Which is better card to use when traveling to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn– Swiss flexipass or half fare card?
With the combo which includes flexipass and half fare card, perhaps I don't need to buy so many travel days with flexipass. Originally planned to use flexi pass when traveling on these expensive rides to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn, but wondering if the the half fare card offers better or same discount. If so, instead of buying 8 day-flexipass, perhaps 4 day flexipass with half-fare card combo will be just as good. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Yes, the 4-day Swiss Flexipass with Half-Fare Card Combo may be enough, giving you maximum coverage on just your 4 longest travel days.
If using a counted travel day, the pass covers you fully from (starting point?) to Muerren and back, and 50% off above that point, such as Muerren-Schilthorn. And/or it covers you through the valley to Wengen and back, but 25% off between Wengen and Jungfraujoch.
If using the half-fare feature in-between the counted days, then you get half off all transportation tickets, except still only 25% off from Wengen to Jungfraujoch. (No museum coverage or discounts on these days.)
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
16 posts
Laura,
Thanks for your reply. As I understand it, there will not be much difference if I use the half-fare card or the 4 day flexi Swiss pass when traveling in the Berner Oberland and going up the mountains. The slight advantage is with the Swiss Pass, I travel free to Murren and Wengen. With the half-fare card, I pay 50%.
Does the half fare card work also on the Allmendhubel funicular and the cable car to Murren?
With the Flexi-half fare combo, can I use the half-fare card before I use the flexi-pass? Or must I use the flexipass at least one day before I start using the half-fare card?
thanks
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
16 posts
Laura,
After spending hours figuring out train fares, route, etc, I think the half fare card offers almost the same benefits as the Swiss pass with more flexibility and less stress. Even at full price, this card is far cheaper than the pass and it offers about the same discount on the most expensive train routes to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. Thanks for your help.