Rail Europe Worldwide vs. US Site - Switzerland Travel Pass Flexi

Posted by Lori on 06/27/15 08:27 PM

So I'm a bit confused, my apologies ahead of time.

When I attempt to purchase an 8 day in 1 month Swiss Travel Flexi Pass in Euros (RailEurope worldwide site) the price is €662 for 2 adult passengers (with a current promotion and shipping included). On the US version of RailEurope for the same product the cost is $896. Using the current Google conversion 662 Euros is about $739 dollars. That seems like a fairly substantial savings to purchase it in Euros on the "world" site versus the "US" site (even with my credit card's foreign transaction fee).

Am I missing something here? Thanks for the advice.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

06/27/15 09:47 PM

20067 posts

Why are you dealing with Raileurope, when you can buy it direct from SBB, where the price for a first class pass is 651 chf, which at current exchange is about $698?
http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/holidays--short-breaks-in-switzerland/swisstravelsystem/swiss-travel-pass.html
For that matter, why gild the lily with a 1st class pass, when 2nd class is 407 chf. (about $436).
If you want the Half Fare Card for non-pass days, add 60 chf to the price of either pass. (about $65).

Posted by Lori OP

06/27/15 11:48 PM

2 posts

Thanks for the link. First class would be great! But it seems that the price on the Swiss site is only for 1 ticket. The RailEurope prices I found above were for 2 tickets total (second class, but for 2 travel passes).

However, it still might be a good site to purchase from if their shipping charges etc. were good. Thanks!

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

06/28/15 12:04 AM

20067 posts

You can actually buy these at Swiss railway stations. So you do not need to order in advance and have them sent to you. And that 662 euro deal looks pretty good. No idea if that is some kind of promo special, or a mistake on their part. It looks like the correct price for a Youth ticket but it is listed as an Adult.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

06/30/15 11:49 PM

16893 posts

If purchased online, the Flexi Pass for 8 travel days in a month must be delivered to your home before departure. If your delivery address is in the USA, you cannot use Rail Europe's "world" site; only their USA site. (I think that would become clear if you tried to complete the purchase and enter a delivery address.)

Current price for an 8-day Swiss Travel Flexi Pass from Rail Europe.com is $448 per adult in 2nd class, not much different from the $436 exchange rate that Sam estimated (or 407 CHF, to buy in Swiss train stations). Rail Europe has had a few coupon offers come and go recently, including for Swiss passes. Shipping is free for orders of $449 or more, so buying for two people would qualify you.