Swiss Half Fare Card | Activation and Login

The Swiss Half Fare Card for tourists is designed to be very straightforward and generally does not require a separate activation process or a specific login. Here’s how it works:

No Manual Activation Required

The Swiss Half Fare Card (for tourists/non-residents) doesn’t require any manual activation. Instead:

• It becomes valid automatically on the date you select during purchase—this is its official start date.

• You can set this start date up to several months in advance when buying online.

Usage & Ticket Purchases

• You can buy half-fare tickets at any time, even before traveling—but you must have the card valid on the date of your travel.

• When inspectors check your ticket, you’ll need to show both the discounted ticket and your half fare card to validate your discount.

From Tripadvisor:
“The half fare card does not need to be ‘activated’ on your first ride. When you purchase it you enter the date you want it to be valid from … The half fare card does not need to be valid prior to buying actual tickets, only during the journey.”

Login and Management

Unlike the GA Travelcard, which is the annual card for Swiss residents, the one-month Swiss Half Fare Card for tourists is not linked to a specific SwissPass login account in the same way. You typically don’t “log in” to manage your Half Fare Card itself.

• SBB Mobile App:

  • You don’t need to link your Swiss Half Fare Card to the SBB Mobile app to use it.
  • When you purchase a train ticket in the app, you simply select the “Half Fare Travelcard” discount option for each passenger in your group.
  • When a conductor checks your ticket, you will show them both the discounted ticket and your Swiss Half Fare Card PDF.

• SwissPass Account:

  • The SwissPass is a card and customer account primarily for Swiss residents who have annual or monthly travelcards.
  • For a tourist with a one-month Swiss Half Fare Card, creating a SwissPass account is not necessary for using the card.
  • However, if you do create a user account on SBB.ch to manage your ticket purchases, you can store your Half Fare Card information there for convenience during ticket purchases.

Also Read : Microsoft Entra Admin Center

In Practice: What Travelers Say

• Redditor explanation: You can buy half-fare tickets ahead of time, but the card must be valid on the travel date.

• Another traveler confirms: the system doesn’t check your card during purchase—only onboard. It matters that your card is valid when you ride.

Quick Reference Table

A Few Important Tips

• Always carry your passport or valid ID with the card, especially since inspectors may verify your eligibility.

• Whether you’re using PDF or printed vouchers, be sure the start date aligns with your travel plans—this is your validity start.