Hello. My friend and I have booked 4 days in Grindelwald at the end of March 2025, we fly into Geneva and plan to get the train from Geneva to Grindelwald. We will use public transport for our 4 day trip and travel to other villages / towns during our stay. I am totally confused with the Swiss pass and my travel options. Any advice on travel and recommendations would be fab and really appreciated. Many thanks in advance! Leanne
Posted by
California
15 posts
Hello and congratulations on your trip. Can you tell us how/why you are confused? that will help us explain things to you.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Hi .. thanks for your response. I am not sure whether we should purchase the Swiss travel pass or if we should pay for travel as we go? Thank you.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
It really depends on specifically what you plan to see and do. You're coming towards the end of ski season, so are your expectations to do winter activities? Where do you want to see? This effects recommendations on passes. Are you going anywhere else or just 4 days in and out of Switzerland?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for response, we will not be planning winter activities. We are looking for basic walks, nature, basing ourselves in Grindlewald but are also hoping to maybe go to Lauterbrunnen and anywhere else nearby that is recommended. Haven’t ever done a trip like this. So just looking for handy tips :)
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
But where are you going when you depart Grindelwald after your 4 days? That is important information if you want a recommended ticket strategy.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Ahh I see! Back to Geneva to fly home. We are only there for 4 days :)
Posted by
Switzerland
158 posts
Hi Leanne, if you use sbb.ch to see what routes will cost you it will help to compare paying as you go vs. a pass.
Short train rides are not very expensive. Going up the mountains costs more - anytime you are going up further than where people live, this is now just a recreational activity and the cost is more. So if you only want to go to Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen then you will not have to spend a lot of money. If you add First, Männlichen, Schilthorn, etc. then the costs go up.
Another thing you can do is buy a one month Half Fare Card so that you get half off of the train rides and mountain lifts. Cost is 120.00 CHF. This again is only a savings if you will do a lot of travel in the area, including mountain lifts, totalling over 240.00 before you will save any money.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad/swiss-halffare-card.html
Some examples are:
Geneva - Grindelwald 88.80 full fare
Grindelwald - Wengen 35.20 full fare, return
Grindelwald up to Männlichen is around 70.00 return. The Half Fare Card and the Swiss Travel Pass give you half off of this price.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so so much. This has been really helpful. Really appreciate that. :)