Pass, meaning one that is valid for a certain amount of consecutive days, you can start using it right away without having to activate it first . It's valid from the date you picked when you decided to buy your Swiss Travel Pass .

However, if you opted for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex , there are a few steps you need to take. This is because your pass is valid for a flexible amount of days within one month that you haven't selected yet.

Here's what you need to do to make sure your trip runs smoothly and your pass is ready to use.

• After buying your pass, you'll receive a booking confirmation e-mail including a PDF. In that file, you'll find all the information you need about how to proceed.
• Open the  activateyourpass page.
• Enter your reference number, first name, last name and date of birth.
• The next page will let you pick the days on which you plan to travel. There's no need to select them all at once, by the way. You can always come back later if you're not sure at this point. (Please note that your Swiss Travel Pass Flex is only valid on the days that you activate in this process. You get no discounts on the other days.)
• For each travel day you activate, the system will generate a separate ticket. You can either view it online, download it as a PDF or add it to your wallet by clicking on one of the red buttons.
• In case your travel plans change and you want to swap travel dates, there's no need to panic. You can change your mind up until 23:59 of the day before the activated travel day. Please note that same-day deactivations aren't possible.

And that's it. You're good to go.

How do you use your Swiss Travel Pass?

Now that you have your all-inclusive, worry-free, knock-yourself-out ticket all set up, there's nothing holding you back.

You can use your Swiss Travel Pass throughout the whole public transport system of Switzerland. This includes all the lines in the so-called " GA Travelcard area of validity ". To sum up again what exactly you get with your Swiss Travel Pass, here's a quick recap:

• Unlimited travel by train, bus, tram and boat in Switzerland
• Unlimited travel on scenic trains like the Glacier Express and Golden Pass Line (excluding reservations fees)
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
• Free admission to more than  500 museums
• Free rides on these mountain railways: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos (and up to 50% discount on most other mountain trips like Jungfraujoch or Pilatus)
• Up to 30% discount on  SBB RailAway offers

All you need to do is have your Swiss Travel Pass handy for inspection and always show it in combination with your document of identification (passport or ID).

And that's it. Simple as that.

Enjoy your trip and don't forget to let me know in the comments below how your experience with your Swiss Travel Pass was.

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All you need to know about travel id.

Travel ID gives you universal access to the digital channels of Lufthansa Group airlines and Miles & More. The customer profile gives you the ability to use services within the Lufthansa Group as conveniently as possible and to enjoy a travel experience tailored to your personal wishes and expectations, from your first visit to the website or app until long after your journey has ended.

Good reasons to get Travel ID

When you switch to Travel ID, you will benefit from many advantages and useful services. These include, for example, the option of receiving personalised flight offers and additional services on the booking platforms of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS. You earn miles with Travel ID in the same way as before with your service card number, simply by entering it when booking a flight. Switch to Travel ID in just a few clicks.

Here are the benefits in detail: 

Simple login with your email address and chosen password

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Personal details and updates about your booking at a glance

Read the Travel ID privacy policy and terms of use now.

How to switch to Travel ID if you already have a Miles & More profile

You can now log in to Miles & More even more conveniently with an email address and password of your choice – using your Travel ID. This is also your universal login for Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, and therefore for all bookings with these airlines. Login via service card number and PIN is still possible.

How to switch:

Log in to your Miles & More account as usual.

You will automatically be prompted to switch to Travel ID.

Set your desired email address and password.

All done. Now you can conveniently use all Travel ID options available on Lufthansa Group channels and at Miles & More.

If you can currently log in with your email address and password, you already have Travel ID. In this case, you don’t need to change your profile.

How to get your Travel ID if you don’t yet have a Miles & More profile

You only need to register for Travel ID if you don’t already have a profile with either an airline or Miles & More. To register , enter an email address and set a password. The password must have at least eight characters, including one upper-case letter, one lower-case letter, one digit and one special character. You will then receive an activation link by email, which is valid for 24 hours. Check your spam folder if you have not received a link. If your email address is not accepted, you probably already have a Travel ID profile. Only one profile can be created per email address. 

How to link your Travel ID to your Miles & More account

If you have already registered for Travel ID via Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa or SWISS and also have a Miles & More profile, you can easily merge the two profiles. To do so, log in to an airline channel with your Travel ID and link the accounts on the profile page in the frequent flyer programme section.

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Swiss Travel Pass.

Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: the Swiss Travel Pass lets you travel by public transport to Switzerland’s most scenic regions.

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages.

The advantages for you.

