Hello -
We had planned to use our time most efficiently coming from Basel to Interlaken by taking a train over to Lucerne and picking up the Golden Pass. From a time perspective it makes most sense for us to take a 12:55 (I think the next one with a panoramic train is 2:55). I looked at Rail Europe and it's now showing no availability in 1st class with a eurail pass but does have availability without one (which is $122 for 2). I would prefer 1st class given that is where the panoramic cars are but has anyone taken 2nd class? Thanks!
Posted by
Oakland, CA
73 posts
I have ridden both first and second class on the Golden Pass and can't say I felt much of a difference. First class is a little roomier, but the views are equally amazing, in my opinion.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks Christine. I have read in several places 2nd class trains are older and the windows open for pictures but other places the cars have been replaced. When you went what did you experience and which portion of the Golden Pass (if not all) did you take?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Unless you are under 26 years of age, your Eurail pass should be a 1st class ticket. Also, you may be looking too far out on the schedule. One other thing is that I don't see any discount on the Golden Pass for your Eurail pass. CLICK HERE to see the Eurail pass benefits for Switzerland. If you wish to pursue further, you can email the Swiss rail site on their contact page at www.sbb.ch/en. They do respond within 48 hours. I have messaged them a few times about passes and they have always responded to my emails.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks Larry.
My Eurail pass is a First Class. The issue is that the reservation I want to make is showing up "N/A" for first class and available for 2nd class.
Also, when I looked a few days ago (and since I've been looking into our itinerary) it's been showing up available.
From everything I've read online the Golden Pass (and I think Bernina) are covered fully by the Eurail (and by other Swiss Passes)but I won't know for sure until I get my pass sometime this week in the mail.
I did email Rail Europe but I will take your suggestion and also email the Swiss Rail as well to ensure I'm finding the right information. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Larry - I looked on Eurail and your link. Prior I had looked up Golden Pass and it says the Eurail Pass is valid for the entire journey. Am I misunderstanding this? When I tried to book a reservation (on Rail Europe) for 2 on the Golden Pass last week in First Class on this same train time/day it was $24 with a Eurail Pass but $122 w/o. Am I missing something?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Ali, the link that I provided above was from the same website. The link that I provided does not list the Golden Pass. However, the link you provided does. I tend to lean towards your link. It makes more sense that your pass will cover the trip. However, checking with www.sbb.ch/en won't hurt either. Below is a some information that I got from another site on supplemental fees for Eurail pass holders. It says that the supplemental fee is 4-11Euros. This may help as well. The free trains are local trains that run on the same tracks.
Golden Pass NO 4 - 11Euros
Euros Reservation always necessary for 1st Class seats above engineer (facing forward). For regular seats, reservations necessary on 3 trains per day (from Zweisimmen @ 10:44, 12:44, and 16:44; from Montreux @ 10:28, 14:28, 16:28; confirm exact schedules online or locally). Trains at other times run approx every 2 hours, use the same observation cars, run the same speed, and are free.
Posted by
Peoria, Illinois, USA
48 posts
I made reservations from Interlaken to Montreux a few weeks ago and it was quite simple from the Golden Pass website. I talked to someone in their office first because I had some questions, but reservations can only be made from their website. There are four of us traveling with Eurail passes; two in first and two youth in second. From Interlaken to Zweisimmen we will be split into 1st and 2nd cars, but then all four will be sitting in the front seats to Montreux. All that we are paying is the normal 'supplement' for the front seats and an upgrade fee for the two 2nd class ticket holders.
Posted by
Peoria, Illinois, USA
48 posts
P.S. There are layouts of the train cars on the website and it tells you which seats are still available.
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks Tania! The website was down yesterday (Golden Pass) but is now working so that I have been able to register and can see what you describe (car layouts, schedules, etc).
It shows 5 CHF for a reservation. Does it assume you have a pass of some sort and that is the supplement price per person? I figure I'd reserve and ask later but since you posted perhaps you know?
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Thanks Larry! I am waiting to hear back from Rail Europe, Swiss Rail and the Golden Pass website directly (their registration process isn't working). I've noticed the Swiss Rail website only shows fares 1 month out too so I'm not surprised it's not really showing Golden Pass for May 25 which is the date I'm targeting. Rail Europe wants to charge extra $24 for 2 in first class- so about $12USD each for the reservation so that sounds about right. Thanks again for the information!
Posted by
OP
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
Larry - I heard back from Swiss Rail who told me to purchase tickets via the Golden Pass website and not Swiss Rail (interesting). http://www.mob.ch/GPS/produits/gpp1.asp (which I already tried to do!)
I heard back from the Golden Pass website also about their issues with registering and they are telling me they should be fixed today or tomorrow.