When it comes to city passes and travel cards, it’s usually fairly easy to figure out whether they would be worth it for you or not. For things like the Paris Pass or London Pass, they have a list of the most popular attractions and how much they cost, right there for you to see. The Swiss Travel Pass, however, is shrouded in mystery, or at least it was until I spent several days tracking down all of the prices and benefits.
A great many of the visitors and commenters on my popular page about where to go in Switzerland on a short visit are wondering whether the Swiss Travel Pass is a good deal. Embarrassingly, I’ve always had to answer that I found the pass too confusing to confidently advise people on. Now that has all changed, after literally days of research.
Note: This article was last updated in February, 2024.
Disclosure: This is a reader-supported website and some of the links are affiliate links where a small commission is paid to help keep this site going, but the cost to visitors is the same. The Swiss Travel Pass seems quite expensive at first, so it felt like it might be hard to get your money’s worth out of it. As it turns out, it’s pretty easy to get good value, and it’ll be a good deal for many visitors.
New in 2024
Prices increased an average of 5.9% from 2023 on the Swiss Travel Passes, but the Half Fare Card remains at CHF120, which is where it’s been for many years. Train fares in the country increased by similar percentages so the value is basically unchanged. There were no other notable changes to service or the included attractions and train routes.
>>>Buy the Swiss Travel Pass online
Where to stay in Interlaken and the Lauterbrunnen Valley
Since most people reading this will be visiting the Interlaken area and I get so many questions about it, I decided to write a detailed guide on which area to stay in while visiting this area.
>>>Where to stay in Interlaken or the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland
I included many huge photos in that post so readers will be able to get a better idea of what each place looks like and they are worth a look by itself.
>>>Lucerne or Interlaken: Which to visit and how long to stay?
The article just above will help you decide on how long to spend in each of Switzerland’s two best tourist areas.
Are you 100% sure where you want to go in Switzerland? This should help
I’ve been to almost every corner of Europe and have spent a lot of time in Switzerland, so I can reveal that Switzerland is very unlike visiting almost any other country in the region. In any other country you will want to start out in the capital or largest city and then add in another place or two if you have time. But in Switzerland the big cities are strangely boring and the scenery everywhere else is magical.
Zurich and Geneva are pleasant but dull. The good news is that Switzerland is packed with amazing sights and none of them are the big cities. If you aren’t 100% locked in yet, please read the article below and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass a good deal? Here's the short version
If you plan on taking at least 2 of Switzerland’s famous scenic train rides within a 3 or 4-day period, a Swiss Travel Pass can easily pay for itself. If you take 3 or 4 scenic train rides, as well as use the pass on one or more of the famous cable cars such as Schilthorn (50% covered by the pass) or 25% off the mountain train up to Jungfraujoch, the pass is definitely worth it.
The bottom line is that the scenery, train journeys, and cable car rides in Switzerland are stunning and not found anywhere else in the world. They are also quite expensive if you pay for them one at a time. So no matter how you visit Switzerland, you are going to be paying quite a bit, or skipping the absolute best things that you’ve come there to see.
With good planning it’s quite easy to get great value out of a Swiss Travel Pass, but it might be a poor choice for those who don’t like to plan ahead. You can easily do a scenic train ride and a cable car in the same day, and still have time to do a scenic hike in the process.
First class or second class? Good news for most people
In most of Europe the Second Class trains are reasonably comfortable but they can get crowded, especially if you travel during the morning or evening commute time between large cities such as Munich and Berlin. Second Class always has plenty of legroom and reasonably wide seats, so it’s mainly just the experience of guaranteeing that you’ll NOT be sat next to a full carriage of partying backpackers or screaming kids that makes First Class potentially worthwhile.
That said, Swiss Trains are literally the nicest in Europe and even the Second Class seats and carriages are nicer and roomier than trains in neighboring countries. The First Class seats are larger and nicer with only 3 across the cabin instead of 4, but honestly Second Class is perfectly comfortable for almost everyone.
Again, First Class on European trains like this is generally popular with business travelers where the company is paying and they need to get work done during the ride, and also senior citizens who don’t want to worry about a carriage full of backpackers. For most of the rest of us, Second Class is more than comfortable enough and the seat width and legroom compare to business-class airline seats. I’m a big and tall guy and I almost always travel in Second because it’s plenty comfortable enough and all the seats arrive at the same time anyway.
