We will be landing in Zurich, traveling immediately to Grindelwald for 2 nights then Zermatt for 2 nights then heading to Lake Garda for a week.
Instead of renting cars, there are 9 of us. 2 seniors, 6 adults and a 1 year old, we are thinking of using the trains.
We want to go to Lauterbrunen and Wengen and definitely take the Gornergrat train in Zermatt.
Would a train pass be worth it for only 4 days? I am having a hard time trying to figure out the cost for the tickets to compare.
For example its just under 100 swiss francs for the Gornergrat train per person, is that the price it would be if we bought them when we get there?
Renting a van and an suv for 9 people and luggage is around $4000 since we would be picking them up in Switzerland and dropping off in Milan.
How important is it to buy train tickets ahead of time? I know it saves some money but if the flight were to get in late and you miss the train you book then buying 9 more tickets….
Any help would be appreciated!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10228 posts
I can’t help you with your train question, but I’m wondering if you understand that 2 nights somewhere only gives you one day somewhere. You want to see the mountains I assume, but if your one day is overcast or raining you’ve made the trip for nothing. Your first stop will be with presumably jet lagged people and you will move at the pace of the slowest person. Can you give up some time at Lake Garda for more time in Switzerland? Or maybe just go to one place in Switzerland for the entire 4 nights? What time of year are you traveling?
Posted by
Thun, Switzerland
486 posts
Price out each train you want to take at sbb.ch
Short trips such as Grindelwald - Lauterbrunnen - Wengen are not that expensive.
Look at options such as getting a Saver Day Pass for days when you will travel longer routes. Grindelwald to Zermatt for example.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/day-pass/saver-day-pass.html
Look into getting a half fare card
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/inspiration/international-guests/swiss-halffare-card.html
A half fare card will also reduce the cost of the Gornergrat trip
https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/pages/prices-gornergrat-bahn
Under “ticket category” choose “Half Fare card” to price it out.
Saver Day passes need to be purchased early to get a cheaper price.
Regular priced train tickets do not need to be purchased early, they are valid on that route for the entire day - so if you miss your intended train you just take the next one.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4412 posts
Wow that's a horde, you should work with a travel agent to arrange private transport for all of you.
Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines have lists with experts on Swiss travel.
Posted by
OP
NH
219 posts
Thanks for the replies
I will look into the half fare card.
I do understand we will have only around 48 hrs in both places. We have been to both before. Our plans for Lake Garda can be put off a day if we want to stay in Zermatt another day. We did that last time. The Matterhorn was in the clouds for the 2 days we were there. The guy working at the ski ticket booth told us if we could wait another day we would be skiing with views on the mountains. We did and it was absolutely spectacular! We arrive Sept 24.