Which type of Pass to buy?

The Swiss Pass covers most all forms of transport:Rail, Buses, Cable Cars, and municipal transit systems. The few routes it doesn't cover are are mostly are the touristy mountain trains/cable cars like Jungfrau/Schiltorn, but you do get a 50% discount. In addition the Swiss Pass gets you free entry into most all museums throughout the country; its a great deal. Are you sure you even need a car? All the places you list are easily reach by rail. Switzerland has one of THE best rail networks in the world!

Michael has given you good information. Go here to read what Rick Steves says: www.ricksteves.com/rail/ausswitz.cfm.

You and your husband need to get the Swiss Saver Pass which gives you a discount for having more than 1 person. I am a big fan of the Swiss Passes because you don't ever need to stop at the ticket counters - just jump on or off anywhere anytime.

For the half fare card, yes, it includes the lifts, too.

And please please please take the previous poster's advice and forget the rental car. Swiss Trains are TOO good to be saddled with a car. The Swiss transport system will go just about everywhere you could possible want to go.

Thank you for the replies. We will be picking up a new car that we have bought in Germany. We are staying in Munich for a few days and then onto Switzerland for one week. We will then drive to Salzburg area for another five nights. We end in Munich and drop off the car. The trip is being planned around our European car delivery. Can you buy a Swiss pass in Switzerland or do you have to buy it in the U.S.A?

You can purchase it either place.