After all the great information here, I’m considering using the post buses. If I don’t happen to get a Swiss pass, I’d like to better understand how one purchases tickets for the bus.
Ex: cash? What do they take credit cards?
I also plan to take my credit cards, but since they are American - they are chip and sign, versus chip and pin. Is that ever problematic in Switzerland? Or should I try to find a credit card that does actual chip and pin.
Many thanks!
Get the ap. That way you can pay through the ap with credit card for each trip. The buses have wifi.
I've never had a problem with my chip in sign cards in Europe. I was in Swiss last week and the machine knew what kind of card I was using. It does not prompt you for a pin.
One time in London the clerk in self checkout just had to check the signature.
Ok first of all, the Post Bus is just part of the integrated Swiss Transport System. A Swiss Pass works on the post bus just like it works on all other forms of Swiss Transport.
The post bus are used to transport passengers into more remote parts where trains don’t go.
My Cap1 Card chip card has always worked without a pin. You can buy tickets at any station.
Just pay the driver in cash. Couldn't be easier. If you have a Half Price Card show it to the driver "{how many} to {wherever} with Halbtax bitte"
Postbuses use the same ticketing system as the trains. If you are connecting, you can usually get a through ticket.
If you already have a ticket (train + bus) you can usually get on any door. If going the other way (bus+train) just ask the driver for your final destination, saves money and time at the station.
P.S. do not be afraid of giving the driver a CHF 100 note, or even CHF 200. They will not blink.
Many hotels offer free bus passes for trips within the town. In Luzern, I believe the hotel either emailed or sent us a link before we arrived. In Interlaken and Lugano, we received bus passes upon checkin.
Email your hotel to see if they offer bus passes.
Great tip! Thx!
