We plan on buying our individual train tickets prior to US departure. I'm confused on "reservation needed"--if we have a ticket, do we still need to obtain a reservation? Will be going to Interlaken, Switzerland, also--then to Murren via Lauterbrennen. Thanks for any info!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23562 posts
IF a reservation is required, then the reservation is included with the ticket. There is little advantage to buying tickets early other than some discounts but then you are locked into set schedules. Trains rarely, if ever, sell out. If pre-purchasing tickets go through the local train sites and avoid travel agencies like Rail Europe.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You might be able to buy your tickets from Italy to Switzerland on the Swiss train website. However, if you intend to buy your tickets to Switzerland while in Italy, the Italian computers cannot see past the Interlaken Ost train station which is where you transfer to the Jungfraubahn train into Lauterbrunnen.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
linda, As Frank mentioned, there's really no advantage in buying tickets prior to arriving in Europe. While there could be a slight discount with some tickets, as mentioned this will "lock" you in to a specific train and if you miss that one, it could be somewhat of a nuisance. You can easily buy tickets at local stations a day or two before travel. Reservations are usually only applicable on "premium" trains such as the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita trains in Italy. With reservations you'll be assigned a Car No. (Carozza) and a Seat No. (Posti). No reservations are possible or needed for the local train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. When you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, there are two routes to get to Mürren. Do you have all the information you'll need for that portion of your trip? Happy travels!