Swiss Federal Railways - Tickets and Pricing

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for the trains are relatively expensive compared with other world rail ticket prices. There are two classes, second class and first class. Tickets are half-price for children not over 16 and holders of half fare cards. Tickets can be bought at automated ticket machines in all train stations or at ticket offices. Tickets are not routinely checked; passengers are trusted to hold the correct ticket, but there are occasional checks. Passenger without a valid ticket may be charged up to 100CHF. Some ticket types and prices as of October 2012:

• Tickets between two long-distance destinations: These tickets allow a passenger to board a train between two destinations or a train which will make a transfer. The price of an adult second-class ticket between Zurich and Geneva is 41CHF.
• Tickets in Tariff zones: Switzerland is divided into Tariff zones, such as the ZVV in the Zurich Area, for local travel; two- or 24-hour tickets are available for one or more zones, and are valid on most forms of public transportation within the zones. A 24-hour second-class ticket for all zones in the Zurich Network costs 31.60CHF.
• Annual passes are available, requiring a photograph of the ticket-holder:
  • Zone passes: These passes apply in Tariff zones and provide access to public transit in the zones paid for. Travel outside the tariff area can be added when necessary by purchasing a Anschlussbillet' (extension ticket). The yearly cost for an adult in second-class with all zones in the Zurich Network is 2043CHF.
  • GA Travelcard: this ticket grants access to all public transportation in Switzerland. The yearly cost for an adult in second-class is 3350CHF.
  • Half-fare card: a card which entitles people over the age of 16 to buy tickets (except yearly tickets) at half-price. The cost of a one-year half-fare card is 175CHF from December 9, 2012.
• Extension Tickets: these tickets extend a zone pass or other ticket to apply in more zones for up to 24 hours. A ticket for a second class, 24 hour, 1-2 zone upgrade is 8.20CHF in the Zurich area.

There are many other tickets such as Night tickets, Youth cards, several day tickets, punch cards, and special tickets for tariff zones, but the above are the most common.