Swiss Half Fare Card - Save 50% on Trains, Buses & Boats
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ZurichMost booked
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Swiss Half Fare Card - Save 50% on Trains, Buses & Boats
Top 10
ZurichMost booked
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Swiss Half Fare Card - Travel Class: standard - Travel Days: 1 month
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The Swiss Half Fare Card entitles visitors to travel by train, bus and boat and most mountain railways at half price.
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GBP 112.51
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Highlights
Embark on a breathtaking Swiss adventure with the Swiss Half Fare Travel Card, your ticket to exploring Switzerland’s stunning landscapes at half the cost. This versatile e-ticket slashes up to 50% off public transportation fares, including trains, buses, boats, and cable cars, covering some of Switzerland's most scenic train trips, like the Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Valid for one month, it offers the freedom to roam alpine peaks, serene lakes, and charming villages, making your travel budget stretch further while soaking in Switzerland’s unparalleled beauty.
A Swiss Half Fare Card is one of the best rail passes to simplify your journey with its user-friendly digital format, letting you purchase discounted tickets effortlessly for your chosen transport, be it boat journeys, mountain excursions, or panoramic train tickets. Whether you’re gliding through the Alps on a train with stunning views or cruising Lake Lucerne by boat, this card ensures convenience and savings. Perfect for explorers seeking flexibility and value, the Swiss Half Fare Card transforms your travels into a seamless, affordable experience filled with unforgettable moments.
Reasons Why a Swiss Half Fare Card Is Worth It
- Save 50% Across Switzerland: Get up to 50% off Swiss train tickets, buses, boats, and mountain railways with the Swiss Half Fare Card - your key to exploring the country affordably.
- Ride Iconic Scenic Routes: Use your Swiss Half Fare Travel Card for discounts on famous panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Line, and even excursions to Jungfrau and Gornergrat.
- One-Month Validity & Flexibility: The card is valid for 30 days, letting you create your own itinerary across Switzerland’s stunning rail network.
- Hassle-Free Electronic Format: Buy your Swiss Half Fare Card online and present it on your phone. Skip queues and start saving from day one.
- Perfect for Long Trips or Day Excursions: Enjoy major Swiss Half Fare Card benefits on long-distance rides, city connections, and mountain journeys like Mt Pilatus or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
What's included
INCLUDED
Swiss Half Fare Card (valid for 1 month)
E-ticket for direct use
Up to 50% discount on public transportation and most mountain railways
Eligibility for complimentary Swiss Family Card
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation tickets (must be purchased separately with the Half Fare Card)
Personal expenses
Food and beverages
Customer reviews
Review summary
Powered by AIThe Swiss Half Fare Card is praised for its convenience and cost-effectiveness, offering up to 50% savings on Swiss transport. Customers appreciate the easy online purchase and seamless use via QR code, with Pelago discounts enhancing its value. It's ideal for exploring Switzerland's scenic routes affordably.
Additional information
Must Know
- A 50% discount may be lower on short-distance routes due to minimum fare requirements.
- The Half Fare Card cannot be used alone—you must purchase the corresponding ticket for travel.
- First-come, first-served policy applies to seating on public transportation.
- On-site staff can assist travellers with reduced mobility.
- For area-of-validity maps, click here: View Map.
Eligibility
- Only residents living outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein may purchase this pass.
Child Policy
- Children aged 6–15 travel free when accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss Half Fare Card and a Swiss Family Card.
- Children under 6 travel free on public transportation.
- To obtain the Swiss Family Card, add the child as a passenger when purchasing the Swiss Half Fare Card.
What to Bring
- Passport or proof of residence
- Mobile device with e-voucher
- Printed voucher (optional but recommended)
Accessibility
- Most public transportation services can assist travellers with reduced mobility.
Booking Confirmation
- Instant confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made at least 3 days before the selected date incur a 5% cancellation fee.
- No cancellations or refunds for changes made 0–2 days before the selected date.
Voucher Use
- Please present the e-voucher on-site when purchasing tickets at transportation counters.
- Voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours.
- Valid for 30 days after first use.
Location
Address
Zurich, Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
What is the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket and how does it work?
The Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket is a digital QR code that allows travellers to purchase tickets for trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland at 50% discounts for up to one month. And yes, this includes most mountain railways and some panoramic routes.
How it's different from the Swiss Travel Pass is that the Half Fare Card still requires you to purchase your ticket of choice, albeit at half price. On the flipside, the Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel for either a set number of consecutive or flexible days without the need to keep buying individual tickets.
Still thinking about which rail pass suits your trip in Switzerland? You might want to consider reading our full guide to the Swiss Half Fare Card vs. the Swiss Travel Pass.
How it's different from the Swiss Travel Pass is that the Half Fare Card still requires you to purchase your ticket of choice, albeit at half price. On the flipside, the Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel for either a set number of consecutive or flexible days without the need to keep buying individual tickets.
Still thinking about which rail pass suits your trip in Switzerland? You might want to consider reading our full guide to the Swiss Half Fare Card vs. the Swiss Travel Pass.
How much does the Swiss Half Fare Card cost?
