I have decided to get the STP for the simplicity of it use! But I am not sure its that simple.
First, I buy it and I get an email with the information My name, number and date etc. along with a bar code that I can print off and or load on my phone?
But don't I have to go on the web site for a particular train and list for those seats so that first class seats are available for me?
I am not at the age nor physical ability to either stand or go running through a train for seats. I want to be able to sit with my husband and get on a train with a plan.
I keep hearing" just get on the train and show you STP".
I can't find anywhere the Process, HELP
thank you
Suzanne
Posted by
San Diego, California
6704 posts
What you're hearing is correct, unless you take the panoramic trains.
Enjoy this beautiful country, and this world-class train system.
Posted by
Green Bay
22778 posts
Regarding seats, you can buy seat reservations for Swiss IC trains. Most Swiss don't bother with seat reservations. Occasionally, that could be a good idea if you are worried. Last year, I rode an IC that was fairly crowded in 1st class between Zurich HB and Bern. I boarded at Zurich airport and there were plenty of empty seats, but as we left Zurich HB, there were people walking around looking for seats together.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/point-to-point-tickets-switzerland/seat-reservations.html
Otherwise, you just board the any train and show your pass, a QR code, when the conductor comes by checking tickets. The conductor will scan the code and smile. Technically, you must also show your passport, so be pre[pared if the conductor wants to see it.
Posted by
Wengen
3416 posts
The only times where I would reserve seats are when travelling on the North-South Gotthard route, and the timetables predicts high occupancy. Otherwise I would not bother. And there is never a need to make those reservations fare in advance. Since few people make reservations there are always seats to be had at last moment.
Other then that, yes, just hop on and show QR code when requested. Same applies to busses and other transports. A lot of people are puzzled at first when they see people boarding a bus at a stop through all available doors, and nobody shows anything to the driver. (In fact, drivers do not like being disturbed. They are drivers, not ticket controllers...)