Swiss Half Fare Card - Activation Date for Tourists?

EstherT · 2023-04-11T15:07:05+00:00

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EstherT

Hi there,

I will be travelling to Switzerland on 6 May 2023, and have purchased the Swiss Half Fare Card via Klook with activation date on 4 May 2023.

I wanted to purchase some travel tickets in advance in order to get some savings with the supersaver prices. However, I looked through some forums and was advised otherwise, but could not find a reason to this?

I understand I will need to show the Half Fare Card at the train station. Is it legal for me to purchase the tickets now before the activation date of my pass? Meaning, my pass is due for activation on 4 May 2023, and I purchase tickets now to travel on 6 May 2023.

Thank you in advance for your help and comments!

Cheers, Esther

RolandP

Hello Esther EstherT

Your question has been answered here: Swiss Half Fare Card - start date?

Kindly note that a purchase of Supersaver tickets when arriving by air is not recommended; in case your flight arrives late, your tickets are no longer valid. Supersaver tickets are also not a good choice for sightseeing tours. These tickets are valid for a specific connection only. If you miss the trains as given on your ticket, you have to buy a new ticket.

For terms & conditions and other information on Supersaver tickets, please read this website: Travel at the lowest fares with supersaver tickets | SBB

Also, use sbb.ch/en or the SBB Mobile app to buy tickets. Klook is adding a fee when purchasing from them. Buy your tickets from the SBB, the national railway operator.

Best regards,
Roland

EstherT

Hi @RolandP,

Thank you so much for your prompt response and for redirecting me to the similar thread - really helpful!

Yes, I understand the supersaver tickets will only be valid for the particular date and time of purchase. As my travel days & plans are firmed, I am thinking to purchase some supersaver tickets for the days where I am travelling between cities in Switzerland (eg: from Zermatt to Interlaken). Would this be advisable? I did notice in your other thread mentioning that no locals purchase tickets in advance, just curious.

Thank you!

RolandP

Hello EstherT

Yes, that’s perfectly doable.

Well, locals do buy Saver Day Passes and Supersaver tickets in advance, too. Tickets at normal fare, however, people here do not buy them in advance, perhaps earliest the day before travel. There is no financial benefit in buying them in advance, not even a guaranteed seat. Supersaver tickets must be bought in advance and are fine for travels where the price is more important than flexibility or a fast connection.

I had an Asian couple on the train the other day, they had a Supersaver ticket from Geneva to Interlaken Ost at 3 PM and found the city of Geneva too nice and therefore stayed until 5 PM. Then they took the train in the rush hour, with the ticket that was valid for the train at 3 PM. This was not going to work, they had to buy new tickets. Therefore, I say, with Supersaver tickets you sacrifice the flexibility. Nevertheless, if you want to go from A to B and the time and duration of travel is secondary, you are totally fine to use Supersaver tickets.

Get back to us should you have more queries.

Best regards,
Roland