We'll be in Switzerland for 16 days in July. Both the Swiss Pass and the Half Fare Card allow kids to travel free. Adding up the trains, etc. that I know we'll be taking, the Half Fare Card is cheaper than the 15 day Swiss Pass. Also, the Half Fare Card gives a better discount (50%) on travel up to Jungfraujoch. There is a pretty big difference in the total cost between using the Swiss Pass or the Half Fare Card. The Swiss Pass includes entries to museums and the ease of jumping on and not having to stop and actually buy a ticket but are there any other benefits to the Swiss Pass that I'm missing? Thank you.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Your understanding is correct. Those are the main differences.
Posted by
OP
82 posts
Looks like the Half Fare Card is the way to go. Thank you.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Kids Travel Free - true...as long as you have the Free Swiss Family Card. That's an important piece of the equation. Don't leave home without it :-)
Posted by
OP
82 posts
The RS rail pass site says about the Half Fare Card:
"Children under the age of 16 and traveling with a parent or legal guardian will travel free with a Swiss Family Card. Please do not add these children as travelers when purchasing a Swiss Half Fare Card – just pick up the free Swiss Family Card at a train station in Switzerland."
I assumed that meant we couldn't get the Swiss Family Card ahead of time but would have to go to the railway desk at the airport to pick it up. Last time when we bought the Swiss Pass, the Family Card came with it before we left. Thanks.