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
• Free admission to more than  500 museums Link opens in new window.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Discount of up to 50% on other mountain excursions
• Discount of up to 50% on leisure travel offers

Please note.

• The Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad. It is available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
• For online purchasing, purchase as a “guest”. You do not need a login.
• To receive the Swiss Family Card directly, add the child as a passenger under ‘Add passengers’ when you buy your Swiss Travel Pass.
• The Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss Half Fare Card / and the Family Card cannot be loaded onto a SwissPass card. You will not receive a customer number or an additional card.

Offers for adults aged 25 or over.

Choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel.

Prices effective until 31.12.2024. Prices and product specifications subject to change.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Valid on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month.

Offers for young persons under 25.

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth gives young persons under 25 a 30% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass. It offers the same validity.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth.

Swiss travel pass flex youth., children aged between 6 and 16..

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railway with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

Children under 6.

Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

Further content

Swiss travel pass, more on the topic..

• Children travel for free with the Swiss Family Card Link opens in new window.
• FAQ Link opens in new window.
• Miscellaneous provisions Link opens in new window.
• Map of validity Link opens in new window.
• Area of validity Swiss Travel Pass (PDF, 2,0 MB) Link opens in new window. This document is not barrier-free.

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We are aware that switching to a new browser may take some getting used to and cause some uncertainties. A more modern browser will allow you to benefit from faster and more secure internet access in future. We are committed to continuing our work with the utmost enthusiasm in the future to guarantee you accessible and inclusive access to SBB.ch.

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You must have a valid passport or national identity card to enter Switzerland. In some instances, Switzerland will accept a travel document that has expired. You can find out whether this applies to you here Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality.

Citizens of non-European states Open accordion

Citizens of countries outside the EU and EFTA who are not coming to Switzerland to work may stay in the country for a maximum of 3 months if they have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled date of departure from Switzerland and if the passport was issued less than 10 years ago.

Citizens of certain non-European countries also need a visa to enter Switzerland. You can find out if this applies to you on the page about visas for foreign nationals .

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Unlike other countries, Switzerland does not have any special provisions on minors who enter Switzerland unaccompanied by family members or parents.

However, it is advisable for minors in this situation to carry a letter signed by their parents or guardian permitting such travel. The letter should contain the personal details of the parents/guardian, their telephone number and:

the parents’ names and identity document number (and possibly also a photocopy of the document);

the names, identity document number and address of any person accompanying the minor;

name and identity document number of the minor;

itinerary and dates of travel permitted by the parents/guardian.

Some communes and cantons provide a special form for this purpose (see example from the canton of Vaud). However, permission from the parents/guardian may also take the form of a letter.

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If you would like more information on what travel documents you require to enter Switzerland, on crossing borders, travelling around the Schengen Area or obtaining a visa, please consult the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website FAQ – Entry .

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Coronavirus: new rules for entry to switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the covid certificate.

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(Last modification 20.09.2021)

Bern, 17.09.2021 - The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.

With the autumn school holidays approaching, the Federal Council has decided on new public health requirements at the border. This comes in response to experience made after the summer holidays: data from the cantonal contact tracing offices indicates that returning holidaymakers contributed to the worsening situation after the summer. The new rules reflect the fact that the highly contagious Delta variant can cause case numbers to rise very rapidly on a regional basis. It has therefore been decided that keeping and updating a list of risk countries is no longer the most appropriate health protection measure at Switzerland’s  borders.

Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered must present a negative test result (antigen or PCR) on entry into Switzerland, irrespective of where they are travelling from or by which means of transport they are entering the country. After four to seven days in the country, another test must be carried out, subject to a fee. The result of the second test must be sent to the relevant cantonal office. Testing is not required for vaccinated or recovered travellers who can present a COVID certificate or other valid proof of vaccination or recovery.

Entry form required for everyone

All travellers entering Switzerland – whether vaccinated, recovered or with a negative test – must also complete the entry form (Passenger Locator Form, SwissPLF). This will enable the cantons to carry out random checks to determine whether people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered and who entered the country with a test have actually taken the second test after four to seven days.

No test or form requirement for cross-border commuters 

The test and entry form requirements do not apply to travellers in transit through Switzerland without stopping, drivers who transport people or goods professionally, and cross-border commuters or people entering from border areas. The Federal Council is thus taking account of the close economic, social and cultural exchange in the border regions. Children under 16 are also exempt from the test requirement.

