Advice on trains, Swiss Travel Pass & Swiss Half Fare Card

Burnhamthrope

Hi Everyone,

I am travelling to Switzerland in June of 2025 from Canada, and trying to get a better idea of Swiss transit system to select the best option for myself. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

I am looking to go from Paris to Zurich and then Zurich to Milan.

I am planning on spending 4-5 days in Switzerland, mostly day trips to the surrounding regions.

Does the Swiss travel pass cover trains from Paris to Zurich HB? I can see on the SBB app that I am able to select this train, however there is not option to select Swiss Travel Pass only the option to select Swiss Half Fare card, so I am assuming this train would not be covered under the Swiss travel pass.

Similarly, I am wondering if the Swiss travel pass covers the train from Zurich HB to Milan Central? Again, I am able to select this train on SBB app, but not able to locate the option of selecting the Swiss travel pass.

Thanks again!

Danhiel

Hi Burnhamthrope

Why should the Swiss Travel Pass (STP) be valid in France and Italy? It is valid only in Switzerland.

You must buy a ticket from Paris to Basel. If you buy a discounted one I think it will be cheaper to buy a ticket from Paris to Zurich, instead of use a travel day of the STP in Switzerland.

Between Zurich and Milan, it could be cheaper to use a travel day of the STP until the border station of Chiasso and only buy a ticket from Chiasso to Milan.

You should first plan your itinerary, a Swiss Half Fare Card with Saver Day Passes or Half Fare tickets can be better as a STP.

Kind Regards
Danhiel

Burnhamthrope

Hi Danhiel,

Thanks for your response, although I never said the Swiss travel pass should be valid in other countries I was just curious as the train to and from other countries hosted by EC are available in the SBB app, which it makes it confusing for visitors. Nonetheless, I am prioritizing convenience over affordability so I will be booking direct trains and forgoing the Swiss travel pass, and probably getting the half fare card.

Thanks again for your insight!

Danhiel

Burnhamthrope

It is not only confusing for visitors, this is why we try to help.

Trains between France and Switzerland are operated by TGV Lyria, a company owned by the Swiss and French Railways and it is normal that tickets are available in the SBB app.

EC trains to Italy are a cooperation between the Swiss and Italian Railways, it is also normal that you can buy tickets in the SBB app. EC is only a brand (Eurocity), but not exists as company.

Burnhamthrope

Thanks Danhiel, regarding the SBB app, if I purchase the Swiss travel pass, this might sound silly, but do I just hop onto the train/busses? Or, do I need to book the journey in the SBB app? I only see a selection of half fare card,nGA, Junior and Children’s card, all of which I understand from my research are not the Swiss travel pass.

Best,
Burnhamthrope

Danhiel

Burnhamthrope

I would add that you must also show your physical passport or identity card if a control occurs, the same for any other online tickets. However, some panoramic trains require mandatory or recommended seat reservations. You can find more informations here:

https://community.sbb.ch/blog/23887-demystifying-seat-reservations-on-swiss-trains-a-comprehensive-guide

Krist

The Swiss Travel Pass entitles you to free travel on all public transit, so yes, all you need to do to travel is find the train, tram or bus you want to use, get on, find a seat, and show your pass when requested. There is no need to separately “book” journeys.

Burnhamthrope

Thank you @Krist and @Danhiel both your replies have been so helpful!

Hope you have a wonderful day!