Because of the help here, I was able to buy a Swiss super saver ticket from the SBB ticket shop. Train going from Zurich to Wengen on March 18. Ticket printed , no problem.
Now when my Son tries to buy a ticket for the same route - non super saver - it doesn't show a ticket for the same route. It varies by about 15 minutes.
What am I missing?
Thanks
What is your departure time and when is your son's?
I'm seeing trains every half hour at 2 and 32 past the hour from Zurich Hbf.
Since you are getting a Supersaver ticket, I am seeing a slightly different routing for the Zurich-Bern segment, but afterward they should match up. The SBB site will generally show the fastest trains, but you still have the option of taking other trains if you buy a full fare ticket. You, on the other hand, must take the exact trains shown on your ticket with a Supersaver.
For Instance, the Supersaver at 9:06 shows you using IR 2164 to Bern, But the "standard" routing would be with the IC 712 to Bern at 9:32. It is showing that is expected to be very full in 2nd class for that day. The IC 712 is showing a 6 minute cross-platform change, while the IR 2164 is showing a 8 minute change from 3 tracks away.
If he wants to see your exact route, specify via Olten.
The IC train is nonstop between Zurich Hbf and Bern. The IR train makes a few stops on the way.
Sue, If your son is not buying a Supersaver, then there is no point in buying on the internet.
Normal (non-supersaver) tickets do not have any discounts for advance purchase, and are valid for any train on the day specified, no reservations needed or in most cases possible.
Just buy a ticket at the station, either from the ticket machine (faster) or from the manned counter. You can buy in advance from the station if you happen to be passing, but be sure to select/ask for a ticket for the correct date.
My Son will be buying his ticket from the train station in Zurich on the day we use the ticket (March 18th).
My Super Saver ticket leaves Zurich at 15:06 via Bern-Interlaken Ost-Lauterbrunnen. Will he be able to purchase a ticket for the same route on the 18th? Guess it's no big deal if they end up on a different train. We'll all meet in Wengen.
Yes, tell him just to specify "via Olten" and he will be on the same trains. The SBB site always shows the most efficient connection, in this case, he could leave on a later train (15:32) and meet you in Bern because that train is an express, and the one you are on is a local and takes 24 minutes longer to cover Zurich to Bern. You have to use this train because it is a Supersaver Ticket. If he buys a full fare ticket, or is traveling with a pass, he can ride any train he wants. If he wants to take a slower train to be with his mom, that's his choice.
Sam - thanks for your reply. Totally explains it all. I really appreciate it. Now if you could make the sun shine at least one day while we're in Wengen - that would be awesome!!!