Risk-based inspections

More than two million people and one million vehicles cross Switzerland's borders every day. Risk-based inspections are to be carried out to ensure compliance with the new rules. Anyone required to present a negative test result and who cannot do so on entry must take a test immediately after entering Switzerland. The cantons are required to carry out random checks to ensure that incoming travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered have actually taken the required second test. Fines may be imposed if these rules are breached (CHF 200 for missing test certificates and CHF 100 for incomplete forms). In international travel, the airlines and bus companies are responsible for ensuring that travellers to Switzerland have completed the Passenger Locator Form and can present a COVID certificate or a negative test result. The Federal Customs Administration and local police forces will carry out risk-based inspections on all modes of cross-border travel. In a few weeks, the Federal Council will evaluate the experience with the new entry rules and make adjustments if necessary. 

The existing entry regulations remain unchanged. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to operate a list of high-risk countries, which is used to determine who may enter Switzerland. Any non-Schengen state not on this list is still considered a risk country for which restrictions on entry to Switzerland apply to unvaccinated third-country nationals. As a Schengen associated country, Switzerland aligns its entry regulations as far as possible with the decisions taken by the European Union. The Travelcheck online tool can be used to check the conditions for travellers wishing to enter Switzerland from specific countries.

Swiss COVID certificate for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad

As of 20 September, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities here. Currently, only the certificates of countries using the EU Digital COVID Certificate are compatible with the Swiss system.

The documents can be submitted electronically. Each canton must designate a contact point for persons who have been vaccinated abroad. All cantonal contact points will be listed on a federal website. A federal working group (FDHA, FDFA, FDF) will oversee implementation together with the cantons and other agencies (data protection). The aim is to find a solution that is as efficient, straightforward and user-oriented as possible. In a transitional phase until 10 October 2021, all foreign vaccination certificates for EMA-approved vaccines will be valid for access to events or facilities requiring a COVID certificate.

As in neighbouring countries, access to the Swiss COVID certificate will not be extended to all WHO vaccines. Exceptions are being made for Swiss citizens living abroad returning to the country, non-EU citizens working in Switzerland, employees of international organisations and accredited diplomatic staff, as well as students.

Outcome of the consultation

The Federal Council had consulted on two variants for adapting the entry regulations, one with a requirement to take two tests and one with mandatory quarantine. Based on the results of the consultation, the Federal Council decided in favour of the first variant, which was found to be more practicable and should involve less additional work for the cantons.

Address for enquiries

Federal Office of Public Health Coronavirus Infoline +41 58 463 00 00 COVID-19 Vaccination Infoline +41 58 377 88 92

• List of high-risk countries
• Travelcheck

The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Home Affairs http://www.edi.admin.ch Federal Office of Public Health http://www.bag.admin.ch State Secretariat for Migration https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html Federal Office for Customs and Border Security https://www.bazg.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

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Swiss international air lines ltd..

• 4.3 • 3.1K Ratings

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Book flights, reserve seats and access your digital boarding passes. With the SWISS app, your mobile travel companion for journeys with the Lufthansa Group network airlines, you can do all this and more. Push notifications will inform you of your flight’s status in real time, so you are kept up to date throughout your journey. With the SWISS app you are always well informed, from booking your flight to the arrival of your baggage at your destination so you can rest assured that your journey will run smoothly. Your personal data and personalized services can all be conveniently managed on your smartphone. In short, the SWISS app ensures you are well informed about all aspects of your flight. The main features of the SWISS app: Before your flight • Book your flight, reserve your seat and add your baggage: All this can be done conveniently in the app. You can also book a rental car or reserve or change your seat on the plane if you need to. With the app, you also have the option to add additional baggage. • Online check-in: Use the SWISS app to check in with ease for all flights operated by Lufthansa Group Network Airlines. Your digital flight ticket will be sent directly to your smartphone. Use the app to show your mobile boarding pass at the airport. • Travel ID and SWISS Miles and More: You now have the option of adding several payment methods to your Travel ID account so you can pay seamlessly and easily anytime and anywhere. To log in, use your Travel ID or SWISS Miles & More login credentials. Enter your personal data and personalized services to adapt the SWISS app to your needs. • Real-time information and flight status: In the 24 hours before your flight, your personal travel assistant will inform you of all important updates about your trip. Push notifications will appear on your home screen, so you always know when it’s time to check in or if there have been any gate changes. This way you always have an overview of your flight and the most current information. During the flight • Flight ticket and on-board services: With the SWISS app, you always have your mobile boarding pass and on-board services in your pocket, even during the flight and when you’re offline. This means you receive important flight information when you need it, ensuring that any changes to your flight don’t come as a surprise. After the flight • Track your baggage: Your digital travel companion is also there to lend a helping hand after landing. You can easily track your checked baggage in the SWISS app so you can arrive relaxed at your destination. With the SWISS app, you can enjoy a carefree journey. From booking your flights and rental cars to receiving automatic information and updates on the day of travel, the smartphone app is your handy travel companion. You can also manage your personal data while on the go. Download the SWISS app now and enjoy your flight! Your personal travel assistant is there for you before, during and after your journey. Find out about our flight offers at swiss.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X to stay up to date. If you have any questions or require support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us at https://www.swiss.com/ch/en/customer-support/faq.

