What you should know about Zurich transport fares rising this December

Commuting in Zurich is set to become more expensive this winter after the cantonal government approved higher fares for the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV). Taking effect alongside the annual timetable change on December 13, the new tariff structure raises prices across single tickets and monthly travelcards while eliminating long-standing discounts on multi-journey cards.

Single tickets & monthly passes to cost more in Zurich

According to an announcement from the cantonal government, fares across the network are set to increase by an average of 2,7 percent.

For everyday commuters, the cost of a standard second-class 1–2 zone single ticket (which covers travel within Zurich city or Winterthur) will rise by 10 Rappen, moving from 4,70 to 4,80 Swiss francs. Meanwhile, standard monthly and annual travelcards (Monatsabos and Jahresabos) will see a broader average price increase of 2,1 percent.

The steepest price hike, however, will hit flexible commuters, students, and residents who travel after the morning rush hour. The transferable 9-o'clock monthly pass (9-Uhr-Monatsabo) valid for the entire canton is set to jump by a significant 7,4 percent, raising the price from 162 to 174 francs.

Discounts scrapped for multi-journey cards

Passengers who rely on multi-journey cards (Mehrfahrtenkarten) to save money will also feel the impact.

The ZVV is abolishing all remaining discount tiers for these punch cards, meaning a six-ride card will now cost exactly the same as buying six individual single tickets. This move aligns Zurich with existing national public transport fare policies, which eliminated multi-journey discounts years ago.

There is, however, somewhat good news for passengers taking quick trips. Prices for short-distance tickets (Kurzstrecke) and local municipal network fares (Lokalnetze) will remain completely unchanged.

Why are Zurich transport fares increasing?

The ZVV points to rising costs for the maintenance and renewal of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as ongoing service expansions, as primary drivers behind the tariff adjustments. 

Under a strategic framework passed by the Zurich cantonal parliament, the public transport network is required to cover over 60 percent of its operating costs directly through ticket and travelcard revenue.

Pressure is also mounting at the federal level. The Federal Office of Transport has urged transit networks across the country to improve self-financing ratios through greater operational efficiency and higher fare revenue.

Commuters throughout Switzerland will feel this broader shift at year's end, as national public transport fares are also scheduled to rise when the new timetable takes effect in December.