Hi...I looked through the forum but didn't see what I was looking for...we are planning our few days in Switzerland in July 2017 and think that the Swiss travel pass will work out well for our family of 5, since the children (9,11,14) can be added for free. What I can't find is if there is a discounted children's rate for the schilthorn cable car when they are on a Swiss travel pass. If there isn't, the discounted adult rate seems cheaper than buying them a child's ticket. Anyone have any info to enlighten us?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
The children will be free. Just make sure you request a Family Card with your Adult Swiss Pass. Take it to the train station agent and have it validated---it will list the children's' names and dates of birth ( I don't recall if we filled it in first or the agent did, but we had to show their passports to prove age).
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
Check the * after "6-15) and read below. A Family Card ( available only with Swiss passes for foreigners) has the same validity and effect as a Junior Card ( available to residents).
Posted by
OP
9 posts
That really is good news! Maybe you can answer my next question...when I am on the rail Europe website they quote me $520 for a 3 day flexible Swiss family pass, and I can't find out anywhere if that is USD or if the website has used cookies to realize that I am shopping from Canada, and it is in Canadian dollars...any ideas? Thanks again!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
An added bonus is that your children (9,11,14) also travel completely free to the super expensive Jungfrau with you.
Basically children <16 with a free Swiss Family Card travel everywhere for free when they accompany you with your Swiss Travel Pass. All boats, buses, gondolas, funiculars, city trams - all are covered 100%.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
The price for a 3-day Flex Pass in Swiss francs is 248 CHF.
So that $520,must be Rail Europe's price in US dollars for two such passes.
Hve you considered two Half Fare cards at 120 CHF each for the adults? You can still get a FamilynCard for free with that. nd it might be a better deal, unless you have some long train journeys (3 of them) in your plans.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rail Europe has separate shopping carts for US and Canadian delivery, priced accordingly. Look for the flag at the top of the page. Our own links to our co-branded shopping cart are only for US delivery.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Got it thanks! Will check out half fare option and see if it works for us...happy travels everyone!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You're not required to purchase the Swiss Pass or the Half Fare Card from Rail Europe. You can easily buy those passes in Switzerland, too.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
That is very good to know, so I don't have to decide early. The half fare card actually does save us $200 for the trip we have planned (Basel to Schilthorn) as long as we only do that, no room for flexibility. So glad one of you to suggest that option. If we wait to decide we can check the weather etc and see if we are in the mood for a side trip...thanks!