No other vacation destination is more delightful to explore by train, bus, and boat than Switzerland. And no mode of travel is more family friendly than Swiss rail. It is one of the secrets behind the success of our Swiss UnTours, especially for families.
In case you are considering taking your kids or grandkids to Switzerland, which we highly recommend, try a Swiss Untour and base yourself in a scenic chalet with easy access to the Swiss rail system.
Here’s all you need to know about getting around on the magical Swiss Travel System.
Kids Go Free
With the Swiss Family Card, children under 16 travel for free on the entire Swiss public transport network as long as they are accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System
ticket. The Swiss Family Card can be obtained free of charge at all staffed Swiss railway stations or when booking online.
Children up to their 6th birthday travel free even without a Swiss Family card.
Trains Are Designed for Families
All long distance trains of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) include specially designed family coaches catering to families’ specific needs. Each InterCity double-deck train sports a playground in a fancy jungle-design on the mid-upper deck. Here, the little ones can stay active and play during long train rides.
Even in single-level InterCity train compositions special family areas with extra generous space conditions are available.
Museum Deals
The Swiss Travel Pass offers free admission to countless museums in Switzerland. The family-friendliest attractions among them are free with the Family Travel Pass.
Among our family favorites are:
- The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen
- The FIFA World Football Museum, Zurich
- Schloss Oberhofen (Oberhofen Castle)
- Schloss Hünegg, the Castle in Hilterfingen
- The Children’s Museum, Baden
Also, the Transportation Museum in Luzern is top notch, and they offer Swiss rail pass holders a 50% discount on admission.
Check out the Swiss Travel System, and start planning your next family vacation in Switzerland!