It appears I can book international on SBB and get the half fare discount (purchasing a 1-year pass in advance). True? We won't be traveling extensively by train during the time is Switzerland and I'm trying to see if the CHF185 pays back or not.
Thanks in advance for the replies.
Yes, you don't even have to have the Half Fare Card when you buy the train ticket. You just have to have it in your possession when the conductor comes by to check your ticket.
If you are only going to be in Switzerland one time, the 30-day Half Fare Card costs 120 CHF.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/travel-in-switzerland/international-guests/swiss-halffare-card.html
Also check if the yearly card renews automatically unless cancelled in writing.
The sbb site defaults to show prices at half as most who live on Switzerland have the half fare card.
Thanks, but when looking to book the tickets it looks for 1-2-3 year Half Fare, not mentioning the shorter term of 30 days.
Go ahead and use the fares generated when you check the 1-2-3 year HFC. Then buy a 30-day HFC before you get in the train with your advance tickets. I asked the question of SBB some time ago and that was their answer. It has worked for us.
It says 1-2-3 year Half Fare Card because the site is 90% for the benefit of Swiss residents, where just about everybody has a annual Half Fare Card. 30-day card works just fine.
So if you have more than 240 CHF worth of full fare tickets, it will pay off, usually better than a Swiss Travel Pass. It is good for all public transport. Buses, boats, city trams, mountain lifts. Each traveler needs their own card, it is a personal and you need passport for ID purposes if the conductor wants to see it.
Marc, Info about and purchase of the tourist Half Fare Card is here: https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/travel-in-switzerland/international-guests/swiss-halffare-card.html
CHF 120 for one month.
The annual Half Fare Card is designed for residents. You need a Swiss address to get one, they post it to you, and it renews automatically. Whichever version you have, prices are the some. You push the [Child/Half Fare] button on the ticket machine.
Please note you do not need to "book" Swiss train tickets in advance. You just buy them from the ticket machine (or human) at the station on the day. Unlike other railway companies there is no discount (above the Half Fare) for advance purchase and no reservations. A ticket is valid on any train on that day.
If you are flying in, you can buy your Half Fare Card and first ticket at the airport station.
The only reason to buy in advance is if you are arriving by train. If you buy your Half Fare Card and Half Fare ticket from the border on the SBB website, you then do not need to get off the train at the border station.
Thanks to all for the advise and opinion. It has been a few years since I've spent any time in Switzerland so I appreciate the assistance. Good to know that the 30-Day Half Fare is included.
