Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card (Family of 4 - July 2025)

We were in Switzerland last July/August for 18 days and did the STP for 15. There are many on here that have thought this out better than we so hopefully they will respond. We also had 7 and 9 year olds and their parents. (Side note, check out the playgrounds and marble runs, they were really neat) we probably did not save a whole lot with the full Swiss Pass but the convenience of it was worth it to me, just get on board and show your QR code if asked. The only time we spent in ticket lines was 30 minutes for the Jungfrau. And as for 1st class, we did not have it and there was several times we stood between cars with our luggage for 30 minutes or more because it was so crowded. Not fun for the kids or us. Also download the SBB app. Time between trains was short and the app gave us lots of info including which platform we needed to go to. Have a great time!

I'd probably just get the Half Fare Card and then potentially the Jungfrau Pass for the amount of time you're in Wengen. You'd have to do a spreadsheet to be sure, but 15 days will be overkill for you and 8 days isn't enough, so the STP doesn't work out that well. Unless you aren't concerned about budget at all, then perhaps you'll enjoy the 15 day STP.
However, you'll still have to pay supplements for Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg, Mannlichen, First, Allmendhubel, etc. with the STP.
If you just do the HFC + Reduced Jungfrau Pass then a lot of your things will be covered while in Wengen (where 1st class doesn't matter because everything is basically cable cars/funiculars and non class trains) and then if you'd like to purchase 1st class for your train rides between bases, etc. you can whenever you decide to, at 50% off. Also note for your kids that you'll get the family card, so they are free. https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad/swiss-family-card.html

First Class can be nice for extra space and at busy travel times. Sometimes we upgrade if it's showing "3 red people icons" on the leg of the journey on SBB (that is telling you that it's going to be a crowded train) whereas the "single black figure" shows it's unlikely to be crowded.

Thank you for the information.
If I decide to only purchase a Half Fare Card, would you consider the Bernese Oberland Pass versus the Jungfrau Pass?

when you are looking at the Berner Oberland Pass look carefully at what is included. There have been significant changes for 2025.

We will be in the Wengen area 4 days / 4 nights the middle of July, coming from Lucerne.
Would the Berner Oberland or Jungfrau Pass be better IF we buy the Half Fare Card?

You really have to look at exactly what you plan to do on your specific trip and price out the different passes yourself. In general, the BO pass used to be the best option for the area. With major changes in 2025, it's not as great when you're staying in Wengen, but you have to look at your specific itinerary to decide that. Look at validity maps and see pricing for tickets without passes on SBB.ch/en (pricing defaults to half fare card pricing).

If there was a one size fits all answer, you'd receive that answer. There isn't and requires analyzing your specific itinerary to get an exact answer. Or just close your eyes and pick one, either will be fine in some regard :)

My first trip I went the STP route with a few days just paid full price for a ticket. No worries about getting tickets for trains and buses. I went the half fare card based the decision on the attraction savings as those mountain top trains and cable cars had the largest savings. It was clear without figuring in the other transportation between cities.

The SBB app is a must. You can purchase tickets for the whole family on one phone. The notifications feature i received on my Apple watch was handy to alert of upcoming arrival at my stop and when my departing stop/transfer was coming up. I learned something new from wanderweg about the SBB app predicting what trains will be crowded. There is a YouTube video about the SPP app as the filtering option was nice for searching only boat rides.

Lastly, check what the city cards (you will get during your stays) have for local discounts in addition to local transportation.

Thank you all for this valuable information.

Would it make sense to purchase the Half Fare Card, Tell Pass (2-3 days), and Jungfrau Pass (4 days) for my family of four?
Thanks

The Tell Pass does not give a discount with the Half Fare Card, and the kids will travel for free with you anyway and with only 2 days the HFC will help. The Tell Pass is also very expensive per day for only 2 days You do get a discount on the Jungfrau Travel Pass, but the kids will cost you 30 CHF each, but for the whole time you are there.

The Tell Pass is extremely overpriced. You have to be doing so many things every day to have to work out in your favor.

Hello all, thank you again for your input and suggestions.

From your comments and my personal research, I am leaning towards the following:
--- Purchase Half Fare Card (1 month coverage), Will help with ticket purchases at Zurich Airport and Route to Basel from Wengen
--- Purchase Tell Pass (3 or 4 days): Rigi, Pilatus, and Lucerne to Brienz free
--- Purchase Jungfrau Travel Pass (4 days): Will help with trains from Brienz to Wengen and during Wengen Base (Jungfrau, Schilthorn, etc.)

If you have any concerns, suggestions, or questions please let me know.

Thanks