Using the Zürich Card
The physical Zürich Card must be validated. This can be done at the orange-colored SBB ticket validators on railroad platforms or at the ZVV ticket machines at many bus and tram stops.
Travel in 1st Class
The Zürich Card is valid for 2nd class travel. If you would like to travel 1st class, you can obtain a class upgrade at a ticket counter or an automatic ticket machine. It is not possible to purchase class upgrades in the Zürich City Guide app.
In Zurich, a choice of classes is offered on the S-Bahn and SBB trains, as well as on certain boats. There is just one class on trams and buses.
Travel Outside the Validity Area
All the public transportation services in the canton of Zurich belong to the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV). The area covered by the ZVV network is divided into various fare zones. If you are traveling outside the area covered by the Zürich Card, you will need to buy a zone upgrade. When combined with a zone upgrade for four zones, your Zürich Card is valid for all zones on the ZVV network.
