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Swiss Travel Pass worth the money?

We will take the train from Zurich airport to Luzern. Sleep in Luzern 3 nights then take the train to Basel and board a riverboat. Trying to figure out if the Swiss Pass is worth the money. We would like to do a day trip up to Mt. Pilatus, a boat trip around Lake Luzern, and use public transportation daily while we are in Luzern. From my calculations it seems like the Swiss Pass is probably about $50 more than buying the tickets individually.

Here is the big question....how difficult or time consuming can purchasing tickets for each method of transportation be for a couple of 50 somethings? Am I crazy to want to pay extra for the convenience of showing a pass and going everywhere I want? Is it worth it not to stand in line at train stations or deal with the hassle of having lots of CHF with me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Posted by
16895 posts

Is that $50 more per person? Note that Kriens-Pilatus-Alpnachstad is only discounted 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass, so you will buy a ticket for that, but lower-level trains, lake boats, city transport, and many museums are covered. Of course, the best laid plans can change, due to weather or other distractions. With a pre-paid pass, you're covered for whatever you decide to do. With individual tickets, you only pay for what you actually do.

Posted by
18 posts

Yes, $50 per person...however the pass seems so easy.