npiparia

Hi,
I'm planning to travel to Paris and Switzerland in Oct. My stay in Paris is only for 3 days and I plan nearly 9 days in Switzerland. I want to understand if it is better to buy a Eurail ticket or a Swiss Pass to travel within Switzerland.

PalenQ

Swiss Pass definitely - not only much cheaper than a Eurailpass but covers much more than Eurails do in Switzerland - like mountain trains in the Jungfrau and Zermatt areas and gives 50% discounts off aerial gondolas and free entry to 470+ Swiss attractions and museums - also good on city transports, postal buses and lake boats.

No brainer - look at an 8-consecutive-day Swiss Pass that would cover nearly everything that moves in Switzerland.

Get a discounted ticket Paris to Switzerland at www.voyages-sncf.com - for lots of good info on Swiss trains and passes check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

PalenQ

What are you travel plans - a Swiss Pass may not automatically be the best deal - especially if just going to one place and staying put -but if traveling around at all it is often a great deal.

npiparia

Thank you for the responses. Yes...we are planning to cover more than one place in Switzerland...hence will go for the Swiss Pass!

Melnq8

Before you do, keep in mind that it pays to crunch the numbers first.

We've been to Switzerland many times and are currently planning a return visit. Each time we have to do the math to figure out which pass (if any) is good for us on a particular trip.

The Swiss Travel Pass (former Swiss Pass) is very convenient, but not cheap. Be sure to look at other options as well, such as the 1/2 fare card. Which is best for you will depend on exactly what you plan to do during your visit.

PalenQ

1/2 Fare Card can be a good deal if:

not traveling from region to region much

staying put in one region

and if you know exactly what you are doing - I often with a pass use it more than I thought - like if in the mountains and a rainy day pops up using it to day trip out, etc.

Also anyone considering Half-Off Card so also look at the Swiss Transfer Ticket + 1/2 off Half-Fare Card you can buy in conjunction with it. For many a better deal and still all the benefits of a Half-Off Card.

You can also buy a 1/2 off Half-Fare Card in conjunction with Swiss Flexipasses - consecutive passes already give you 50% off nearly everything not covered in full.

PalenQ

Swiss Transfer ticket gives you a train ride from any airport or border station to any place in Switzerland and then back from that point to any border station or airport - great for people just going to one venue.

PalenQ

Swiss Passes also negate going to the ticket window ever for 100% covered things - 1/2 fare obviously you need to - a minor aspect but one I like - I can just catch the next train if due to take off rather than potentially waiting in line to buy a half-fare ticket.

But if only doing a relatively few trips and you know exactly what you are doing - do the maths as Melanq8 says and take what is cheaper but if the pass price even is a bit more than the 1/2 fare thingy go for the pass - you may use it more than you think or plan to.