How to save on transport
One of the many things that Switzerland excels at is its reliable public transport. From your daily commute to day trips around the Swiss countryside there are ways to make savings.
Trams and buses
TNW U-Abo
If you use the bus or tram to get to work in the greater Basel region you should consider an U-Abo. For a monthly cost of 80 chf for an adult, this is valid on trains, trams and buses throughout the North West Switzerland region, St Louis in France and certain zones in South West Germany including Weil am Rhein, Grenzach and Lörrach.
Once you have registered as a resident of Basel-Stadt/Baselland/Aargu/Solothurn you can buy the U-Abo either in person (at the BVB office at Barfüsserplatz) or in the app.
If you only use the tram sporadically, you can still save by buying a multi-trip ticket for short trips or travel across various zones. These can be bought at the green ticket machines or via the TNW ticket app.
Trains
Half-Fare card
The first thing I did when I arrived in Basel was buy my Swiss Half-Fare card (Halbtax-Abo) and it paid for itself in no time. It offers a 50% discount on train tickets, buses, boats and some mountain railways/cable cars. The Halbtax card costs 185 chf for the first year and 165 chf thereafter. You can buy one in person at the SBB Basel train station, just bring along a passport sized colour photo and your passport/ID. Alternatively you can upload your photo onto your SwissPass account. In contrast to the U-Abo you do not have to be a resident of Switzerland to purchase one, so if you have family that frequently visit they can also purchase one.
Supersaver tickets
Reduced fare tickets for specific routes can be bought in advance on the SBB app (look for the % symbol) or on the SBB website. A word of warning, these are not flexible so you need to be able to plan in advance but savings can be up to 70%. The earlier in advance you look for these the better.
Saver Day Pass
Travel throughout the Swiss rail network, boats, buses and trams from 29 CHF with a
Half-Fare card or 52 CHF without a Half-Fare card. Similar to supersaver tickets these are limited and can be bought from 60 days in advance with cheaper prices the further in advance you buy.
GA travel card
If you are travelling by train a lot, it could be worth considering buying a GA travel card which covers unlimited travel not only by train but also on some boats and mountain railways. These cards usually are valid for one year and are renewed automatically. It also includes discounts on German, French and Austrian rail tickets as well as on car rental.
Launched in June 2021 the Summer GA travel card is a one month travel card which allows you travel for 330 chf per month and you don’t even need a half-fare card. If you subsequently decide to sign up for the annual GA you will get some money off.
Tageskarten
Day passes (Tageskarten) can be purchased from your Gemeinde (and at times from Interdiscount and Coop). A number of reduced price tickets are made available for specific dates. They can be purchased by any resident of the Gemeinde but may be used for family and friends.
