Bodensee Ticket is a network ticket that allows travel on regional trains, buses, and ferries around Lake Constance. This lake, popular among tourists, stretches along the borders of three countries – Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Standard international tickets between these countries are often very expensive, so regional governments around Lake Constance have created several regional fare offers that make cross-border travel more affordable. One of these offers is the Bodensee Ticket.
Bodensee Ticket – Validity Area
The Bodensee Ticket is valid in towns located along Lake Constance. It is available in two main versions: a one-day ticket and a three-day ticket. The ticket area is divided into three zones – East, West, and South – and tickets are available for individual zones or for travel across all three zones.
One-day tickets can be purchased for a single zone,
Three-day tickets must cover at least two zones (East + West).
The three-day ticket is personal (non-transferable and must be issued to a named individual).
The ticket is valid only on regional trains (R, RE, S), and not valid on long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC, RJX, RJ).
It is not valid on catamarans between Friedrichshafen and Constance, nor on scenic ferry cruises.
The ticket is accepted in the public transportation zones of: Ostwind (Switzerland), bodo, VHB (Germany), VVV (Austria)
Bodensee Ticket – official website. More info, maps, prices.
Bodensee Ticket – Prices (2025)
Network tickets around Lake Constance are not cheap, but they are much more economical than buying multiple single-ride tickets at standard international fares.
2025 prices:
One-day ticket for one zone (East or West): €25
One-day ticket for two zones (East + West): €29.50
One-day ticket for all three zones: €42
Three-day ticket for two zones (East + West): €48
Three-day ticket for all three zones: €65
Discounted tickets are available for holders of national railway discount cards: Half-Fare travelcard / GA travelcard (Switzerland), BahnCard (Germany), Vorteilscard / Klimaticket Ö (Austria)
Small group tickets are available for families or small groups of unrelated travelers. A small group may include up to 2 adults and 4 children.
Children under 6 years travel free
Children aged 6–15 get 50% off
Individual travelers with dogs must buy a discounted dog ticket.
Groups can count one dog as a child in the group ticket. Only one dog per group can be counted this way.
Bodensee Ticket – What to Visit
The most important tourist destinations are located in the Eastern and Western zones. A few highlights include:
Eastern Zone
Feldkirch (Austria) – A charming town for a short visit with preserved medieval street layouts and towers. Highlights include the Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral with Renaissance features, Schattenburg Castle offering panoramic views, and a small zoo on the outskirts.
Friedrichshafen (Germany) – A popular town, especially for its Zeppelin Museum, located in the former harbor station. Part of the exhibition includes artifacts from the former Lake Constance Museum, destroyed in WWII bombings.
Lindau (Germany) – Considered one of the most beautiful German towns on the lake. A perfect spot for a day trip and walk through its historic old town. Highlights include the harbor, the 13th-century lighthouse, and the Gothic-Renaissance Old Town Hall with frescoes.
Bregenz (Austria) – While not particularly picturesque, it offers pleasant lakefront walks and the famous floating stage on the lake. Take the Pfänder cable car for spectacular views, and visit the Heart of Jesus Church, Vorarlberg Museum, and Lake Chapel (Seekapelle).
St. Gallen (Switzerland) – A city of about 75,000 residents, mainly known for the Baroque Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the library, lapidarium, and cathedral. Other highlights include the Textile Museum, History and Ethnography Museum, and the Natural History Museum on the outskirts. For a panoramic view, head to Freudenberg Hill.
Western Zone
Stein am Rhein (Switzerland) – A scenic town rebuilt after WWII bombings. It features a medieval street layout, city gates, and beautifully frescoed historic buildings. Hohenklingen Castle stands above the town (30-minute walk). Don’t miss the Town Hall and Lindwurm Museum with 19th-century bourgeois interiors. The former St. George’s Monastery also houses a museum.
Schaffhausen (Switzerland) – Capital of the canton, with around 37,000 inhabitants. Its top attraction is Munot Castle (1564–1585) with city views and Rhine Falls nearby. Other highlights include the All Saints’ Basilica, the All Saints Museum, and the Schwabentor Tower.
Constance (Germany) – A medium-sized city (80,000 residents) that largely escaped WWII damage, preserving much of its old architecture. Key sights include: Cathedral of Our Lady (Münster Unserer Lieben Frau), Council Building (Konzilgebäude), site of Pope Martin V’s electionm Churches of St. Stephen and the Holy Trinity, Rheintorturm tower, city wall remnants, Imperia statue, and Schnetztor gate. Visit the Jan Hus Museum and Archaeological Museum in your free time.
Related articles:
Train travel in Germany – a comprehensive guide
Train travel in Austria – a comprehensive guide
Train travel in Switzerland – a comprehensive guide
