Just booked the 12 day Best of Switzerland tour for June of next year. It looks like we will be will be flying round trip PDX to ZHR. I'm looking for info from someone familiar with this route as to approximately how much the fare should run and how far in advance it would be wise to book. Any other input about this flight or tour is much appreciated. Thanks
Posted by
Green Bay
20023 posts
Right now, Matrix-ITA is showing $1175 in June with Condor to Frankfurt, then a connection on LH or Swiss to Zurich. If you really want to save money, RT on Icelandair to Frankfurt for $747, then travel to Switzerland by train.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16182 posts
Sam found you some great prices. For comparison, the price on British Airways for Seattle to Zurich RT is around $1300 in Basic Economy ( hand baggage only). From Portland, you would have to add a flight or train trip ( risky) to SEA.
If you like the Iceland Air option to Frankfurt, you can buy train tickets from there to Zurich for around 25 euros if you purchase them 2 months in advance on bahn.de.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Yeah, Will, if you have the time, consider flying into/out of another city prior to Zurich and just train (or bus) over to Zurich. Perhaps you can add something on to your itinerary at the beginning or end or both. Depends how much time you have and/or how long you want to be away. But you might wind up "paying" for the extra days of travel costs with the airfare savings.
I like to take direct flights to Europe when I can get them from PDX - the Delta direct flights to Amsterdam or London; the Condor direct flight to Frankfurt. Depends on the cost, of course. Getting to Zurich with a short hop flight booked separately might work too from one of those cities (maybe not even the same day).
Posted by
4510 posts
There's also a 1 stop Westjet via Calgary to London for $834.
Odds are that Delta will have prices via Amsterdam at some point this fall lower than the current $1400, but you'd have to be watching to grab it. This is probably the best option for comfort (food and seat pitch), but not worth the current extra $500 for me. Condor has limited legroom (really none, it would be a horrendous overnight flight, just tolerable on the way back).
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Icelandair does fly to Zurich or Geneve, but not every day.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
There is no crystal ball best time to book airfare. The only best time for that is when the fare is much lower than normal. You’ll have to be diligent in your searching.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8340 posts
I flew Iceland air to Zurich. It works great!
You will love the best of Switzerland Tour!!!!