Having read earlier posts about this area we are definitely taking the train but, We (four adults, with travel experience) are also having difficulty sorting out the Swiss pass, Half pass, Global Pass differences. So far our itinerary is to
arrive in Zurich, Switzerland in late August and are planning to end this part of our trip at the World's Expo in Milan 1 week later. Between those main destinations we wanted to include Jungfraujoch and Lake Como. Any suggestions regarding rail passes (Eurail, Swiss Pass, Half Pass?) and how best to see the glacier mountain and/lake district area?
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
If you're going to the Jungfrau then the savings just from that trip alone is enough to almost cover the cost of the Half Fare Card. So that's a no-brainer. Other than that you could do the calculations yourself to see.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
There's no 2-country pass including Italy and no benefit to a Global or Select pass for this trip. Train tickets for your short rides in Italy are very cheap to buy there. You should only compare the Swiss Travel Pass versus the Swiss Half-Fare Card: http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/switzerland-rail-passes. At $277 per person, the version of the pass for 4 consecutive days is pretty comprehensive, if your time within Switzerland happens to fit.