Questions and Answers on the Zürich Card

Where can I buy the Zürich Card?

In the Zürich City Guide app, on zuerich.com, at the Tourist Information, and at any ticket machine.

How much does the Zürich Card cost?

CHF 29 (children CHF 19) for 24 hours and CHF 56 (children CHF 37) for 72 hours.

Can I buy several Zürich Cards on one smartphone?

Yes, Zürich Cards can also be purchased for several people in the Zürich City Guide App.

From when is the Zürich Card valid?

Your Zürich Card is valid for 24 or 72 hours from the specified date and time. (Example: a 24 hour Zürich Card is valid from 01.08.23 15.00 until 02.08.23 14.59)

Do children under the age of 6 require a Zürich Card?

No, children under 6 years of age do not need a ticket on the local public transportation network if they are accompanied by an adult. However, not all activities (e.g. museums) are free for children.

Can the Zürich Card be combined with the Junior Card?

Yes, during its validity, the Zürich Card is valid as a public transport ticket for the specified zones and can therefore be combined with the Junior Card.

Is the Zürich Card also valid in other cities? For example, can I use it to travel to Lucerne?

No, the Zürich Card is only valid for the specified zones in Zurich City: 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155. However, in combination with a ZVV extension ticket for 4 zones, the Zürich Card is valid in the entire canton of Zurich.

Why isn’t the Zürich Card free of charge?

The Zürich Card is an independent product offered by Zürich Tourism and is self-financing (i.e. it is not subsidized by the city authorities).

How do I buy an extension ticket for other zones?

It is not possible to purchase extension tickets in the Zürich City Guide App. Please use the ZVV app, the ZVV online shop (in German), or a regular ticket machine.

In which areas of Zurich can I use the Zürich Card for traveling on the public transportation network?

The Zürich Card is valid for the following ZVV zones: 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155. See on map.

Can I cancel Zürich Cards that I have purchased or have them refunded?

If the Zürich Card has not yet been activated or is not yet valid, you can ask for a refund. To do so, use this contact form or contact our Support team.

Is the Zürich Card transferable to other people?

No, the Zürich Card is personal and cannot be transferred to another person.

Do you offer a discount for students, seniors, or pensioners?

No.

How do I redeem the Zürich Card with a Zürich Card partner?

You should present your valid Zürich Card on arrival or at the cash desk.

I have not received a confirmation e-mail. What should I do?

Please check your spam folder or contact our Support team.

Is there a price difference between Zürich Cards purchased in the app, via the webshop or on location?

No, there is no difference in price. The Zürich Card costs the same wherever you buy it.

Is the Zürich Card valid for boat trips?

Yes, the Zürich Card is valid on the Limmat boats and for the Short Lake Cruises operated by the Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG).

Where can I find the ZSG timetable?

You can find the timetable here: zsg.ch

Is the Zürich Card valid from Zurich Airport?

Yes, the Zürich Card entitles the holder to travel between Zurich Main Station and Zurich Airport and vice versa within the validity period of the Zürich Card.

Does the Zürich Card need to be scanned or validated before traveling on public transportation?

When you purchase your Zürich Card, you will be required to enter the date and time when you wish to start using it. It will then remain valid for 24 or 72 hours from that date/time. During that period, it does not need to be scanned or validated.

Is there a reduction for customers with a valid Swiss Half-Fare Card?

No.

What other special offers are included in the Zürich Card besides free travel on the local public transportation?

The Zürich Card includes free admission to many Zurich museums, as well as discounts or culinary surprises at many of Zürich Tourism’s partners. You can find further information in the Zürich City Guide App and on zuerich.com/benefits.

What should I do if I a ticket inspector asks to see my ticket?

You must be able to show your Zürich Card in the Zurich City Guide app (QR code) on your smartphone or as a PDF ticket to public transportation ticket inspectors at all times. Please note the zones in which the Zürich Card is valid.

How much does the Zürich Card Bike cost?

CHF 34 for 24 hours and CHF 65 for 72 hours. The card is only available for adults over 16 years of age.

Where can I buy the Zürich Card Bike?

Only in the Zürich City Guide app.

What is included in the Zürich Card Bike?

Everything that is offered in the standard Zürich Card (see above), plus a 24 hour or 72 hour credit for the use of PubliBike rental bikes (bicycles and e-bikes).

Where can I download the PubliBike app?

Apple Store
Google Play Store

How does the PubliBike rental system work?

The use of PubliBike bikes is described in detail on the following website: How it works

How do I activate my PubliBike credit?

When you purchase a Zürich Card Bike, you will receive a personal promotional code for using a PubliBike rental bike. You will find this code on your ticket (PDF or in the Zürich City Guide app under “Tickets”). You can use this promo code to register with PubliBike. The credit is then valid as of immediately.

In order to use the Zürich Card Bike, you need to install the Publibike app. Only one code can be used per app and smartphone to unlock one specific bike.

I activated my PubliBike credit too early. What should I do?

Please contact our Support team via e-mail or Whatsapp.

Can I log in to PubliBike with the discover.swiss login?

No. To use the PubliBike service, an additional PubliBike login is required.

Can I reserve a PubliBike rental bike for the entire duration of the card?

No. PubliBikes must be rented at PubliBike stations and returned to any PubliBike station after each ride. The location of the stations are displayed on the map on the Zürich City Guide app or the PubliBike app.

What is the difference between Zürich Card and Zürich Card Bike?

The services provided by Zürich Card and Zürich Card Bike are identical, except that the use of PubliBike rental bikes is also included with Zürich Card Bike.

Who should I contact if I have problems using PubliBike?

All technical problems relating to the Zürich Bike Card must be reported directly via the PubliBike app. You will receive the necessary help there.

Can I cancel Zürich Cards Bike that I have purchased or have them refunded?

If the Zürich Card Bike has not yet been activated or is not yet valid, you can ask for a refund. To do so, use this contact form or contact our Support team.

Do I need an Internet connection to use the app and purchase a Zürich Card?

Yes, you do need an Internet connection to buy the Zürich Card. If you have no connection when you are en route, we recommend buying an eSIM from Breeze. This way, you can use mobile data without the high costs of roaming. With a digital Zürich Card you have access to all offers and benefits at any time.

How do I pay for a Zürich Card that I have purchased via the app?

You can pay by credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

How do I buy a Zürich Card in the app?

To purchase a Zürich Card in the Zürich City Guide App, you need a valid credit card and Internet access. Open the app. On the Home screen you will see the field, “Zürich Card”. Click on that, then work your way through the purchase process.

Is my credit card data stored anywhere?

Your credit card details are deposited with our payment partner, Stripe. If you are logged in, you can also store the data in your Discover.swiss profile. Zürich Tourism is not authorized to store this data.

Will I receive an e-mail confirmation for Zürich Cards purchased in the app?

Yes, you will receive an e-mail with a link to download the Zürich Card in PDF form. 

Can I amend my e-mail address or other personal data?

If you have logged in via a discover.swiss account, you can amend your data in your profile. If you are using the app as a guest, your personal data is not stored in the app and can therefore not be amended.

What happens to my personal data?

Your data is stored on the third-party platform, discover.swiss, by Zurich Tourism, and by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which issues the tickets. 

What happens if my smartphone battery runs out?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your smartphone always has sufficient battery power, so that when traveling on the public transportation network you are always able to present your Zürich Card if asked to do so by a ticket inspector. To be on the safe side, print out the PDF ticket and carry it with you, so that you can show that if your phone doesn’t work.