Version 6.418.0

Minor bug fixes and improvements

Ratings and Reviews

3.1K Ratings

Amazing airline

Clean, timely, modern, amazing food offers on all classes. Love its destinations as a connecting in Zurich One request is to consider changing seats within the same class, or offering upgrades after a reservations is made and confirmed. It seems impossible to check other seats if like prices once one is chosen. Also the passport reverification seems to be superfluous and oftentimes frequent travelers are not used to that kind of double check. Why not at the gate itself and have the gate agents remind passengers of it, or even have it available at the business and senator lounges?

An embarrassment to airline mobile apps.

I’ve used several apps from different airlines around the world and this is by far the worst I’ve used. Two of us were traveling together. After several attempts, my friend successfully checked us in via the app. No data regarding that success showed in the app, so we confirmed online via a laptop and saw we were set. An hour later the boarding passes showed up in my app but never did on his. Reviewing my own data I realized very little of my personal data had been saved in the app, including phone number and passport number. I entered the passport number at least 3 times prior to it remaining. For our return trip, he successfully checked us in. We received e-mails showing this, bit the boarding passes never showed up in the app for either of us this time. As a computer programmer I know that none of these functions are rocket-science, so I whole-heartedly think Swiss Air, which has an amazing airplane and outstanding in-flight service, should be ashamed of this app, and could hire a college intern to fix things.

Poor user experience, doesn’t do what you need

This app is disappointing from start to finish. Cumbersome check in process. You have to enter your *G card so many times, it never remembers you. You’re like a stranger to Swiss every time you fly. Whoever thought it was a good idea on your “my bookings” page just to list a bunch of destinations (at least half of them are ZRH or GVA)? Completely unhelpful. You have to go through the check in process twice every time, to get your choice of seat, because the first time your *G status isn’t considered. Your boarding pass then doesn’t come into the app. There’s no true live departure or arrival information. Booking a flight is just a reduced functionality version of the website. Swiss needs to get some designers to do some proper design thinking on the user journey - and look at apps from airlines like Delta, easyJet, BA, etc. that are so far ahead of the Swiss app it’s a joke.

App Privacy

The developer, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Search History

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Travel id – one login, lots of options.

With Travel ID, you have access to the services of Lufthansa and all the airlines of the Lufthansa Group via a single account – and even to Miles & More.

What is Travel ID?

• Your access to all services
• Free messaging
• Frequently Asked Questions

From booking to check-in and beyond – with Travel ID, you can now travel even more easily. It is your login for all our digital services. You can use it to quickly and easily access your data and enjoy relevant information and personalized services at any time. And that’s with any airline in the Lufthansa Group.

Quick & secure

Book and check in instantly: for this, store your personal data, payment details and important travel documents in your profile. Here they are stored securely and retrievable at any time.

Exclusive promotions

With your Travel ID, enjoy special offers and promotions as well as information tailored to you – exactly when you need it.

Activate Miles & More for your Travel ID and earn miles directly – when you fly, travel and shop. Redeem them for great awards, unique experiences or your next trip.

Your access to all our services

Always well informed: stay logged in and receive the right information at the right time and in the right place.

lufthansa.com

After logging in on our website, you have access to all your bookings and receive helpful information in the Travel Cockpit about your trip. In your profile, you store personal data, preferences and payment information, and save travel documents. This now makes it even quicker to book and check in. In Travel Insights, you can see a summary of all your trips from the last 10 years.

Chat assistant

Lufthansa chat assistant.

Quick, targeted help for your concerns: once you have logged in with your Travel ID, the chat assistant Elisa has all the necessary information. You will receive personalized answers to your questions, can conveniently re-book or request a refund. All without entering any additional data.

Lufthansa app

Stay well informed from booking to arrival: make the best use of the benefits of your Travel ID in the Lufthansa app. Once you have logged in, all of your information is saved and your personal travel assistant will inform you automatically about your upcoming flight. Have your boarding pass issued and receive access to additional personalized services. Also conveniently book your next flight, including the seat, without entering data again.

