I purchased a 2nd class swiss travel pass, and I need to uograde to 1st class to use it on the Glacier Express. I have already reserved seats in the " excellence class," but need the actual train ticket. I am unable to make that upgrade. Not offered for a "one day" upgrade, and only offered for the "half fare" pass on the route specifc upgrade, on the Swiss Travelpass website link for upgading.Further, I am for some reason unable to make phone connection with SBB train. Help! Thank you
Jane
Posted by
Cloud
395 posts
It is possible to wait until you get there. I paid the difference on the train this is a common mix up that the conductors are prepared for.
I did not have to upgrade my STP to 1st; the conductors just charged me extra for the seat reservation in 1st.
Posted by
Switzerland
284 posts
I paid the difference on the train this is a common mix up that the conductors are prepared for.
Do not plan on purchasing any train tickets on the train. You need to have a valid ticket before getting on the train, the days of purchasing from the conductor are over - they can fine you (around CHF 90.00) on top of charging you for the ticket if you do this.
You have two good options:
- Buy the upgrade on the SBB app
- Buy the upgrade at any manned train station when you are in Switzerland, as long as you have it before getting on the train you are fine.
To upgrade on the SBB app:
- Choose your departure, destination, day and time
- Click on the red bar at the bottom of the screen that says “tickets from CHF and an amount”
- Next screen: Choose “Point-to-point class upgrade”
- Purchase upgrade
I did not have to upgrade my STP to 1st; the conductors just charged
me extra for the seat reservation in 1st.
Not possible. If you sit in first class you need a first class ticket. Perhaps you did not understand all that was happening. Very few trains require seat reservations, but every train requires you to pay for the first class ticket if you sit in first class!
Posted by
Chicago
3652 posts
I’d like to stress what SwissNomad said about making sure you have the correct ticket BEFORE you get on the train. On my June 2024 trip, I saw multiple train passengers receive fines from the conductors for sitting in 1st class with 2nd class tickets.
Posted by
Cloud
395 posts
Ok to clarify in 2019 I had a 2nd class STP on the Golden Pass train and bought the seat reservation in 1st in advance. And when the conductor checked he offered if I wanted to stay in first pay additional.