The longer you'll be in Switzerland, the better deal a Swiss Travel Pass will be
Most people visiting Switzerland only stay for 3 or 4 days and in visits of that length you really have to compare the costs of the Pass to the costs of the things you’ll do. And for many of those people who aren’t doing longer train rides, the Half Fare Card (discussed below) is the best choice. It’s easy to see that the per-day cost of the Swiss Travel Pass is pretty high until you get to the 6-day, 8-day, and 15-day versions. However, the per-day prices on those longer passes are actually very low considering the price of typical train rides and mountain attractions.
In other words, if you are staying 5 days or fewer, you have to do the math to determine your best option. But if you are spending even 6 or 7 days in Switzerland then the 6-day or 8-day Pass is almost guaranteed to be a great deal and your best choice. Once you have a Swiss Travel Pass you’ll absolutely love the ability to just hop on any train (excellent trains, always on time) and most boats and cable cars without having to worry about the cost. The per-day cost of an 8-day Pass even if you only use 6 of those days is about CHF65, and Switzerland is filled with amazing train rides and boats and cable cars that can get you that much value before noon each day.
Schilthorn (50% discount) and Jungfraujoch (25% discount) are cheaper with a Swiss Travel Pass
The two most dramatic viewpoints and most beloved activities in Switzerland are Schilthorn and the Jungfraujoch tourist train that goes up the mountain across the valley from Schilthorn. Jungfraujoch is a 25% discount off the CHF224 price for Swiss Travel Pass holders. If it’s not confusing enough, the entire rail journey to the start of the Jungfrau train is covered by the pass, so prices appear to be a bit more than 25% cheaper.
Both of those peak experiences are extraordinary and different from each other. Even so, compared to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn is also faster and more comfortable on the way up and down. You can enjoy an excellent visit to Schilthorn in 4 hours or so (or a bit longer if you eat at the spinning Piz Gloria restaurant at the top), while a visit to Jungfraujoch requires closer to 6 hours.
NOTE: Schilthorn closes for maintenance for a week or two in late November most years.
Consider the Swiss Half-Fare Card instead
If you AREN’T going to be doing two or more of the long (and expensive) scenic train trips, you will get much better value out of the Swiss Half-Fare Card, which is explained a bit below.
Mt Rigi, near Lucerne, is 100% covered by the Swiss Travel Pass
While most of the famous mountain excursions are only discounted 50% by the Swiss Travel Pass, the famous excursions to Mt Rigi, near Lucerne, are still 100% covered by the pass. This is one of the best mountaintop experiences in Switzerland and reaching the top involves a combination of cog railways and cable cars. There are multiple ways of reaching the mountain and all of them are fairly close to Lucerne. Most people prefer getting there by taking one of the frequent boats leaving from across from the railway station in Lucerne and then jumping off at one of the cog rail departure points. Needless to say, if you buy a Swiss Travel Pass, the Mt Rigi excursion should be a priority when you visit Lucerne.
Is a Swiss Travel Pass right for you?
Determining whether a Swiss Travel Pass is a good deal for you is simply a matter of figuring out which of the scenic rail and cable car journeys you plan on doing while in Switzerland, and seeing whether the price of the pass will cover the benefits. Below in this article you’ll see a long list of every one of the most expensive and most popular scenic journeys and cable cars, along with how much they cost without the pass, and how much you can save.
Most people only visit Switzerland for 5 or 6 days at most, so the 3-day and 4-day passes are the ones to focus on. But if you are staying for 8 days or more, those longer passes are almost certainly a great deal for you.
Long story short, if you plan on doing 2 of the more expensive scenic trains and the Jungfraujoch railway or the Schilthorn cable car, then the pass will save you money. Switzerland is expensive, but it’s worth it, and the travel pass can help make it a bit more affordable.
