Swiss Travel Pass 2026: Prices, What's Covered & Is It Worth It?
The Swiss Travel Pass is the most-asked question we see from travelers planning Switzerland, and the honest answer is: it depends on how you travel. Here's the math, without the sales pitch.
2026 prices (official SBB, in CHF)
| Days | 2nd class | 1st class | Flex 2nd | Flex 1st |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 254 | 405 | 289 | 461 |
| 4 | 309 | 492 | 349 | 555 |
| 6 | 399 | 634 | 424 | 674 |
| 8 | 439 | 697 | 459 | 729 |
| 15 | 499 | 787 | 519 | 819 |
The Youth pass (under 25) is about 30% cheaper. Prices are per person. Check sbb.ch for the current rates before you buy.
What it covers
- Trains, buses and boats on the national network, including the lake boats on Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva.
- Panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The fare is covered, but seat reservations cost extra. See our Glacier Express guide.
- City transport in about 90 towns, including Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Basel.
- Free mountains: Rigi, Stoos and a few others (the list changes, so check sbb.ch).
- Discounted mountains: about 25% to 50% off most others, including Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, Titlis and Gornergrat.
- Museums: free entry to more than 500 museums.
When it's worth it
Do the math with a simple rule: add up your long train rides and mountain trips at full price. If the total beats the pass price, buy the pass.
The pass usually wins if you: - change base every two or three days (for example Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt); - plan the Glacier Express or Bernina Express; - want the freedom to hop on any train without thinking about tickets.
The Half Fare Card usually wins if you: - stay in one or two bases, like Grindelwald or Lucerne, and do day trips; - plan several expensive mountains (it gives 50% off most of them); - are traveling for more than two weeks.
Our take
For a typical first trip of 7 to 10 days with three bases, the 6- or 8-day pass in 2nd class is a good deal and makes travel effortless. If you're doing a slow hiking holiday from one base, skip it.
Where to base yourself
Swiss trains make the whole country easy, so choose bases for what you want to do, not for transport. Our where to stay for hiking guide covers the best bases.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Interlaken · Bern (Bernese Oberland)
Interlaken's landmark grand hotel with a 5,500 m² spa.
Check rates & availability →Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Lucerne · Lucerne
Restored lakefront palace hotel with a spa, walking distance to the old town.
Check rates & availability →Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt · Valais
Grand hotel in the center of car-free Zermatt with a large spa and indoor/outdoor pool.
Check rates & availability →FAQ
How much is the Swiss Travel Pass in 2026?
Official 2nd class prices are CHF 254 (3 days), 309 (4 days), 399 (6 days), 439 (8 days) and 499 (15 days). 1st class costs about 60% more. The Flex version costs a little more.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
It's worth it if you take a long train ride most days and visit covered mountains like Rigi or Stoos. For slower trips with one or two bases, the Half Fare Card plus individual tickets is usually cheaper.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Jungfraujoch?
No. It covers trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Wengen, and gives roughly 25% off the rest of the way to Jungfraujoch.
What's the difference between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Flex?
The regular pass is valid for consecutive days. The Flex lets you choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 travel days within one month, for a bit more money.
Do children travel free in Switzerland?
Children under 16 traveling with a parent who holds a pass can travel free with the Swiss Family Card. Check the conditions on sbb.ch.