SWISS RAILPASS

A couple of thoughts. First, are any of the four children 15 and under? If yes, they ride free with at least one parent in possession of a Swiss pass of some type and all are traveling together. Second, There is a Swiss 1/2-fare card. It costs CHF99 and is good for 30 days. The website says that this card provides a 50% discount on all transportation (train, bus and boat) and most mountain tops. But, my wife and I had these cards and we rode the Glacier Express and went to the tops of the Jungfrau and Schilthorn. We got a 50% discount on all.

Next, there is a Swiss saver pass where there's a discount for two or more adults traveling together. Unfortunately, they come in 4, 8 or more days. No 6-day Swiss saver pass. The cost for an 8-day pass is CHF320 per person but it is unlimited travel except for some mountain tops (i.e. Jungfrau and Schilthorn) where you only get a 50% discount. However, the pass will cover all fares to Grindelwald, Wengen, Gimmelwald and Muerren without extra cost. This pass should also include all boats.

The Swiss Passes are THE way to go in Switzerland...covers all trains, boats, buses, gondolas, cogwheels, intercity transportation like the trams in Basel and Zurich. You will get a 50% discount on the high mountain trains like the Jungfrau. If you plan on the Jungfrau then the savings you reap will almost pay for the pass.

The best part is you just jump on and jump off anywhere anytime. The Swiss transportation system is fabulous.

The last time I used the 5-day Swisspass, I was riding on the train and talking with a couple who live in Zurich. They asked me what I paid for may pass. When I told them, the suggested that I could have saved money by buying point-to-point tickets instead.

My suggestion is to compare cost of the pass with the cost of tickets between cities. You can find them on the webpage for the RR.

The pass is not always the best buy because requirements differ for each traveler. Only YOU can determine which is best for you.

Sure if you're making short trips around Switzerland then maybe point to point tickets are cheaper. However, if you plan on visiting the mountain villages (like many tourists do) then a Swiss Pass will almost pay for itself with the savings that you will accrue from the 50% discount afforded to you via the Swiss Pass. Places like the Jungfrau are very expensive...saving 50% is a whopping amount especially if you have more than 1 in your party.

Swiss Passes also afford you the flexibility of jumping on and off anywhere anytime and as many times as you like. There's also no waiting in line to purchase tickets if you have a Swiss Pass.

Of course kids < 16 travel free with a parent.

Yes, p2p tickets may sometimes be cheaper, but the Swiss Pass also offers many perks that may be worth any extra cost.

Thanks to all of you for your timely and helpful replies. It will serve us well.

Bill