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Swiss Train Passes - 2 choices

Posted by (Fountain Valley, California, USA) on

I have read the RS chapter, and done the math on two options for Swiss Travel passes for our short trip to Switzerland. At this point i think i just need some confirmation that my thinking and planning are correct and will give us the best use of purchased passes. Right now i'm considering either the 4 day flexi pass or the 4-day consecutive pass (either way we would have to purchase ala carte tix from Zurich to Lucerne on apr 11 and then Zurich city to airport on apr 16).

Here is our itinerary:
apr 11 arrive Zurich airport, train to Lucerne, 2 night stay
apr 12 in Lucerne, (possible side train trip to Interlaken, or possible boat excursion)
apr 13 train to Lauterbrunnen, 2 night stay,
apr 14 (possible mountain lift up to Jungfrau or Schilthorn) go to Murren?
apr 15 train to Zurich
apr 16 train to airport for return to USA

My question would be, is there any advantage that the 4 day flexi pass would have over the 4 consecutive day pass? Would the boats/buses/mountain lifts be considered use of a 'day' if i understand RS explanation, it sounds as if they are not. It's too bad there is not a 6-day option. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
219 posts

Boats/buses/mountain lifts ARE considered use of a flexi pass day.

Interlaken is mainly only the train gateway to Lauterbrunnen, so don't make a separate trip from Lucerne to Interlaken, when you'll be staying in Lauterbrunnen during the next stage of your trip. Instead, use your 2 nights in Lucerne to enjoy Lucerne and its close-by surrounding area.

Posted by
17424 posts

Your first and last days are not worth covering with a day onnthe pass. Zurich to Luzern is only 26 CHF, and Zurich tomthe airport even less.

For the remaining four days, a consecutive-day Pass for four days will cost less and provide all the coverage you need. The e-version does not require shipping and is even less expensive.

Posted by
16895 posts

Various features of the Swiss Travel Pass have changed every January over the past few years. Our Swiss info online is more up-to-date than the guidebook.

The other responders are correct that the flexi pass gives you no benefit for this plan and is more expensive. During your stay in Luzern, the pass covers trains, boats, city trams and buses, and some museums. See a summary of which lifts are covered or discounted on the link above and on the 2018 Swiss Travel System map.

Posted by
21144 posts

If you go to Lauterbrunnen first from Zurich Airport, it would be a bit more efficient as you would not have to spend the last night in Zurich, but go directly to your flight from Luzern. It is only 1 hour on hourly direct train.

Have you looked at the 8- day pass? I see that the Swiss Travel Pass now covers the Schilthornbahn ride all the way to the top.

And did you look at the Half Fare card? Usually saves more money, but does mean you still have to by a ticket for each trip.

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