I am in the process of finalizing all reservations for trip to Switzerland, summer of 2020, including air reservations. I have followed the suggested 15 day train journey as suggested, with a few changes. I added a night in Bern. Because of that, my 15 day Swiss Travel Pass will expire the day I leave Bern for Zurich. Is there some kind of special pass for train for two days or do I have to eat the cost of traveling to Zurich from Bern? I can get the Zurich Pass if needed for my one day there. Just wondering if there is a less expensive alternative to travel by train my last two days out there that would include Bern and Zurich? I have looked and cannot find one.
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
Hi,
A Bern to Zürich supersaver ticket, bought in advance (up to sixty days I believe) and tied to a specific train, can cost less than 30 Swiss francs. A pass is unlikely to be worth it for this relatively short journey UNLESS you plan to travel a lot in Zürich too that day, in which case look into buying a Saver Day Pass starting from 52 francs sixty days before your date.
Else, could your Swiss pass start one day after you arrive? Where do you go on day one?
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
I would just buy train tickets for Zurich to Appenzell at the beginning of the trip and Bern to Zurich and Zurich to the airport at the end. Try to get one of those Super Saver tickets for the Bern to Zurich leg. Those are 1/2 price.
You would buy your Swiss Travel Pass so that it starts the day you travel from Appenzell
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you. And, I foolishly deleted my replay for additional help. Not enough sleep I guess.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you all for responding. I am looking into the suggestions made. Of course, reservations cannot be made this far in advance. I would also like to say I appreciate a forum like this for questions. I failed to read Rick Steves' book in its entirety tbefore I made reservations for accommodations on a booking website. I have since contacted the establishments and have made direct reservations, some for a lower rate and received a Rick Steves discount as well. Some hotels could not match the deal I got on the booking website, so I kept those. Following the suggestions in the book paid off for our group of 8.
Again, thank you for taking the time to respond.