Swiss Rail Passes on Sale--for a short time only!

RailEurope needs to check the current exchange rates! They are charging $270 for this in Canada, $256 in U.S. It should be the other way around now that CAD ha gone above par to the USD.

Tee hee - it's still a good deal, just wanted to flaunt the muscles our currency has just acquired. It happens so rarely.

Sadly, I can't use the pass as DD#1 is 16. But it does look good

I think they fix their prices (relative to the CHF and euro) at a certain date and then don't change even if the exchange rate changes. The 3-day Flex Saver pass is US $217, but 212 CHF in Switzerland.

Thank you Lola for posting this. We are spending a week in Switzerland in September and I was debating the Swiss Pass or a half fare card. This promotion made up my mind for me.

I just wanted to bump this to the top. You can also purchase this via Rick's site.

Rick is offering the sale too? That is good to know, as the deals he offers with a pass purchase make it the best place to buy your pass.

Whenever you purchase a pass at the RS site, you're redirected to Rail Europe...but with RS graphics.

Note that to use the family pass you must have children present with you, not two adults traveling alone.

I think it would be worth asking about that, as the site allows one to book the adult passes only, without the free Family Card.

Called Rail Europe. When your child reaches 16 they are considered an adult and you no do not qualify for this special deal. Even if your child is traveling with you and you want to buy a youth pass for your child, you are not eligible for this family pass.

Rail Europe has informed me this is only valid when traveling with a child. For a $25 exchange fee they are selling me 2 eight day Swiss saver passes. I think I read what I wanted to see on their web site. I will say Rick's web site clearly stated the correct information once they put it up.

What can you do if your child is 16 and will be traveling with you? I wouldn't mind buying a youth pass, but still buy the family rail sale. Anyone know if that's possible?

Dave---you should call RailEurope (or the Rick Steves travel store) and ask them. It's a Rail Europe sale, so they set the conditions. People here can only speculate.

Anyone know the difference between 2nd class and 1st class??? Would I be missing out if I (I'm 26) went 2nd class with my sister (23)?

In Switzerland first-class isn't worth the extra money. There's more than enough room in 2nd.