We are 1 adult and 2 kids who are flying into and out of Zurich and plan to travel around by train: Zurich to Interlaken (and Murren and Jungfrau), Interlaken to Como, Como to Lucerne. Should I buy rail tickets when I get there or should I be buying tickets/Swiss pass from here? Would appreciate advice from experienced travelers. Thank you for your help.
Posted by
OP
new york, NY, United States
61 posts
Can anyone please help me? Especially if there are tickets/passes I need to buy in the US before going to Switzerland. Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
How old are the kids? That makes a difference in the answers.
Posted by
OP
new york, NY, United States
61 posts
The kids are 9 and 7 years old. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
Great! You are in luck, as kids 15 and under travel free on a Family Card, which you can request with any Swiss Pass or card. I would suggest the Haf Fare Card, which costs 110 chf, and gives you 50 % off all travel, including the expensive Jungfrau trip. You can buy the Half Fare Card and request the free Family Card on the Swiss Travel System website. They will ship it to you for free, but you need enough lead time for the shipping.
Posted by
OP
new york, NY, United States
61 posts
Thank you! Is the half fare card and family pass something I should buy in the US or can I buy them in Zurich? Also, should I buy tickets/make reservations for the various rail journeys here in the US or can I buy them once I get there? I am wondering if it is possible that I won't be able to get seats if I wait until I arrive in Zurich. Also, same questions for the Jungfrau trip. Thank you for your help. I feel very confused about this part of the trip planning. Thanks again.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
You can certainly buy the Half- Fare card in Switzerland, at the train station in the airport. What I do not know is if you can get the free Family Card there, but maybe some one else will know. Or you could email the Swiss train system at sbb.ch or rail.ch. In my experience they are very responsive. As for reservations, we have spent 8 weeks over several trips riding trains in Switzerland, all without reservations. You do not want want reservations for the high mountain trips likenthe Jungfrau, as you may change your mind based on weather conditions. The Swiss train system is easy and very user-friendly. You do not need to stress about this. As far as I know, only the trains tha cross a border, like going to Italy, require reservations, and this will be included when you buy your ticket with the Half Fare Card. You do not need to do it way in advance.