If you want to truly explore Switzerland and feast your eyes on astonishing views of its snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and quaint villages, then a Swiss Travel Pass is what you need to take you there.
Check out the travel perks of a Swiss Travel Pass and why you MUST have one your next trip to Switzerland!
Unlimited Train, Bus, and Boat Travel Across the Country
Want to visit Geneva from Zurich? Head south to Lugano? Journey to the heart of the Swiss Alps in Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen? The Swiss Pass can get you there.
Train travel in Switzerland is among the most efficient in Europe and the around the world. Pick up a small booklet with timetables from major train stations to know exactly when you need to jump aboard. If you want to enjoy a more scenic ride, take an S-Bahn for more local destinations. Need a speedy arrival? Then take an IR (InterRegio) or IC (InterCity) train.
When your train reaches its final destination, you may need to take the bus. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can hop on any bus without the stress of purchasing a ticket.
Switzerland is a land of many picturesque lakes. You can enjoy a mesmerizing boat ride on any that offer public transport. Two personal recommendations for a breathtaking ride are Lake Lucerne and Lake Lugano.
Even with a Swiss Travel Pass handy, there is still a fee to reach Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Head to Schilthorn as an equally impressive alternative.
You can still witness incredible alpine mountain scenery without paying an extra fee. Take the train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and transfer to the local bus that drops off at the Stechelberg station. From there, you will present your Swiss Travel Pass to get tickets all the way up to Schilthorn. There are several stops along the way, but you soar above the clouds nearly 3,000m high at this famous 007 filming location. On the way down, make a pit stop in the village of Mürren for jaw-dropping views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The Journey to the Stanserhorn is Free
The world’s first Cabrio Cable Car, the journey to Stanserhorn is also doable with the Swiss Travel Pass. The first leg of the trip is via a scenic train ride overlooking Lake Lucerne and the surrounding villages. Transfer onto the cable car at the Kälti Station to complete the journey. The top of Stanserhorn will take your breath away with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a sunny day with a delicious meal at the restaurant where you can try authentic cheese fondue. To reach Stanserhorn, take the train to Lucerne and make the appropriate transfer to the village of Stans. The ticket office is roughly a five minute walk from the train station.
*Insider Tip – The 2019 lift season may be the last to enjoy Stanserhorn for free with the Swiss Travel Pass. During my personal trip to Stanserhorn, a cable car employee informed me that there would be a fee next year for Swiss Travel Pass holders. Although I have been unable to find an official announcement, it is something future Swiss travelers should keep in mind. *