Switzerland: 50% Discount on Train Passes (Two Months for €36)

Traveling by train in Switzerland is usually a pleasant but expensive affair. Fortunately, there is the Half Fare Travelcard (Halbtax), which gives travelers a 50% discount on most tickets. Unlike the German BahnCard 50, it also offers a full 50% discount on saver fares (Sparbillets). Furthermore, the Half Fare Card is recognized on private railways, buses, and ships, as well as many mountain railways and cable cars!

Normally, the Half Fare Card is only available as an annual subscription for CHF 190 (~€208), which makes it less attractive for short-term visitors. However, there is regularly a Trial Half Fare Card (Schnupper-Halbtax), which is valid for two months and does not renew automatically. Currently, you can get such a trial card for just CHF 33 (~€36). Travelers under the age of 25 (Youth) pay only CHF 19 (~€21).

The voucher this time is provided by Migros Hiking Sounds. The linked PDF contains two vouchers which can be redeemed during the following periods:

• May 4 to June 30, 2026
• August 3 to September 27, 2026

SwissPass Required

The trial Half Fare Card is issued exclusively on the SwissPass. While this is standard for Swiss residents, it requires an extra step for tourists. When applying for a SwissPass for the first time:

• The physical SwissPass card (red plastic card) is sent by post to your home address for free.
• You will receive a temporary paper SwissPass at the counter, but it is only valid for 14 days.
• You must provide or upload a passport photo so the physical card can be issued.

After the 14-day temporary period, you must present either the plastic card or the digital SwissPass via your smartphone. This process is only required once; after that, you can use the same SwissPass for future offers.

Terms & Conditions

• Redemption periods: May 4 – June 30, 2026, OR August 3 – September 27, 2026.
• To redeem, the voucher with the order code must be presented (printed or digital).
• The first day of validity can be chosen freely within the redemption period.
• Validity: 2 months from the selected start date (max. until the end of November 2026).
• Only available on the SwissPass for residents of Switzerland or neighboring countries.
• If you purchase a full annual subscription within 5 months of purchasing the trial, the trial price (CHF 33 / CHF 19) will be credited as a discount.
• You can take advantage of a Trial Half Fare Card multiple times, provided you have a valid voucher for each instance.

How it Works

1. Save or print the voucher from Migros Hiking Sounds.
2. Visit a public transport sales point in Switzerland (e.g., an SBB Travel Center at a major train station) during the redemption periods, bringing the voucher and a valid ID.
3. Present or apply for a SwissPass:
4. Don’t have one yet? You will need a passport photo (printed or digital). The physical card will be mailed to you (even abroad), and you’ll get a 14-day temporary paper pass.
5. Already have one? Simply show your card or number.
6. Pay CHF 33 (~€36) (Adults) or CHF 19 (~€21) (Youth) by cash or card.
7. The 2-month trial starts on your chosen date and expires automatically.
8. You now receive 50% off train tickets (including saver tickets), boats, and cable cars. Check the SBB validity map for all participating routes.