What Does the Swiss Travel Pass Not Cover? The Complete Guide 2026

Switzerland's stunning landscapes, world-class rail network, and efficient public transport system make it one of the world's most exciting destinations for train travel. The Swiss Travel Pass is widely promoted as the ultimate ticket for exploring the country — and for good reason. It covers an enormous amount. But before you buy, there is one critical question every traveller must answer: what does the Swiss Travel Pass not cover? Knowing the exclusions, limitations, and hidden costs upfront can save you significant money and prevent some very unpleasant surprises on your trip. This complete guide covers everything the Swiss Travel Pass does not include so that you can plan your Switzerland adventure with full confidence.

What Is the Swiss Travel Pass? A Quick Overview

Before diving into the exclusions, it helps to understand what the Swiss Travel Pass actually is. The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one travel pass that gives holders unlimited travel on Switzerland's national rail, bus, and lake boat network, as well as free travel on public transport within Swiss cities. It is available in 3-day, 4-day, 6-day, 8-day, and 15-day consecutive versions, and is sold exclusively to visitors from outside Switzerland.

The pass also includes free entry to over 500 Swiss museums and offers discounts on many mountain railways and cable cars. On paper, it sounds almost too good to be true — and in some respects, it genuinely is excellent value. However, there are notable coverage gaps that every buyer should understand before spending CHF 244–800+ on a pass.

Mountain Railways and Aerial Cable Cars — The Biggest Exclusion

Most Mountain Summits Are Not Fully Covered

This is by far the most significant thing the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover — and the one that catches the most travellers off guard. The majority of Switzerland's famous mountain railways, rack railways, funiculars, aerial cable cars, and gondola lifts are only partially covered, offering a 25% to 50% discount rather than free travel.

The most visited and iconic mountain destinations in Switzerland all require an extra payment on top of your pass. Don't miss the reality check on these major peaks:

• Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): The Swiss Travel Pass offers only a 25% discount. A return ticket still costs around CHF 145–175 per person after the discount, one of the most expensive single excursions in Switzerland.
• Mount Titlis (Engelberg): Only a 50% discount applies. A return cable car ticket to the summit still costs around CHF 45–50 per person on top of the pass.
• Schilthorn (Piz Gloria): A 50% discount is offered, but the return fare still runs CHF 60–80 extra per person for the full ascent from Lauterbrunnen.
• Rigi — the "Queen of the Mountains": Partially free or 50% discounted depending on which section of the route you use. Some stages are fully included; others require additional payment.
• Stanserhorn: The unique open-top CabriO cable car is only 50% off and is not included in the free-entry section of the pass.

Important: Always check the current Swiss Travel Pass mountain coverage list at sbb.ch before planning excursions, as discounts vary and are updated annually.

Exceptions — Mountain Railways That Are Fully Included

There are a handful of mountain routes fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. These include:

• Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway from Alpnachstad (but not the aerial cable car section).
• Brienzer Rothorn Railway — fully included.
• Niesen Funicular — fully included.
• Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to the Gorner Glacier viewpoint — fully included, making it one of the best mountain deals on the pass.

Scenic Trains — Mandatory Seat Reservation Fees Not Included

Glacier Express Reservation Fee

The world-famous Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz (or Davos) is one of Switzerland's most celebrated train journeys — and the Swiss Travel Pass does cover the travel fare on this route. However, the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover the mandatory seat reservation, which is required for all passengers on this train. This reservation fee currently costs around CHF 49 in standard class and CHF 60+ in first class per person each way, and it cannot be avoided.

Bernina Express Reservation Fee

Similarly, the spectacular Bernina Express between Chur or Davos and Tirano (Italy) includes a mandatory seat reservation surcharge that the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover. The reservation typically costs CHF 14–49, depending on the season and class. Note also that the Italian section of this route (from Tirano onward) is not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass at all.