Internet on board

Enjoy FlyNet® with your Travel ID. Once you have logged in, you will automatically receive up-to-date information about your trip. Also, you can use the free, unlimited messaging for messenger services such as WhatsApp to stay in touch with your loved ones and surf the internet for reasonable prices on board.

Miles & More

If you wish, you can also earn miles with your Travel ID. To do so, activate Miles & More directly during registration or later in your account.

Additional benefits with Miles & More

• Earn miles and Points (Points, Qualifying Points, und HON Circle Points) with 40 airline partners
• Become a frequent flyer and enjoy privileges
• Earn miles for hotel and rental car bookings with many service providers
• Redeem miles for flight awards or other travel awards

Free messaging above the clouds

Travel ID and Miles & More customers can benefit from free, unlimited messaging in the FlyNet® portal on all short-haul and medium-haul flights with aircrafts of the A320 family equipped with wi-fi. Stay in touch with your loved ones above the clouds and relax during your flight.

Simply visit our FlyNet® portal using your mobile device on your next flight, log in using your personal Travel ID and select “Free Messaging”. You’re now ready to enjoy chatting above the clouds.

You don’t have a Travel ID or Miles & More account yet?

FAQs about Travel ID and Miles & More

How do I change the email address I use to log in? How do I add a flight to “My Bookings” in my Travel ID account? What is changing for me as a Miles & More customer? We would be delighted to help you in any way we can. We have compiled these and many other frequently asked questions for you in our FAQs.

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If you have given your consent to digital communication, you will also receive advertising content from the following companies of the Lufthansa Group:

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If you have given your consent to digital communication, you will also receive advertising content from the following Lufthansa partner companies:

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With our digital services, you can take care of the most important things for your upcoming trip before you even leave home.

How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one transport pass that makes it easier and more affordable to travel around Switzerland, where the public transport system is renowned for its efficiency. 

Also sometimes referred to as the Swisspass, Swiss Train Pass or Swiss Pass, the pass is valid for various durations.

It even gives holders access to discounted travel on many mountain railways and cable cars as well as trains, buses and boats. 

Now you have decided to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, where do you buy it? When and how can you activate it? And how do you actually use the Swiss Travel Pass? 

In this guide we cover everything you need to know before setting off on your travels around the incredible country of Switzerland. 

From how to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and whether or not your type of pass needs activating to how to use your pass on the go, this article covers it all. 

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Where to buy the Swiss Travel Pass

Let’s get started by taking a look at where you should buy your pass. 

First, you need to decide whether to purchase a regular Swiss Travel Pass (for travel on consecutive days) or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex. The differences are explained in > this article.

Then it’s super simple to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass. I recommend you buy the pass via GetYour Guide , an authorised reseller of Travel Switzerland.

What’s great about using GetYourGuide is that they offer full refunds on many products, including the Swiss Travel Pass, if you cancel up to 24 hours before use. 

Consecutive Day Swiss Travel Pass Prices

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Prices

How to buy your Swiss Travel Pass step-by-step

The GetYourGuide site is also really user-friendly. After clicking the link to purchase your pass ( this link for the consecutive day pass and this link for the Flex pass ), the first step is to choose how many adults, youths (aged 16 to 25) and children (aged 6 to 15) are travelling. 

This can be done directly beneath ‘About this activity’. Kids aged 5 or under don’t need a ticket or a pass, as they travel for free.

Next, select the start date you want: you can skip through months here by clicking the arrow on the top right.

Then, when you have selected the date you will first use your pass, click on ‘Check availability’. 

Now you can choose the pass you’d like to buy.

Add the pass you want to your cart. 

📍 I recommend double checking at this point that you have selected the right class of travel and duration. 

Then click ‘Checkout’. 

Next it’s just a case of adding your billing details as with any online purchase. 

You’ll also be asked to complete the full names and dates of birth for each traveller. Make sure these match your passports exactly to prevent any problems later on. 

How you’ll get your Swiss Travel Pass

Once you have made your purchase, when and how is your pass delivered? 

The Swiss Travel Pass (for travel on consecutive days) will be emailed to the address you provided in the booking process, and will come in the form of a PDF attachment which can be downloaded to your mobile device.

I highly recommend printing a paper copy of this as a back-up, though you can simply present the mobile version when using transport in Switzerland. 

While both paper and digital versions of the pass are accepted, your phone could suddenly run out of battery and then you’d have no way of proving you have a pass! 

You should also carry your passport or another form of photo ID each time you travel. 

