I know this topic must be over asked on this forum. Need help choosing the correct trains. In September traveling from Basel to Zermatt (2 nights), then to Wengen (2 nights) then to Salzburg (4 nights) then to Vienna. So I’m thinking a 4 day Swiss travel pass for the first 4 days to also use for excursions but not sure what to do yet to get from Wengen/Interlaken to Salzburg? Euro train day pass maybe? I’m open for suggestions. We won’t need a train while staying in Salzburg but will need a train to Vienna. Thank you so much in advance. This forum has always been so informative and helpful for our trips.
Posted by
Wengen
3616 posts
A Swiss Travel Pass would indeed cover you for all those trips. If it is still valid on the day you leave for Salzburg you would only need to book the Austrian part. Easiest is to just book "Buchs SG" to "Salzburg" on www.oebb.at. Do look up schedules for Wengen - Salzburg first though. Then look at which train you will be on from Zurich - Salzburg, and note when it calls at Buchs, and then book this with ÖBB.
Alternatively if you do not plan on using a pass on your last day just buy a ticket Lauterbrunnen - Salzburg from SBB, and buy the Wengen - Lauterbunnen ticket locally.
Why from Lauterbrunnen: OBB sells special steeply discounted tickets to/from Switzerland, but not to every Swiss station. Lauterbrunnen is one of the destinations they offer, but Wengen not.
Posted by
OP
Montana
25 posts
Thank you WengenK! Please let me repeat the way I am understanding your response. Sounds like you are saying to buy a 6 day STP which would include excursions on day 1 in Basel and include our travels day 2 - 5 and excursions in Zermatt and Wengen. Then on day 6 use STP to travel from Wengen to Zurich and purchase a ticket to catch the OBB Zurich to Salzburg? Please confirm if this sounds correct to you? For others… feel free to add any other suggestions if you know of any. Thanks again for your help!
Adding….
Sorry WengenK I didn’t read your whole message. I read from email and it was only partially of what you posted. You gave me more information that I now need to investigate further. Alternatively I may just need the 4 day STP and then book Salzburg on OBB from Lauterbrunnen. Does that sound right??? Thanks! 😊
Posted by
San Diego, California
6799 posts
A little off topic, but two nights is one full day. So you have one full day to see the reclusive peak in Zermatt. Instead, I'd highly recommend skipping Zermatt and spending four nights in Wengen. I don't think you'll regret it, as no one is ever ready to leave the BO. In any case have a wonderful trip in this beautiful country!
Posted by
California
47 posts
Also: which excursions are you thinking about? the Swiss travel pass doesn't cover all gondolas and high altitude trains so keep that in mind for your budgeting.
Posted by
OP
Montana
25 posts
Thanks Pat. I absolutely agree with you. This is our second trip. 10 years ago I won a trip there on the Price is Right and we added the OB and experienced it all. Information from this forum made it a perfect trip! This time we are bringing friends who have a bucket list to check off. If anything we may take a day from Salzburg and add to the area. Thanks for your suggestions.
To KevinB, yes very familiar now with the ins and outs of the STP now. Watching lots of YouTubes about all it includes and its discounts. Trying to make it as economical as possible. It’s all like a little puzzle and a bit overwhelming. I just have to do the math which I am not very good at. 😜Thanks for any tips you can provide.
Posted by
Wengen
3616 posts
Sorry I was not clear...
Regarding Wengen - Salzburg:
If you choose to buy enough STP days that the day you travel to Salzburg is covered you would only need a ticket for the Austrian part. So you would buy a ticket Buchs - Salzburg. The STP in this case would cover the Swiss part of the trip.
If you do not get an STP that also cover your last day in Switzerland buy a Lauterbrunnen - Salzburg ticket on www.oebb.at.