FAQs
1. Who are SwissPasses?
- SwissPasses is your one-stop shop for Swiss travel. From rail passes and train tickets to mountain excursions, ski passes and rental equipment, we make exploring Switzerland simple. We're official agents for SBB and Switzerland Travel System and a part of OTP Holidays, a family-run business that has been helping travellers discover Switzerland since 1992. Over the last 30+ years we've helped thousands of visitors experience everything from the famous Glacier Express to hidden mountain villages that never make the guidebooks.
2. What makes SwissPasses different?
- We're a small team with a real passion for Switzerland. Unlike large booking platforms, you'll always receive personal service and independent advice tailored to your trip. We're not here to push a particular pass or route. If a regional pass is better value for your trip than a Swiss Travel Pass, or if a lesser known excursion offers a better experience than a tourist hotspot, we'll tell you.
3. Why use SwissPasses instead of booking direct?
- Put simply - why visit five different shops when you can visit one? Switzerland has dozens of different rail passes, regional passes, mountain excursions and ticket options. Working out which combination offers the best value can quickly become confusing. We compare the options for you, help you choose the right products and provide support if you need it. Instead of spending hours researching Swiss travel, you can book everything in one place, often at a lower price than you'd pay elsewhere.
4. Do you only sell rail passes and train tickets?
- No. We also offer mountain excursions, ski passes, rental equipment, fly luggage and a range of other Swiss travel products. Whether you're planning a scenic rail journey, a ski holiday or a summer adventure in the Alps, we've got you covered.
5. Can you help me plan my trip?
- Absolutely! We spend our lives talking about Switzerland and are always happy to share recommendations. Whether you're deciding between Zermatt and Grindelwald, wondering which rail pass offers the best value or looking for the most scenic train journey in the country, we're here to help.
6. How do I place an order?
- Simply choose your tickets or passes, enter your passenger details and complete payment online (we accept all major cards as well as PayPal and ApplePay). Once your order has been accepted and you’ve received your confirmation email, your booking is secure. Alternatively, just give us an email and we can arrange it all the old-fashioned way.
7. I’ve received my order confirmation but not my tickets - is that normal?
- Yes, this is completely normal. As a small team, we often issue tickets closer to your departure date rather than immediately after booking. This helps us prioritise customers travelling soonest and work within the ticketing windows set by SBB and the Swiss Travel System. Typically, tickets are sent around one month before departure. If you’d like them sooner, just send us an email and we’ll do our best to help.
8. Can you resend my tickets?
- Yes. If you’ve lost the email containing your tickets, just get in touch and we’ll happily resend it.
9. Do I need to print my tickets?
- No. All tickets can be displayed on your phone unless otherwise stated. Some vouchers, such as certain ski lift pass or rental vouchers, may need to be printed. If this applies to your order, we’ll make it clear in your documents.
10. How will I collect my ski passes and rental equipment?
- All the details you need to redeem your order will be shown on your voucher. In Zermatt and the 4 Vallées, we can even offer hand delivery of ski passes to your hotel or chalet, making arrival that little bit easier.
11. Why do you need my name and date of birth?
- Most Swiss travel products are personal and need to match the details in your passport or travel document. Please double-check all names and dates of birth when booking. If you spot a mistake, let us know as soon as possible so we can make any changes before travel where possible.
12. Can I change or cancel my order?
- Usually yes, but this depends on the ticket or pass purchased. Most products are flexible and can be cancelled up to 3 days before the start date. Others, such as ski passes, Fly Luggage and seat reservations may be non-refundable once issued. Please check our Terms & Conditions for full details, or contact us and we’ll explain the options for your specific order.
13. What is the Swiss Travel Pass?
- The Swiss Travel Pass is one of the most comprehensive rail passes in the world. It includes unlimited travel on most trains, buses and boats throughout Switzerland, making it easy to explore the country without worrying about buying individual tickets. The pass also includes free entry to over 500 museums, as well as discounts on many mountain railways, funiculars and cable cars. Some excursions, such as Rigi, Stoos and Stanserhorn are even fully included. It's available for 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 days, either consecutively in within one month if you go for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex.
