A newbie would appreciate thoughts from seasoned travelers: we're heading to Switzerland and Germany this summer. Starting in Geneva, heading for 5 days to the Grindelwald area, up to Zurich -- a few days in Germany from there -- and back to Geneva thru Bern. Trying to determine if we'd be better off with a BO train pass or a Swiss Travel Pass for our trip. Grateful for any recommendations, thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Since you have a at least a couple of train trips outside the BO Pass range, and since BO Passes tend to cost as much (e.g., 6 continuous days for 300 CHF) as the full-country Swiss Travel Pass (e.g., 4 flex days for $303 or 8 continuous for $382), I lean toward the latter. But I think you'll need a spreadsheet to list out exactly what each one covers and how many travel days each one offers. Depending on your destinations in Germany, a 2-country Selectpass (e.g., 4 flex days for $244 or 6 flex for $303) is also worth comparing. See info for all three at www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/switzerland-rail-passes.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Just get a Swiss Half Fare Card for your Swiss Travels. It cuts all of your Swiss travel costs in half. If you plan to be in the BO area and if you plan to go to the expensive Jungfrau then the savings from that trip alone practically PAYS for the purchase of the Swiss HFC. It's also good all over Switzerland and not just the BO area. Forget the multicountry pass which is just a waste of money. The Bayern Ticket which you can purchase in Germany lets you travel all over a large portion of Germany for 25E for the ENTIRE day. Add more people onto that Bayern ticket for just a few Euros more.