kakijalan

I noticed that there are two types of half fare cards, with the Swiss Half Fare Card more catered for tourists.
Are these two the same?

Reason I'm asking is to know whether I can buy Supersaver tickets and get further discount with the Swiss Half Fare Card. Is that possible?

Am leaving in 2 days' time and would very much appreciate advice. Thanks!

PalenQ

Never heard of two types of Half-Fare Cards though there are ones for differing lengths of time and I believe it is half off regular (full) fare - what are you travel plans - a Swiss Pass (Saver is two or more traveling together)can often be the best deal if traveling to more than one location.

For lots of dope on Swiss trains and a possible answer to your question check out www.swisstravelsystem.com; http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

A Swiss Card gives all the benefits of a Half-Fare Card plus two trips from any border point station or airport to anyplace in Switzerland and then back out to any border point or airport - often is a bit cheaper than the Half-Fare Card and also gives 50% off everything that moves in Switzerland (full fare again I do think).

swandav2000

Hi kakijalan,

You can buy a Half Fare Card for one-month's validity, and that's the one aimed at tourists. You can also buy a Half Fare Card for 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years, which is the one most residents use (I also usually get the 1-year HFC because I usually travel to Switzerland twice a year).

No, you cannot apply the HFC to the Supersaver fares; you have to choose either one or the other.

s

kybourbon

>>>Supersaver tickets<<<

Supersavers are advance purchase (at least 7 days) and can sell out.

kakijalan

Thanks everyone for your replies.
Was hoping to save up a bit more, because I saw the "no reduction" or "half fare travelpass" option when I was checking out the Supersaver tickets.
Wonder why they make such option? The website also mentioned that Half fare pass holders can enjoy additional discounts. Perhaps it is reserved to those who hold the 1, 2 or 3 year passes?

kappa1

I have no personal experience myself ( I used to have 3-year HF card, and 1-year these last few years) but ...

http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and....html#halffare

FAQ :Is the Half-Fare travelcard valid when purchasing supersaver tickets?

Yes. You can benefit from an additional discount of up to 30% on the ticket price with the Half-Fare travelcard.

swandav2000

That's very cool, kappa1! I had no idea! Thanks for the info!!

s

kappa1

I was surprised of the answer to this FAQ as well. Anyway, supersaver is not easy for me to use as they apply to only cetain trains ( the least busy hours ?). And the addional discount with HF card seems not much. The site says up to 30% but when I tried a few long distance routes, I got only a little discount of 1 - 2 CHF. I would prefer 50% discount with HF card ( that I already have ) for any train of my choice. I'm not sure how this works for OP though.

PalenQ

If your total costs with the Half-Fare Card and the rare to actually get Supersaver costs even approach the Swiss Pass to cover your journeys then go for the pass - then you just hop on any train anytime and with a pass I always end up using it more than I thought - rainy day in the alps take a day trip to some city like Bern, etc - also gives free entry to 400+ Swiss Museums like the popular Ballenberg one in the Interlaken area - $25 a pop - but most folks do not go to museums in Switzerland I think.

anyway IMO if the projected costs of buying the Half-Fare Card to begin with - about $130 plus the cost of half-off tickets if it even approaches the cost of a pass go for the pass - but obviously if you save a lot go with the Half-Fare Card.

kakijalan

Thanks kappa1! I saw that FAQ too... it was just that I wasn't sure whether it is valid for all types of half-fare passes.
I actually found a CHF10 additional discount for my targeted Geneva - Interlaken journey. Since I'll be having a half-fare pass, why not maximise savings
Coming from Malaysia, where the exchange rate is CHF1= MYR3.57, every bit counts. Am gonna check for more savings for my targeted travel days... especially if it is for trains that I was planning to take anyway.

kappa1

> I actually found a CHF10 additional discount ... Since I'll be having a half-fare pass, why not maximise savings ... especially if it is for trains that I was planning to take anyway.

You are completely right !

kakijalan

I received reply from SBB. They confirmed that Swiss Half Fare pass can be used for supersaver tickets for more discounts.
Additional tip for Fodorites

PalenQ

I wonder if the Swiss Card which gives same benefits as Half-Fare Card plus two train trips coming and going and which several Fodor posters have said all in all was a bit cheaper than just the Half-Fare Card if that - the Swiss Card- also qualifies for discounts on SuperSaver tickets?

PalenQ

ttt