On all the main line trains there are conductors who come through the trains on a regular basis and check tickets. In the towns and cities and on the very local trains it is an honour system. Tickets are not routinely checked BUT there are spot checks and everyone has to produce a ticket.

Yes, ticket checks on Swiss trains are frequent and rigorous. While Switzerland operates an "open" transport system—meaning there are no physical barriers or gates at stations—conductors and ticket inspectors periodically patrol the carriages to verify that every passenger has a valid travel document. If you are caught without a ticket, or with a partly valid one (such as a half-fare ticket without the proper card), you will face a steep on-the-spot fine, often starting at 100 CHF. In 2026, many checks are done digitally via the SBB app or by scanning the QR code on your Swiss Travel Pass. On shorter urban routes like trams and buses, inspectors often dress in civilian clothes and board randomly. Because of the high level of trust in the system, the penalties for "fare dodging" are strictly enforced to maintain the quality and punctuality of the world-class rail network.