I will be starting my trip from ZRH on Aug 21 with an arrival around noon and then I need to catch a train to Interlaken Ost.
On August 27 I will need to take the train from Zermatt to Grindelwald and then back to ZRH on August 29.
What type of ticket should I get. Would point to point be best or should I get a saver day pass. Would you suggest purchasing the tickets now or wait and get them upon arrival.
If I wait will I have problems getting a train from ZRH to Interlaken as I need to arrive to catch up with my tour.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
You never have a problem getting a train at ZRH. Person buying at the last minute has the same rights to board the train as somebody who bought a ticket 6 months ago. With luck, you can make the 12:45 direct train to Interlaken Ost arriving at 3 PM.
Since the full fare point-to-point ticket is 77 CHF, you might purchase a Saver Day Pass now for 52 CHF. Then you can take train that day to anywhere in Switzerland by which ever route you choose. The same applies to your August 27 and 29 trips. So buy them now, spend 156 CHF total and you will be covered.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/saver-day-pass.html
Assume you are flying out on the 30th.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the information.
The flight arrives ZRH at 11:00am on August 21, do you think I could make the 1245pm train to Interlaken after picking up luggage? I am concerned if the flight is delayed and I have purchased a ticket, can I just jump on the next available one if I purchase the Saver Day Pass?
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
Yes, the Saver Day Pass allows you to take any train anywhere in Switzerland that day. So yes, if you miss the 12:45, there is another connection at 1:08 pm if I remember right, with a train change at Bern and Spiez. Same travel time.
In January, I landed at 10:25 and I was at the train station at 10:50. You might not have the luck I had, but it can be that quick. My bag was one of the first to come off the belt, so that was a stroke of luck. Just pointing out that Zurich airport can be that efficient.
And if you land at 11, you could make the 11:45 with a train change in Bern, or the 12:08 with changes at Bern and Spiez.
But you must buy the Saver Day Pass soon because the price goes up as you approach your travel date. Wait too long to buy, and the price will exceed the 77 CHF price, then it is not worth buying. Then just buy when you get to the station. Trains do not sell out.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
I assume you are doing a group hiking tour from Interlaken Ost to Zermatt. I looked at one to see what was involved. I noticed that it was to meet at Interlaken Ost at 10:30 am, and providing van transport to Adelboden. If that was your situation and running behind with a nominal arrival time at Interlaken Ost of 3 pm, you could go straight to Adelboden from Zurich airport. In that case, go to Bern, change to a train to Frutigen, then change to the Postbus to Adelboden. The Postbus goes once per hour.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Yes, doing a hiking trip and coming in a day prior. I was just concerned if the flight was late, and I purchased the tickets now could I grab a later train.
For the return we would be taking the train on Aug 29 from Grindelwald to ZRH for our departure on August 30.
I appreciate your help.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
Yes all 3 legs are over the 52 CHF current price for Saver Day Passes in August. Take any train, earlier if your plane is early, or later, if it is late. Your only problem would be if the flight got cancelled. Then you would just have to pony up for a new ticket.
If you are feeling chipper on your arrival, go to Interlaken via Luzern. Takes longer, but the train from Luzern to Interlaken Ost is very scenic. Sit on the right.