The Swiss Half Fare Card costs around CHF 120 for one month (though this will increase to CHF 150 in 2026). It’s a fixed price for 30 days of use, regardless of how often you travel.
The exact amount you pay may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and your payment method.
Despite the upcoming 2026 price increase, the card still offers great value across the Swiss Travel System, especially if you plan multiple long-distance or scenic train journeys.
The exact amount you pay may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and your payment method.
Despite the upcoming 2026 price increase, the card still offers great value across the Swiss Travel System, especially if you plan multiple long-distance or scenic train journeys.
How to use the Swiss Half Fare Card?
It's really simple. Just make sure you purchase your Swiss Half Fare Card in advance first.
After that, simply buy your train, bus, or boat tickets online, either through the SBB app or physically at ticketing machines.
Then, just show your discounted ticket and the Swiss Half Fare Card (or the QR code version of it) to the conductor, along with your passport for verification.
After that, simply buy your train, bus, or boat tickets online, either through the SBB app or physically at ticketing machines.
Then, just show your discounted ticket and the Swiss Half Fare Card (or the QR code version of it) to the conductor, along with your passport for verification.
How to buy tickets with Swiss Half Fare Card?
It’s pretty straightforward. However, the process differs slightly depending on whether you’re buying tickets online or in person.
On the SBB app, you can set your profile to “Half Fare travelcard,” and fares will automatically display at the reduced rate for your selected destinations.
For folks buying tickets online from other websites like Rail Europe, look for an option to apply your Half Fare Card before checkout. At rail stations, you can also ask for a ticket with the Half Fare rate at staffed counters. As for ticket machines, just select the “Half Fare / Children” option when buying your tickets.
Always double-check that the “Half Fare” option is selected. Otherwise, you’ll be charged the full fare.
On the SBB app, you can set your profile to “Half Fare travelcard,” and fares will automatically display at the reduced rate for your selected destinations.
For folks buying tickets online from other websites like Rail Europe, look for an option to apply your Half Fare Card before checkout. At rail stations, you can also ask for a ticket with the Half Fare rate at staffed counters. As for ticket machines, just select the “Half Fare / Children” option when buying your tickets.
Always double-check that the “Half Fare” option is selected. Otherwise, you’ll be charged the full fare.
How long is the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket valid for?
The Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket is valid for one month. The validity starts from the date you choose as your start date when buying the pass.
During this one month, you can buy half-price tickets throughout Switzerland for most public transport. This includes travel on trains, buses, boats, funiculars, and gondolas. You can use your card as often as you like during the one-month period.
As for the last day of the card? The validity ends at 5am the day after the final day of your one-month period.
During this one month, you can buy half-price tickets throughout Switzerland for most public transport. This includes travel on trains, buses, boats, funiculars, and gondolas. You can use your card as often as you like during the one-month period.
As for the last day of the card? The validity ends at 5am the day after the final day of your one-month period.
Where can I buy the Swiss Half Fare Card?
You can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card online through Pelago or in person at major train stations, including Zürich Airport, before your first journey.
After your purchase, you'll receive a digital ticket via email. If you're looking to maximise your purchase, though, you might want to consider booking with us. Firstly, you can earn KrisFlyer miles for every dollar spent.
But that's not all. If you pair it with the right promo code on Pelago, you'll save even more on prices and rack up more miles at the same time. Here's our complete promo code guide if you're interested in more details on saving costs.
After your purchase, you'll receive a digital ticket via email. If you're looking to maximise your purchase, though, you might want to consider booking with us. Firstly, you can earn KrisFlyer miles for every dollar spent.
But that's not all. If you pair it with the right promo code on Pelago, you'll save even more on prices and rack up more miles at the same time. Here's our complete promo code guide if you're interested in more details on saving costs.
Is the Swiss Half Fare Card worth it?
Yes, absolutely. if you plan two or more scenic journeys such as the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, or Jungfrau Region, the card’s savings exceed its cost.
Can I use the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket for all types of transportation?
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket can be used for most trains, buses, boats, and many mountain railways across Switzerland.
Some premium services, like seat reservations on the Glacier Express or certain tourist trains, aren’t fully covered, but you’ll still get 50% off the base fare for most routes
Can I use the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket for all types of transportation?
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket can be used for most trains, buses, boats, and many mountain railways across Switzerland.
Some premium services, like seat reservations on the Glacier Express or certain tourist trains, aren’t fully covered, but you’ll still get 50% off the base fare for most routes
Do I need to show my Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket when traveling?
Yes, always keep your Swiss Half Fare Card e-Ticket ready on your phone or printed out.
You’ll need to show it together with your valid travel ticket during inspections. The card alone isn’t a travel ticket but proof that you’re entitled to the discounted fare.
You’ll need to show it together with your valid travel ticket during inspections. The card alone isn’t a travel ticket but proof that you’re entitled to the discounted fare.
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Very easy to use and good price with pelago discounts
Same price as official site but pelago discounts make it more worth it!
Softcopy ticket sent from original swiss agency, recognised
Very convenient to use. Just show the qr code when asked to show the pass. Good alternative if traveling quite a few places over a few days in Switzerland that swiss pass either dont cover or too expensive to get.
Good and easy to use
Excellent, efficient and easy to travel once the SBB App is apprehended.