Free family pass for kids with Berner Oberland Pass?
Jan 30th, 2015, 01:36 PM
#2
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Nope anyone can get them, I think for free or for a nominal fee, at Swiss stations - has to be with at least one parent - whatever the parents buy - tickets, passes, etc the kids go free - on everything even where with a Swiss Pass you may only get a reudction my understanding is that kids always go free - under 16 and with at least one parent - not granparent, brother, aunt, etc.
www.swisstravelsystem.com should have info on Family Passes and for general info on Swiss trains, etc with lots on the Berner Oberland trains in specific I always highight these IMO superb sites: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
Compare the B O Pass to the Jungfraubahn Pass if mainly in the Interlaken and hills area.
www.swisstravelsystem.com should have info on Family Passes and for general info on Swiss trains, etc with lots on the Berner Oberland trains in specific I always highight these IMO superb sites: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
Compare the B O Pass to the Jungfraubahn Pass if mainly in the Interlaken and hills area.
Jan 31st, 2015, 05:05 AM
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Jan 31st, 2015, 09:41 AM
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Note that when they say when the adults buy a Swiss Transport Ticket - it means any regular ticket or a pass - you need not buy any pass just a point to point ticket or I would think the Berner Oberland pass would qualify - parent(s) have to buy something at regular value to get the Free Family Card as that card ain't valid unless the parents have a valid ticket or pass.
Just in case that was not obvious!
Just in case that was not obvious!
Jan 31st, 2015, 12:50 PM
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Ok thanks. That's what I was confused about. I wasn't sure if it only applied to the Swiss Pass, or if it meant any pass, including the BO Pass, which seems to be the best fit for us.
Jan 31st, 2015, 01:57 PM
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Our experience is that free travel for children does not apply for all passes in Switzerland. We have had to buy a card for the kids separately when travelling on the adult half fare card on more than one occasion. Last time we did it it was 30chf per child (under 16 if I remember correctly), which is still very cheap. I would check for the specific pass you want to buy. Both swisstravelsystem and sbb.ch have contact details if you can't find out online. Alternatively, just ask when you get there and buy your pass.
Feb 1st, 2015, 06:01 AM
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Looks like it's a no for the free Swiss Family Pass with the Berner Oberland Pass. I received an email response today from sbb.ch and they do not consider the BO Pass part of the Swiss Travel System.
So I guess I'll be buying the Swiss Pass instead! Am I correct that the cable cars above Grindelwald, Murren, and Wengen are not covered by Swiss Pass? They do add up.
So I guess I'll be buying the Swiss Pass instead! Am I correct that the cable cars above Grindelwald, Murren, and Wengen are not covered by Swiss Pass? They do add up.
Feb 1st, 2015, 09:26 AM
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Yes those are covered only 25% above Grindelwald and Wengen and 50% to the Schilthorn from Murren. Also since the Siwss franc appreciated about 15% check pass prices in US $ if an American - I recently checked and there were significant savings buying here now due to the re-evaluation of the Swiss franc. check for U.S. prices at the sites I mentioned above.
Sorry about being wrong about the Family Pass - i really thought folks here said that it worked but looking back it does say if you buy any SBB product - and check out the Jungfraubahn Pass see if they have a child's fare, etc.
Sorry about being wrong about the Family Pass - i really thought folks here said that it worked but looking back it does say if you buy any SBB product - and check out the Jungfraubahn Pass see if they have a child's fare, etc.
Feb 1st, 2015, 08:26 PM
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Ok, it now looks like you cannot get a free Swiss Family Pass with the BO Regional pass, but you CAN get a Junior Travel Card for a flat rate of 30 CHF that is a good for a year of travel for a child.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 07:28 PM
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Yes, I didn't realize the 30CHF child pass was an option until yesterday. So I'll get two of those for the kids and then 2 BO regional passes, which will cover everything. Thanks for all of the help.
Feb 4th, 2015, 10:34 AM
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Not sure if B O Passes give free entry to museums and sights like Swiss Pass does but ask - and the one for kids and adults to love is the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum high above Lake Brienz (bus from Brienz train station/boat dock) - great family place of traditional Swiss crafts, farming and buildings brought here from all over the region.
http://www.interlaken.ch/en/open-air...allenberg.html
http://www.interlaken.ch/en/open-air...allenberg.html
Feb 4th, 2015, 04:56 PM
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Junior Travel card is a flat rate of 30 CHF and provides free travel for kids for one year, as long as they are traveling with an adult. I'm definitely planning on the Ballenberg museum- my kids will love it. Trying to decide if we can do a boat tour or kayak on the lake on the same day, or if we should allow 2 days for both? The BO pass doesn't give free entry, but it does provide a discount there, as well as the Pfingstegg toboggan, the First zipline, and Trotti bikes. Plus all trains and cable cars free in the BO region. I will have to pay for our ticket from Lugano to the point where the BO pass covers.
Feb 5th, 2015, 04:06 AM
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Yes easy to do a boat cruise on Lake Brienz and Ballenberg the same day and what a sweet day it will be - take the train down to Interlaken-Ost station and behind the station hop on the boat and cruise to Brienz - take the mini-bus to Ballenberg - if you have time later take the Rothorn Bahn steam train up the mountain behind Brienz - assume that will all be covered by the B O Pass.
Feb 5th, 2015, 09:42 AM
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On the lake you would probably also have time to get off the boat at Geissbach Falls - take the antique funicular up to the roaring falls and famous hotel there - then board another boat to Brienz - may be a bitmuch for kids though but an interesting stop and they may love the old funicular from the docks and the falls.
