Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Switzerland take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
I commuted daily in Lausanne and later in Lugano. The Mobilis system and TILO network both let you pay by card at the station or through apps. Some very rural postbuses may ask for cash, but that’s rare. As of 2024, even most mountain cogwheel trains let you pay electronically. Still, I kept a 20 CHF note just in case of signal issues.
Did a full week across Zurich, Bern, and Basel. Every single tram, bus, or S-Bahn had a ticket machine nearby with a card reader that worked instantly. Never needed coins or notes. Even at the ferry stop on Lake Geneva, I used contactless. Switzerland’s public transport is seriously smooth and card-friendly.
Just used the metro in Lausanne and the buses in Lucerne - all ticket machines accepted Visa and Mastercard. I even bought my day pass using Apple Pay. If you’re using the SBB Mobile or Fairtiq app, it’s even easier. Rural routes sometimes require buying tickets on the bus, and some of those drivers prefer coins. I kept a 10 CHF note just in case.
In cities like Zurich and Geneva, public transport is super card-friendly. You can tap your card at tram and bus machines, or just buy tickets via the SBB app. Never needed cash. Even in smaller towns like Thun or Chur, ticket machines at bus stops accepted contactless cards, no problem.