Hi all!
I have a question about Swiss Travel Passes that I can't find an answer to anywhere online. If, on a given day, you are not travelling by public transit, but want to use the Swiss Pass discounted rate for a gondola/cable car ride, does that count as a day of pass activation? (These rides are not included free on the pass, but usually have half-rates for pass holders.) We are just trying to calculate how many days we need, and there are a few days where are only mode of transport will be gondola, so I can't tell if we need to count those as "pass days" or not. Thanks very much in advance for any guidance! (p.s. we're getting the "flex" passes that don't need to be used on contiguous days. They allow you to travel 6 or 8 days during a month period.)
Posted by
Chicago
8448 posts
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass it has a set range of dates for when it is valid. You need to count everyday as pass day in that range even if you just you use a gondola where the Swiss Travel Pass only gives you a discounted ride. For example if you are in Lauterbrunnen and want to go to the top of the Schilthorn, the Swiss Travel Pass would only cover you up to Murren a village with hotels at 8000 feet with a gondola that goes all the way to the top of the Schilthorn.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6460 posts
Anytime you show your pass, even to buy a discounted ticket on a lift, counts as a use day.
Enjoy this beautiful country!
Posted by
Wengen
3119 posts
The pass has to be active for it to be used as a discount pass. So on a Swiss Travel Pass Flex you need to activate a day. One a countinuous pass you still need to be within its range.
That does make the Flex Pass rarely a good buy.
If you are going to be mostly moving around within an area, and only do big moves only on a few days you are better off buying the Half Fare Card, and just buying tickets (or Day Passes) for your big travel days.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1006 posts
I would not recommend the Flex Pass. It’s the worst deal of pretty much all you can get. It may seem good for the flexibility, but you overpay for that. If you share your full itinerary plan, we can give recommendations for your best option.