How to Use SBB Day Passes in Switzerland – Check Here

SBB Day Passes are an exceptional innovation. They allow you to board any train, bus, ferry, or tram without the need to purchase individual tickets. Additionally, they can assist in cost savings if executed correctly.
I will be introducing you to my three preferred SBB Day Passes in this post, which I believe you should be aware of if you intend to travel to Switzerland by public transportation.
By the way, a day pass may be a viable alternative to the Swiss Travel Pass, contingent upon your travel intentions.
The following day permits can be utilized in the following ways:
- Embark on a journey on one of the renowned Swiss scenic train excursions, including the Golden Pass Line, Bernina Express, or Glacier Express. The subsequent day passes are applicable for all of them. However, it is important to mention that certain railroads necessitate a seat reservation, which is not included in the day pass.
- Stanserhorn or Mount Rigi are recommended destinations. The SBB day passes are completely accepted by these two mountain railways at no additional cost. Even if you possess a day pass, you will still be required to purchase a ticket for other mountain railways in Switzerland.
- Schedule a boat ride on one of the numerous lakes in our area with your day pass. The SBB day permits are accepted at numerous locations, including Lakes Brienz, Thun, Lucerne, Geneva, Constance, Zurich, and Neuchâtel. A journey that I particularly enjoy is the one in which you travel by boat from Lucerne to Vitznau, visit Mount Rigi, and return to Lucerne by train. Included in this excursion are all transportation options. The same applies to the boat journey from Lucerne to Stansstad, the funicular and gondola to Mount Stanserhorn, and the train back to Lucerne. Just to provide you with a notion.
- If the weather is unfavorable in your vicinity, but you observe that the sun is shining in another region of Switzerland, as is frequently the case in our sunny southern Canton of Ticino, there is no impediment to boarding a train, soaring through the Gotthard tunnel, and enjoying a refreshing ice cream by Lake Lugano or Locarno.
Now, let’s take a closer look at those three day passes and what they’re all about.
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1. SBB Saver Day Pass
I will commence with my unequivocal favorite, which boasts an exceptional price-performance ratio. Book this dynamically priced ticket up to six months in advance. The earlier you reserve, the greater your likelihood of obtaining a favorable rate.
In conjunction with a Swiss Half Fare Card, prices commence at 29 CHF. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be exceptionally fortunate in order to secure such an advantageous offer, as they are sold out frequently. The next higher price becomes available once they are sold out, and it is typically still very excellent.
It is advisable to begin searching for a Saver Day Pass as soon as you have determined the date on which you intend to travel.
- The cost of a Swiss Half Fare Card is 29 CHF for second class and 49 CHF for first class.
- Price without Swiss Half Fare Card: 52 CHF for 2nd class and 88 CHF for 1st class.
- The validity period commences on the day of purchase and extends until 5:00 a.m. the following day.
- Validity zone: The entire region as depicted on this map
- Cancellation policy: nonrefundable and noncancelable
- Conditions: non-transferable
2. SBB Day Pass in combination with the Swiss Half Fare Card
This day pass differs from the Saver Day Pass in two main ways:
- Regardless of whether you acquire it five months in advance or five minutes in advance, the cost remains constant.
- A Swiss Half Fare Card must be carried in order to purchase it.
Other than that, the advantages are the same as with the Saver Day Pass.
- Second class is priced at 79 CHF.
- Price for first class: 128 CHF
- The validity period commences on the day of purchase and extends until 5:00 a.m. the following day.
- Validity zone: The entire region as depicted on this map
- Cancellation policy: Cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours in advance if purchased through Swiss Activities.
- Conditions: non-transferable
3. Friends Day Pass Youth
I am aware that I previously stated that the Saver Day Pass was my favorite. However, this is solely due to my age, which exceeds twenty-five. The companions Day Pass Youth would undoubtedly be my preferred pass whenever I organized a trip with my companions when I was younger.
This gem enables a maximum of four individuals to traverse the entirety of Switzerland. All of this is available at an unbeatable price of 80 CHF. For each cohort!
However, it is contingent upon a few conditions, which I will address in a moment. However, purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or any other travel pass is unnecessary if you intend to travel to Switzerland with your companions. This is the most exceptional offer you will encounter. Therefore, to all of my dear, youthful, budget-conscious backpacker friends: the Friends Day Pass Youth is the only option!
- Price 2nd class: 80 CHF
- Price 1st class: 120 CHF
- Time of validity: Valid on the day you bought it for (until 5:00 am the following day)
- Area of validity: Everywhere according to this map
- Cancellation policy: cancellable up to 24 hours in advance if bought here through Swiss Activities
- Conditions: valid for a group of up to four people travelling together
- Age restrictions: All members of the group have to be younger than 25 years old
There are numerous additional SBB Day Passes available, including those for pets, children, and bicycles. Check out this website on Swiss Activities if you are interested in those. Alternatively, you are prepared to organize your journey to Switzerland via public transportation with the information you have acquired. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I reserve seats with a Day Pass?
Seat reservations are optional and usually not included. They may be required on certain scenic routes (e.g., Glacier Express, Bernina Express) and cost extra.
Do I need a Swiss Half Fare Card to use a Day Pass?
Some types of Day Passes (e.g., Saver Day Pass) require a Swiss Half Fare Card for lower prices. Others, like the regular Day Pass for the Swiss Travel Pass, do not require it.
What is an SBB Day Pass?
An SBB Day Pass allows unlimited travel on most public transport in Switzerland (trains, buses, boats, and some trams) for one day, using the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network and partner services.