My wife and I will be in Switzerland for four days in June. We arrive in Lucerne from Paris by train on a Friday (big thanks to forum users for help deciphering those options in another post) and stay there two nights. Then we head by train to lauterbrunnen for two nights. After that, we take the train to Venice for the Italy portion of our trip. I am trying to figure out if the four-day Swiss pass is worth it. We will probably be moving around a lot.... Cable cars, trains, boats,etc. But I still wonder if it might just be better to buy as we go. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about/with the Swiss pass.
Thanks,
D
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
You can model your train etc itin on Ricks railpass section for u to model.
I did alot more than u last yr and my friend and i did better with a swiss half fare pass.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11316 posts
I always have to do a spreadsheet when we go to Switzerland to see what is best. I have NEVER been able to make a Swiss Travel Pass work, but the Half-Fare Card usually noodles out.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
To find ticket prices on the mountain rides, see details in the text of Rick's Lucerne chapter for Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus (both fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass this year) and p. 129 for the Lauterbrunnen area. That's likely to be faster than looking them up through www.sbb.ch (where the initial "from" fare shown is always the half-fare). Ticket prices for Mt. Schilthorn are also at http://schilthorn.ch/en/Angebot/Timetable__Tariffs/Price_Single_tickets.
I have no doubt that at least the one-month Half-Fare Card would save money. The bigger pass would add hop-on convenience for any transport that's fully covered (to the Italian border) and also covers museums.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Rail Europe has started a new coupon offer today on some versions of the Swiss Travel Pass, specifically for 30% off first-class, consecutive-day passes which are e-ticketed and pre-validated for travel starting on or before June 30, 2017. You must enter the coupon code at check out. This offer is limited in both date and number of customers. Do read the Terms and Conditions before booking. Second-class passes are still a bit cheaper and we think 2nd class if fine.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you everyone for your responses. You have provided some excellent information. We are so excited!