My husband and I are planning a trip to Switzerland in late September-early October. Though we are well traveled in Europe, this is a new area for us. I've read about the excellent train service, however, will a car be needed for any travel in or between towns, or should we just stick to public transport?
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
Definitely stick to public transportation. It is easy to use and will take you everywhere. The trains are super comfortable with gorgeous scenery.
Depending on your plans, the Swiss Travel Pass, half fare card, or regional pass will usually help with cost as travel in Switzerland is expensive.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/inspiration/international-guests/swiss-travel-pass.html
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/inspiration/international-guests/swiss-halffare-card.html
https://www.berneseoberlandpass.ch/
Download the transportation app, SBB, before you go and become familiar with it.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/mobile-apps/sbb-mobile.html
Have a great trip!!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33818 posts
Trains and their best friends the iconic yellow Postbus go pretty much everywhere, frequently (trains no less frequently than hourly on any line, often much more frequently), and they are exceedingly reliable.
Parking is rarely free, and when it isn't free it is quite expensive.
Example: Grindelwald parking garage:
- 1 Day CHF 12.00
- 2 Days CHF 36.00
- 3 Days CHF 60.00
- 4 Days CHF 84.00
- 5 Days CHF 108.00
- 6 Days CHF 132.00
- 7 Days CHF 156.00
Lauterbrunnen parking garage
- 1 Day CHF 18.00
- 2 Days CHF 31.00
- 3 Days CHF 44.00
- 4 Days CHF 57.00
- 5 Days CHF 69.00
- 6 Days CHF 80.00
- 7 Days CHF 92.00
So while you are up at the beautiful car-free villages in the mountains (you need a cable car or train), you car is gathering dust and being a money pit.
I often drive my own car over from England so speak from experience.
Oh, and CHF 40 for toll Vignette for the windscreen if your car hasn't already got one...
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much for the reply and VERY helpful information.
Travel arrangements do seems a bit more confusing than other countries in which we have traveled. In the updated RS Switzerland book, the opening page on the chapter on Appenzell, as well as other areas, describes how accessible various villages are by CAR! Later in the chapter, public transport is mentioned.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
Figuring out which Swiss transit pass is best for you does take some work, but actually using the efficient and dependable Swiss transportation modes is a breeze! Once you're in country you'll wish all systems worked liked SBB.
If you haven't already, download the SBB app and play with it.
Safe travels!
Posted by
Wengen
2493 posts
A lot depends on what you are planning to shere.
If you are coming for the "standards" (Zermatt, Bernese Oberland, Luzern) a car is definitely not needed.
If you want to do off the beaten path stuff a car may be useful. It depends on what you want to see and do.
If you plan on taking a lof of mountain railways and cable cars getting the Half Fare Card is a good start, as it gives you 50% off on all those transports, as well as on public transit.