FAQs

• 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.

• 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 Swiss Half Fare Card is better value than a Swiss Travel Pass, we'll tell you. If a less famous excursion offers a better experience than a tourist hotspot, we'll tell you that too.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Yes. If you’ve lost the email containing your tickets, just get in touch and we’ll happily resend it.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.
  The right choice depends entirely on your itinerary, which is why we're always happy to help compare the options. We actually wrote a blog on this very topic to help you decide - check it out here.

• For regular trains, no, seat reservations are not really needed, even on the busiest routes. However, premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express require a seat reservation in addition to your ticket or rail pass.

• 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.

• 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 lakes and mountain scenery around Lucerne. The good news is that there isn't really a wrong answer - you've just got to come and experience it for yourself!

‍

• 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.

• 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.