We will be in Switz for 8 days. There will be 6 of us. We will arrive Zurich and head to Lucerne for 1 night then to Brienz for 7 night as a home base . We are planning on the following trips. Wondering about passes. I have posted previously, but think we are getting closer. Zurich to Lucerne Lucerne to Brienz R/T Brienz to Montreax R/T Brienz to Zermatt R/T Brienz to Jungfrachoch R/T Brienz to Guyeres R/T Thun Plus a passage on Lake Brienz Depart Brienz and head to Salzburg.
My thought was initially to purchase the half fare card, We felt we would spend $110. pp and then all of those trips we would save half. However looking at fares it seems it would make sense to take advantage of the b1g1 Swiss pass 4 day. We were thinking we could buy 2 of them that would cover all 8 days and it would cost us approx $250 pp for both passes. If I understand correctly it seems this would include all trips with the exception of the transportation up Jungfrachoch. Would love some input to see if we are understanding the way the Swiss Pass would work. Thank you again!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You descripton above is my understanding as well as long as the person with the Saver pass has a traveling companion. I believe the two must travel together. I don't know if both names are on the ticket. Next, I believe that these are 4-day passes. I see that you will be traveling on more than 4 days. What I don't know is if you get a discount for traveling on the off days. I'd like to see more comments on this pass as we have used the 1/2-fare card previously and this one looks attractive for our next trip to Switzerland.
Posted by
OP
Grand island, Ny
249 posts
Hi Larry. Well our intent was to possibly by each person 2 of the 4 day passes. That would give us total 8 days. A couple questions I still have are if we have 4 day pass it states consecutive days traveled, what if we decide to stay in a town 2 days and actually do not travel. Would it void our pass or do we just lose that day of travel? Secondly souls all six have to trace every trip together? Would we be able to break up and sat travel in grroup of 3? Input appreciated. Thanks
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4162 posts
A few things to consider ; the names are indeed on the passes . My wife and I are traveling in this area in the fall for eight days . We bought two four day passes which we will use consecutively ( bought them from Rick's site right here and they say this is ok ) In any event if you used one pass and upon expiration then activated the second pass Would SBB care ? These passes are beneficial to area businesses. The pass does cover everyting on your list with exception being a 25% reduction only on the leg from wengen to junfraujoch , still a nice discount and I think you need to book a reservation for the Montreaux to Zweisimmen leg . One other thought though , Itseems a bit like more travel and somewhat short on seeing things. Read what Rick says in hie Switzerland book about the pro and con of Zermatt and the Berner Oberland. His point of view is sensible and helped inform our decision about how to best use our time there .
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17442 posts
The 2-for-1 is for two people traveling together, not 2passes for one person. But you could still pair up and buy passes to be used consecutively to cover all 8 days. However, your first 2 trips, Zürich to Luzern and Luzern to Brienz, are inexpensive and not worth covering with a pass ( even at the deal price, you come out about even). So you might be better off with the four-day Flex passes, which are also 2-for-1. Use the four fully covered days for your first long day trip from Brienz ( Montreux), your last day of travel (Brienz to the airport or Swiss border), and the two most expensive trips in between. Everything else ( between the first and last day on the pass) is half off, except for the last part of the Jungfraujoch trip, which is 25% covered.