How do you pay for trams in Zurich?

ZVV Ticket machines are posted at all tram and bus stops and inside train stations, and you can select to use them in German, English, French, or Italian. Machines distribute all ZVV ticket and pass types and accept touch-less chip credit cards, standard debit and credit cards, and cash and coins.



In Zurich, you pay for trams (and all public transport) using the ZVV (Zürcher Verkehrsverbund) integrated ticketing system. Here’s how it works:

1. Ticket Options

  • Single tickets: Valid for a specific journey within chosen zones.
  • Short-distance tickets (Kurzstrecke): For trips up to 6 stops within 30 minutes.
  • Day passes: Unlimited travel within chosen zones for 24 hours.
  • ZVV Z-Pass: A reusable card for regular travelers (can be loaded with monthly/annual passes or tickets).
  • Zurich Card: Includes unlimited public transport in Zurich city (zone 110) and discounts to museums, for 24 or 72 hours.

2. Where to Buy

  • Ticket machines: At tram stops, train stations, and some bus stops. They have multilingual interfaces (English available).
  • ZVV app: The official “ZVV” app or the “SBB Mobile” app allow mobile ticket purchases.
  • Sales points: At ZVV counters in major stations, kiosks, or via SMS (only with Swiss mobile plans).

3. Important Rules

  • Buy before boarding: Tickets must be purchased and validated before getting on the tram. There are no ticket sales on board.
  • Zone system: Zurich is divided into zones. The city center is zone 110. Your ticket must cover all zones you travel through.
  • Validation: Paper tickets from machines must be validated at the small stamping machines at stops (if not already time-stamped). Mobile tickets are pre-validated.

4. Payment Methods

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The advantages for you.
  • Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.
  • Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
  • Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities.
  • Free admission to more than 500 museums.
  • Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.


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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.

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