The Swiss Half Fare Travel Card is one of the most useful tools for anyone living in Switzerland — but most people only use a fraction of its value. Locals know how to combine it with Saver Day Passes, Supersaver Tickets, and regional passes to unlock the best prices with almost no effort.

This guide shows you exactly how to use the Half Fare Travel Card like a local: when it saves you the most, how to pair it with other tickets, and the small habits that make a big difference over a year.

The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off most public transport in Switzerland, including:

It’s valid for one year and pays for itself quickly if you travel regularly — but only if you use it strategically.

This is the biggest local secret.

A Saver Day Pass becomes dramatically cheaper when you have a Half Fare Travel Card.
Locals use this combo for:

💡 Tip: Prices rise as the date approaches. If you see a good price, book it.

Here is an example of a saver offer:

Supersaver Tickets are discounted fares tied to a specific train.
With a Half Fare Travel Card, the price drops even further.

Locals use them for:

💡 Tip: If your schedule is flexible, check several departure times — savings vary widely.

Short, local trips (CHF 2–8) are often already inexpensive.
With the Half Fare Travel Card, these become extremely cheap — sometimes cheaper than day passes or regional passes.

Locals don’t overthink it:
If it’s a short hop, just buy the half‑price ticket.

Many residents forget this part.

The Half Fare Travel Card gives discounts on:

Locals use it to make weekend outings more affordable — especially when hosting visitors.

💡 Tip: When searching for boat trips, they don’t always come up because SBB gives you the fastest routes. Select “Advanced Search” and select “Ship” only under Means of Transport:

Some regional passes (like the Tell‑Pass or Berner Oberland Pass) offer reduced prices if you already have a Half Fare Travel Card.

This is where locals save the most during summer or holiday periods.

The SBB app automatically applies your Half Fare Travel Card to every ticket.

Locals rely on it for:

Tip: Add your Half Fare Travel Card to your profile once — then forget about it.

Most residents break even quickly if they:

As a rule of thumb:
If you take more than 2–3 medium‑distance trips per month, the Half Fare Travel Card is worth it.

Even long‑time residents miss out on savings by:

A few small habits can save hundreds of francs per year.

The Swiss Half Fare Travel Card is one of the simplest ways to save money while enjoying Switzerland’s extraordinary public transport network. Used well, it becomes a quiet, everyday tool that makes travel easier, cheaper, and more spontaneous.

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