Switzerland: Swiss Half-Fare Card

Central Plateau, Zurich



Enjoy 50% off all public transportation (trains, boats, and buses) in Switzerland with the Swiss Half-Fare Card. Use your card for up to 1 month, even on most mountain railways and cable cars.

The Swiss Half Fare Card offers up to 50% discount on public transportation across Switzerland, suitable for visitors exploring the country by train, bus, boat, and mountain railway.

Highlights

  • Save up to 50% on trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways
  • Travel by train, bus, boat, and most mountain railway and panoramic trains
  • Choose first-class or second-class tickets with a card valid for 1 month
  • Children aged 6–15 travel free with the Swiss Family Card

Description

The Swiss Half Fare Card allows travelers to purchase half-price tickets for trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways and cable cars throughout Switzerland. It is valid for one month from the first day of use.

This card suits visitors who want to combine scenic train rides with mountain excursions and explore Switzerland at their own pace. It covers Switzerland’s extensive transport network, including panoramic trains and public transportation in over 90 towns and cities.

Whether traveling between major cities, crossing alpine lakes, or visiting mountain peaks, the Swiss Half Fare Card reduces travel costs on every journey.

Families benefit from the complimentary Swiss Family Card, allowing children aged 6 to 15 to travel free when accompanied by at least one parent holding a valid Swiss Half Fare Card.

Includes

  • Swiss Half Fare Card
  • Complimentary Swiss Family Card for children

Excludes

  • Seat reservations on regional and scenic trains

Important Information

  • Children aged 6 to 15 travel free with the Swiss Family Card when accompanied by a parent holding a Swiss Half Fare Card and a valid ticket.
  • The Half Fare Card can be issued up to 180 days in advance of the requested validity date.
  • The Swiss Half Fare Card is only available to non-residents of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Easy cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.

For best results, purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card before your trip and bring valid ID when using it on public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Swiss Half Fare Card offers up to 50% discount on trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways throughout Switzerland, including travel from Zurich.
Visitors to Switzerland, including those arriving in Zurich, can use the Swiss Half Fare Card to travel with discounted tickets across the country.
The Swiss Half Fare Card is valid for one month starting from the date of first use anywhere in Switzerland.
Yes, children aged 6 to 15 travel free with a complimentary Swiss Family Card when accompanied by at least one adult Swiss Half Fare Card holder.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card offers discounts on most mountain railways across Switzerland, including those accessible from Zurich.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card allows you to purchase both first-class and second-class discounted tickets on Swiss public transport.
You can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card at main train stations in Zurich, online, or through authorized travel agents.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card provides up to 50% discount on boats operating within Zurich and other Swiss regions.
Yes, you must carry the physical Swiss Half Fare Card to show it during ticket inspections on Swiss trains, buses, boats, and mountain railways.
Yes, the Swiss Half Fare Card is ideal for travelers based in Zurich who want flexible and cost-effective travel across Switzerland.

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