What the Swiss Travel Pass includes
- Free rail travel on normal trains and most scenic trains
- Discounted travel (about 50%) on popular tourist mountain trains
- Discounted travel (about 50%) on popular tourist cable cars
- Free travel on public transport in 75 towns and cities
- Free entry to around 500 museums in Switzerland
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the fare on the most popular scenic and panoramic trains. You can choose a normal seat in a regular carriage for no additional cost, but there is a supplement of CHF8 to CHF49 for a reserved seat in one of the special panorama carriages on these routes.
Prices of the 2024 Swiss Travel Pass
1st Class
- Adult 3-day Pass: CHF389
- Youth (4 to 25) 3-day Pass: 274
- Adult 4-day Pass: 469
- Youth (4 to 25) 4-day Pass: 330
- Adult 6-day Pass: 602
- Youth (4 to 25) 6-day Pass: 424
- Adult 8-day Pass: 655
- Youth (4 to 25) 8-day Pass: 469
- Adult 15-day Pass: 723
- Youth (4 to 25) 15-day Pass: 512
2nd Class
- Adult 3-day Pass: CHF244
- Youth (4 to 25) 3-day Pass: 172
- Adult 4-day Pass: 295
- Youth (16 to 25) 4-day Pass: 209
- Adult 6-day Pass: 379
- Youth (16 to 25) 6-day Pass: 268
- Adult 8-day Pass: 419
- Youth (16 to 25) 8-day Pass: 297
- Adult 15-day Pass: 459
- Youth (16 to 25) 15-day Pass: 328
Swiss Travel Pass Flex
This version costs a bit more, but you don’t have to use the travel days consecutively. It’s a great option for anyone who won’t be taking longer train rides each day.
- Adult 3 Flex days in 1 month (1st Class): CHF445
- Adult 3 Flex days in 1 month (2nd Class): 279
- Adult 4 Flex days in 1 month (1st Class): 539
- Adult 4 Flex days in 1 month (2nd Class): 339
- Adult 6 Flex days in 1 month (1st Class): 644
- Adult 6 Flex days in 1 month (2nd Class): 405
- Adult 8 Flex days in 1 month (1st Class): 697
- Adult 8 Flex days in 1 month (2nd Class): 439
- Adult 15 Flex days in 1 month (1st Class): 755
- Adult 15 Flex days in 1 month (2nd Class): 472
Where to buy the Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Half-Fare Card – A better option for many visitors
Far less confusing than the Swiss Travel Pass, you can instead get a Swiss Half-Fare Card, and it will be a better deal for many travelers. The price is lower and it’s much easier to do the math, and the discounts are greater on some things as well.
- Swiss Half-Fare Card for 30 days: Adults – CHF120 or US$129
What you get:
Those who buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card will get 50% discount on all trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland for up to 30 days, as well as 50% off all public transportation in 75 cities and towns.
>>>Buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card
Why the Half-Fare Card is a better deal for many
While the Swiss Travel Pass is a great deal for those doing many of the expensive scenic journeys and mountain sights within a few days, it’s not good value for those who are doing fewer of the expensive trips and/or those who are staying longer. Also, the Swiss Travel Pass only provides a 25% discount on the amazing Jungfraujoch Railway, which costs between CHF120 and CHF224 return depending on your starting point, while the Half-Fare Card provides a 50% discount.
The math is simple as well. You can just add up the cost of the trains, boats, and buses you’ll be taking while in Switzerland, and if the total is more than CHF240 or so, the Half-Fare Card will save you money.
Example itinerary:
- Zurich to Interlaken train (2nd Class): CHF50
- Schilthorn Cable Car: CHF112
- Jungfraujoch railway from Interlaken: CHF205
- Interlaken to Lucerne train (2nd Class): CHF33
- Mt Rigi roundtrip from Lucerne: CHF84
- Engelberg (near Lucerne) to Mt. Titlis Cable Car: CHF92
- Lucerne to Zurich train (2nd Class): CHF25
Total per person: CHF601
Total with Half-Fare Card (including price of card): CHF420.50
It would be tough to do all of those things in 4 days, although it is possible. If you bought a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass here is how it adds up:
4-Day Swiss Travel Pass: CHF259
Supplements for Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, and Mt. Titlis: CHF203.25
Total cost: CHF462.25
Bottom line on the Swiss Half-Fare Card
Since the Half-Fare Card lasts 30 days and provides a larger discount on Jungfraujoch, it is better value for visitors who want to include that scenic top-of-Europe rail journey on their trip. The discounts also add up more quickly on Schilthorn and Mt. Titlis trips, just to name two examples, and you don’t have to take many longer rail journeys to get value out of the Half-Fare Card.
