Hello, we will be spending 18 days in Switzerland this summer and will pretty much use its rail system. With the new Swiss travel pass which only allows a maximum of 15 consecutive days, can someone suggest a plan of travel for two adults and a 12 year old child? Should I buy 2 travel passes for myslef and wife ( one or 15 days and another for 3)?
Also,
I checked the timetable for the golden pass train departing from Lucern to Interlaken, and there are about four stations that it departs from in Lucern. Which station should I pick if I am taking a train from Zurich station and I want to catch the scenic train without having to leave the station.The train Station "Lucern" and nothing else attaches to its name?
Sorry if my questions sound dumb, for I am just being paranoid and want my trip to go smoothly. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Yes, use the plain city/station name "Lucern" for most train schedules; the other stops are served by bus or local S-Bahn.
We usually don't recommend buying more than one rail pass for the same region, although you can. Instead of the 15-consecutive-day version, you also have the option of 15 days spread over a period of up to one month at $515 per adult, which might be the best fit and you could choose your three days of shortest travel to buy separate tickets, or you may have 3 days of no travel in the mix. This is a better value/more coverage than 8 flex days + Half-Fare add-on at $508. See more about how passes work at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/switzerland-rail-passes.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thanks for the speedy reply . I was wondering I someone can help me with the trip from tirano to Lugano. I understand one has to take the bus. Do I get the ticker through the scenic line? Or it it done separately?
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
There is one bus per day and it connects with the Bernina Express Train arriving at Tirano at 13:00. You can buy as a single ticket from www.sbb.ch for 87 chf coming from Chur. There is an additional reservation fee on top of this.
There is also a train connection going to Monza and changing to EC train to Lugano.