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What kind of pass do I need? Help!

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Flying into Geneva then taking train to Bern (2 nights) will visit Museums. Then taking train/cable? from Bern to Murren (2 nights) plan to Jungfraujoch, Shilthorn, Grindelwald ect and plan to take the mountain trains, gondolas, cable cars and funiculars to see most of the Berner/Oberland Alps.
From there we plan to stay in Interlaken for 3 nights (also need recommendations on hotel with private bathroom). Then taking "Ost" train to Lucerne and will stay 2 nights to see museums, lake. Then back on the train to Zurich for 1 night only.
Total time in Switzerland 10 nights/11 days and taking train 5 times to our destinations. Plus we would like to take all the mountain trains and lifts as described. This is for 2 adults and we will not be driving. What kind of pass should we purchase? Also where should we purchase?
It gets very confusing and any suggestions would be very helpful!

With gratitude,
JM and AL

Posted by
20090 posts

I would suggest a Half Fare Card for 120 CHF plus a 6-day Berner Oberland Pass, which 220 CHF when you have a Half Fare Card. The BO Pass will save you a lot of money going to the Jungfraujoch, as well as cover trains from Bern to Muerren to Interlaken to Luzern. Beyond that, the Half Fare Card will save on Geneva to Bern, Luzern Lake Boats, to Zurich and local transport in Zurich and train to the airport.

BTW, I would just stay in Muerren for 5 days, and Luzern for 3 days. Less packing up, checking out, checking in, unpacking.

Posted by
11321 posts

Echoing Sam’s wise advice and I would I underscore staying in Mürren and Luzern. Interlaken cannot compare. It is only a 20 minute train ride to get to Interlaken from Lauterbrunnen if you want to cruise one of the lakes.

Posted by
11321 posts

As to where to purchase, both can be purchased online. Get the SBB app for your phone and sign up for an account. Your Half Fare Cards will be available in the app. Last fall the BO Reg Pass was still paper so buy it online before you travel and carry the print outs.

Posted by
20090 posts

You can also buy it at Geneva airport train station. Do it all at once, Half Fare Card, Berner Oberland Pass, and ticket to Bern.

In addition to the digital options for obtaining the Berner Oberland Pass, you can also buy it at ticket offices in railway stations and in most tourist offices as well as at Zurich and Geneva airport stations. In Europe, the Berner Oberland Pass is available at most Swiss Travel System sales points.

Posted by
11321 posts

Just FYI, I tried to buy our BO passes in Brif at the SBB office last year and, much to my surprise, they didn’t have them. I went online on my phone and bought them and forwarded the email with the passes to the agent at the station and she printed them. Very accommodating but I won’t wait to buy this year. Does not appear they have gone to using an app for that particular pass just yet,

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