Can you use public transport for free in Switzerland when staying in a hotel?
Yes — in many Swiss destinations, overnight guests receive a guest card. These cards often include free use of local public transport and discounts on attractions, museums, and mountain railways. Guest cards are a fantastic way to save money and make the most of your stay in Switzerland.
What Is a Guest Card in Switzerland?
A guest card is a benefit offered by many Swiss cities and regions when you book at least one night in a hotel, hostel, or holiday apartment. In some cases, you even receive it when booking a campsite.
The cards are usually free or available at a very low price. They give you:
- Free use of public transport (bus, tram, train, or PostBus)
- Discounts on cable cars, mountain railways, and boats
- Reduced entry to museums and attractions
- Special deals for leisure activities
Guest cards vary by destination — so let’s look at the most important regions for travelers.
Guest Cards in Major Swiss Destinations
Zurich – Zurich Card (paid)
With the Zurich Card, visitors enjoy:
- Unlimited travel on public transport in Zurich city and surrounding areas
- Free or discounted entry to over 40 museums
- Reductions on city tours, restaurants, and leisure activities
👉 Perfect if you plan to explore Zurich’s museums, Old Town, and Lake Zurich.
Geneva – Geneva City Pass (paid)
The Geneva City Pass can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours and includes:
- Unlimited travel on public transport
- Free entry to many museums
- Discounts on lake cruises, guided tours, and excursions
👉 Especially useful for short city breaks.
Bern – Bern Ticket
Stay one night or more in Bern and receive the Bern Ticket:
- Free use of public transport in the city and nearby zones
- Easy travel to Bern’s attractions like the Zentrum Paul Klee or the Bear Park
Lucerne – Tell-Pass & Lucerne Guest Card
Lucerne offers two options:
- Tell-Pass: Free travel by bus, train, boat, and several mountain railways (Pilatus, Rigi, Stoos, and more). Best for active explorers.
- Lucerne Guest Card: Free public transport within the city plus discounts on mountain railways, museums, and leisure activities.
👉 Ideal if you stay at least one night in Lucerne and plan mountain excursions.
Interlaken – Interlaken Guest Card
With an overnight stay, you get the Interlaken Guest Card:
- Free travel on local buses and trains in Interlaken, Wilderswil, and nearby areas
- Discounts on mountain railways, boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and many attractions
Montreux Riviera Card
Stay one night in Montreux or Vevey and receive:
- Free public transport in the region
- Discounts on museums, excursions, and activities along Lake Geneva
Basel – BaselCard
The BaselCard includes:
- Free use of public transport in Basel
- Free Wi-Fi in the city
- Discounts on museums, the zoo, and city tours
Ticino – Ticino Ticket
Stay anywhere in Ticino and get the Ticino Ticket:
- Free public transport across the entire canton
- Discounts on funiculars, boats, and tourist attractions
👉 Very valuable since public transport in Ticino covers both cities and beautiful mountain valleys.
Why Guest Cards Are Great for Travelers
Guest cards can save you a lot of money. Public transport tickets in Switzerland are usually expensive, and just a few rides already cover the value of the card. On top of that, discounts on cable cars, museums, and excursions make sightseeing much more affordable.
For example:
- A tram ticket in Zurich costs around CHF 4.40. With the Zurich Card, you can ride as much as you like.
- A return ticket on a mountain railway can cost CHF 30–70. Many guest cards give 20–50% discounts.
How to Get a Guest Card
- Book at least one night in a participating hotel, hostel, or apartment.
- Ask at the hotel reception or tourist office — they will issue the card.
- In some regions (like Geneva), you can also buy the card if you want a short-term pass without overnight stays.
Conclusion: A Hidden Travel Hack in Switzerland
Guest cards are one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. With free public transport and generous discounts, they help travelers experience more while spending less.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, check whether your destination offers a guest card — it can easily save you hundreds of francs during your stay.
👉 Also read: Swiss Travel Pass vs. Regular Tickets – Which Is Better?
