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Have our itinerary, which rail pass?

Posted by (USA) on

Hubby and I are going to Switzerland in May 2026. From Salzburg, arriving in Chur on may 5 then planning to take the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt on May 6th then stay in Zermatt through the 8th. Leaving Zermatt on the 8th for BO area.

We’ll stay in BO from may 8th to the 11th (still deciding where to stay but Wengen and Murren are our top contenders). We want to “hike” as much as the weather and trails allow. We have been to Jungfraujoch so won’t be going again this time. Leaving the BO for Bern on the 11th to stay one night then into Zurich night of 12th to stay. Fly out on the 13th.

We are thinking Half Pass with a Saver Card but would LOVE the help of the experts on this forum to make sure we are getting the best passes for our trip.
Also, regarding the Glacier Express, what do we need to do right now to secure a 1st class ticket to ride?

Many thanks!!!!!

Posted by
3509 posts

Get the Half Fare Card.

Then for Salzburg to Chur just buy your ticket from OBB at www.oebb.at, where you can indicate that you do have the HFC.
(However, I would not go to Chur, I would go to Pontresina or st. Moritz. You are missing out on a lot otherwise)

For the BO look in to getting the Jungfrau Pass.

For the Glacier express: You do not need to "secure" a ticket, as those are available in unlimited quantities. However you do need to get a reservation, and those you better get as soon as available. You do not need to already have a ticket (or pass) in order to make the reservation.

Then get a Saver Day Pass for your GE day, as that is going to be the cheapest "ticket" you can get in advance.

All other trips just buy either normal tickets or Supersaver tickets. www.sbb.ch will show you what is available.

Posted by
29726 posts

Saver Day Passes are date-specific, so be sure your itinerary is solid before buying one. As of 2024 they went on sale six months in advance. The price varies, the lowest prices going to the first purchasers.

Posted by
263 posts

I think we are going to go out of St Moritz instead of Chur to get the best value on the train. Thank you for the suggestion.

Appreciate all the help. This forum is the BEST!

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