Night Supplement: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand the Night Supplement requirements for weekend travelers in Switzerland to ensure your ticket is valid and avoid unexpected fines.
The Night Supplement is an additional charge required for using public transport during late-night hours on weekends.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for late-night travelers. If you find yourself needing to use public transportation during the late hours of the weekend, you fall into this category of traveler. It is specifically intended to cover the costs associated with maintaining service during these specific times.
What you get
By paying the supplement, you gain access to night trains and night buses. This ensures that even during the weekend, you have reliable transport options to get to your destination when standard daytime schedules may no longer apply. This service is essential for anyone navigating Switzerland during the late-night weekend hours.
What it costs you
The cost for this supplement is a small, flat fee of 5 CHF. It is important to remember that this is not a replacement for your standard fare; it is a charge that is applied on top of the price of your regular ticket. You must account for this extra 5 CHF when calculating your total travel expenses for a weekend trip.
The catch to know
The most common mistake travelers make is forgetting that this supplement is a separate requirement from their base ticket. Because it is an additional fee, many people assume their standard ticket is sufficient. This oversight often leads to being caught by ticket inspectors, which results in being fined. To avoid these fines, ensure your ticket explicitly includes the supplement if you are traveling on a weekend night.
How to apply
- Identify if your planned travel occurs during the late-night hours of a weekend.
- Check your ticket to confirm that the Night Supplement (sometimes referred to as Nachtzuschlag) is included.
- If it is not included, ensure you pay the extra 5 CHF fee to make your travel valid.
- Present your fully paid ticket to any inspectors on the train or bus.