I had posted an earlier question about train travel and appreciate the advice that was shared. I am getting ready to finalize train travel from Munich on Saturday August 10 to Interlaken (final destination that day is Murren). My husband and I are traveling with our two children ages 8 and 11 and are planning to depart early Saturday morning so that we can arrive in Murren late Saturday afternoon. We are spending 3 nights in Murren and are planning to travel around Lauterbrunnen and to the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. We will depart from this area on Tuesday, August 13 to Zurich where we will spend one final night. When we are in Germany, we plan to have a car so will not be doing much if any train travel. In Switzerland, we will rely completely on trains, funiculars, gondolas etc. Train travel has been the most confusing part of my planning and I am looking for advice so that I don't spend more than necessary. We are willing to travel 2nd class but would like to utilize ICE, IC and EC train only. We would also like to minimize our stops and train changes. I have been to www.bahn.com and found several options. I have also visited the rail Europe website and found several options. Does anyone have advice about this travel as I have not traveled by train in Europe and it will be my first time going with children?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
Meg, for your date of travel (August 10) you can still get great prices on the train from Munich to Zurich on bahn.de. For four people (2 adults and 2 children) you can go for as little as 78 euro (total for all four) if you are willing to catch a train at 8:28 and make 2 changes on the way. Or if you don't want to make any changes, the 12:33 direct train from Munich to Zurich is only 98 eors for the four of you. You can register on bahn.de and purchase this ticket right now--that is the best way to save money. Then for Switzerland you will want a Family Card for the children and they will travel with you for free. You can request a Family Card with any type of Swiss Pas an dit will be free. If you are not buying any pass, I believe the Junior Card is 30 CHF but we have never ussed that option so I am not sure. Hopefully someone can advise you correctly on that.
Posted by
NYC
5 posts
Unless you can justify the cost of a rail pass (Rail Europe), you're much better off just booking the tickets you need directly as was already suggested. Just go to www.db.de to get started (they have everything in English if you click on the flag in the upper right). If you're willing to nail down a particular train and book far enough in advance, you can save a ton of money, especially since there are several with you -- there are always special promotions, etc. available. But for the best fares and complete schedule, do go to the db.de web site. It works very well and you can print your tickets before you leave the US.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
Meg, you will be smart to follow Lola's advise, she is one of the boards guru's. it is my understanding that pre-booking rail travel in Switzerland will NOT be discounted, other countries yes. You can also, in my opinion, trust the ticketer s in Switz., to guide you in cost saving measures. "Early bird" ascensions save money and most of all are your best bet for more favorable weather. Which pass to purchase has been highly debated on this board, but actually depends on your itinerary. If you use the search box (you've probably used this already) you will see many old posts regarding these subjects. Rick Steves guidebook is quite helpful. Unless you have made reservations for hotel in Zurich, you could stay in Luzern, only 1 hour or so from Zurich train station/airport. You will need to rely on others for German time travels and savings. The Swiss train system is VERY efficient, there is a reasonable amount of time to switch trains, make sure children don't diddle around, pack lightly!! After several stops you'll get the hang of it, watch what others do. Take a deep breathe.....it's going to be fine. Give us a trip report when you get back.