What is the best Swiss train pass we should get for 8 days in Switzerland. We plan to travel from Basel, Lucern, Interlaken, Bern, and end in Zurich. Is that too many towns to get too over 8 days? Is the Bern and Interlaken area available for interesting travel in mid April?
Any other tips you have?? Hotels, hikes, restaurants?
Thank you,
Debbie
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34358 posts
adults and kids? How many?
Posted by
OP
Midwest
31 posts
Just two adults.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5874 posts
Do you have eight days or eight nights? Will you be jet lagged?
Unless you have an early flight, no reason to be in Zurich the night before. It's easy to get to the Zurich airport from Lucerne or Bern. Lucerne is probably the most charming of the Swiss cities you listed, as it's situated on a lake and around the Chapel Bridge, over the river.
Download the SBB app to research train distances and times. Note that the various Swiss passes are good for boat rides and some lifts. For instance, out of Lucerne you have the boat and cogwheel train to Mt Rigi, all covered by the STP, along with the open-air Cabrio cable car to Mt. Stanserhorn.
I wouldn't recommend one-night stays, and two nights equals one full day.
The RS Guide book is a great resource for this beautiful country.
What are your interests ? Safe travels.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1041 posts
Which pass are you considering, the Travel Pass or the Travel Pass Flex? It comes down the following question, are you going to take the train for 8 consecutive days or 8 non-consecutive days within a month? You probably need the Flex Pass.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
It is not easy to answer as itineraries differ from person to person. Is your itinerary mostly in one Canton or will you go to several locations? Do you want access to high elevations or mostly plan to ride trains from city to city?
This page has some good decision making info and tools https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/compare/.