Swiss Travel Pass Confusion? 10 Things No One Explains (But Should)

The Swiss Travel Pass is one of the easiest ways to explore Switzerland, but you should know a few things before buying. It can save you time, stress, and sometimes money, but only if you understand how it works.

1. How Can I Add It To The App?

I get asked this question many times a week.

SHORT ANSWER: You actually don’t need to.

Just keep the PDF on your phone or print it out and carry it if you prefer. The Swiss Travel Pass isn’t something you “load” into the SBB app like a regular ticket, it’s simply shown to ticket inspectors when asked.

The SBB app is still useful for checking train times and platforms, but the pass does not need to be on there.

👉👉 SEE MY LIST OF MUST HAVE APPS FOR SWITZERLAND

2. It Covers Almost All Public Transport

Trains, buses, trams, boats: done.

If it’s part of the Swiss Travel System, your pass is valid. That means all public transport, in any city, town, mountain village or anywhere in between.

Until you GET TO THE BORDER.

But when you head up into the mountains, you are not covered (99% of the time).

But just to keep you on your toes: there are a few exceptions:

Around Lucerne: Rigi, Stanserhorn, Stoos (but not higher up to the hike)

Around Interlaken: Mürren, and Wengen are fully included (but not higher – eg. Kleine Scheidegg is not included).

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you a huge discount on most mountain excursions. The popular ones are usually 50% off, though sometimes a little less.

And if you’re planning multiple mountain trips, you can combine your Swiss Travel Pass with regional passes like the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass for even bigger savings.

👉👉 STRUGGLING WITH TRAIN PASSES? TRY MY SERVICE

3. Yes, Even On The Water

This surprises many travelers: Swiss lake ferries are considered public transport.

That means your pass includes cruises on all lakes, including:

• Lake Lucerne
• Lake Geneva or Lake Zurich
• Lake Thun & Lake Brienz around Interlaken

It’s one of the most scenic ways to use it. You can hop on board, enjoy the views, and not spend any extra.

👉👉 LAKE LUCERNE CRUISES OR A DAY ON LAKE BRIENZ

4. Buy Before You Land

There’s no benefit to waiting until you arrive to buy the Swiss Travel Pass.

Prices don’t change (they are the same everywhere and fixed by the train company), so you won’t find a “better deal” on the ground.

Buying online means you can start traveling right away from the airport (where the train is righ there), no lining up or extra stops needed.

👉👉 I recommend my partners because they include free cancellation—a real lifesaver if your plans change. And you are supporting this website by using the above link too :> win-win

5. No Tickets, No Turnstiles

The Swiss Travel Pass is a trust-based system. You don’t scan your pass at barriers or machines; you just board and relax.

Ticket inspectors will check it during your journey, so always keep it handy along with your passport. Remember, the pass is personal, it can’t be transferred or shared with someone else. Which is why they often check your passport.

But your plans are flexible and easy. There are no bookings, and you can change them whenever you want. What a way to travel!

6. No Reservations Needed (Most of the time)

One of the best perks is the freedom to hop on nearly any train without a reservation.

But there are exceptions:

• Panoramic trains: like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or GoldenPass require a seat booking in advance
• International routes: like Zurich–Milan or Basel–Paris often require reservations. And, on busy travel days, it’s worth reserving anyway so you don’t risk having to stand.

7. Museums Galore

Your pass takes you around Switzerland and allows you to enter many places for FREE.

Over 500 museums are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. From local art galleries to historical collections.

And even big attractions not included, like the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (great for kids), usually offer discounts if you show your pass. Always ask at the entrance; you might be pleasantly surprised.

👉👉 Zurich Museums, Things to do in Lucerne (Museums), Things to do in Geneva (Museums)

8. Kids Travel For Free

Families love this perk: children under 16 travel free with the Swiss Family Card, which you request at the same time you buy your pass by simply adding “x children” to your order.

That means no extra tickets, no hassle, it’s one of the best deals for family travel in Europe.

And if you child is under 6, you don’t even need that. Just hop on and ride for free!

9. Which Class Should You Choose?

A lot of my clients are confused by the whole “first and second class thing.” With the Swiss Travel Pass, you have to make a choice.

The simple answer is: if you can afford first class, it is usually worth it. especially in summer (June-August) when the trains can get really busy (and full). So having the extra space, the ability to sit together, and the ability to keep your luggage near you is worth it.

Sure, both classes arrive at the same time, but first class offers

• wider seats
• more space (for you and your luggage)
• quieter carriages
• often, there are more available seats together (as most people don’t want to upgrade)

If you’re traveling long distances with luggage or want a bit more comfort, it might be worth the upgrade. If not, second class is perfectly fine and what most locals use.

10. It Is NOT Always Cheaper

One of the biggest things I often have to get across to my video call clients is this:

The Swiss Travel Pass isn’t always about saving money, it’s about convenience and flexibility.

If you’re only making a couple of short journeys, simple point-to-point tickets (ie. city to city) or Saver Day Passes might cost you less. But if you’re bouncing between cities, riding boats, visiting museums, and heading up into the Alps, the pass usually pays for itself quickly.

Think of it as a freedom pass: you don’t have to think about tickets, just go. It’s way less stressful too.

✅ Bottom Line: The Swiss Travel Pass is all about convenience, flexibility, and extras (like boats, museums, and mountain discounts). If that fits your trip style, it’s a no-brainer.

Plan Your Trip to Switzerland

Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more

Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.

Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.

Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.

Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.

Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!