14. Can I use my Swiss Travel Pass on mountain railways and gondolas?
- Yes - but it's important to understand the difference between Switzerland's public transport network and privately owned mountain transport companies.The Swiss Travel Pass covers almost all regular trains, buses and boats throughout Switzerland. any mountain railways, funiculars and cable cars, however, are operated by private companies rather than the national transport network. On these routes, the Swiss Travel Pass often provides a discount rather than completely free traveThis can sound complicated, but it's actually one of the reasons we're here. If you're planning specific excursions, we're always happy to explain what's included, what's discounted and which travel pass offers the best value for your trip
15. Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
- The Swiss Travel Pass can be fantastic value, but it isn't automatically the best choice for every traveller. If you're making lots of longer journeys and visiting several regions, it often pays for itself quickly. However, for slower-paced trips or more concentrated trips, a Swiss Half Fare Card or regional pass can sometimes work out significantly cheaper. That's why we always recommend comparing your itinerary before buying. If you're unsure, send it to us and we'll happily point you in the right direction.
16. Swiss Travel Pass vs Half-Fare Card vs Regional Pass
- As a general rule:
- Swiss Travel Pass: Best for travellers making lots of journeys and wanting simplicity.
- Swiss Half Fare Card: Best for travellers who don't mind buying tickets as they go and want the lowest overall cost.
- Regional Passes: Best for travellers spending most of their trip in one area, such as the Bernese Oberland or Valais.
17. Swiss Travel Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass Flex
- Both passes offer the same coverage across Switzerland's rail, bus and boat network, along with the same museum benefits and mountain railway discounts. The difference is how you use your travel days. The Swiss Travel Pass is used on consecutive days, making it ideal if you're travelling around Switzerland every day. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose your travel days within a one-month period. It's perfect if you're planning to stay in one place for several days at a time between journeys.
18. Do I need a seat reservation?
- For regular trains, no, seat reservations are not needed, even on the busiest routes. They are also not needed for most mountain railways (one notable exception is the Jungfraujoch in peak summer months). However, they are mandatory for premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Bernina Express. Whilst they're not required, they are strongly recommended for the GoldenPass Express and Luzern-Interlaken Express (and already included with your ticket from SwissPasses).
19. Do children need tickets on Swiss trains?
- Children under 6 travel free. Children aged 6 to 15 can also travel free with a Swiss Family Card when accompanied by at least one parent holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card. The Family Card is completely free making it hands-down the best-value extra in Swiss travel.
20. What is the difference between first and second class in Switzerland?
- First class on Swiss trains costs about 50% to 75% more but offers wider seats (usually in a 2+1 layout), more legroom, larger windows and a quieter atmosphere. Second class is slightly busier but still extremely comfortable and used by the majority of travellers. It's worth noting you can do one better than first class on certain routes such as the Glacier Express (Excellence Class) and the GoldenPass Express (Prestige Class).
21. Is Switzerland expensive?
- Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, but careful planning goes a long way. Choosing the right rail pass, booking well in advance, travelling outside peak periods and mixing famous attractions with free activities like hiking can make a big difference.
22. What is the most scenic train journey in Switzerland?
- Well that's a tricky one... The Albula Line between Chur and St. Moritz would be near the top of our list and forms part of both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes. Others would argue for the Gornergrat Railway above Zermatt, while many visitors fall in love with the Brienz-Rothorn Railway. The good news is that there isn't really a wrong answer - you've just got to come and experience it for yourself!
23. How many days do I need in Switzerland?
- Most first-time visitors try to squeeze Switzerland into three or four days. Whilst it can be done, we think Switzerland is best enjoyed at a slower pace. With a week or more, you'll have time to explore beyond the major tourist attractions, enjoy some of the country's incredible hiking trails and spend less time rushing between destinations. Interestingly, longer trips usually work out better value too. A 15-day Swiss Travel Pass is less than twice the price of 3-day pass, and yet it gives you five times as many travel days! That extra time often allows you to slow down, discover lesser-known places and make better use of your pass.
24. Can I travel around Switzerland without a car?
- Of course! Switzerland has one of the world's best public transport networks, with trains, buses and boats connecting every corner of the country. Most visitors find travelling by public transport easier, more relaxing and often more scenic than driving.
25. When is the best time of year to visit Switzerland?
- Switzerland is one of the few destinations that genuinely works year-round. Winter brings skiing, Christmas markets and snowy mountain scenery. Spring offers quieter resorts, wildflowers and excellent value. Summer is perfect for hiking, swimming in lakes and exploring the Alps. Autumn is one of our favourite seasons, with golden forests, crisp mountain air and far fewer crowds. If you're asking us to choose just one season, we'd politely refuse. Switzerland is spectacular all year round.