At the conclusion of the Village Italy Tour in September, we will be heading to Wengen for 6 days. We plan to purchase a Half Fare Card and BO Pass. In reading other posts, it looks like we will catch the train at the Orta-Miasino station and purchase a ticket with the half fare card that will cover to Domodossola. From there our BO Pass will cover the fare to Wengen. Is that correct? Is it worthwhile to buy a 1st Class BO Pass versus a 2nd Class Pass? Upon our departure, the BO Pass will cover our travels to Lucerne, then we will use the half fare card to Zurich. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
Posted by
Schaumburg, IL
267 posts
Get 1st class for a little more and nicer train cars and upper deck on boats on Thun and Brienz…
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11337 posts
You have the passes figured out just fine. I agree that First Class is worthwhile as the regular cars can become extremely crowded with people and VERY large suitcases.
Posted by
Green Bay
20158 posts
we will catch the train at the Orta-Miasino station and purchase a ticket with the half fare card that will cover to Domodossola
A Swiss Half Fare Card will not help on an Italian train from Orta to Domodossola, but it is a cheap ticket anyway, 5.40 EUR pp.
Be sure to take the "Loetschberger" regional train from Brig to Spiez. The B.O. Pass is not valid on the EC trains or any other trains that use the Loetschberg Base Tunnel. The "Loetschberger" uses the old Loetschberg Tunnel, takes longer, but is more scenic.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11337 posts
Good clarification from Sam about the Domodossola route. As it says on the Pass website
Is the route to Domodossola valid for free travel?
Yes, but you have to travel via Goppenstein. Please enter via Goppenstein in the timetable.