Switzerland and train ticket inspectors

ntg

ntg

ntg

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I was talking to some friends about travelling in switzerland and they told me that you don't really need train and bus tickets as nobody ever checks you.

Surely this can't be right? Wherever I've been abroad there is always a checking system in place, usually ticket barriers or frequent inspections.

Any swiss resident that could shed some light on this debate?
 
I have never had my ticket inspected when I have travelled on a train in this country. So it would hardly be a surprise if it was the same in other countries.
 
I guess its probably true but then there Sods law to take into account. you will buy a ticket 20 times and never have it checked. so the one time you decide not to buy 1 you will get asked to show your ticket.
 
I got stopped and searched on a Paris - Geneva train, by Swiss customs.
It wasn't a fun experience.

I can't remember if they checked tickets, but they did check passports.
 
I've been there a couple of times, to Zurich. I can tell you that tickets are rarely checked on Zurich travel (buses and trams). I've gotten away with a couple of weeks of heavy use without buying tickets.

All the trains i went on in switzerland (long distance), I've had my tickets check on. (i.e geneve to zurich or any train leaving/entering switzerland). If theres one country you don't want to be caught out in i'd imagine its Switzerland.. They're pretty strict there and pride themselves on low crime rates.
 
It depends on the service, long distance services like the Intercity and InterRegio you will usually get conductors, but Regio trains can be a bit hit and miss. Certain areas with a special sign never have conductors, these tend to be the low use services though. You might get away with it but I wouldn't bother, train travel is cheap and reliable so pay up.
 
I've travelled from Geneva to Zermatt and back by train twice now, both times I remember getting the ticket checked. I wouldn't risk it personally
 
I travel via Swiss public transport quite regularly. I've nearly always had a ticket inspector from the trip from the airport to where I work, and often see them on the train on the way into Zurich for a night out too.

Trams are different, I don't think I've ever had to show my ticket on there. But as has been said, it's cheap enough - so cough up. The Swiss do NOT like people who don't pay.
 
What great ambassadors for this country some people make, good to see you doing everything to dispel the chav Britain image. :D

Buy a ticket you *****.
 
Never experienced public transport in Switzerland, but I know on the metro system in Vienna, it's entirely trust based when it comes to buying and validating your tickets. There are occasional inspections - but local radio tells you when and where these will be in the morning :p
 
Don't be tight lol just pay for the service you're using or walk it.

Just noticed OP doesn't claim he's going to do this so ignore the above.
 
Just pay for it.

When we were in Prague we paid for every single public transport trip we used. We didn't get checked once.

It does make you think, I'll admit, but still...just pay it.
 
Regardless of whether they check your ticket or not, do you want to ruin your entire trip/holiday/visit on the basis on doing something that you know is wrong and illegal.
 
All across Europe tickets are rarely checked but you really don't want to be on a train or subway without a ticket, there are some heavy penalties and fines for doing so.
 
Why would you even consider not buying a ticket in a foreign country ????

Do you realise how strick the Swiss are & why they have such low crime rates ? I've travelled there before and had my passports and tickets checked when travelling..... so if you are feeling lucky - by all means take that risk (if you want to ruin that trip)
 
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