The more I read on the Switzerland rail passes, the more confused I get...Please someone help me with the right choice.
Geneva to Montreux via train, and being based out of Montreux ( 4 nights ) , we would like to take the Golden Pass Belle Epoque from Montreux to Zweisinnen, ( 1st class splurge if possible ) then return from Zweisinnen ( same day ) to Guyeres, spend some time, then train back to Montreux. We are also planning to take the train to Zermott for a day and return to Montreux.. We will also have to return to Geneva at the end of our 4 nights in Montreux. Also, we hope to spend a day in Annecy, France when we are in Geneva...
After adding the point to point rail tickets - is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex the best option ? We will need it for 4 days but 2 of those days are Geneva to Montreux and reverse ..
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
For many befudled folks , the Half Fare Card works best. What is difficult to predict is what else you'll be doing, like boat rides, etc. Your problem is common, and unless you pencil out every possible use of a Pass, (Chateau Chillon, perhaps?) you need to be comfortable in whatever decision you make. I've always been happy with second class, as Swiss trains are so comfortable and clean and user- friendly.
I've included your earlier post so folks who have already contributed aren't confused with the two posts.
Enjoy this beautiful country. Safe travels!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2006 posts
Without knowing how many are in your travel group, their ages and when you’re traveling— there’s no way of telling what would save you money. Currently, “Saver Day Passes” and “Day Pass for 2” are on sale.
www.SBB.ch has the answers
Posted by
OP
Wisconsin
16 posts
Thank you both for your advice... there are 2 of us traveling and we have 3 full days in Switzerland. Since I don't have the luxury of waiting for a better weather day - we will just have to go with the days we have and wing it. We are going in April. We both wanted a train ride to see the scenery and after researching what we could do without it being a full day on the train, the Belle Epoque really stood out. If I am reading the rail passes right, we can take it RT from Montreux. Does anyone know if on the return, we could get off and go to Guyeres and then return the same day to Montreux ? The other day we want to go to Zermott - if only to wander the town and see the Matterhorn from there.
So the itinerary is : ( as of today but not in stone )
April 10 - we will be flying from Munich to Geneva, train to Montreux
April 11 - The Belle Epoque train RT to Zweisinnen, get back on it and get off at Montbovon, another train to Guyeres, explore the town, train to Montreux
April 12 - train to Zermott, explore the town, return train to Montreux
April 13 - free day to explore around Montreux
April 14 - train to Geneva for 2 nights
April 15 - train to Annecy, France, explore the town & train back to Geneva
April 16 - Geneva to the USA
Any comments, suggestions, the best rail ticket for this - anything - is so appreciated...I will check out the discounted saver tickets also since we have the dates set...
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
If you'd rather, these vloggers also have a consulting service and will gladly make your choices for you
Posted by
Switzerland
160 posts
Here is what I would do:
- Geneva - Montreux puchase a regular ticket for 32.00
- Zweisimmen/Gruyères day - get a second class Saver Day Pass for 52.00 and purchase a class upgrade for the Montreux - Zweisimmen portion, or purchase the first class Saver Day Pass for 88.00 and travel first class all day long. Buy the Saver Day Pass 6 months before your travel date as the cheapest ones sell out fast.
- Zermatt day - Saver Day Pass 52.00
- Montreux - Geneva regular ticket 32.00
https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/saver-day-pass.html
Total train tickets = 168.00. You need to spend more than 240.00 for the Half Fare Card to be worthwhile, so no point in getting that.