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How long will it take to receive my Swiss half fare card when purchasing online?

Posted by cookiekar on 08/13/24 06:29 PM

I plan to purchase my Swiss half fare card on (Thursday, Aug. 15th) online using the SBB app during my 3 hour layover at Frankfurt Airport before arriving in Zurich and train to Luzern the same day. I've read that I will receive an email showing my purchase and I can print the pass or save to my Apple Wallet. How long will it take for the pass to show up in my email or the SBB app? Is it instantly or would it be safer to purchase at the ticket office in Zurich?

I know I'm waiting till the last minute but we will only be in Switzerland for 6 nights and with air travel (from USA) I want to be sure I'm actually in Europe first.

Thank you in advance for your help. Karen

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

08/13/24 09:18 PM

5595 posts

In my experience, the passes come in within minutes. It's nice to have the electronic copy, harder to lose. Safe travels and enjoy!

Posted by Barbara N

SF Bay Area

08/13/24 10:06 PM

876 posts

Mine also came within minutes. I purchased it a day or two before our trip.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

08/13/24 10:09 PM

21137 posts

You could also just buy it when you arrive at Zurich airport. Trains to Zurich Hbf are almost continuous where you will change to the train to Luzern, and these go every 30 minutes. You will arrive in the underground platforms at Zurich Hbf and the trains to Luzern are directly above you, up 2 escalators.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

08/13/24 11:51 PM

11773 posts

You cannot buy it on the app, at least I could not as recently as last September.

It is crucial you be signed into your account on the website when you buy your pass, using the same credentials you use to sign in to the app. The pass will appear in the app almost instantly.