We are going to be 7 days in Lucerne and Jungfrau region. So we will need trains from Zurich to Lucerne then to Interlaken. Later Interlaken to Basel. Finally Basel back to Zurich. We will be using the lifts in the mountains, maybe a boat on the lake. Looks like the Swiss pass would be the best but is expensive at over $600 each for the 7 days. Unlike others who have posted here, we find the SBB site really difficult to find point to point fares so we can compare. Any advise?
Posted by
Green Bay
21183 posts
Yes, it is more difficult to wring prices out of the SBB site, but you just need to proceed as if you were buying a ticket for each leg and you can get the pricing. The Swiss pass only gives a 25% discount on the trains beyond Interlaken in the Jungfrau region. You can get a discount on the Berner Oberland Pass with your Swiss Pass. You look like you want 1st class passes. Is that necessary?
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
283 posts
Re: first class. Not necessary at all but thought to get in the dome car, you needed the upgrade. Maybe we just upgrade that one leg.
Posted by
BROADSTAIRS, Kent, United Kingdom
120 posts
The Swiss Pass will get you as far as Wengen and/or Grindelwald and Murren, you then get a 25% reduction on the fare to Jungfraujoch. The rule I believe is that if there is habitation at the train station/ bus stop then the Swiss Pass will take you there. It will also cover your boat trip, many town and city bus routes and over 400 museums. Really the only way to find out if it's cost effective is to do the maths.
Posted by
Green Bay
21183 posts
I don't recall any "dome" cars in Switzerland, except maybe the glass ceilings on the Golden Pass trains. The Bernina Express cars have windows that curve up into the ceiling for good views, but I think they are in all classes. But nothing like the dome cars on the Amtrak Empire builder. The routes you mention are all regular swiss trains, not special tourist trains. Berner Oberland Bahn is a private railway and highly dependant on tourism, but all short haul routes.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17464 posts
What Pauline said about Swiss Pass coverage is correct. It will fully cover travel as far as a village. Beyond that is considered recreational and may be covered only 50%. It is a Eurailpass that only covers 25% beyond Interlaken. Swiss Pass is much better.