Traveling with the Swiss Half Fare Card

The Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card entitles visitors to travel by train, bus, and boat, and on most mountain railways at half price. It has a validity of one month. Validity ends at 05.00 hrs the morning after the pass expiry date. There is no discount on museums with the Swiss half-card.

The Swiss Half Fare Card is available as an e-ticket to persons with residence outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Passes are given a start date at the time of purchase. This is the first date of travel, and the pass will only be valid from this date.

The Swiss Half Fare Card is refundable up to one day before the first day of validity. From the first day of validity, it will be 85% refundable if not used. If the pass has been used in any way, there will be no refund possible.

Benefits

Up to 50% discount on travel by train, bus, and boat, and most mountain railways.
50% discount on use of public transportation in more than 90 towns and cities.
Children from 6 to 16 years (the age with regard to the family card is the 16^th birthday). After the 16th birthday, until their 25th birthday, they are eligible for a Youth Card and, accompanied by at least one parent (holding a valid Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss travel pass and corresponding ticket), travel free of charge with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.
Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

How to book it?

The Swiss Half Fare Card is available on our website.

In the "Rail passes" booking search, please select "Switzerland" in the "country to visit":

On the "Results" page, select the Swiss Half Fare Card:

Click on "Pass conditions" to view the Swiss Half Fare Card details and conditions.

To book the Swiss Half Fare Card, click on Pass Details. Then enter the traveler details and click on Add to Basket. You'll be able to find the product details you booked during all the booking process and check the details and conditions.

You'll receive a PDF ticket by email after purchase. Please print it before departure and present it during your journey.

How to book discounted tickets?

The Swiss Half Fare Card entitles passengers to travel at half price. Discounted tickets are available on our website.

In the "Train & bus tickets" booking search, please click on "Add railcard":

Select the "Swiss Half Fare Card," confirm, and start your search. Update the number of cards to match the passengers so the discount applies to all.

Then select your ticket, enter the traveler details, and add to basket.

Throughout the whole booking process, you'll be able to find the discounted ticket details and check the fare conditions.

How to add a Swiss Family Card to your Booking

Children aged 6 to 15 can travel at no cost when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Half Fare card.

There’s no need to purchase a separate child ticket. When booking on Rail Europe, simply add both the parent and child and select a pass option that includes “with Swiss Family Card”.That’s it—no extra fees, just more freedom for your family journey.

Please note that the Swiss Family Card must be requested at the time of purchase and cannot be added at a later stage.