Switzerland can be an expensive country to travel round, but we are big fans of the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ for visitors to Zermatt.
With one of the best rail networks in the world, it makes sense to travel by train to Zermatt and the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ can help make it a bit more affordable.
In this article by Zermatt specialists, Matterhorn Chalets, we look at all the key questions you need to know about the Swiss Travel Pass.
Concierge Service
If you book your accommodation in Zermatt with Matterhorn Chalets, we can book excursions and transfers for you through our concierge service.
- What is the Swiss Travel Pass?
- How much is the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’?
- How much is the ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’?
- Will I save money with the Swiss Travel Pass?
- Are there any discounts for children or younger people?
- What’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
- What does the Swiss Travel Pass include in Zermatt?
- Where can I buy the Swiss Travel Pass?
- Finding accommodation in Zermatt
What is the Swiss Travel Pass?
A ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ gives visitors to the country unlimited travel across the Swiss travel system for a continuous period of 3, 4, 8 or 15 days.
There is another variation, known as the ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’ which offers unlimited travel on flexible days (rather than on consecutive days).
It’s also available for either 3, 4, 8 or 15 travel days, but across an overall period of a month.
How much is the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’?
A 3-day Swiss Travel Pass costs GBP211 and an 8-day pass GBP354 (as at March 2023). You can check all the current prices at their website
Will I save money with the Swiss Travel Pass?
A second class return ticket from Zurich to Zermatt typically costs CHF118. From Geneva it’s slightly less at CHF98.
However, if you want to break your journey over several days and spend more time in Switzerland, or you plan to take advantage of the discounts offered in Zermatt (see below), then a Swiss Travel Pass is likely to be a better option.
The ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’ is typically a better choice than the regular ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ if you’re plan to stay put between journeys (say if you are coming to Zermatt for a week).
Are there any discounts for children or younger people?
The Swiss Travel Pass Youth ticket means that young people under 26 can claim a 15% discount on the pass.
Children under 16 do not need a ticket at all, and travel for free as long as they are travelling with an adult who has a valid ticket.
One single ticket
The way the Swiss Travel Pass works is that you either download it to your phone, or with a physical copy, simply sign your ticket before starting your first journey.
You then have to show it the ticket inspector together with your passport or identity card when asked.
What’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
The obvious inclusions are that you qualify for unlimited free travel on all the train, bus and ferry routes around Switzerland.
If that wasn’t enough holders are also eligible for a 50% discount on other routes (shown in the map below as dotted red, yellow or black lines)
In addition, also included are discounts on certain mountain railways and lifts (see below for more Zermatt-specific info).
It can be useful for any stays in Switzerland as users are eligible for unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities around this country, and free entry to more than 500 museums.
What does the Swiss Travel Pass include in Zermatt?
There are additional discounts for Swiss Travel Pass holders in Zermatt. These include a 50% reduction on the Gornergrat railway, Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise 3S lift, Sunegga funicular and Rothorn cable car.
Remember that all these lifts are included in a regular Zermatt lift pass, if you are buying one of these to go skiing, and that the bus service around Zermatt is already free for all lift pass holders.
Access to Zermatt’s excellent museum is also free for holders of the Swiss Travel Pass.
However, if you’re planning to come to Zermatt for a short trip, or for our many non-ski activities, then these discounts represent an extra bonus from the Swiss Travel Pass.
Please note that these discounts can change at any time. For the latest offers, please check the Swiss Travel Pass website.
Where can I buy the Swiss Travel Pass?
You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online at their website.
Accommodation in Zermatt
Matterhorn Chalets can help you find the right accommodation for you in Zermatt, whether you’re looking for self-catered apartments, hotel or a more traditional chalet.
Concierge Service
Guests who have booked their accommodation in Zermatt with Matterhorn Chalets can use our concierge service to book their transfers, restaurants, lift passes and lessons.
Simply contact Ed or Suzanne for more details on +41 79 247 15 88
