Which train pass? Lugano > BO > Zurich

we want to explore/hike all over the Berner Oberland, using the lifts and small trains.

There is the issue. On the Gimmelwald side, there is no advantage as the Swiss Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass, or Half Fare Card, since everything above Muerren is 50% off. On the other side of the valley, The STP is only free to Wengen, then 25% off above, where as the BOP is free all the way to Eigergletcher. If you go up to the Jungfraujoch, the HFC covers that at 50%.

Since you are there 5 nights total, get the 6-day BOP for 220 CHF with the HFC, which is another 120 CHF. So the HFC covers you from Lugano to Luzern, and Luzern to Zurich and Zurich to Zurich Airport. That makes a total outlay of 383 CHF. The 6-day STP costs 359 CHF. The difference of 24 CHF. So it all depends on how many trips above Wengen you make, but mainly whether or not you do the Jungfraujoch.

Thanks Sam. More pesky-detail questions, if you don’t mind… Where do you recommend purchasing the 1/2 price card + BO pass? Do you first buy the 1/2 price, so you can get the BO at lower price? Rick Steve’s website has both for sale, but the BO is listed at full price. Once we’re traveling, do train tickets need to be bought in person? So as to apply to 1/2 price discount?

You do not need to have the Half Fare Card in hand to buy the BOP with the Half Fare discount. You just need to have the HFC when using the BOP. If you did not have the HFC, the BOP would be invalid.

Rick Steves site is simply a pass through to Rail Europe. You can buy the BOP from direct at the website I proveded, and the Half Fare Card direct from SBB.

Here is the link for the HFC https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/inspiration/international-guests/swiss-halffare-card.html. Set up an SBB account and also download the app and login. When you buy your HFCs on the website while,logged in, they will appear in the app under “Tickets.” You can just show the conductor your HFC and any necessary ticket, I.e., from Lugano to Luzern.

Buy you BO Pass here https://www.berneroberlandpass.ch/de/all-in-1-ticket/ and save as a PDF to your phone to be shown on trains and lifts in the Berner Oberland.

I save both mine and my husband’s passes and tickets to my phone so I can buy everything together.

Thanks Sam & Laurel - much appreciated info!

I would not stay on night in Interlaken. Just continue all the way to Gimmelwald. (Although I would not stay in Gimmelwald either).

While it is true that Lugano - Interlaken is a long trip, the final part to Gimmelwald adds less than an hour. Saves your haveing to deal with the hassle of checking in to another hotel, unpacking, packing and checking out.

Swiss Public transit is very efficient and easy to use. You will find out that the travel is relaxing and stress free. If you stop in Interlaken you will quickly wish you went all the way to the mountains in stead.

Hi Wengen K - the reason for overnight in Interlaken is we'll be starting that day in Varenna, next to Lake Como. We'll take a boat to Mennagio, Bus to Lugano, and train to Lucerne, and finally to Interlaken. However, I hear what you're saying about wanting to be up in the mountains. You mentioned that "I would not stop in Gimmelwald, either" - why is that?

Hey Sam & Laurel - do either of you know if the BOP covers the gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald?

The BOP does cover the gondola to Gimmelwald. It covers all public transport, and most cable cars and mountain railways in the area.

Regarding Gimmelwald: It is tiny. If you want extreme quiet it is a good place. But there is not much in the place. Better stay in a bigger place like Murren or Wengen.

Hi WengenK - Yes, I know how tiny Gimmelwald is. I stayed there years ago. The idea is to gondola/train all over the valley to go hiking. and then come back to Gimmelwald at the end of the day. We'll see how it goes!