Swiss Saver Day Pass (A one-day unlimited travel pass)
As if the Swiss travel situation wasn’t already complicated enough, they also offer a 1-day version of a Swiss Travel Pass and it can be very cheap, but it’s also a bit complicated. They only sell these Saver Day Passes starting 60 days out (so you can buy a pass for May 1 starting on March 2 etc), and the prices goes up quickly the more of them they sell. If you buy them right away you can get them as cheaply as CHF29 (in 2nd Class) if you have a Half Fare Card, which is an amazing deal. But after they sell the first batch the price jumps up to CHF39 and then CHF49. In other words, if you want the cheapest price you should book exactly 60 days in advance, or generally as soon as possible.
If you buy the Saver Day Pass at least 21 days in advance (and up to 60 days in advance) the 2023 cost is:
- 2nd Class (with Half Fare Card): CHF29
- 1st Class (with Half Fare Card): CHF82
- 2nd Class (with no Half Fare Card): CHF52
- 1st Class (with no Half Fare Card): CHF97
Once you research the normal cost of Swiss train fares you’ll see that the above prices are a very good deal for anyone riding more than 150 kilometers or so in a day. If you are just going, for example, from Zurich to Lucerne or Interlaken on a day, it’ll be cheaper to just buy that ticket individually. But if you are going from Geneva or Montreux to Interlaken or Lucerne then the Saver Day Pass will be much cheaper. Better still, you can use a Saver Day Pass to go from Interlaken to Geneva and back on the same day on the Goldenpass line and returning on the faster train through Bern, and it will still all be included for free.
If you don’t buy a Saver Day Pass at least 14 days in advance it’s more expensive, and if you only buy 1 to 3 days in advance it’s VERY expensive, so the key is to buy early. This is all confusing, but the Saver Day Pass should be a great option for many people only in Switzerland for one to three days.
Popular Swiss panorama scenic trains
The 5 train routes listed below are the best and most popular of Switzerland’s scenic train routes. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can ride for free in normal carriages or pay a small supplement for a reserved seat in one of the special Panorama carriages. If you are going to do one of these as a journey unto itself, the Panorama carriages are highly recommended, and worth the supplement.
- Glacier Express
- Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Train type: Panorama
- Journey time: 8 hours 3 minutes
- Distance: 291km
- 1st Class fare: CHF272
- 2nd Class fare: CHF159
- Compulsory seat reservation fee: CHF44 or 49
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 13 to 33 for panorama carriage
- Bernina Express
- Route: Chur to Tirano and Lugano
- Train type: Panorama and bus
- Journey time: 4 hours 13 minutes and 3 hours 10 minutes
- Distance: 148km and 90km
- 1st Class fare: CHF113
- 2nd Class fare: CHF66
- Compulsory seat reservation fee: CHF32
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 10 to 14 for panorama carriage
- GoldenPass Line
- Route: Lucerne to Montreaux
- Train type: Panorama
- Journey time: 5 hours 8 minutes
- Distance: 191 km
- Prestige Class fare: CHF131
- 1st Class fare: CHF96
- 2nd Class fare: CHF56
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 8 to 15 for panorama carriage
- Gotthard Panorama Express (formerly Wilhelm Tell Express)
- Route: Lugano or Locarno to Lucerne
- Train type: Panorama and boat
- Journey time: 5 hours 21 minutes
- Distance: 182 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF164
- 2nd Class fare: CHF135
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 39 to 49 for panorama carriage
- Swiss Chocolate Train
- Route: Montreux to Broc round trip
- Train type: Panorama or First Class
- Journey time: X hours X minutes
- Distance: 82 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF99
- 2nd Class fare: 89
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 39
Popular Swiss scenic and theme trains
The scenic trains below are also extremely popular as sightseeing journeys rather than just as transportation, but can be used as both.
