This will seem like a dumb question for those of you who are familiar with the Swiss Pass, but how do you use it? Do you have to present it at a ticket booth and get a ticket, or just board the train and show it to the conductor?
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3095 posts
Once you have the pass validated and the dates of validity confirmed, if it is a Swiss Pass for consecutive days, you just board the train, and show it to the conductor when he or she comes around. If it is a flex pass, you enter the date of use and then board the train. In neither case do you need to visit the ticket window first.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
....but if the train or cable car you are on only gets you a discount with the Swiss Pass, like Schiltorn or Jungfrau, you need to go head to a ticket window first to purchase your discount ticket.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Thank you, Sasha and Michael. That's exactly what I needed to know!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
To say that you never have to visit a ticket window first is 99% accurate. When validating the Swiss Pass for the first time that's exactly what you have to do...go to the ticket window. Then of course after that just jump on the train or bus or boat or gondola or local city tram. But if you're going to the Jungfrau or Schilthorn or any other destination that's not 100% covered then yes you must go to the ticket counter first and show them your Swiss Pass.
The Swiss Ticket counters always seemed to be manned with staff that are very knowledgeable and helpful. I love riding the Swiss trains and dealing with the SBB staff. I wish that were true for all the other Western European train companies.