In this article, I wish to shed a light on the different day tickets available for the Swiss public transport system; tickets, that are good for one day, without taking into consideration fare network tickets.
Please note that the SBB website (www.sbb.ch/en) contains extensive information on all possible ticket types; the relevant links to the product websites I therefore mentioned in my article. The purpose of my article is rather to list and explain in a simple way the difference between the one-day ticket types. I have based all of my explanations on my experience as a train staff, and they are not legally binding.
→ In addition to the one-day tickets outlined in this article, there are also flat-rate offers (travel passes) such as Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and regional passes like the Tell Pass or Berner Oberland Pass. The length of stay in a place and/or the intensity of travel activities could make a pass worth considering.
→ Switzerland has an integrated ticketing system, regardless of the means of transport or the transport company providing the service. This means that you always purchase a ticket for a specific route and not a specific service. Therefore, it is not necessary to buy a separate ticket for the train and the bus or to split your journey into multiple tickets; you simply buy the ticket from door-to-door.
→ If you have questions concerning the tickets described below, please do not hesitate to ask the SBB Community. Do not comment on this post yet start a new question. Thank you.
***
Summary
If you want full flexibility, and hop on/off a service as many times as you like, go with a Point-to-point ticket, a Saver Day Pass, or a Day pass for the (Swiss) Half Fare Travelcard. If you want to save money on your travel, but you have no issue adhering to the itinerary as prescribed, and you do not arrive by air, you are welcome to use a Supersaver ticket. If you would like to enjoy the amenities of the 1st class, you may buy a Saver Class Upgrade or a Class Upgrade.
***
A Point-to-point ticket is a conventional A to B ticket valid for a certain route, such as a direct route or a via station (for instance, A to B or A to D via B via C), as outlined on the ticket. It can be the most costly ticket, but it comes with the greatest flexibility: it can be used on any connection and allows you to stop along the route as many times you want. The only restriction is that you can’t backtrack. The price of the ticket remains the same, no matter when you buy it. A Point-to-point ticket is great if you want to travel in a flexible way or want to see things along the way. Tickets for Point-to-point travel are refundable before their validity.
→ You might want to consider getting a Saver Day Pass or the Day Pass for the (Swiss Half Fare Card) if you’re planning to do multiple trips per day.
Point-to-point tickets for journeys within Switzerland | SBB
A Supersaver ticket is valid for a certain route, such as a direct route or a via station, as outlined on the ticket. The cost of this ticket is approximately 70% lower than that of a conventional point-to-point ticket, however, it is imperative that you adhere to the itinerary that was selected during the ticket purchase process. It does not allow the use of other services than those mentioned on the ticket. No stopping along the way allowed. If you miss a train or service, and it is your fault, the ticket is no longer valid. The Supersaver ticket is fine if you want to travel from A to B. It is not recommended for sightseeing along the route or if you need other flexibility, such as if you don’t know if you’ll make it to the train station before the train leaves. The Supersaver ticket is not recommended when arriving by air, as a missed train due to a flight delay will require the purchase of another normal point-to-point ticket. The ticket is only available for purchase from 6 months up to one day before the travel date. The cost is rising the nearer the travel date, and the number of Supersaver tickets offered is limited. When you’re looking up a connection, the % symbol indicates that Supersaver tickets are available for this one.
→ A Supersaver ticket is like a last-minute non-exchangeable, non-refundable hotel or plane booking. As a tourist, you may want to vary your journey at a moment’s notice, which the Supersaver ticket is not ideal for (rather have a look at the Saver Day Pass instead).
https://supersaver.sbb.ch
The Saver Day Pass is a ticket that allows you to use the Swiss public transport system (trains, buses, trams, boats) for one day at will. However, with some exceptions (Mt. Rigi, Mt. Stanserhorn, Stoos, Klewenalp, and Rochers-de-Naye ), it is only valid to inhabited places and not valid for mountain railways and cable cars. Tickets are only available from 6 months up to one day before the travel date, and the cost is rising as the travel date nears as well as according to the demand. There is a limitation on the number of Saver Day Passes offered per day. The Saver Day Pass is non-refundable.
Saver Day Pass – book earlier, travel cheaper | SBB
The Day pass for the (Swiss) Half Fare Travelcard has the same amenities as the Saver Day Pass, but the price for the day pass remains the same regardless of when it’s purchased. It’s only good if you have a (Swiss) Half Fare Travelcard, but it’s recommended if the Saver Day Pass costs more than the Day Pass. The Day Pass is refundable before its validity.
Day Pass for the Half Fare travelcard | SBB
A Supersaver Class Upgrade is not a ticket, it’s an add-on to an existing 2nd class ticket. Supersaver Class Upgrades can only be bought using the SBB Mobile App. It is normally the cheapest “ticket” offered, and therefore many people buy it, while - as already mentioned – it is not valid as a single ticket. A Supersaver Class Upgrade ticket always requires a 2nd class ticket in addition, this being a Point-to-point ticket, a Day Pass, a Saver Day Pass, Swiss Travel Pass (Flex). The Supersaver Class Upgrade is only available for purchase up to one day before the travel date, and the total number of Supersaver Class Upgrade tickets offered per day is limited. Crucial: A Supersaver Class Upgrade is not valid with a 2nd class Supersaver ticket!
Supersaver Class Upgrade | SBB
→ As a general rule, you must always have a valid ticket for the right class of travel with you by the time the train departs. If you are travelling on a long-distance train with train attendants, in most cases you also have the option of buying a class upgrade on the train from the train crew. The minimum price of a class upgrade bought on the train is CHF 10. Please actively seek out train crew to speak to if you would like to purchase a class upgrade.
Help with the class upgrade & Supersaver Class Upgrade | SBB help & contact
Class upgrade for a route or for a day | SBB
***
If you have questions concerning the tickets described above, please do not hesitate to ask the SBB Community. Do not comment on this post yet start a new question. Thank you.