Looking for a hotel in Switzerland that includes free public transport? This smart travel hack can save you money, reduce stress, and make your trip more sustainable. Here’s how it works – and where to find it.

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Why Do Swiss Hotels Offer Free Public Transport?

Switzerland is famous for its clean, efficient, and scenic public transport. But it’s not cheap. To support sustainable tourism, many Swiss regions now include free transport passes with hotel stays – covering trains, buses, boats, and even mountain railways in some areas.

It's a win-win:

🚗 Less car traffic, more eco-conscious travel
💰 Lower costs for travellers
🛍️ More regional spending and longer stays
🏨 Higher booking value for hotels that include this perk

Guest cards with public transport use allow travellers to discover the region more flexibly - which leads to longer stays and more local consumption.

How the free Guest Card system works (and what it includes)

When you book a hotel in participating regions, you receive a guest card – either physically at check-in or as a digital QR code by email.

With it, you can usually ride:

• Regional trains and buses
• Trams and city metros
• Mountain railways, funiculars and boats (in some regions)

Good to know:

• The card is valid from day of arrival until check-out
• Additional discounts are often included: spas, museums, cable cars, guided tours
• Sometimes the card even covers the Arrival by train

Top Regions in Switzerland Where Hotels Include Free Transport

Here are some of the most generous guest card regions in Switzerland that include public transport and much more.

1. Ticino Ticket

Valid throughout the entire canton of Ticino.
Free trains, buses and boats
Discounts on mountain railways, museums & local attractions (such as Splash and Spa - a huge water park and much more).
More information

2. Lucerne: Lucerne Guest Card

Free travel within the city area (Zone 10)
Discounts on the Tell-Pass, Mount Rigi, and other excursions
Boat discounts on Lake Lucerne
More informaiton

3. Bern: Bern Ticket

kFree public transport in zones 100/101 (city)
Includes funicular to Gurten and Marzilibahn
More information

4. Davos / Klosters: Premium Card

Free bus rides
Discounts on mountain lifts and many other offers
Valid from day 1
More information

5. Saas-Fee: Saastal Card

Free PostAuto buses in the valley
8 of 9 summer mountain lifts included
Great for outdoor travellers
More information

6. Basel: Basel Card

Free public transport in the city
50% on a variety of attractions (museums, ...)
Rent E-Bike for CHF 20
More information

💡 Pro Tip: All these guest cards are also included with most discounted hotels via HotelCard – compare the savings.

That means

• Sleep more cheaply
• Be mobile for free
• Experience more for less money

Why This Hotel Benefit Is a Smart Travel Move

Still asking yourself, “Is public transport free with my hotel in Switzerland?” Here’s the short answer: In many cases, yes – and it’s a fantastic deal.

You benefit by:

• Saving 100+ CHF on local transport
• Travelling stress-free without rental cars
• Supporting eco-tourism
• Unlocking local activities at better rates
• Local activities

Bonus Tip: Use HotelCard to Combine Discounts

With a HotelCard membership, you not only get up to 50% off your hotel night – but many participating hotels also include guest cards.

That means:

• Half-price hotel stays
• Free public transport
• Extra activity discounts
• All in one booking

Ready to travel Switzerland smarter?

👉 Join HotelCard now and unlock hundreds of hotel deals – many including free regional transport from check-in to check-out.