HowToSwiss

Swiss Train Tickets & Travel Passes

Written by Mohammed AliUpdated
Verified · Last updated 1 August 2026
CHF 5–3,995/yearRECOMMENDED

Step by step

  1. 1

    Get the SBB Mobile app

    Download the SBB Mobile app — it's the single best tool for buying tickets, checking connections, and managing passes. Available on iOS and Android.

  2. 2

    Understand ticket types

    Point-to-point tickets, day passes (Tageskarte), and multi-ride cards (Multi-Fahrten). Always buy before boarding — controllers fine CHF 90+ for no ticket.

  3. 3

    Consider the Halbtax (Half-Fare Card)

    CHF 190/year. Cuts all public transport prices in half. Pays for itself in just a few trips. The single best investment for anyone living in Switzerland.

  4. 4

    Evaluate the GA (General Abonnement)

    CHF 3,995/year (2nd class). Unlimited travel on all trains, buses, boats, and most city trams. Worth it if you commute or travel more than 2-3 times per week.

  5. 5

    Use Supersaver tickets

    Available on SBB Mobile for specific trains. Up to 70% off standard fares. Book early — the cheapest ones sell out fast. Non-refundable and train-specific.

  6. 6

    Explore regional day passes

    Gemeinde Tageskarten: your local commune sells discounted day passes (often CHF 40-52 for a GA-equivalent day). Check your Gemeinde website.

Your next step

Turn this guide into action — run the numbers for your own situation, then work through the deadlines for your canton.

Cost of living calculatorCompare living costs between cantons.Swiss tax calculatorEstimate your cantonal and federal tax bill.Permit finderFind the permit type that fits your case.Personalised canton checklistEvery deadline for your canton — free, no signup.

Get this as a personalised checklist

Build your free Swiss relocation checklist — tailored to your canton, with deadlines and links. No signup.

Build my free checklist

Always have a valid ticket before boarding — fines start at CHF 90.

Supersaver tickets are non-refundable and valid only for the booked connection.

People also asked

Is the Halbtax worth it?

Almost certainly yes. At CHF 190/year, you only need a few medium-distance trips to break even. It also gives discounts on city transport, boats, and cable cars.

Can I use my GA on city trams and buses?

Yes — the GA covers virtually all public transport in Switzerland, including trams, buses, boats, and many mountain railways.

How do I buy tickets?

SBB Mobile app (recommended), ticket machines at stations, or online at sbb.ch. You can also buy at staffed counters for a small surcharge.

Official sources for this guide

  1. SBB — Swiss Federal Railways
  2. Halbtax overview

Was this information helpful and accurate?

Related guides

Register at your Gemeinde

Every person living in Switzerland must register with their local municipality (Gemeinde / Commune / Comune) within 14 days of arrival.

Read guide

Exchange your driving license

As a new resident you may drive on your foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date you register at your Gemeinde. Before that deadline you must exchange it — or, from a non-recognised country, sit the Swiss control drive.

Read guide