Swiss Travel Pass Youth

Travelling Switzerland as a student or young adult? The Swiss Travel Pass Youth offers all the same benefits as the standard Swiss Travel Pass but at a 30% discounted price. It’s designed for travellers aged up to 24 and is perfect for students, solo backpackers or families travelling with older teens.

Enjoy unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transport network, free entry to museums, and incredible alpine train journeys, all at a reduced rate.

Key benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass Youth

• 30% youth discount: Get a generous price reduction compared to the regular Swiss Travel Pass with no student ID required.

• Unlimited travel: Explore Switzerland by train, bus, boat and tram with just one pass.

• Covers the whole country: Valid across the entire Swiss public transport system (GA area network).

• Museum access: Enjoy free admission to more than 500 museums across Switzerland.

• Includes scenic routes: Travel on panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and GoldenPass Line (seat reservations may be required).

• Digital convenience: Book online, download instantly, and board using your mobile.

Full access to Swiss public transport

The Youth pass includes unlimited travel across the Swiss Travel System covering all SBB trains, most private railway lines, PostBuses, city trams, and lake boats.

Trams and buses in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne and Bern are covered so it's ideal for day-to-day travel as well as intercity trips.

Panoramic trains and mountain access

You can ride iconic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express. Some mountain railways are fully included (e.g. Mount Rigi), while others offer discounts (e.g. Jungfraujoch).

Free museum entry

Get access to over 500 museums, including major highlights like the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and Château de Chillon.

Wondering if the Swiss Travel Pass Youth is the right fit? It’s designed for younger travellers looking for freedom, savings and flexibility. Here’s who it’s perfect for:

• Youth travellers aged up to 24: If you're under 25, this pass gives you all the perks of the standard Swiss Travel Pass at a reduced price.

• Students and study abroad visitors: Perfect for independent travel, weekend trips or exploring between classes.

• Budget-focused adventurers: Offers serious savings for younger travellers, no need to pay full fare.

• Families with older teens: If your children are too old for free travel via the Swiss Family Card, this is a great alternative.

• Backpackers and solo travellers: Make the most of Switzerland’s world-class transport without blowing your budget.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth vs. Swiss Travel Pass (standard)

• Swiss Travel Pass Youth: Same nationwide coverage and benefits, but with 30% off for travellers under 25.

• Swiss Travel Pass: Full-price version for adult travellers aged 25 and over.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth vs. Swiss Half Fare Card

• Swiss Travel Pass Youth: Unlimited travel on all valid days, plus free museum access.

• Swiss Half Fare Card: Cheaper up front, but you’ll need to buy discounted tickets for every journey.

Booking your Youth Pass

• Select the “Youth” fare category when booking on Rail Europe

• Valid for travellers aged under 25 at the time of travel

• Choose your duration: 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days

• Download your pass digitally or print it. Both formats are accepted onboard

Using your pass

• Show your pass when boarding trains, buses, boats or trams

• Carry a valid ID showing your age as it may be requested

• No separate tickets needed on travel days, simply just board and go

• For scenic trains with mandatory reservations (e.g. Glacier Express), book and pay reservation fees separately

A note on eligibility and refunds

• Age limit: You must be under 25 on the first day your pass is valid. No exceptions.

• Refunds: Refunds may be available up to one day before your start date. Make sure to check the fare conditions when booking.

• ID required: Always travel with a valid passport or ID to verify your age if asked.

The Youth Pass gives you full freedom to build a trip your way. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your travel days:

Classic train routes:

• Glacier Express: Zermatt → St. Moritz

• Bernina Express: Chur → Tirano

• GoldenPass Express: Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux

City-hopping ideas:

• Zurich → Lucerne → Bern → Geneva

• Basel → Lausanne → Montreux

Lake and mountain combos:

• Lucerne lake cruise + Mount Pilatus

• Lake Geneva + Lavaux wine terraces

• Interlaken + Harder Kulm funicular