Good Morning,
I was wondering if anyone had some information on the best way to navigate purchasing a half fare card in Switzerland? We plan to travel from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen, with a stop in Interlaken this July, to August 3rd. I have made an account on sbb,ch. I went through the id verification process via my phone. This porcess just seems to be lengthy. The chat assistant stated the three of us travelling each need an account and then have to verify ID to receive a customer ID number. We then each purchase the half fare card individually. Does this sound like the proper process?
Thank you very much.
Sean
Posted by
Switzerland
398 posts
There are detailed instructions on the SBB website for the Swiss Half Fare card (one month one for tourists) and how to purchase it so that it will be in your SBB app. To do so is a multi-step process.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/offers/buy-swiss-half-fare-card
If you do it this way, you will spend more time setting it up, but then it will be very easy every time you use it. The train conductor will see your HFC and ID when they scan your ticket in the app.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1309 posts
No, you were trying to make an account that’s meant for Swiss residents or long term visitors who get the year long Half fare Card.
They make it extremely confusing by naming them the same thing but you need the 150 chf month long HFC. You don’t need an ID validated account/customer number for that.
I see from your other post that you plan to stay in the Jungfrau region for 8-10 days. Most likely a reduced price Berner Oberland Pass + Half Fare Card is going to save you the most money, but if you post your itinerary plans here I can say for sure.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thank you SwissNomad. The steps are in the link. I may attempt that path.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Hello wanderweg, Our plan is to travel from Zurich to Interlaken. We have three nights in Interlaken followed by four nights in Lauterbrunnen. We will then return to Zurich to fly home. I had been looking at the many various passes and the costs. orignally I thought as you suggested; combinging the HFC with the B-O 6 day pass. Three of us are travelling. The 6 day pass would be just under $1,000. I'm not sure if that would save us money in comparison to just using the HFC. We are thinking Heide Klum, Schynige Platte, Murren, Gimmelwald, Gindelwald, Shilthorn as possible destinations, aside from other possible hikes/waterfalls.
Thank you for your help and advice.
Sean