Cannot find the answer to this question on the Golden Round Trip website, the Swiss Pass website, or this website. I know that the individual parts of it are discounted--the cogwheel train, gondola, etc. But can't find anywhere whether there is a discount when purchasing the total package/excursion. Also, I am assuming that you can come and go as you choose--within the schedule of trains/boats--if you purchase this round trip--is that correct?
Posted by
OP
San Luis Obispo, California, usa
33 posts
No, not the train. There is an excursion from Lucerne to the top of Mt. Pilatus called the Golden Round Trip. It includes bus, cogwheel train to the top, gondola ride down and boat ride back to Lucerne.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Sharon, i believe the swiss pass will give you a 50% discount, i had researched this a few years ago for our trip, but could not do it because of the weather. I tried finding the info on the Mt Pilatus website just now, but did not find it, but many unofficial website said you get 50% discount for that route. Hope the weather is nice for you! Hope this helps!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
123 posts
If you have a Swiss Pass - it's 21.30 EURO according to this 2010 price list.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17442 posts
Good catch, salsachica---the page I found didn't have those rductions listed. Now Sharon has her answer.
Posted by
OP
San Luis Obispo, California, usa
33 posts
Thanks so much--I had found a pdf link to what must be the reverse side of that brochure, with the timetable, but not the one for the fares. Really appreciate it!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
123 posts
No problem - you really have to dig for it.
So where do most people buy their swiss passes? Rail europe or RS site?
Posted by
OP
San Luis Obispo, California, usa
33 posts
Good question, I'd like to know the answer to that, too. Although, I'm still trying to figure out whether it is worth it for us to buy one.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
123 posts
I'm seeing the same price $205 for the Swiss pass saver on RS site and Rail Europe.
There is a summer sale:
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
We bought our pass a few years ago at the station at Basel. We had arrived by boat. If you are going into the country by train, I am not sure if you can buy it at the departing station in the country you are leaving from. Yes, you can use the pass whenever you travel. Just remember to show the pass immediately when you go to teh window. We forgot on one of the gondolas till after the tickets had been processed and we could not get the fellow to cancel them and re-issue them. Our fault, but annoying at the time.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17442 posts
If you buy from Raileurope or from Rick you pay in dollars, with no foreign transaction fees, and the shipping/handling is $18. From Rick you get a 20% off shopping spree that can be useful. From RailEurope you may get a $20 SIM card offer from ekit.
If you buy when you arrive in Switzerland, you pay in CHF, with no shipping/handling fee, but you do pay the FTF (around 3%) if you use a credit card.
It often comes down to the exchange rate, as the cost in dollars is fixed at a certain date and doesn't change daily like the currency exchange rate does.