This post receives a commission from the company.
Have you ever woken up to that crisp Swiss mountain air and thought, “Man, I could really save some money on these attractions today”? Well, I’ve been there, done that, and found the perfect solution for travelers like us.
When planning a Swiss vacation, most people automatically go for the Swiss Travel Pass. But here’s the thing – that pass includes train travel, which is kinda useless if you’re exploring Switzerland by rental car like I did. Honestly, I was frustrated trying to find a discount option that wouldn’t make me pay for transportation I wasn’t even using. After digging around for something better suited for rental car travelers, I stumbled upon the Swiss Half Fare Card.
What is the Half Fare Card and Why It’s Perfect for Rental Car Travelers
The Swiss Half Fare Card lives up to its name—it gives you a straight-up 50% discount on pretty much everything worth seeing in Switzerland. This includes major attractions like Jungfraujoch, Zermatt, and even those scenic train rides you might decide to take for specific routes.
What really makes it stand out compared to the Swiss Travel Pass is the validity period. While the Swiss Travel Pass typically covers 3 to 15 days (and gets crazy expensive for longer periods), the Half Fare Card is valid for a full 30 days from purchase. That’s a whole month of half-price adventures!
For someone like me who was driving around Switzerland but still wanted to experience those amazing mountain excursions, this was perfect. And honestly, even if you’re not using a rental car, the Half Fare Card can be more economical for longer stays in Switzerland.
There is one downside though—unlike the Swiss Travel Pass, which includes free entry to about 500 museums, the Half Fare Card doesn’t offer museum discounts. So keep that in mind if you’re planning to hit up a bunch of museums.
Key Benefits of the Half Fare Card:
- Valid for 30 days from date of purchase
- 50% off Swiss trains, buses, and boats
- 50% off mountain attractions like Jungfrau, Rigi, and First
- No museum discounts (you’ll pay full price for those)
Kids Travel Free!
One of the most awesome perks of the Half Fare Card? Children aged 6-15 traveling with family can get FREE transportation and attraction tickets! This can save you a small fortune if you’re traveling with kids.
Just don’t forget to include your children’s details when purchasing the card. I almost missed this step, which would have been a costly mistake. Make sure you add their information during the purchase process to unlock this benefit.
How to Use the Swiss Half Fare Card
I bought my Half Fare Card online, which was super simple. After entering my personal information, I received a QR code PDF via email. This QR code has your name on it, so double-check that it matches your passport exactly. When visiting attractions, just show this QR code to get your 50% discount.
Funny enough, when I used it, the staff usually just glanced at the QR code without actually scanning it. But don’t count on that—always have it ready to show.
The Half Fare Card currently costs 120 Swiss Francs per person, and the discount applies only to the named individual. If you’re traveling with others, everyone needs their own card to get the discount.
▼Check Price▼
Same-Day Purchase is Fine
No need to stress about buying the Half Fare Card in advance! You can purchase it online on the day you need it and receive the QR code immediately. This means you can time your purchase perfectly to maximize the 30-day validity period. ploring Switzerland by car. Between the flexibility it offers and the significant discounts, it’s definitely worth considering for your Swiss adventure—especially if you’re planning to rent a car and visit those breathtaking mountain attractions.
Oh, and don’t forget to check if there are any seasonal promotions when you visit. Switzerland’s pricing can be complex with various discount structures, but hopefully this information helps you plan a more affordable Swiss vacation!