- Jungfraujoch round trip
- Route: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
- Train type: special mountain train
- Journey time: 4 hours 41 minutes, round trip, plus time on top
- Distance: 73 km
- 1st Class fare: N/A
- 2nd Class fare: CHF224
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 147 (so, a saving of CHF77)
- Gornergrat Railway
- Route: Gornergrat Railway
- Train type: Cog railway
- Journey time: 44 minutes return
- Distance: 10 km
- 1st Class fare: N/A
- 2nd Class fare: CHF90
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 45
- Rigi round trip
- Route: Lucerne to Rigi
- Train type: Cog railway
- Journey time: 3 hours 25 minutes, plus time at the top
- Distance: 58 km
- 2nd Class fare: CHF78
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: None (this one is free with the pass)
- Mt Rigi Excursion (one-way and walk down)
- Route: Lucerne to Mt Rigi
- Train type: cogwheel train and/or cable car
- Journey time: 45 minutes up
- 1st Class fare: N/A
- 2nd Class fare: 49
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 0
- Lotschberg Mountain Route and Centrovalli
- Route: Bern to Locarno
- Train type: Narrow gauge
- Journey time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Distance: 212 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF158
- 2nd Class fare: CHF90
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 5
- Jura round trip (Watchmaking Tour)
- Route: Neuchatel through Jura
- Train type: Regular
- Journey time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Distance: 143 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF168
- 2nd Class fare: CHF108
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 0
- Pre-Alpine Express
- Route: St. Gallen to Lucerne
- Train type: Regular
- Journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Distance: 146 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF83
- 2nd Class fare: CHF47
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 0
- Jura Foot Line
- Route: Basel to Geneva
- Train type: Regular
- Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Distance: 248 km
- 1st Class fare: CHF132
- 2nd Class fare: CHF75
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 0
Popular Switzerland cable car rides
These are the two most popular cable car rides to obvservation peaks in central Switzerland. The Swiss Travel Pass offers a 50% or more discount, but not the whole fare.
- Schilthorn
- Route: Stechelberg (Lauterbrunnen) to Schilthorn
- Train type: cable car
- Journey time: 1 hour
- 2nd Class fare: CHF108
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 54
- Engelberg to Mt. Titlis cable car
- Route: Engelberg to Mt. Titlis
- Train type: cable car
- 2nd Class fare: CHF96
- Supplement for Swiss Pass holders: 46
The Swiss Travel Pass also includes free museum admission, but…
While it’s true that the Swiss Travel Pass includes free admission to around 500 museums all over Switzerland, it’s probably best to just ignore that when you are determining whether to buy a pass or not. Most of the included museums cost between CHF5 and CHF10 without the pass, although a few are closer to CHF20.
The problem is that the museums are only free on valid travel days, and almost no one would visit more than one or two museums with a Swiss Travel Pass. The trains and cable cars are so expensive that the pass gives very good value to cover those, so you don’t want to waste precious sightseeing time walking through a museum that only costs CHF10 anyway.
In other words, calculate the value of a Swiss Travel Pass on the travel savings only, and if you visit a museum here or there, then great. Most people are better off trying to squeeze in an additional train ride each day, and ignoring the museums. Switzerland is all about the outdoor scenery. As nice as the museums may be, they are not why you are there.
The pass includes free public transport in most Swiss cities
Similar to the free museum part of the offer, it’s best to ignore or minimize the value of free public transportation. It could be helpful in Zurich, but in most other Swiss tourist towns you won’t need much public transport. In fact, in Interlaken, each hotel or hostel guest automatically gets a card for free public transportation within the town (including between the two train stations).
So you might use a ride or two each day on public transport, but that won’t add up to much in terms of value of your Swiss Travel Pass.
