SBB tickets are cheaper with Deutsche Bahn because of the exchange rate
The euro and the franc are close to parity. One euro is currently equivalent to 1.04 Swiss francs, which makes export sectors such as the watch industry and many tourism professionals groan. However, the change also brings pleasant surprises. For example for everyone who is planning a May stroll by train.
If you book your ticket online via Deutsche Bahn, you can often travel cheaper than buying a ticket on the SBB website thanks to the favorable euro exchange rate. What hardly anyone knows: The Deutsche Bahn booking site, called “DB Navigator”, also works for tickets in Germany, even including zone tickets for the cities. Depending on the route, savings are around 10 percent. For example, crossing Switzerland from Chur GR to Geneva Airport – without a discount, one way – costs only 105.60 euros instead of 116 francs. Or from south to north: Chiasso–Schaffhausen, no discount, one way, only 76.60 euros instead of 84 francs.
Other examples: Zurich–Geneva Airport is available without a discount and simply for 83.80 euros instead of 92 francs. Or Zurich–Basel SBB, no discount, one way: 31 euros instead of 34 francs.
The SBB announce that the euro exchange rate is actually decisive. And: “The SBB have an influence on the exchange rate used.” We do not want to comment any further.
Don’t pay by credit card
Stefan Meierhans takes note of the research results from SonntagsBlick. However, the price monitor is of the opinion that such price differences also highlight the discussion about the distribution system for train tickets in Switzerland.
“In my view, it is good to keep as many access points open as possible in order to improve the utilization of the trains through the density of offers – because the utilization of public transport is still very low.”
And here is an additional tip for travel-loving bargain hunters: It is better not to pay for train tickets on foreign websites with a credit card.
Otherwise the savings may be wiped out again by a foreign currency surcharge levied by the bank.