Junior TravelCard for Tourists

[a_blasquez]

Hi, we will be visiting Switzerland from June 14 (Geneva) to June 18 (Zurich).  Based on my understanding and interpretation of the information in the website, we should be able to get Junior TravelCards for my children (14 & 9) at a staffed ticket location in Geneva with just our passports and passport-photos for them.   I also read something about paper cards for tourists (valid for up to 30 days), is that still the case?  My 9-yr old does not have a mobile phone or e-mail address yet so managing her travel card in the app or online gets complicated.

[GiorgiaB]

Hello @a_blasquez 

Thank you for your query.

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive or freely selectable days of travel.

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

You will find all the information on the following link: Swiss Travel Pass – the All-in-one-Ticket for Switzerland | SBB

I wish you a nice day.

GiorgiaB

[a_blasquez]

Hi Giorgia, I'm afraid it's not cost-efficient for us to get a Swiss Travel Pass which start at the low CHF 200.  Over the course of 4 days we will only be traveling from Geneva to Montreux and Montreux to Zurich (via Luzerne for a day visit).  Even at full price, each adult would be around CHF 195, and I'm just about to buy Super Saver and Saver Day Passes for us.  This is why I'm interested in getting my children a Junior TravelCard.  I would appreciate if you can confirm if as tourists we can get one and if in fact there is a paper card for them or if it absolutely has to be loaded into a mobile phone.  Thank you very much.

[Gala99]

Hello !
Did you manage to but a Junior card immediately upon contacting the cashier when u entered Switzerland ? .....

I'm coming from Germany to Basel, and I hope to use this card for my whole trip. .... But I cant understand how to buy it in advance ...
I understand that it is impossible to buy it online ?

[RolandP]

Hello @Gala99 

The Junior Card is only available from the ticket clerk at the station. It is not an online ticket and cannot be ordered online. Please bring a proof that you are the parent of the child (family certificate or similar).

Do not overthink tickets and travel by public trabsportation; as you will see, using public transport is so easy.

Best regards,

Roland

[LauraV]

Hello @a_blasquez 

Thank you very much for your feedback.

The Junior Card can of course also be purchased for guests from abroad. The Junior Card is loaded on the SwissPass card. The address of the child must be recorded in any case. Delivery time to foreign countries must also be taken into account (at least 14 days).

You can find more information here: Junior Travelcard and Children’s Co-Travelcard | SBB

I wish you a nice day. 

Regards
LauraV

[Axel_Theorell]

Thank you for the answer Laura,

I feel that part of the paper ticket question is still unanswered. My brothers family is coming to visit in November and neither of them live in Switzerland or have swiss passes. The question is, can they buy a junior travelcard for the 7 yr old daughter over counter and get a preliminary ticket for her that is valid ASAP? I remeber I got such a preliminary ticket when I bought my half fare travelcard for the swiss pass.
If this is not the case and I understand you correctly, they can order a swisspass only for their daughter with the junior card directly abroad?

[Gala99]

Did you manage to get a Junior card immediately upon contacting the cashier? ..... I'm coming from Germany to Basel, and I'm counting on this card for my trip across the country . .... I understand that it is impossible to buy it online in advance?

[NicolasK]

Hi @Axel_Theorell 

For tourists travelling in Switzerland for less than 30 days per year, a paper Junior Card may exceptionally be issued. The paper version is issued on security paper and without a photo.

You can find more information here and here:

Do you know the free Swiss Family Card with a Swiss Travel System ticket?
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/planning/transport-accommodation/tickets-public-transport/swiss-... 

I wish you a nice day.

Best regards
NicolasK

[Gala99]

I have read the information from your links. But I didn’t understand - so, can I get a Junior card for my child at once, right away when I go to the ticket office at the station upon presentation of our passports? ...

I'm currently in Germany and my trip is less than 14 days away. I won't be able to get it by the mail. I would be grateful for the clarification.