I want to buy a Swiss travel pass online tonight. We hope to arrive in Zurich the morning of September 14. When and how does the pass become active? On the first train? Obviously I don't want to activate it yet. Any reason not to buy it on Happy Rails website which is a little cheaper? When we get to Zurich, do we just look for the appropriate train, board it, and show our passes to the staff member on the train?
I thought I knew what I was doing but am suddenly a little stressed!
At purchase you can choose the first day the pass should be valid and it will be so on the consecutive days.
When we get to Zurich, do we just look for the appropriate train, board it, and show our passes to the staff member on the train?
YES, correct. Plus you need the passports to verify your name & date of birth.
Any thoughts on Happy Rails?
Happy Rails is a 3rd party reseller
Do you see that it is cheaper than buying directly with the Swiss Rail (SBB) website ?
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/inspiration/international-guests/swiss-travel-pass.html
Also what happens if your flight is cancelled.
Some recommend waiting to buy your pass with a live person that can clarify things when you get there located at the SBB office at the Zurich airport.
I do believe that it is cheaper on Happy Rails but your point about flight issues is valid. I did see recommendations about buying online so that you have it on your phone as back up to a ticket. It still might be a good idea to wait until in the airport.
I have never used Happy Rail and don't know if they charge a fee at checkout but after comparing the prices it has listed with those on SBB it came out the same.
Happyrail might be a bit cheaper but if you have troubles with it, there is no one physically available in Switzerland to help (contact form only), which is different if you buy it directly from Swiss Travel System or SBB, for example.
Definitely read the fineprint, to be sure their tickets have no strings attached!
