Swittzerland / transportation passes

They are definitely not always two for one. This is a special promotion for spring and fall travel. It is good for either a four-day flex pass or four-day Swiss Pass. The latter is less expensive (226 instead of 262). Since you will be in Switzerland a total of four days, that is the better deal. Note that the Jungfrau trip is not 50% off the whole trip. The pass will get you to Wengen for free ( on a covered day), and it is 25% from there. Similarly, the Schilthorn in 50% above Mürren. The pass will cover your travel to Germany as far as the Swiss border. You may be able to get a ticket To Munich that includes the pass discount. Check several routes, as the longer you stay in Switzerland, the cheaper it will be. We traveled Zürich and east ti Innsbruck on our way to Munich for that reason.

Thanks again. I think you get 25% off for the early or first trains so I will have to do the math. Yes I do want to do both the Jungfraujoch and I want to experience the breakfast on the Schilthorn. I have accommodations booked in Lauterbrunnen but have just made some inquiries for a place in Murren. Your opinion?

Wow, that's a great deal. Never seen it before myself. That doesn't mean you should buy it though. We have no idea where else you might go, if anywhere, besides Lauterbrunnen, so who knows? As far as I can tell from what you've written, you have only 2 journeys in CH planned: Zurich Airport -Lauterbrunnen and Lauterbrunnen-German border (Munich isn't in CH.) Compare pass costs to individual ticket costs for these two legs - Zurich Airport -L'brunnen, L'brunnen - Schaffhausen - using the swiss rail website: www.sbb.ch The swiss pass is no good from the border to Munich, so you'll also need a ticket from Schaffhausen to Munich, which you can get at the German rail website - www.bahn.de - maybe cheaply with adv. purchase "Sparpreis" tickets. These tix are available no more than 92 days in advance. But you can look at sample discount prices by picking a date 92 days out from today. It might be better just to buy regular ticket from Zurich Airport to L'brunnen - about 76 CHF each when I just checked - then buy adv. purchase "Sparpreis" tickets for L'Brunnen all the way to Munich. Same website, same 92-day window as above. I tried it and saw tickets for 39-89€.

Thankyou Russ. I have read some of your advice and you are so helpful. As we have only 3 nights and 2 full days in Lauterbrunnen, thought it best to stay here and see the sights. I thought with the pass you would get 50% off the Schilthornbahn and the Jungfraujoch train ride, which reduces the price of the pass. What do you think? My holiday is starting here and going into Germany, but I have not finalized that segment yet, but will definitely be asking for more help.

"I thought with the pass you would get 50% off the Schilthornbahn and the Jungfraujoch train ride, which reduces the price of the pass. What do you think?" Those journeys change the whole picture. I think L'brunnen is a fantastic place. Are you doing both the Schilthornbahn and the Jungfraubahn? We did the Schilthorn - amazing. Had nice weather and did the a.m. James Bond breakfast - the early trips were (are?) discounted already, as I recall. I can't say whether one of the alternatives I gave you + paying for your mountain journey(s) is cheaper than the Swiss pass deal + half fare for the mountain journeys (off of the full fare? All prices, anytime?) You'll need to do the math to find out. For Schilthorn, you need to consider the intermediate transport between L'brunnen, and either Mürren or Stechelberg (the two starting points for the final ascent.) I think a Swiss Pass covers you fully to Stechelberg, but only 50% to Mürren. But the final ride to Schilthorn is cheaper from Mürren. Don't know what you'd pay out of pocket for the intermediate stuff.

Yes, there is a discount for the early Jungfrau train. But I think you are better off with the pass fare, since using the pass you can travel as far as Wengen for free, and the 25% applies above there. It is easier to see the coverage for various routes from a map than a narrative. Google "Swiss synoptic map" and you'll get a PDF of the map, color-c0ded. It is very heopful. As far as Lauterbrunnen vs. Mürren, it is a matter of preference. One is high up on th ecliff, the other is in the valley below. Travel time from Mürren to Jungfrau would be longer, but travel time to Schilthorn would be shorter. We really prefer being up high in thecar-free village,with great views, but it's really a matter of personal preference.

This web site may help you: http://www.swisspasses.com/ Look near the bottom for "Swiss Regional Rail Passes". We're staying in Lauterbrunnen for four days this May, and decided to get two 2nd class, 7 day Berner Oberland passes. Everyone's vacation is different, of course, but hopefully it will give you some more options.

I believe Kathy has found the best deal by far, with the 2 for 1 Swiss passes. They will have four days of full coverage for a total of 226 CHF for the two passes. Two Berner Oberland passes wold cost 466 CHF, and would not cover their travel to and from the Berner Oberland region. The BO pass comes out slightly ahead for the Jungfrau segment between Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch (50% instead of 25%) but that advantage is more than offset by the lower overall cost and better coverage throughout Switzerland.

Thankyou Lola, you have been so helpfull. I think I am going to go for the pass and I am going to stay in Murren. It sounds so unique and beautiful.

Kathy, I've never been to the Alps but have been researching this area extensively: You may want to consider only doing only the Schilthorn or the Jungfraujoch but not both. It's my understanding that each round trip takes better part of a day. With only two days that means you'll essentially be repeating one particular aspect--which could be overkill--and missing out on other experiences the area has to offer. Pete