Golden Pass Express and Other Panoramic Trains

The Golden Pass Express between Montreux and Interlaken, or Lucerne, is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass for the travel portion. Still, panoramic and premium seat reservations incur an additional surcharge not included in the pass. Similarly, the Gotthard Panorama Express (which includes a boat section on Lake Lucerne) requires a separate supplement for the boat reservation component.

International Trains — Coverage Stops at the Swiss Border

The Swiss Travel Pass covers travel within Switzerland only. The moment a train crosses an international border, the Swiss Travel Pass no longer applies. This is an important limitation for travellers planning to combine a visit to Switzerland with visits to neighbouring countries.

Trains not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass include:

• Eurostar and TGV trains to and from France, Germany, or other European countries.
• EuroCity (EC) trains operating between Swiss cities and destinations in Germany, Italy, or Austria — even if they depart from a Swiss station.
• Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy — the Italian section from the Swiss border onwards is not included.
• Night trains departing from Switzerland to Austria, Germany, or other destinations.

For international rail travel, you will need a separate Eurail or Interrail pass, or individual tickets purchased for those specific routes.

Private Railway Lines — Partial or No Coverage

Some Private Scenic Railways Offer Discounts Only

Switzerland has numerous privately operated railway lines that are either partially covered (typically 50% discount) or not covered at all by the Swiss Travel Pass. Before boarding any scenic or regional train, it is always worth verifying coverage status. Lines that offer only a discount (not free travel) include sections of:

• Montreux–Oberland–Bernois (MOB) railway — 50% discount on most services.
• Appenzell Railways (AB) — 50% discount applies.
• Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) — fully covered for most services in the valley, but the Zermatt shuttle and certain sections may vary.

Accommodation, Meals, and Personal Expenses

This one might seem obvious, but it is worth stating clearly: the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover accommodation, meals, drinks, or any personal expenses. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world for day-to-day living costs, and these expenses add up quickly.

Costs not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass:

• Hotel and guesthouse accommodation — Switzerland: mid-range hotels average CHF 150–500+ per night.
• Restaurant meals and café visits — budget CHF 20–40 per person for a basic lunch, CHF 50–100+ for dinner.
• Supermarket food and self-catering — even grocery shopping in Switzerland is significantly more expensive than in most countries.
• Luggage storage at train stations (typically CHF 5–9 per item per day).
• Taxis and private car hire are not included and are very expensive in Switzerland.

Museum Entry — Not Always Free Despite the Claim

The Swiss Travel Pass does include free entry to over 500 museums across Switzerland, and this is genuinely one of its best benefits. However, not every museum or attraction in Switzerland is included. Some of the country's most popular tourist attractions charge entry fees regardless of pass ownership.

Attractions not typically covered by the Swiss Travel Pass include:

• Chaplin's World in Corsier-sur-Vevey — ticket required (CHF 22+).
• Ballenberg Open Air Museum — admission fee applies (though a discount may be available).
• Theme parks and private attractions — not covered.
• Aquariums, zoos, and wildlife parks — most charge separately.
• Glacier viewing platforms and private observation decks — not included.

Always check the official Swiss Travel Pass museum list at swisstravelsystem.com to confirm which museums are included before arriving.

Boats and Lake Cruises — What Is and Is Not Covered

Official Lake Steamers — Mostly Covered

The good news is that most of Switzerland's official scheduled lake steamer services on major lakes — including Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Zürich — are fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass. These scenic lake cruises are among the pass's most enjoyable benefits and represent genuinely good value.

Private and Tourist Boat Trips — Not Covered

However, private boat tours, tourist cruise operators, speedboat excursions, and charter services are not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Only the official scheduled services operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) partners and Swiss Navigation Companies are included. If a boat trip is marketed primarily as a tourist attraction rather than a scheduled public transport service, it almost certainly requires a separate ticket.

Luggage and Bike Services — Additional Fees Apply

The Swiss Travel Pass does not automatically include all luggage and bicycle services, which can be a surprise for travellers arriving with heavy bags or planning to cycle between destinations.