Hello Roger, Our trip is drawing closer and I wanted to check in with you regarding our plans to date. My wife and I will be in Geneva from May 22 to 28. We will then travel to Interlaken where we will spend 1 night and 2 days. We are then traveling to Murren for 3 nights. This is our first trip to Switzerland and it is our 41st wedding anniversary. We are looking forward to the sites and hikes and adventures. Looking at the weather we may be getting rain during our stay in Murren, but we will make the best of it going to Juangfraugh and Schilthorn or any places that you would suggest if the weather in Murren isn’t good for hiking and site seeing the area. Please give us some ideas in the event the weather doesn’t improve. We will be leaving Murren and heading back near the Airport in Geneva, spending the night before flying out early on the 2nd. So questions: Best way to go from Interlaken to Murren. I understand the funicular is closed until June. Places we must see from Murren and best ways to get there and what isthe 1/2 fare card and how do you qualify? Thanks for your help in advance Roger. Your help is appreciated…
Bobby,
The thing about weather in the Alps in summer, or even in May, is that it tends to move quickly. This IS the rainy season, but most of the storms go through in just a few hours. So even if you see “rain” forecast for each day you’ll be there, chances are good that it’ll only be for a couple hours each day. You might get unlucky and it’ll rain longer than that once or twice, but usually the storms move quickly. Locals say you shouldn’t really trust the weather forecast for more than 2 days in advance, and even then it might change on the day. So it’s a good idea to have things in mind for the rainy periods, but hopefully you’ll still have more than half of each day that is clear.
Also, the rains are often fairly light, so with an umbrella you can comfortably go hiking. The thing you have to worry most about are the clouds that can cover the peak attractions such as Schilthorn and Jungfrau. It’s best to book those only after you get there, and only after you see that it’s supposed to be clear on top. If it is raining for half a day you could take the train to the lovely city of Bern, which usually has different weather.
The best way to get from Interlaken to Murren is described in detail on my main article about where to go in Switzerland. The short version is that you take a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, which takes 20 minutes. Then you walk outside the small train station and there will be a bus waiting for you. Hop aboard and it will take you to the cable car station in Stechelberg, and it passes a very impressive waterfall on the way. Then you take the cable car up one stop to Gimmelwald in 5 minutes, and then walk across the platform to the waiting cable car that will take you one more stop to Murren in another 5 minutes. You can buy a ticket from Interlaken (or anywhere else in Switzerland) all the way to Murren, so it covers all of it. Many other nearby towns and hiking trails can be reached starting from Lauterbrunnen, so you’ll be doing that a few times most likely.
The Half Fare Card will definitely save you money. It costs around US$120 (CHF120) and it gives you a 50% discount on all train rides and mountain attractions for up to 30 days. Since those peak attractions are quite expensive, the card will pay for itself in the first 24 hours or so. You can buy it online from the link in the article above, or once you get there if you don’t mind waiting in the queue at the train station. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hello Roger!
Your site is so wonderful – I’m so happy I was able to come across it. My boyfriend and I are traveling to Europe in the next few weeks and are debating if the Swiss travel pass is worth it or if we should stick to the half fare pass. Below are our plans:
5/31: Paris –> Interlaken
6/1 – 6/2: Exploring Interlaken with canyoning, kayaking, and river rafting. We also would like to do Jungfraujoch or Harder Kulm
6/3: Interlaken –> Lucerene in the morning, and Lucerene –> Zurich in the evening. Staying in Zurich to fly back to US on 6/4.
From the research I’ve done, it seems logical to do the 4 Day Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass if we decide to do Jungfraujoch. I was wondering if I may have been missing something though and I wanted to get your advice to see if you agree to that plan!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Maria D,
I think you might get even better value in the Half Fare Card, which gives a 50% discount on Jungfrau compared to only a 25% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass. It doesn’t look like the train rides that you have planned would add up to enough to justify the full travel pass. But especially if you are doing Jungfraujoch, that Half Fare Card should pay for itself a few times over. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Wow, this compilation is very helpful — thank you for all your research!!!
i will be in switzerland for 8 days as on 10/06/2017
paris to geneva by train
geneva to interlaken 3N in interlaken
lucerne 2night
zurich 3 night
which car i shoud buy swiss travel pass or half fare pass
i m intersted mount piltus,mt rigi, mt titli must visit jungfraujoch top of europe
zurich rhine fall st. gallen etc
this all i will suposse to do…plz sugget me..
