Hello all,
I just purchased half-fare card from sbb.ch
I choose the dates for next month. I see the online ticket on the website. Will i also get a physical card in mail or can I pick it up when I reach Switzerland? or do I print the online ticket and only use that printed ticket.
If I print that online ticket, how can I use it to buy tickets from ticket machines at train stations?
How can I use that printed ticket on cable car stations to buy tickets for gondolas/cable cars? Are they man operated? All of them? What if they are not?
Thank you
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11342 posts
You print the online half-fare "card" on paper and take it with you. When you bujy tickets in the kiosks/machines it is on an honor system, but on the train the conductor will look at both the tickets for the specific train and your half-fare card to ensure you are eligible for the discounted fare.
At tickets windows for boat trip and lifts, show the half fare card to the attendant and pay for the other half of the fare..
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
To clarify a little bit more since you have not been here before, your half fare card is your proof that you are entitled to purchase tickets at 1/2 fare. At the ticket machine, you will see the fares listed. You will select 1/2 fare and your ticket cost is 1/2 of the regular price. The honor system means that a conductor does not always check that you have a ticket, but if they do check and you do not have your ticket or do not have proof of your half fare card with you to show you are entitled to half fare, you will be fined on the spot. They are strict about this.
At the larger train stations, you can get in line to purchase your ticket with an attendant if you have any questions. At the smaller stations or after hours, you'll purchase at a ticket machine. If you take a bus, you'll most often need to have exact change to purchase a ticket on the bus unless there is a machine at the bus stop.