Additional costs to be aware of:

• Door-to-door luggage forwarding (Fly-Luggage): This popular service, which lets you send your luggage ahead to your next hotel or directly to the airport, is not included in the pass and costs CHF 24–29 per bag.
• Bicycle transport on trains: Taking your own bicycle on a Swiss train requires a separate daily bike ticket (around CHF 18–20 per day), which the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover.
• SBB rental bikes: Renting bicycles through SBB's PubliBike scheme requires a separate rental fee not covered by the pass.

Airport Trains — Important Exceptions to Know

The Swiss Travel Pass does cover travel on airport rail connections from Zürich Airport, Geneva Airport, and Basel Airport to the city centres, which is very convenient. However, there are important exceptions:

• Zürich Airport: The direct rail link from Zürich Airport to Zürich HB is fully covered. However, the airport surcharge zone (Zone 121) can be confusing — always validate your pass before boarding.
• Private airport transfers and shuttle buses: These are not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Airport services outside Switzerland: If you are travelling to or from an airport in a neighbouring country, the Swiss Travel Pass does not apply.

Practical Tips for Swiss Travel Pass Holders

• Always check coverage before boarding: Visit sbb.ch or the SBB Mobile app to verify exactly which services are included and which require supplements or reservations.
• Budget for mountain excursions separately: If visiting Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn is on your list, add at least CHF 100–200 per person to your Switzerland budget specifically for mountain access fees on top of the pass.
• Book scenic train reservations early: Glacier Express and Bernina Express reservations fill up quickly, especially in summer. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
• Download the SBB Mobile app: This free app lets you plan journeys, check pass validity, and view real-time departure information across Switzerland.
• Consider the Swiss Travel Pass Flex: If your itinerary is flexible, the Flex version allows you to choose which non-consecutive days to activate, giving you more control over costs.
• Youth discount: Travellers aged 16–25 qualify for the Swiss Travel Pass Youth at a 15% discount — worth factoring into your budget planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swiss Travel Pass Exclusions

What does the Swiss Travel Pass not cover?

The Swiss Travel Pass does not fully cover most mountain railways and aerial cable cars (only a 25–50% discount), mandatory seat reservations on scenic trains like the Glacier Express, international trains outside Switzerland, private boat tours, accommodation, meals, luggage forwarding services, and many popular tourist attractions.

Is the Glacier Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the travel fare on the Glacier Express route, but the mandatory seat reservation fee — currently around CHF 49 in standard class and CHF 60+ in first class — is not included and must be paid separately. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood exclusions of the Swiss Travel Pass.

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover mountain trains?

Most major mountain railways and cable cars are only partially covered, usually 25% to 50% discount. Major peaks such as Jungfraujoch, Titlis, and Schilthorn require an additional significant payment. A small number of mountain railways, such as the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt and the Brienzer Rothorn, are fully included.

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover city transport?

Yes — public transport within all Swiss cities, including trams, city buses, and urban trains, is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass. This is one of the pass's genuinely excellent benefits and works seamlessly in Zürich, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Basel, and all other Swiss cities.

Conclusion

The Swiss Travel Pass is a genuinely impressive travel product that offers an enormous amount for a single price — unlimited national rail travel, city transport, lake boats, admission to museums, and significant discounts on mountain railways. For most visitors spending a week or more in Switzerland, it represents excellent value. But what the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover matters just as much as what it includes. Mountain summits, scenic train reservations, international routes, private attractions, and daily living costs all sit outside the pass — and in Switzerland, these costs can quickly add hundreds of Swiss Francs to your total budget if you are not prepared for them.

So do your research before you buy, budget carefully for the exclusions that matter most to your itinerary, and book scenic train reservations well in advance. Switzerland rewards the well-prepared traveller with some of the most breathtaking scenery and smoothest travel experiences anywhere on the planet.

Ready to plan your Switzerland adventure? Now that you know exactly what the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover, you can build your perfect Swiss itinerary with no surprises — just beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, and unforgettable train journeys!