Nayan,
I think the Half Fare Card will save you more money. Since it covers a 50% discount on Jungfraujoch compared to only 25% on the Swiss Travel Pass, that pays for half of the Half Fare Card by itself. Also, since you’ll be in the country for 8 days, the 30-day Half Fare Card will cover the whole trip, while you’d need one of the longer Swiss Travel Passes to cover all of your stops. Have a fantastic trip. -Roger
We will only be spending a few days in Switzerland but this is our schedule.
Arrival Zurich airport need train to Zurich
Day 2 walk around Zurich and take in the sites, adjust to time change
Day 3 Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt
Day 4 Funicular to Matterhorn possibly
Day 5 Train back to Zurich Airport
Would the Half fare card or Rail pass be a better buy?
Elaine,
I think the Half Fare Card will be a better value for you. The Swiss Travel Pass mainly covers the trains, and it only gives a discount on the cable cars, funiculars, and special private train lines. You’d need a longer Swiss Pass to work, which would be expensive. The Half Fare Card is good for 30 days, so it should save you more money. -Roger
Dear Roger,
I will be travelling to Switzerland in June 2017 over a period of 3 days with a group of friends. We intend to travel from Zurich to Interlaken, before spending 2 days there to explore Grinderwald-First and another day for Schilthorn. We will most likely purchase the Adventure card (train, first flyer, mountain kart and trotti bike) for the Grinderwald segment.
We are also looking to spend our nights in either Wengen/Lauterbrunnen.
Our last day will be spent at Lucerne visiting Mount Pilatus with the Golden Round Trip Pass, before we depart Switzerland for Austria via train.
Would like to seek your kind advice on:
a) Whether we should get any of the rail pass (travel/half fare) or just buy the single trip tickets based on the above itinerary.
b) The convenience/cost of staying at Wengen vs Lauterbrunnen
Looking forward to your reply!
Wilks,
My best guess is that the Half Fare Card would be the best value, although the Swiss Travel Pass for 3 days might even be better. I don’t have time to add up the costs of the things you are doing, but I’m very confident that either of those is going to save money compared to buying as you go.
Wengen and Lauterbrunnen are only 18 minutes apart by train, and the train leaves twice an hour all day and into the evening. Wengen might be a bit more scenic, but Lauterbrunnen is a bit more central. There isn’t much difference in cost between them and they are both lovely. I think I’d go for Wengen if I had to choose one. Have a great trip. -Roger
Thank You for the all the info – this just makes me realize I’m not done with Switzerland! We are taking a trip to Europe at the end of July – England, Italy, and France – and as an after thought I added 4 days to go to Switzerland because we have 4 free award nights at a Fairmont, so we are headed to Montreux. We won’t have any more time to do the eastern side of Switzerland – much to my dismay (after reading your articles) – so we’ll just have to come back!
My question for you is would it be worth it to make a day trip from Montreux to the Interlaken area? I suspect it would be too much.
An other option may be instead of flying into Geneva, fly into Zurich, and take “the scenic route” to Montreux. Another long day, but I’m not sure what is possible, and if this would be too much. Was wondering if the vies on the train ride from Zurich to Montreux alone would make it worth it?
Thanks!
Chris,
Montreaux is really beautiful and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. The thing is, a few other places in Switzerland are even more beautiful, especially for Alps views. I do think a day trip from Montreaux to Interlaken would probably be your favorite day of the trip. If you take the fast trains it is only 2 hours 20 minutes, and you can return on the slower trains through the valley, which is part of the Golden Pass scenic train line. If it’s clear on top you could go to Schilthorn via the cable car. In that case the Half Fare Card will probably save you money. Even if it’s not clear on top you might take the cable car up to at least Murren and then walk down into the village of Gimmelwald to take the cable car back down. The trains in Switzerland are fast, comfortable, and famously punctual. I think that day trip would be a great idea. Have a wonderful time. -Roger
Hope you are well.
1)When I tried to book 1 tickets from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch from website https://www.jungfrau.ch, It is showing me CHF 94.80. But in your website you mentioned CHF205. Just wondering what am I missing? Isn’t this train ticket is everything to visit Jungfraujoch or I need to buy any entry pass at the top?
2)I want to do any two of Mount Rigi, Mt. Titlis Cable Car, Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn Cable Car. Which two will you suggest. I will stay 3 days in Lauterbrunnen and 2 days in Lucern and will be buying half card.
