Train Pass Help - STP OR Half Fare + Berner Oberland

If it was my trip, I would get the swiss travel pass as it will cover you in all 3 of the regions you will be in. You will need to pay for some of the mountain trips that are just discounted--Pilatus, Schilthorn, Mannlichen, Gornergrat and/or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

For transport that is fully covered, the Pass is your ticket. Just show to the conductor.

No matter which option you chose, no need to buy tickets ahead of time. But with the half fare card, yes you do need to buy tickets. Easy to do if you have the SBB app on your phone.

Have a great trip!!

With the HFC plus BORP, you only have to buy tickets for ZRH to Luzern, Luzern activities, Brig to Zermatt and Zermatt to Milan. All the rest covered by BORP. Some items you still need to buy tickets regardless like Schilthorn.

For Pilatus, Schilthorn and Gornergrat, you get 50 pc discount with either strategy, and Zermatt to Milan you have to buy a ticket, you just get get a bigger discount with STP.

Jungfraujoch will be cheaper with HFC plus BORP than HFC, and Mannlichen will be fully covered whereas you will have buy tickets with STP.

With the Half Fare Card + BO pass, you just hop on the train in the area of validity. No need to book tickets. For areas outside the BO Pass coverage, you would use the HFC rate and buy those train tickets separately.

Keep in mind that the STP does not cover “recreational” trips in the BO area 100%, whereas the BO Pass DOES covers these 100%. Examples include: Mannlichen, First, Allmendhubel, Eiger Express, schnigye Platte, Kleinne Scheidigg. Schilthorn is not covered 100% by any pass.

Since you will be in the BO area for the majority of your time, I would get the HFC + BO Pass. Then use the HFC for tickets in the other areas.

https://www.berneseoberlandpass.ch/assets/Uploads/BLS-BO-Pass-M-23-WEB.pdf

Unless your flight arrives late, I would stay in Lucerne on the first night. One less Time having to pack/unpack. It’s just over an hour train ride.

this was my worry, that i would get advice for both options of train passes, which I suppose means I can't go wrong with either? thanks all so far.

Like most things in Switzerland, no wrong choices. 😊

To know for sure which is the better "deal" you'd have to price everything out under both options.

Whatever makes the most sense to you, is what you should get. And then no second guessing yourself. Go and have a great time!!!

With the STP, all the modes to Mt Rigi and Mt Stanserhorn are completely covered; Mt Pilatus is only discounted.
I go for the convenience , and always get the STP. Then I find I use it for unplanned outings, like boat rides, because I can decide at the last minute. Not buying individual tickets each time is wonderfully convenient.
If you but the STP in advance, you can have an electronic and print copy , and put the digital copy in your Apple Wallet. You can access your Apple Wallet off-line.
I am so jealous, as you're going to my favorite country. Enjoy, and please report back. Safe travels!

Sorry for the very delayed reply, but I wanted to share that I ended up going with the Half Fare + BO Pass combo and it was perfect for our itinerary! Thanks all for the suggestions.

Glad to know you were happy with you decision. With 5 nights in Muerren, the BO Pass probably worked best. Unfortunately, for 2024, the discount for the Half Fare Card has been reduced. More number crunching.