My husband and I will be in Switzerland early September for two weeks. We are flying in/out of Zurich and our itinerary includes Luzern (3 nights), Wengen (4 nights), Zermatt (3 nights), and Montreux (2 nights). We can't decide between the STP or the half fare Card. We are not interested in going to Jungfraujoch, but are interested in other mountain excursions including Mt. Rigi, Pilatus Kulm, Schilthorn, and the Gornergrat. It appears that the discounted price for the majority of mountain excursions is the same with STP or the half fare card. If we purchase the half fare card, is it necessary to purchase a ticket at the station each time before we travel to another city? Does the STP eliminate the extra step of having to purchase a ticket for each leg of the trip? Also, STP has 1st class option but it's unclear if the half fare card offers the same option. Any suggestions or recommendations would be most helpful! Thanks
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off any ticket you buy, whether it is in first or second class on the train or boat. There is no separate version for first class tickets. But you do need to purchase tickets for each and every ride. So it is more flexible than a Swiss Travel Pass, but less convenient.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6455 posts
Sounds like a fun trip. The Swiss trains are really nice. I don't think 1st class is necessary, IMO. I purchased the STP. I don't recall buying or picking up any tickets, except where the STP only paid for a partial trip (Schilthorn). With the pass, we hit some places that were included that we probably wouldn't have gone to otherwise. Those include the art museum and the panaramic painting in Luzern, which we enjoyed. The chateau in Montreux is included in the STP, BTW.
If you do want to ride on the scenic trains, you need to make a reservation and pay an additional amount.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
With the STP, the regional scenic trains are completely included. The regional trains run on the same tracks as the busier panoramic trains, but aren't crowded , require no seat reservation, have windows that open, and more flexible scheduling.
With the STP, one doesn't not have to buy tickets, you just walk on, ( except for the noted lift exclusions.)
In Lucerne, the STP covers the open air Cabrio lift to Mt. Stanserhorn, which is an easy 20 minute train ride to the lift. This is a great option for seeing sunsets, and there are two options for food at the summit. Don't know why RS doesn't include this in the guide books.
I agree, second class is very nice on Swiss trains, I have always been quite comfortable in second class.
Would you consider taking a night from Zermatt and adding it to Montreaux?
Have a great trip in this beautiful country!
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
I did a similar trip this past June and had the 15-day 1st class STP. Having traveled both 1st and 2nd class in Switzerland, I do prefer 1st. No crowds at all so plenty of room for luggage and you can easily more from side to side on the train to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. Also, if you plan any boat rides, the 1st class seats are the upper deck.
Adding the link to my trip report as you may find it helpful
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-my-trip-report
Posted by
OP
Michigan
15 posts
Thanks all for the helpful suggestions and travel trips. We definitely want to visit many of the museums throughout Switzerland and the Chateau in Montreux. I think the STP might be our best option. I like the convenience of the STP along with the discounts it includes.
We have overlapping reservations for Montreux and Zermatt. We were told that the weather in Zermatt can be "iffy" so we allowed and extra day for cloudy/rainy weather. As we get closer to our departure, we are going to reevaluate our time in Zermatt.
Stanserhorn has been added to our itinerary - it is definitely something we would enjoy!
Thanks again!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
I would say the STP is a good choice for you. You will enjoy the convenience.
Note that the Rigi round trip from Luzern (boat to Vitznau, cogwheel train, cablecar down to Weggis and boat back to Luzern) is fully covered with the Swiss Pass.
Here is a copy of the map that is included with your pass, so you can see what is fully covered, and what is not.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
15 posts
The advice on the 1st class STP and the coverage map was helpful.
Carrie, your trip report (I read all of them) is fantastic and full of helpful information! Thanks for sharing your travel experiences. We are staying at both of the hotels you noted in Montreux and Wengen. It's always nice to get feedback from another traveler.
Thanks again!