Next June my husband and I will be spending 15 days in Switzerland. We will be in Lucerne, Lugano (to see Lake Como and Lake Magiorre), Zurich and 8 days in Paris. We are in our 60's We will be using the train regularly, as we plan on going to Mount Pilatus, the Jungfrau (spel.) the Bernina Express, the William Tell Express and going on the TGV from Zurich to Paris. We also will be taking the train to Mt. St. Michel and to Versailles. I have heard that some passes are less expensive than the Eurail Pass. Reading about the different passes can be over-whelming. Most likely the pass which is offered for two people, always traveling together, will be a consideration. I also read there is a Swiss Saver Pass. Does anybody have experience with the advantages of the Eurail Pass versus just the Swiss Saver Pass. I assume we will still need a Eurail Pass for the William Tell, the Bernina and the TGV to Paris. I would appreciate any information on the passes. Thank you for your courtesy and time. Elaine
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
For 15 days in Switzerland your best option will probably be the Swiss Saver Pass. In addition to covering most all your transportation, it also gets you free admission to most all museums and steep discounts on the high mountain excursion like the Jungfrau and Schiltorn. You don't get as big a discount with the Eurail pass. For the TGV to Paris you can get highly-discounted advance fares on the web which are usually a better deal than a pass.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
694 posts
Hi Elaine, We used a 8 day Swiss saver pass, it was money well spent. I am pretty sure that all the the scenic train are included except for the reservation fees. we saved on city walks of bern and lucerne, jungfrau train, château de chillon, gruyères cheese factory, boat ride on lake geneva, fribourg museum etc. We did not need to buy any tickets, we would just hop on the train and go, it was our first time using a train in europe, and we loved it, and it was easy, and very pleasant!
Posted by
Dallas, United States
707 posts
Like you, two 60 somethings, we used the Swiss Flexipass Saver and it was wonderful. The other posts already mentioned that it includes the scenic trains (Bernina Express, etc.) except for the reservation fee. We found it included some cities' local buses/trams also. Suggestion: study the RS ETBD pamphlet (you can download as a PDF) on rail passes. Have fun!