Schweizer Privatbahnen
In Switzerland, in addition to the national railway SBB CFF FFS and the smaller BLS, there is also an association of many different railway companies grouped together as the Schweizer Privatbahnen (Swiss Private Railways). These include both regular trains in the Swiss rail network and more tourist-oriented services. In addition to trains, some boats, cable cars, and buses are also included.
Summary
- FIP 50 is valid with all rail and bus operators as well as ship operators grouped under SP
- FIP Coupons are valid with most operators, but there are exceptions for some tourist services
- Reservations are generally not required; specific tourist services have exceptions
Validity of FIP Tickets
FIP Coupon: ✅FIP Coupon for relatives: ⛔FIP 50 Tickets: ✅
FIP 50 Tickets are valid with all listed railway companies, see Rail and Bus Operators, as well as with the ship operators. FIP Coupons are also valid almost everywhere, with a few exceptions.
Train Categories and Reservations
FIP is accepted by the following operators:
Rail and Bus Operators
Ship Operators
Ticket and Reservation Purchase
Online
On-Site
In addition, there are ticket offices of the individual SP railways, which usually sell only the tickets of their respective railway.
On the Train
FIP tickets cannot be purchased on the train. A penalty fee will be charged for passengers without tickets.
Discounts
Children travel free of charge on regular services (no special cruises) up to and including 5 years of age. Children up to and including 15 years receive a 50% discount on the adult fare. From the age of 16, the regular adult fare applies.
Special Tariff Conditions
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express runs on the route St. Moritz – Chur – Andermatt – Brig – Zermatt and is jointly operated by the two SP railways Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB). In the summer season, more than one connection per day is offered, sometimes also only on sections of the route.
SP FIP Coupons and FIP 50 Tickets are valid on this train, but only with an additional paid seat reservation. This can be booked via the Glacier Express websiteand should be made well in advance, as trains can sell out quickly.
As an alternative to the Glacier Express (marked as PE in timetables), other services are available on the route for which no reservation is required.
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is another well-known panoramic train in Switzerland. It runs on the route between Chur and Tirano in Italy and is operated exclusively by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). In the summer season, more than one connection per day is offered.
SP FIP Coupons and FIP 50 Tickets are valid on this train, but only with an additional paid seat reservation. This can be booked via the Bernina Express websiteand should be made well in advance, as trains can sell out quickly.
As an alternative to the Bernina Express (marked as PE in timetables), other services are available on the route for which no reservation is required.
Treno Panoramico Vigezzo Vision
The Treno Panoramico Vigezzo Vision runs on the route Domodossola – Càmedo – Locarno and is jointly operated by Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticinesi (FART) and Società Subalpina di Imprese Ferroviarie (SSIF).
SP FIP Coupons and FIP 50 Tickets are valid on this train, but only with an additional paid seat reservation. This can be booked via this link.
Pilatusbahn
Pilatusbahn is not a member of FIP, but currently still offers a 50% discount on tickets upon presentation of the FIP Card when purchased at a Pilatusbahn ticket counter.
This special offer can be withdrawn by Pilatusbahn at any time.
Recommendations
With SP FIP discounts, many internationally known trains within Switzerland and even beyond can be used. Even though some railways have a few restrictions or special rules, the Coupon is particularly worthwhile here. Highly recommended are, for example, the routes of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), e.g., to St. Moritz, or the GoldenPass Panoramic of MOB. For particularly impressive mountain panoramas, the Rigi Bahnen (RB), which goes up to the summit of the Rigi, or the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), from which the Matterhorn can be admired especially well, are ideal.
When traveling with a Coupon, it is advisable, if possible, also to have the Coupons of SBB and BLS. With all three in combination, Switzerland can be traveled very well and easily. This way both the main routes for getting from one place to another and the particularly beautiful tourist routes can be explored.
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