3) For the two rides, do you suggest to book advance ticket online or when I reach there?
4)I will be buying Half-Fare Card, how to use this card exactly?
Regards,
Rajib
Thank you so much, Roger for all your tips and advice. I would like to get your opinion in staying on the other side at Wengen, if I can find an accommodation. Seems like Murren/Gimmelwald have a better view, but Wengen is bigger with more accommodation options & more importantly, only a train ride away to Lauterbrunnen (for the trip back to Zurich airport on Wed) instead of switching to a cable cars/trains if staying in the former.
And thanks for your advice on Golden Pass; seems like I won’t be missing much. Will help me i not mulling over whether I missed out.
– Jack
Jack,
Staying in Wengen would be great. It’s more at the base of some mountains rather than in them like Gimmelwald, but it’s all gorgeous. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hey Roger,
I’m so grateful I found your site as it includes the most in-depth info on Switzerland I would want (couldn’t find this info even on Rick Steve’s website although I still haven’t had a chance to lay my hands on his book). Regardless, I’ll be visiting Switzerland in June with my wife & needed your help in planning.
We’ll be in Switzerland from 17 June to 20 June (flying out of Zurich on 21 June @ 12pm), but am visiting cousins in Basel in the beginning & will effectively only have 19 & 20 June to sightsee. I’m thinking my cousin will probably show me around the Lucerne area on 18 June (Sunday) so I was planning to focus the rest of the trip in the Interlaken area as suggested on your blog.
Plan is to leave Basel early on 19 June (Mon), but needed your opinion on how to proceed.
1. Should I stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen? (Decided against Murren/Gimmelwald this time since we have to be at Zurich airport on 21 June by ~9:30-10am & it’s a quicker ride from Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken). Was thinking of staying in the Lauterbrunnen, but not sure how easy it is to find hotel/accommodations at a decent (relatively) rate vs Interlaken.
2. Since I’ll be leaving Basel on Mon morning & won’t get to Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen until past noon, I wasn’t sure what to plan for the rest of the day. Was thinking after checking in & having lunch, I should still have time to go see Schilthorn (weather permitting) or at least check out Gimmelwald/Murren, but wanted your opinion on what to do that day.
3. On Tuesday, I was thinking of checking out the Jungfrau, but wanted to know alternatives in case weather is not good.
4. Is there any time at all for us to include any of the panorama rides? I’m thinking the only one appropriate from there would be part of the Golden Pass, but wanted your opinion on it.
Planning to buy a half fare card, unless you suggest a travel pass is better.
Thank you
Jack,
Thank you for the kind words, and I’ll try to help.
1. Either Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen would work well. Lauterbrunnen is closer to the main Alpine sights, but Interlaken is much larger with more hotels and restaurants to choose from, and they are connected by a train that leaves every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes. The Lauterbrunnen train leaves from Interlaken Ost station, which has fewer choices than the West station. However, all trains stop at both stations and they are 5 minutes apart, going several times per hour. Also, if you stay in a hotel in Interlaken you get a card that allows you to ride that train between the stations for free, as well as the buses.
2. From Interlaken to the top of Schilthorn takes only about two glorious hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to do that on the day you arrive, if the weather is decent. And if you spend an hour up on top you’ll still have time to exit the cable car in Murren and then walk 15 minutes down the hill into Gimmelwald for the next cable car down.
3. Schilthorn and Jungfrau are the two main superstar attractions near Interlaken, but there are also many excellent hikes in the area, at lower elevations so even if the weather on top is stormy they would still be nice. For example you can take a short train ride to Wengen and then a walk through town in a few minutes to a cable car. From the top of that cable car (it’s not too long or expensive) the views and downhill hikes are amazing. There are many other choices, but I don’t have room to go over them.
4. It sounds like you may not have enough time for the Golden Pass. Actually, if you take trains (or a car) from Basel to Lucerne and then the trains around Interlaken, you’ll be seeing stunning sights all the way. The valley through the mountain that the Golden Pass goes in is quite nice, but compared to the other things you’ll see you won’t be missing it.
The Half Fare Card does sound ideal for what you have in mind. Have a great trip. -Roger