We will visit Berner Oberland Region at the end of June for 6 days and Lucern for 2 days. I plan to buy Swiss Half Fare Card(1 month) and Jungfrau Railways Pass. Is it sounds right decision? Should I purchase one month Half Fare Card before I go or just get it in Zurich airport? I am not sure if they sell one month Swiss Half Fare Card at Zurich airport.
Also, I plan to take GlodenPass train between Lucerne - Interlaken. Is this the most beautify route from Lucern(or Zurich) to Interlaken? If yes, should I get tickets and have seats assign before I leave or get it at Zurich airport? Also, Should we take 1st class or 2nd class? Will it make big difference in our memory?
If we are going to buy train ticket at Zurich airport, how much time should we plan to spend on it? (extra 30 min or 1 hr)
Zurich - B.O. - Lucern -Zurich, Please advice...
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I can't answer all of your questions but I can give some information of use.
The do sell the Swiss one month Half Fare Card at the Zurich airport at the SBB counter. This is located directly above the rail tracks and the floor below the food court and shopping area. However as the Zurich airport is under constuction at the moment, this may change. As of last week the SBB counter was looking pretty temporary.
As for the length of time you would need, it will of course depend mostly on the lineup. It has taken me once 5 minutes and once around 20 minutes. But almost certainly less than one hour. The Half Fare Card is quite common to the people at the SBB counter and is a quick and painless experience.
I am not sure of your exact plans but I believe that the best way from Zurich to Interlaken is not on the Golden Line Pass and not through Lucerne but rather through Bern and Thun.
If you do plan to go Zurich-Lucerne and then Lucerne-Interlaken, the Golden Pass is the only route between Lucerne and Interlaken. It leaves at 35 minutes past the hour from Track 12. If you do take the Golden Pass between Lucerne and Interlaken, then I suggest sitting on the right side of the train (facing forwards when leaving Lucerne station). After the first 15 minutes or so, all views are on that side of the train and keep those same seats even after the train goes backwards starting at Meringen.
I may be mistaken but I do not recall ever seeing reservations on the Golden Line Pass. Even though, I have taken that route several times, I have never gotten reservations before hand.
As for First Class vs Second Class. In general there is little difference between them and I would not suggest it. However the GoldenPass does have occasionally a Panaromic wagon for first class with large windows reaching up to the ceiling. This is very nice on a sunny day through the mountains. However not every GoldenPass train has it, I believe it may be every second hour but I really am not certain.