I'm sure this has been covered ad nauseum but I want to be sure I'm clear on whether it makes sense to buy one or both of these passes based on our itinerary. My wife and I are planning to fly to Geneva from the U.S. in late September and take a train directly to the Interlaken area where we'll remain until our return to Geneva 8 days later. It's my understanding that the Swiss Half Fare Card does not cover the Geneva-Interlaken route so, outside of getting the BOP discounted, is there any reason to buy both in this situation? Most of our activities will center on hikes, boat rides, and visiting nearby villages (Murren, Lauterbrennan, Grindewald, Kandersteg, etc).
Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
The HFC costs 120 chf. It saves you 108 chf on the 8 day BO pass + around 38 chf each way to/from Geneva, so a savings of around 183 chf — so you end up with a net savings of roughly 63 chf per person by getting the HFC in your scenario.
Posted by
OP
Collegeville, PA
4 posts
Thanks for the feedback. I may have mixed up some info regarding the Geneva-Interlaken coverage. One source states that the Swiss Travel Pass covers the route but not the SHFC. Is that your understanding?
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
The half fare card covers everything in Switzerland at 50% off. It’s not a pass, it just gives you 50% off all travel. The Swiss Travel Pass is a pass that covers travel through Switzerland but not to uninhabited tourist activities. The Berner Oberland Pass is a regional pass that covers inhabited + tourist attractions in the BO region. So what you’re talking about getting is a pass that allows you to hop on/off most attractions in the area without having to purchase any tickets at all and the half fare card steps in as a supplemental “coupon” that gives you a discount on the pass + discount on routes you have to buy tickets for (example - to Geneva, which is outside the BO region) — the BO pass will cover you as far as Bern, so you’ll have to purchase half fare tickets from Geneva to Bern and Bern to Geneva.
Posted by
OP
Collegeville, PA
4 posts
Got it. Appreciate it!!!