Heading to Switzerland in Sept '26, and have been looking over all the different pass options. I know this topic has been discussed, but when I try and figure out what works best specifically for our plans, I get overwhelmed and could really use help from those who have had more experience with this.
We will be there for 6 days (2 people),staying in Lauterbrunnen, and not including possible changes/skipping something, due to weather (which I understand could happen), these are the areas we would like to see...
Zurich airport to Lucerne to Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen via Luzern-Interlaken Express.
Murren/Gimmelwalk/Schilthorn
Grindelwalk/Grindelwald First/Skywalk
Mannlichen
Schynige Platte/Wilderswil
Lake Brienz
Then we will take the train from Lauterbrunnen/Interlaken to Basel (I believe this would be through Bern?)
When trying to calculate all of it, I think the Berner Oberland pass and the Half Fare Pass would cover most of this in the best way possible, but I'm not sure.
Would greatly appreciate any input for this first timer!
Posted by
Green Bay
22948 posts
That would work, assuming 6 days means 5 nights.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for your reply. Yes, 5 nights, 6 full days (our last day we catch the 4:30 train). So, the Berner Oberland and half fare passes would be most economical?
Posted by
Green Bay
22948 posts
Yes, you get a 96 CHF discount on the 6-day BOP with the Half Fare Card, which can also be used for Zurich Airport to Luzern and Bern to Basel. Either will give discounts for Grindelwald to First and back.
Posted by
Los Angeles
5458 posts
There are websites with calculators you can use, or you can pay the site owners to do some maths for you.
If you're really overwhelmed, just get a half fare pass and be done with it.
Just be prepared to spend a lot on trains in CH, because that's just how it works. But since they work, it's worth it. Find other places to cut back, like eating in supermarket cafeterias or picnicking.