Swiss abroad-Mel

Yiwoavoa16

My wife and I travel to Ticino from San Francisco, CA, USA, via Zurich, twice annually. We are Swiss Citizens, but not residents. We need SBB Tickets from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Locarno, and local bus transport from Locarno to Bignasco in Valle Maggia, and, of course, a return to Zurich upon completion of our vacations, sometimes 3-weeks, sometimes 4-months. We sometimes make day trips throughout Switzerland. What would be our recommended ticket? Half-fare card? Or sometime other ticket, such as individual Super-saver tickets. Further, is the local transportation on FART included in the price of the half-fare card, or Super-saver tickets? Thanks for any and all advice.

RolandP

Hello Yiwoavoa16

Too many questions to give one simply answer. If you come back every year, you could purchase the Half Fare Card for residents for CHF 180. It is also available for people living outside of Switzerland yet who visit our country often or for a longer period. And, it is accepted on city public transport services as well.

https://sbb-tickets.cc/en/tickets-offers/travelcards/half-fare-travelcard.html

If you travel a lot in the Ticino, it makes sense to get an Arcobaleno monthly pass. Arcobaleno is the fare network in the Ticino. If you stay in a hotel, you will get the free Ticino card which covers all public transport in the Italian speaking part of our country.

https://sbb-tickets.cc/en/tickets-offers/travelcards/half-fare-travelcard.html

For day trips in Switzerland, you could purchase Saver Day Passes (with our without Half Fare) in advance. Or simply Day Passes with the Half Fare Card.

https://sbb-tickets.cc/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/saver-day-pass.html

Supersaver tickets are also possible but will force you to respect the schedule which you had chosen during ticket purchase. You must take the trains as per itinerary on the ticket; probably not really convenient for a day trip where you want to stay flexible what concerns your return trip home.

You would have to ask us for the best ticket when you goit here and you really are about to plan day trips. I guess that’s the most beneficial approach, for you and us.

Kind regards,
Roland

Yiwoavoa16

RolandP

Yiwoavoa16

Thank you for your comprehensive reply. I have reviewed the links you provided and will visit the SBB office at the Zurich Airport upon our arrival next week to find the most advantageous offer for our travels. One last question, can we get any required photos at the SBB office or at the airport?

Chiara_S

Hello Yiwoavoa16

If you are referring to the photo for the SwissPass card, which you will receive if you purchase a travelcard, yes: there are photo booths at the station although I personally recommend that you upload the photo digitally. The colleagues at the counter will send you a link via SMS to do so. You can upload a photo already saved in your cell phone or take a selfie at the moment.

I wish you a lovely day,
Chiara_S

Yiwoavoa16

Thank you for a very responsive reply. Upon arrival in Zurich we went to the SBB office and purchased ½ Fare cards. The process took about 10 minutes. Very efficient. Thanks to all.

RolandP

Hello Yiwoavoa16

Thanks for sharing your experience and feedback.

All the best,
Roland