Hi Everyone!
Is there any problem activating the SWISS PASS or SWISS CARD at any swiss city station other than Airport or a Border town? Im planning to use my Swiss Card Travel Pass later this month - but wanted to "activate" it a day or two after I land as I will be visiting with Family. Since the first and last day are "free" - I plan to activate it in Bern for a long train ride to Engadine area (and wanted the free ride!). The notes mention to activate at point of entry/airport etc. Just wanted to see if this was ok? thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16326 posts
I don't see any reason why that would not be OK, but are you sure you want to? You would have to pay full fare from Zurich airport to Bern, since you cannot use the half-fare feature until the Swiss Card is activated. Full fare from Zurich airport to Bern is 52 CHF. If you pay that and then use the free day on the Swiss card to travel from Bern to, say, Pontresina, you would get the 100 CHF trip for free. Total cost to you 52 CHF. On the other hand, if you activate the Swiss Card upon arrrival and use it to travel to Bern for free, you get half off the 100 CHF fare to Pontresina. Total cost to you, 50 CHF. Of course it you are going someplace other than Pontresina that day, the numbers would work out differently. If the full fare is more than 104 CHF, then you are ahead using the free day to travel to the Engadine.
Posted by
OP
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Hi Lola - thanks for the reply - i also emailed the rail pass folks at ETBD and thei said technically the half-price swiss card is from entry points (Zurich main station was ok or airports etc). SO - i also realized - if its about 50$ to Bern, and then 100$ to Engadine - it comes out the same (free 50$ ticket and next day a 1/2 price 100$) so only 50$ - same as if i bought full price day one and got free the long 100$! hhaha. so in this specific case it seems its a near wash +/- a few bucks! I was just more curious on the "validation" rules - and i better play it safe and validate in the big main town like Zurich Central Station!
PS i used the SBB.ch rail web to check costs for aprox. fares.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16326 posts
The fares I posted are also from SBB. And yes, technically the Swiss Card takes you from " entry point" to your first destination, but there is no reason that entry point could not be Bern. Suppose you were driving a rental car from Germany and turned it in at Bern? Then Bern would be your entry point. But as I advised and you figured out, it is pretty much a wash, price-wise, so you kith as well start your Swiss Card in Zurich ( or at the airport if you are flying in).