Hello!
Any advice on when to purchase a train ticket for Zürich Flughafen to Luzern? Is it the same price if I purchase it when I arrive at the airport versus purchasing ahead of time? Or is it similar to purchasing a plane ticket.......need to book in advance to get best fare? I have read a lot about the SBB system and now I am thoroughly confused! I doubt I will be using the transportation system for anything more than this particular trip on the day that I arrive. Once I am in Luzern, I will likely walk or use the local town system. I meet up with a small hiking group after about 5 days, and this tour group will have the necessary transportation tickets for me once we begin our hiking journey.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Elizabeth
Posted by
Winter Park, Florida
348 posts
I will be taking the train from Zurich airport to Lucerne this Thursday following flight from Chicago scheduled to arrive at 7:45am. There are 2 direct trains per hour on this route and the flexible ticket costs only $40, so little savings by advanced purchase. Also no reserved seats on this regional train. Just buy the fully flexible ticket online at SBB website or app or at station when you arrive. You can take any train that day and sit in any seat.
Posted by
Wengen
4153 posts
This is trivial mass transit. Used by people to go about their everyday life.
Just buy a ticket when you have reached the station. From a ticket vending machine, the ticket counter, or using the app. Then just find your train and get on. Trains run every half hour.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thanks so much!
Posted by
San Diego, California
7248 posts
Once in Lucerne, if you're visiting Mt Rigi or Mt Stanershorn or Mt Pilatus, the half-fare card or STP could save you money. The boat ride and cogwheel train to Rigi is a beautiful journey. The sunset at Stanserhorn, along with the open air Cabrio cable car to get to the summit, is great. Perhaps research what you may be doing for that five days, and come back regarding the various passes.
Wishing you a beautiful trip!
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thanks also for the information on the smartest fare to buy once I am in Luzern!
Posted by
San Diego, California
7248 posts
Actually, the better plan would be to buy a half-fare card or STP before your first train ride in Switzerland. Everyone is confused about the various passes. There are some good u-tube videos explaining the options. The Swiss rail system is world -class and a delight to use.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
16 posts
This is starting to make more sense to me. Since I have a few days to explore while in Luzern (prior to meeting up with the hiking group), it makes the most sense for me to purchase the 3 day Swiss Travel Pass. I appreciate your recommendations! Thanks to you all :)
Posted by
San Diego, California
7248 posts
Download the SBB rail app. Note that the prices presume you already have at least the half-fare card, so double the prices for your planning. Also, if you show your card for discount, that counts as a use day.
Safe travels!
Posted by
Green Bay
23716 posts
I am not sold on the STP for a few days in Luzern. If you wanted to do Rigi on your arrival day, you might look at the Saver Day Pass. The price goes up as you approach your travel date. Right now, it is 97 CHF for a week from today.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/offers/saver-day-pass
Meanwhile, just for around Luzern, you will get a guest pass if you are staying in a hotel in Luzern that will give you free public transport in the immediate vicinity during your stay. There are also some discounts associated with the guest pass for trips farther afield.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Sam,
Thanks so much. This makes sense to me. I watched more videos and read more on line about the various ways to get discounted fares. I am staying at a hotel, and totally forgot that they offer a guest pass! I really do appreciate this help.
Now to try to find an indoor pool for working out :)
Vielen Dank!
Elizabeth