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Train, Car or Both - Switzerland

In 2008, my wife and I stayed in Torgon, Switzerland (French Swiss countryside) for one week and Maria Alm, Austria for the second week. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen for one night. We had a rental car for both weeks and toured extensively.

We are returning this September for two weeks in Switzerland. Since we loved Lauterbrunnen, we are staying there an entire week to fully explore and appreciate the immediate area. The second week, we are staying again near Torgon. We will use that location as our hub for day trips within 50 - 100 mile distances.

We are struggling with: rent a car for both weeks; purchase a Swiss Pass for both weeks; rent a car for week 1 and Swiss Pass week 2; or Swiss Pass week 1 and rent a car week 2. We are flying into Geneva.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Posted by
355 posts

We spent two weeks in Switzerland in 2008 also. We spent the first week in Lauterbrunnen and did not have a car. We had a Half Fare card and used it extensively to ride trains, cable cars, etc. It worked great.
We then spent the second week outside of Luzern and rented a car for that week. It was a lovely trip and I would do the same arrangement again.

Posted by
29 posts

Thanks Kathryn and Steve,

You've both confirmed my initial thoughts -- rail pass for week 1 for local touring around Lauterbrunnen and car rental for week 2 for more extensive touring around Torgon.

I appreciate your valuable input.

Mike