Get the latest newsletter delivered straight to your inbox
Some links to external websites may be included for your convenience. Swiss We Go! is not affiliated with these organisations.
Switzerland offers a surprisingly rich mix of day passes that make exploring the country both affordable and effortless — if you know which one to choose. Between the Saver Day Pass, the Gemeinde (Municipal) Day Pass, and the many Regional Passes, travellers can unlock unlimited travel across trains, buses, boats, and mountain transport at a fraction of the usual cost. This guide breaks down how each pass works, who it’s best for, and how to get the most value out of every journey.
What Is a Swiss Day Pass?
A Swiss day pass gives you unlimited travel for one calendar day across much of the national public transport network. Depending on the pass, this can include:
SBB trains (InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, regional trains)
PostAuto buses
City trams and buses
Most lake boats
Selected mountain railways and cable cars
Local transport zones
The main differences between passes come down to price, availability, booking rules, and coverage.
1. Saver Day Pass (SBB)
What It Is
A dynamic‑priced day pass sold by SBB, available to anyone — with or without a Half Fare Card.
How It Works
Prices increase as the travel date approaches
Cheapest when booked early (up to 6 months in advance)
Valid on almost all public transport nationwide
Available digitally via SBB or the SBB app
Typical Price Range
With Half Fare Card: lowest prices when booked early
Without Half Fare Card: still excellent value compared to point‑to‑point tickets
(Exact prices vary daily due to dynamic pricing.)
Best For
Early planners
Long‑distance travel days
Residents wanting a spontaneous “explore Switzerland” day
Anyone flexible with dates
💡 Pro Tips
Book as early as possible — prices rise sharply in the final week
Combine with mountain railway discounts for even more value
2. Gemeinde Day Pass (Municipal Day Pass)
What It Is
A fixed‑price day pass sold by Swiss municipalities, offering unlimited nationwide travel for one day.
How It Works
Each municipality receives a limited number of passes per day
Prices are fixed and often cheaper than late‑stage Saver Day Passes
Must be purchased through your municipality (online or in person)
Some municipalities allow non‑residents to buy their passes
Typical Price Range
Usually CHF 30–50
Same price with or without a Half Fare Card
Best For
Last‑minute travel
Residents who want predictable pricing
Families and groups
💡 Pro Tips
Check neighbouring municipalities — availability varies widely
Book early for weekends and holidays
Get the latest newsletter delivered straight to your inbox
3. Regional Passes (Various Regions)
What They Are
Multi‑day or seasonal passes covering a specific region, often including mountain transport and attractions.
Popular Examples
Tell‑Pass (Central Switzerland)
Berner Oberland Pass
Lake Geneva Region Pass
Graubünden Pass
Jura Pass
How They Work
Valid for 2–10 days depending on the pass
Include unlimited travel within the region
Often include free or discounted mountain railways, boats, and museums
Prices vary by region and duration
Best For
Multi‑day stays in a single region
Visitors hosting family or friends
Residents planning a local holiday
Mountain‑heavy itineraries
💡 Pro Tips
Compare coverage maps — some passes include premium mountain lifts
For 3+ days in one region, a regional pass often beats day passes
Which Pass Should You Choose?
Travel Scenario | Best Pass | Why |
|---|---|---|
Long‑distance travel booked early | Saver Day Pass | Lowest price when booked in advance |
Last‑minute travel | Gemeinde Day Pass | Fixed price, often cheaper than late Saver Day Pass |
Multi‑day regional holiday | Regional Pass | Includes mountain lifts and local transport |
Hosting visitors | Regional Pass or Gemeinde Pass | Predictable pricing and broad coverage |
Spontaneous weekend outing | Saver Day Pass (if cheap) or Gemeinde Pass | Depends on availability and price |
Where can I go with a Saver Day Pass or Gemeinde Day Pass?
Check out this link from SBB for an interactive area of validity map:
How to Maximise Value
Compare Saver Day Pass and Gemeinde Pass availability — prices can differ dramatically
Use regional passes for mountain‑heavy trips
Plan around weather for scenic routes and lake boats
Book early whenever possible
Final Thoughts
Swiss day passes are one of the country’s best-kept mobility secrets. Whether you’re planning a long scenic journey, a last-minute day trip, or a multi-day regional escape, choosing the right pass can save you money and open up more of Switzerland’s extraordinary transport network. With the right pass, the whole country becomes your playground.
Subscribe for free to our newsletter to get a weekly roundup of deals & promotions from train, boat and bus operators throughout Switzerland to make you travel easy and affordable.