> Click here to buy your Swiss Travel Pass

How you’ll get your Swiss Travel Pass Flex

If you purchase a Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you will receive a purchase receipt and a voucher by email.

The voucher is NOT valid for travel.

Each day you wish you travel you should activate your pass (see the instructions below). By doing this, you will receive a valid ticket for travel on that date.

> Click here to buy your Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

When and how to activate the Swiss Travel Pass

There is often confusion about whether or not a Swiss Travel Pass has to be activated. The answer varies according to the type of pass you’ve bought so follow the instructions below to learn how to activate your Swiss Travel Pass.

Activating your Swiss Travel Pass (consecutive days)

The regular, consecutive days Swiss Travel Pass does not need to be activated. All you need to do is show it to the ticket inspector when requested.

Activating your Swiss Travel Pass Flex

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex, however, must be activated in advance and before each day that you use the pass. You can do this via Activate Your Pass here .

Your pass should be activated before your first trip, and you’ll need to enter your reference number as well as your full name and date of birth. 

For every travel date you activate, a valid ticket will be generated. This e-ticket can then be seen at activateyourpass.com . You can show this e-ticket to the ticket inspector on your phone or tablet, or use a printed copy. 

What if your plans change along the way? 

If you have already activated a travel date that you want to change, the Swiss Travel Pass allows you to change these as much as you want to until the start of each validity period.

The validity period commences at 23:59. Once the clock hits midnight, you can no longer change or deactivate this particular ticket. 

For example, if you have activated your Swiss Travel Pass Flex to be used on 17 July and you no longer wish to use your pass that day, you can change the date of travel until 23:59 on 16 July.

How to use the Swiss Travel Pass

So now let’s cover how to use the Swiss Travel Pass Flex or consecutive-days pass. 

When travelling with a Swiss Travel Pass – either consecutive days or Flex, you simply board the train and sit wherever you wish in the correct carriage for your class of travel. 

The only exception to this is when travelling on the Bernina Express or Glacier Express, which we cover below.

When requested by the ticket inspector, simply present your Swiss Travel Pass.  You may also be asked to present some photo ID, such as your passport to verify that you are the pass holder.

Using the Swiss Travel Pass on panoramic trains

The Bernina Express and Glacier Express , two of Switzerland’s most famous premium panoramic trains, are the only Swiss trains on which reserving a seat is compulsory.

The actual ticket price of the journey on these trains is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass but seat reservation fees are compulsory and should be purchased online well in advance of your travel date.

Seat reservations for the Bernina Express can be purchased here and Glacier Express seat reservations can be purchased here .

On all other panoramic trains* – Luzern – Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Line and Gotthard Panorama Express – seat reservations are not required. Simply board the train and sit anywhere in the correct carriage for your class of your travel.

*Note that the Gotthard Panorama Express only offers 1st class train travel. If you hold a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex you must pay a class upgrade for this journey.

Additionally there is a compulsory supplement of CHF 16 for each passenger that travels on the Gotthard Panorama Express. > Purchase class upgrades and the compulsory supplement here .

Using the Swiss Travel Pass on buses, boats and mountain transport

Don’t forget that Swiss Travel Pass holders can also use boats, buses and some mountain transport services. Even when this isn’t the case, you may qualify for a generous discount as a pass holder. 

When boarding boats and buses, simply show your Swiss Travel Pass when you enter.  For free (where applicable) or discounted travel on cable cars, funiculars and mountain railways, present your pass at the ticket counter.

Selected museums also allow pass holders to enter for free. Just show your Pass at the ticket counter.

Travelling beyond the Swiss border with a Swiss Travel Pass

When travelling to an area beyond that covered by the pass – such as into another country – you’ll need to buy a ticket for that sector. This will apply, for example, to journeys into France, Italy, Germany or Austria. 

International tickets are generally not available for purchase on the Swiss Railways website or app so we recommend buying them from the railway of the country concerned.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers travel as far as the major rail border points of Basel and Le Chatelard-Frontiere on the French border, Chiasso on the Italian border, Konstanz on the border with Germany and St. Margrethen on the Austrian border.

Some postal bus services within Liechtenstein and Austria are also covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

You can view a map of the Area of Validity of the Swiss Travel Pass > here .

The SwissPass app 

Is there a Swiss Travel Pass app? No, there isn’t.  

Many travellers notice a reference to the SwissPass on the SBB Mobile app however this refers to a digital travel account for residents only. 

A SwissPass account is for Swiss citizens only, not tourists, and is a separate product that uses a chip and pin card.

The Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t have to be added to an app. All you need is to be able to show the ticket inspector a paper or digital copy, and photo ID if requested.

The excellent SBB Mobile app ( which we explain here ) can be used for checking timetables but it is not necessary (or possible) to connect your Swiss Travel Pass to the app.

Another app that is useful is the Swiss Travel Guide app which has an integrated map and timetable and points out more than 500 Swiss highlights.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Buying, activating and using the Swiss Travel Pass summary

The Swiss Travel Pass allows you to use the clean, fast and efficient public transport system in Switzerland. It can be used on trams, buses and boats as well as trains, and can save you a lot of time and money. Exclusive free entry to museums and generous discounts can also apply. 

Buying your pass is easy, and purchasing it through our preferred supplier means you won’t even lose money if your plans change, as long as you cancel 24 hours before the start date. 

Only the Swiss Travel Pass Flex requires activation, which is easy to do via this link . 

Once you have your chosen pass, I recommend taking a paper copy as well as the digital version as back-up. Also carry your passport or other photo ID in case it’s requested. 

Unless you want to travel on the popular scenic Swiss train routes, seat reservations are not normally required. 

Wherever your Swiss Travel Pass takes you, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with beautiful Switzerland and will want to return time and time again!

How to Buy, Activate and Use the Swiss Travel Pass – Summary

Now that you have read this guide, you can confidently buy, activate (if necessary) and use your Swiss Travel Pass.

This all-in-one transport pass is the perfect hop on hop off ticket for travelling in Switzerland.

🇨🇭 Ready to buy yours? > Click here to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and > Click here to buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex .

If you’re still unsure whether the pass is the best value for your trip, we answer the question Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? here .

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Rail passes.

Swiss Travel Pass

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Berner Oberland Pass

Jungfrau Travel Pass

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Self-Drive Packages

Itinerary Planning

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

Mountain Excursions in Switzerland Discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass

How to Get from Zurich to Grindelwald

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Access to our lounges

Regardless of where you’re flying with us, as our premium guest you have worldwide access to selected lounges. Access depends on your Miles & More status or travel class, and you must have a valid boarding pass for the lounge location concerned.

• Lufthansa Group contract lounges
• Star Alliance partner lounges
• Travelling companions

SWISS Lounge access on departure

Lufthansa Group: SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa

HON Circle Members and Senators also have access to the relevant departure lounges with a boarding pass for an arriving flight on that day.

1 Access with a boarding pass for that day for a flight with the Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance, Edelweiss or Eurowings. This does not apply to Frequent Travellers travelling on the Basic fare with Eurowings. HON Circle Members, Senators and Frequent Travellers also have access to the relevant lounges with a boarding pass for an Air Dolomiti flight in Geneva for that day. 2 Access with a boarding pass for that day for a Star Alliance flight.

SWISS Lounge access on arrival

Lufthansa Group: SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Eurowings

1 Access with a boarding pass for an arriving flight for that day with SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss Air and Eurowings 2 Access with a boarding pass for an arriving flight for that day with SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines 3 HON Circle Members and Senators also have access to the relevant departure lounges with a boarding pass for an arriving flight for that day.

Access to Star Alliance partner lounges on departure

1 To access the lounges, you require a valid Star Alliance status card and/or a SWISS/Star Alliance boarding pass for a flight on that day and for the location concerned.

Access to Lufthansa Group contract lounges on departure

SWISS offers a contract lounge at some destinations. The lounges are operated by third-party providers outside the Star Alliance. Access is only possible in combination with a valid boarding pass for a flight operated by SWISS for the location concerned. Access to contract lounges is available to:

• SWISS First passengers
• SWISS Business passengers
• HON Circle Members
• Star Alliance Gold members

Lounge access for those travelling with you

Depending on your travel class, status and lounge, your travelling companions and family members may accompany you into the lounge as your guests. Please note that your guests must be able to present a valid boarding pass for the same flight and enter and leave the lounge together with the host.

1 Only for Senators in person for arriving flights, with no guests.

How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

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There are no excuses for being late in Zurich , goes the local saying. The church of St Peter bears the largest clock face of any tower in Europe, built in the Middle Ages so everyone had access to the time, wherever in the city they stood.

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Credit: Switzerland Tourism

Taller buildings have appeared since, but the city remains a remarkably well-oiled machine, and one which still puts its people first. By now, it’s old news that Zurich vies for the top of annual liveability lists. But over the last decade, it has risen as one of Europe’s chicest hubs , producing a booming art, design and food scene that attracts the continent’s coolest with an edge and energy likened to London or Berlin.

