Welcome to the country where the train is king. In Switzerland, every resident travels an average of more than 2,500 km per year by train, a world record. Why? Because the network offers surgical precision and unmatched density. But beware: without a clear subscription strategy, your budget can go off the rails. Here is how to navigate the SBB (CFF) network like a local.
Swiss Rail: Why it is indispensable?
Trains in Switzerland serve everywhere: from urban centers to the most remote mountain villages. It is often faster than driving, and above all, it allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery without having to keep your eyes on the road.
1. The Half Fare Travelcard: The entry point
This is the first document you should obtain after your residence permit.
The concept: You pay CHF 190 for the first year (then CHF 170 with the loyalty price) and all your tickets are 50% off.
For whom? Anyone living in Switzerland. It pays for itself as soon as you spend CHF 380 per year on tickets (roughly 3-4 round trips between major cities).
Direct link: Order my Half Fare Travelcard.
The concept: You pay CHF 190 for the first year (then CHF 170 with the loyalty price) and all your tickets are 50% off.
For whom? Anyone living in Switzerland. It pays for itself as soon as you spend CHF 380 per year on tickets (roughly 3-4 round trips between major cities).
Direct link: Order my Half Fare Travelcard.
2. The "Half Fare Travelcard PLUS": The new feature for hybrid workers
Launched to meet new lifestyles, the Half Fare Travelcard PLUS works like a prepaid card with a bonus.
The principle: You deposit an amount (e.g., CHF 800) and the SBB credits you with a bonus (e.g., an additional CHF 200). You then have CHF 1,000 in credit to buy your discounted tickets.
For whom? Perfect for expats who work from home 2 or 3 days a week and don't want to pay for a full GA.
The principle: You deposit an amount (e.g., CHF 800) and the SBB credits you with a bonus (e.g., an additional CHF 200). You then have CHF 1,000 in credit to buy your discounted tickets.
For whom? Perfect for expats who work from home 2 or 3 days a week and don't want to pay for a full GA.
3. The GA Travelcard: The luxury of unlimited travel
If you plan on not having a car, the GA is your magic key. It covers trains, but also buses, trams, and even boats on Swiss lakes (Lake Geneva, Zurich, Thun).
Price: Around 340 CHF/month.
The little extra: The GA also gives you massive discounts on many mountain cable cars.
Direct link: Discover the GA.
Price: Around 340 CHF/month.
The little extra: The GA also gives you massive discounts on many mountain cable cars.
Direct link: Discover the GA.
Supersaver Tickets: The travel stock market
In 2026, the SBB is injecting more than 50 million francs per year in discounts via Supersaver Tickets.
How does it work? The earlier you book on the SBB App (up to 6 months in advance), the lower the price. You can find journeys at -70% off.
Constraint: You are tied to a specific train (fixed schedule).
How does it work? The earlier you book on the SBB App (up to 6 months in advance), the lower the price. You can find journeys at -70% off.
Constraint: You are tied to a specific train (fixed schedule).
Ski & Rail: The "Snow’n’Rail" winning combo
For an expat, the typical weekend involves skiing. Avoid traffic jams when returning from the resorts and opt for Snow’n’Rail offers.
The offer: A combined ticket that includes the train journey AND the ski pass.
The benefit: Up to 30% discount on the ski pass and often discounts on equipment rental at Intersport or Skiset.
The offer: A combined ticket that includes the train journey AND the ski pass.
The benefit: Up to 30% discount on the ski pass and often discounts on equipment rental at Intersport or Skiset.
