We are two couples planning a month in Europe. We plan on spending 8 nights in Switzerland. We are wondering if the Swiss Pass or the Swiss Half Fare card is the better option. Last year we traveled by train in France. We found purchasing our tickets through Captain Train early saved us money. So, should we purchase individual tickets early (point to point) using the Half Fare card or should we purchase a Swiss Pass. We plan to travel Strasbourg to Zermatt (3 nights), Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen (3 nights), Lucerne (2 nights). Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You don't need to purchase tickets early and Switzerland only rarely has advance-purchase discounts. The Half-Fare Card allows you to buy all tickets for half price on the spot at stations (as well as online).
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass for 8 consecutive days, about $380 per person, it gives you a lot of freedom and coverage during that time, but doesn't cover Lucerne to Zurich airport or a border on day 9 (also not mentioned on your list). I think that the pass will pay for itself easily, since I roughly estimate your 3 longer train rides at $270 per person (starting from Basel), and then throw in lots of mountain discounts and smaller coverage that will add up. It's possible that the math for the Half-Fare Card would come out to a similar total, but not cover museums or offer any hop-on convenience.
Posted by
OP
Redding, California
244 posts
Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate your help. Around 5 years ago we traveled to Switzerland. At that time I purchased a Swiss Pass when it was on sale. Do you know if they will be going on sale any time soon?