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“Consider the puzzle of Switzerland,” writes Max Gunther in The Zurich Axioms , his 1985 guide to financial investing. “It has not one inch of seacoast. It is one of the most mineral-poor lands on earth. It possesses not a drop of oil to call its own, barely a bucket of coal... Yet the Swiss are among the most affluent people in the world.”

Switzerland is directly shaped by its four national languages – French, German, Italian and Romansch. Mixing those identities and tongues is a challenging balance, but the nation has found strength in this diversity. In times of war, it has had to garner acceptance for its internationally recognised neutrality, serving as a protecting power, acting as a mediator and accepting refugees.

Zurich’s Swiss National Museum offers a fascinating AR-enhanced window into the nation’s history, with a focus on integration and how its distinct cultures have reached their current state of relative harmony and prosperity. “What’s most important is the school system and how they integrate people from other cultures,” guide Katja tells me on a walking tour of the Altstadt, the medieval old town. She has recently relocated from her native Russia with her two children but is already starting to feel at home. “Swiss culture is always present – you can learn and take part.”

Katja leads us past several Guildhouses, former seats of industry which played an important role in Zurich’s politics, but now play an important cultural role, offering some of the best places to eat and be entertained in history-steeped settings. We stop off at Laden Schipfe, a social enterprise that helps young Swiss get work experience by running a café and delicatessen on the banks of the river Limmat.

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That spirit of helping those around you seems to run through the city. The Swiss mainstays of fine watchmaking, artisanal chocolatiers and private banks are hardly tenets of socialism, but Zurich politically ratified equality in the early 19th century after its near-six-century-old city wall, seen as a symbol of inequality, was torn down. Overnight, Zurich became a big city and a microcosm of Swiss governance, in which equality, cohesion and neutrality are sacrosanct.

Indeed, Zurich ranks highly among the world’s most diverse cities, with non-nationals making up a third of its population. You might trace its acceptance of strangers back to the city’s roots as a birthplace of Protestantism, which paved the way for the country’s diverse yet united modern era.

But that doesn’t mean Zurchers don’t know how to have fun. Take a tram west to trendy quarters like Sihlfeld and Wiedikon to join the city’s younger inhabitants as they pack out buzzy bars and restaurants, dance in clubs converted from industrial spaces and pick up Swiss-made clothing and homewares.

Dining throughout the city is unhurried and sociable, in eateries like the locavore Kreuterbar or the Frau Gerolds Garten in a former shipping container, which make the most of Switzerland’s excellent homegrown produce and wines. Spring and autumn are for festivals, with food, wine, film, design, aviation, music, gaming, pop culture and seemingly every other interest under the sun getting its own multi-day event.

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Then there’s the lake. Lake Zurich is fed by the Glarus Alps and on a clear day, you’ll spy the jagged shards of ice-topped peaks some 100km to the south. The lake itself is a dark steel blue, a 40km-long banana-shaped body of water stretching southeast. Badis , or lakeside baths , dot its shores, ranging from simple shacks to change in and jetties to jump off or paddleboard from to more luxurious clubhouse-style amenities including saunas, massage rooms, cafés and cocktail bars.

On warmer lunchtimes, workers spill out of the offices for a dip and a bite to eat, then return to their desks still bearing a glow from the bracing, clean waters. There are no excuses for being late in Zurich – or, it seems, for being unhappy.

It’s hard to beat waking up to a lakeside view from your bedroom, and La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich is a waterfront property with a yacht club-style interior and two exceptional dining venues. Meanwhile, The Mandarin Oriental Savoy opened late last year, creating a grand new luxury address on centrally located Paradeplatz after acquiring and renovating the near-200-year-old Savoy Baur en Ville.

Getting around

Pick up a Zurich Card (from CHF29/HK$250 per adult), a pass that unlocks the city with free public transport and free or discounted entries and experiences.

Credit: Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Unmissable Zurich

Three city attractions to tick off:

Grossmünster

Its twin towers make this Romanesque-style Protestant church Zurich’s most prominent landmark; climb the Karlsturm tower and be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Hurlimannbad and spa

This state-of-the-art, multi-floor thermal spa features whirlpools and steam rooms inspired by the Roman-Irish cleansing rituals. The view from the rooftop infinity pool is worth the entrance price alone.

Credit: Switzerland Tourism/Colin Frei

Kunsthaus Zurich

Dating back more than 100 years but given a US$230 million geometric sandstone extension in 2020, Switzerland’s largest art museum houses one of the nation’s most important collections, from old masters to contemporary works.