We will be spending 2 weeks in Switzerland and want to visit several museums as well as take rail/boat excursions...so we have decided to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass. I have a couple of questions first - *Is it better to purchase once we arrive or online? *Has anyone used the online method and paid for the express delivery? *Is there enough difference in first and second class to warrant the extra first class expense? It seems like I've heard it isn't but wanted to double-check.
Next...we will be taking francs but want to make sure of how easy it is to use a credit card...(MasterCard)
Thank you so much! This group has been such a help with previous questions making my planning go much smoother.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16338 posts
Your MasterCard should work fine in Switzerland (assuming it has a chip) but may not work for online purchases from SBB.
You have several options for buying the Swiss Pass without paying any shipping. You should compare prices in dollars and Swiss francs to see what is best.
Assuming you are thinking of the 15-day consecutive pass for your two-week trip, here is what I found:
Purchased on arrival in Switzerland from SBB, 458 CHF ($476 at today's conversion rate)
Purchased on this website with UPS standard shipping: $499 ( no charge for standard shipping as you are over the minimum, but you needed some lead time for this)
Purchased on this site as a print-at-home e-Pass, $455
Since the last one is least expensive and most convenient,mthat would be my choice
We have only traveled second class in Switzerland on our four 2-week trips. I would not pay the extra for first class, especially since many of the smaller mountain trains don't even have a first class.
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thank you! Which site has the print at home epass? That sounds like the best option to me as well...thanks for showing the comparisons. Also...our card does have a chip so that's good to know it will work fine.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16338 posts
This site sells the railpasses (or actually sends you to RailEurope for the purchase).
Look for "shop online) on the left, at the bottom. RailPasses should show up as an option there. Choose Switzerland and then just follow the links tomthenone younwant.
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Thanks for the plug, Lola. Actually, the Swiss Travel Pass for 15 consecutive days is $455 per person whether delivered by UPS or e-ticketed. Looks like you accidentally picked up the higher rate for 15 days within a month.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4412 posts
Your card may have a chip, most do now, but that's not what you need in Europa. You need a chip and PIN card! Both those things.
Do some google for that phrase and see the difference. also check out the Andrews FCU website to find out how it works.