I purchased a train ticket from Milan to Interlaken Ost (via Spiez) from the Swiss Rail Site, sbb.ch.
Since the fee to ship the tickets to the US was almost as much as the tickets themselves, I chose the "post" option. I paid for the tickets and everything but now notice that the site says I have to pick up the ticket in Switzerland. My trip originates in Milan so I don't know what to do! I purchased the non-flexible ticket so I know I can't cancel the ticket. Does anyone know if I can somehow get the ticket in Milan? I emailed the Swiss train site but thought I'd reach out here for help as well. Thank you in advance -- I need to pay more attention next time when booking...
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17454 posts
Yes, the shipping is expensive. I believe they send them DHL Express or something similar, not by post. But that doesn't solve Kristen's dilemma. With the option you chose, the , using the confirmatin code you were given at time of purchase. I have seen this problem discussed on TA, and the recommended solution was to buy a ticket from Milan to Brig that will get you there in time to pick up the ticket there and re-board the train that you have reserved seats on. I don't know if that is the only solution but it is the only one I have seen. Not the best, I know, since you will be paying twice for the section from Milan to Brig. But at least you don't lost the whole ticket.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
You'll probably just need to wait for their reply in order to understand your options since your tickets have already been purchased. Perhaps they can configure your order so that you can simply download the tickets and print them off. Was this an option when you purchased them initially? Not that it matters now, but I'm curious as to why you wouldn't have chosen that option if available. Good luck...it will be interesting to hear how this was resolved.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
18 posts
The only options upon purchasing was delivery by mail ($45 CHF) or "post" which is picking them up at a station in Switzerland. Lola - I looked into purchasing a segment from Milan to Brig, but then would only have 4 minutes to find the counter, pick up the tickets and get back on the train (no earlier trains from Milan to Brig than the one I have a reservation for) so unfortunately that doesn't seem like a feasible option right now. My hope is they will somehow issue a refund for the first leg, but worst comes to worst, hope they will be able to ship them to me soon for the extra $$ so all is not lost as it doesn't seem like there is another option at this point. It is frustrating that they would allow me to select the post option if my trip originated in Italy -- although it is my fault for not looking clearly enough. Has anyone else experienced this? I'll keep you all updated as to what they say, thank you for all of your help so far.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
"the fee to ship the tickets to the US was almost as much as the tickets themselves" Sounds like a ripoff to me. German Rail charges €3,50 to mail tickets anywhere.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
18 posts
The tickets were 70CHF total and delivery to the US is 45 CHF... just didnt seem worth it to me while booking but now I'm just hoping I can get them to mail them to me or something to get them so I don't have to repurchase part of the trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17454 posts
I meant that you would take an earlier train from Milan so you would get to Brig with enough time to pick up the ticket. But the fare for that is 33 euro, which is not much less than the 45 CHF you would pay for shipping if they will do that for you at this point. And it would be a lot easier to just have the tickets right from Milan and not have to change trains.