Upgrading SBB tickets to First Class at the station
Overview
Passengers with a 2nd Class SBB ticket can travel in 1st Class by buying a class upgrade directly from SBB at the departure station, even when their ticket is a non-refundable Supersaver ticket or Saver Day Pass. The original ticket stays as it is; the upgrade is a separate purchase made locally, not an exchange through Rail Europe.
Which SBB tickets can be upgraded
All 2nd Class SBB tickets sold by Rail Europe can be upgraded locally, including fares that can't be refunded or exchanged.
| Ticket type | Refund / exchange via Rail Europe | Upgrade to 1st Class locally |
| Supersaver ticket | Non-refundable, non-exchangeable | Yes |
| Saver Day Pass | Non-refundable, non-exchangeable | Yes |
| Point-to-point ticket | As per fare conditions | Yes |
| Zonal tickets
(Example: Léman Pass Individual Ticket, Engadin Mobil Individual Ticket, Arcobaleno Transfrontaliera Individual Tickets, and other similar) |
As per fare conditions | Yes |
How to upgrade
The passenger buys the upgrade from SBB before boarding and travels with both the original ticket and the upgrade.
- Keep the original Rail Europe ticket (Supersaver, Saver Day Pass, Point-to-point or Zonal tickets).
- Buy an SBB class upgrade at a staffed ticket counter or a ticket machine.
- Choose the upgrade per route, or the day class upgrade for a Saver Day Pass
- Show both the original ticket and the upgrade to the conductor on board.
What if my ticket can be exchanged or refunded?
If your ticket's fare conditions allow an exchange or refund, you have two options:
- Exchange, or refund and rebook: exchange your ticket, or refund it and make a new booking in First Class, according to your fare conditions.
- Upgrade locally: keep your ticket and buy a class upgrade at the station, as described above.
Important to know
- The original ticket hasn’t changed. Supersaver tickets and Saver Day Passes stay non-refundable and non-exchangeable; Rail Europe can't upgrade or exchange them.
- The upgrade is bought from SBB. It is paid locally and is not part of the Rail Europe booking.
- Supersaver tickets stay train bound. The upgrade applies to the train ticket is valid for.
Need more help?
- If you have any questions or doubts about your ticket, contact us through our chat or our Contact Us form, and we'll be happy to help.