I need to make train reservations from Luzern to Venezia (June 20). What should I do?
Can I buy the pass online and then use it to make the reservations so my tkts are cheaper? How would I do that? Should I book through the Swiss train site or TraenItalia????? Thanks, Stacy :)
I have only used HFC on one trip -- bought round-trip Paris-Lausanne tickets from SNCF, got off the train in Lausanne, walked into the SBB ticket office with passports and bought HFC's then bought tickets Lausanne-Interlaken-Mürren at the half-price rate (Swiss trains are generally the same price day-of or advance purchase.) Bought Schilthorn lift tickets day-of in Mürren, also using HFC.
I had done spreadsheets comparing full-price tickets to half-price plus CHF120 each for the HFC -- are you sure you will get enough savings Luzern to the Swiss border to cover the cost of the HFC ? (AFAIK,no reduction on the Italian section.)
To maybe better advise you on the Half Fare Card you should tell the forum
How long are you going to be in Switzerland?
Where are you planning to go in Switzerland?
You can purchase your entire journey Lucerne->Venezia S, Lucia while in Switzerland although you will only get a 1/2 reduction with your HFC for the Swiss portion of your travel. Italian train tickets are cheap compared to Swiss prices so if you really want to get the lowest fare then you probably should do this:
While you are in Switzerland buy your Swiss Ticket from Lucerne->Swiss Border (Como) and show your HFC. Go to www.trenitalia.com and purchase your Italian Train tickets from Como->Venezia S. Lucia
Thank you very much everyone, I'll wait till I get to Zurich on Wednesday to purchase the half price card. Then I'll use it to get to the boarder, etc.
I believe it will be financially beneficial...I'll get tkts for my 15 year old free...we're going to appenzell, lucern, murren, Interlaken (for the chocolate club) and then off to Venice.
Thanks again,
Stacy 😀
Just to for clarification You get free tickets for < 15 years old ? with the Half Fare Card ?
When you get the free Family Card when you purchase the Half Fare Card. It covers the child(ren) when the HFC owner is the parent or grandparent and child travels with them.
If you get a Family travel card (free) at a train station in Switzerland, kids under 16 travel free with an adult that has a ticket or a pass. I haven't done this yet, but I plan on it.
https://help.myswitzerland.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001475909-Are-there-discounts-for-families-
Once again, many thanks for your responses / help.
My daughter will be 15 in Oct., so she'll be free!
We're off early tomorrow morning....😀😀😀😀
