Traveling through Switzerland can be magical, but it can also get expensive. The Swiss Half Fare Card is the perfect solution for tourists looking to explore the country affordably. Whether you’re hopping on scenic trains, exploring mountain lifts, or cruising on lakes, this pass gives you up to 50% off almost every mode of public transport. Travelers who like savings often compare it with the Swiss Coupon Pass, but the Half Fare Card is designed specifically for unlimited flexibility across trains, boats, buses, and mountain railways.
What is the Swiss Half Fare Card?
The Swiss Half Fare Card costs CHF 120 per adult and is valid for one month. It allows travelers aged 16 and above to purchase 50% discounted tickets for:
- Trains (regular and scenic)
- Buses
- Boats
- Cableways, gondola lifts, and mountain railways
Children travel for free under the Swiss Family Card if accompanied by a parent holding a Swiss Half Fare Card. Children under 6 always travel free.
Unlike the Swiss Travel Pass, the Half Fare Card requires you to buy tickets for each trip in advance. This means slightly more planning but significant savings, especially for multiple journeys.
Who Should Get the Swiss Half Fare Card?
The card is ideal if you plan to:
- Travel to multiple regions of Switzerland
- Take scenic trains like the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, or GoldenPass
- Explore lakes, mountains, and cities via public transport
- Combine it with regional passes like the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass
Scenic Trains Covered by the Half Fare Card
Here’s a quick overview of scenic trains you can use with the Swiss Half Fare Card:
| Scenic Train | Discount | Route | Seat Reservation Needed? |
| Bernina Express | 50% | Chur to Tirano | No |
| Glacier Express | 50% | Zermatt to St. Moritz | No |
| GoldenPass | 50% | Montreux to Lucerne | No (except Prestige Class) |
| Chocolate Train | 25% | Montreux | No |
| Centovalli Railway | 50% | Domodossola to Locarno | No |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | 50% | Arth-Goldau → Flüelen → Lugano (train + boat) | No |
| Lötschberg Mountain Railway | 50% | Bern to Brig → Domodossola | No |
| Voralpen-Express | 50% | Lucerne to St. Gallen | No |
How to Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card
You have multiple options to purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card:
- Official SBB tourist webshop – swissrailways.com
- HappyRail – ideal for international travelers
- KKday – convenient online booking
Digital Card Option:
- You receive a PDF e-ticket for your smartphone.
- No e-wallet required; simply show the PDF to staff.
- Optional: Print a backup on A4 paper.
Validity:
- Starts on any chosen date.
- Valid for 1 month.
- Ends at 5:00 AM on the day after the last valid day.
How the Swiss Half Fare Card Works
- Buy your discounted ticket before traveling (online, ticket machine, or at staffed stations).
- Present your Half Fare Card + discounted ticket onboard.
- Children 6–16 can travel free with the Swiss Family Card.
Price Comparison: Swiss Half Fare Card vs Travel Pass
| Feature | Swiss Half Fare Card | Swiss Travel Pass |
| Cost | CHF 120 / month | CHF 232+ / 3 days |
| Coverage | 50% discount on trains, buses, boats, lifts | Unlimited travel |
| Flexibility | Tickets must be purchased per trip | Unlimited, no planning needed |
| Best For | Multi-region travelers, scenic trains | Short stays, intensive travel |
| Children | Free under Swiss Family Card | Same as adults (varies by pass) |
Practical Tips for Using the Half Fare Card
- Buy tickets online in advance – especially for popular scenic trains.
- Check Supersaver deals – additional savings on top of 50%.
- Combine with regional passes – like Jungfrau Travel Pass for maximum coverage.
- Plan flexibility carefully – tickets are valid for a specific date, unlike Swiss Travel Pass.
- Bring a backup – print your PDF e-ticket in case of smartphone issues.
Popular Routes and Destinations
With your Swiss Half Fare Card, you can explore:
- Zurich to Lucerne – classic train + lake cruise
- Bern to Brig – scenic mountain route
- Flüelen to Lugano – combination of train and boat
- Montreux – Chocolate Train and lake adventures
- Chur to Tirano – Bernina Express panoramic route
Why the Swiss Half Fare Card Is Popular
The Swiss Half Fare Card is a favorite among tourists because it:
- Saves money on almost all public transport
- Offers flexibility to explore both cities and mountains
- Pairs well with scenic trains and regional passes
- Is easy to buy online or at stations
Final Thoughts:
If you’re planning a multi-region Swiss adventure, the Swiss Half Fare Card is likely the most cost-effective option. It balances savings with planning, allows you to experience iconic scenic routes, and is easy to manage digitally. And while most travelers rely on trains and boats, it’s still useful to know the basic traffic rules in Switzerland if you plan on renting a car or mixing public transport with self-driving.
FAQs About the Swiss Half Fare Card
Q: Can I share the card with a friend?
No. Each adult traveler needs their own card.
Q: Is it worth it for short trips?
Usually not. For single-region trips, consider a regional pass instead.
Q: Do I need seat reservations?
Only for some scenic or international trains. Most trains and buses don’t require reservations.
Q: Can I buy tickets without the card in hand?
Yes, you can purchase discounted tickets before your journey; your card will be checked onboard.
