Economical way to Travel from Lucene to Venice
Apr 13th, 2013, 05:45 AM
#41
neckervd - From Trenitalia about the EC tickets.
***Tickets can be purchased online and picked up at the self-service tellers available only in the main Italian stations. ***
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
sm2707 - If you decide to get the 4+1 pass and want to avoid the roll over of purchase to RailEurope which says they have to mail you the pass, you can use this other link for purchase and select pick up at the airport.
http://www.swissrailways.com/index.p...=189&system=CH
***Tickets can be purchased online and picked up at the self-service tellers available only in the main Italian stations. ***
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD
sm2707 - If you decide to get the 4+1 pass and want to avoid the roll over of purchase to RailEurope which says they have to mail you the pass, you can use this other link for purchase and select pick up at the airport.
http://www.swissrailways.com/index.p...=189&system=CH
Apr 13th, 2013, 12:08 PM
#42
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kybourbon: Thanks for the advise, but 4+1 first class won't work in our case as we plan to spend more days in Switzerland. I am still more inclined towards 8-day consecutive swiss pass.
I only have two questions as asked above:
I plan to take same train from Luzern to Chiasso (that will be free with a Swiss pass) Luzern - Chiasso || 07:47 - 11:01 and same train continues to Milan Central and reach Milan at 11:50 hour.
Luzern - Chiasso - Milano Centrale
Sat, 27.04.13, 07:47 - 11:01 - 11:50 Hour
1)How to reserve seats in advance from Luzern to Chiasso unless there is a policy to get confirmed seat when we board the train on a swiss pass. It will be difficult to travel three hours standing. Moreover, that is only direct train available from Luzern to Milan so there is a high risk of many people traveling in this train. What is the process to reserve seats in advance when traveling free on a swiss pass.
2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan on sbb.ch site?
I only have two questions as asked above:
I plan to take same train from Luzern to Chiasso (that will be free with a Swiss pass) Luzern - Chiasso || 07:47 - 11:01 and same train continues to Milan Central and reach Milan at 11:50 hour.
Luzern - Chiasso - Milano Centrale
Sat, 27.04.13, 07:47 - 11:01 - 11:50 Hour
1)How to reserve seats in advance from Luzern to Chiasso unless there is a policy to get confirmed seat when we board the train on a swiss pass. It will be difficult to travel three hours standing. Moreover, that is only direct train available from Luzern to Milan so there is a high risk of many people traveling in this train. What is the process to reserve seats in advance when traveling free on a swiss pass.
2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan on sbb.ch site?
Apr 13th, 2013, 12:18 PM
#43
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Yaa neckervd..Could be a cultural difference - or it may be one is visiting a different continent where you have never visited before and is taking every precaution and trying to educate yourself as much as possbile so you are not lost in a new country.
I would imagine and think the same way if a European resident does the same thing by booking local trains in advance while visting USA.
I would imagine and think the same way if a European resident does the same thing by booking local trains in advance while visting USA.
Apr 13th, 2013, 03:21 PM
#44
I don't believe you can make seat reservations online for the Swiss pass.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and...ervations.html
You can book seats for Lucerne/Chiasso when you pick up your pass at Zurich airport.
>>>2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan on sbb.ch site?<<<
Yes, if you buy for the same train. You might have to change seats though because when you purchase Chiasso/Milan EC train on sbb.ch, seats will be assigned/included. It's possible they wouldn't book anyone into those seats on the Lucerne/Chiasso leg since you will have them the remainder of the route. At the airport, you could ask to be booked into the same seat numbers.
I would think if you are able book six seats on the Chiasso/Milan leg, the train would not be sold out between Lucerne/Chiasso although people are always getting on and off (not everyone is going all the way to Milan).
If you go on and book Chiasso/Milan on sbb, make sure you have the correct EC (look at train number and arrival time in Milan) train as there are two that pass through Chiasso in the morning. You have to select a station to pick up those tickets. It will be easiest to pick them up at the airport when you pick up your passes as long as you will be there during opening hours. Usually not a problem as they are open from about 6am to 10pm). Make your seat reservations at the same time.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and...ervations.html
You can book seats for Lucerne/Chiasso when you pick up your pass at Zurich airport.
>>>2) Could we continue on the same train if I buy tickets online on sbb.ch from Chiasso to Milan on sbb.ch site?<<<
Yes, if you buy for the same train. You might have to change seats though because when you purchase Chiasso/Milan EC train on sbb.ch, seats will be assigned/included. It's possible they wouldn't book anyone into those seats on the Lucerne/Chiasso leg since you will have them the remainder of the route. At the airport, you could ask to be booked into the same seat numbers.
I would think if you are able book six seats on the Chiasso/Milan leg, the train would not be sold out between Lucerne/Chiasso although people are always getting on and off (not everyone is going all the way to Milan).
If you go on and book Chiasso/Milan on sbb, make sure you have the correct EC (look at train number and arrival time in Milan) train as there are two that pass through Chiasso in the morning. You have to select a station to pick up those tickets. It will be easiest to pick them up at the airport when you pick up your passes as long as you will be there during opening hours. Usually not a problem as they are open from about 6am to 10pm). Make your seat reservations at the same time.
Apr 13th, 2013, 11:26 PM
#45
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kybourbon: Thanks again for a great piece of advise.
Finally with both of your help, I have got everything resolved. I will book tickets Chiasso/Milan C. on sbb having current fare of 17 CHF per person. To keep same train and seats (will double check same EC number) from Luzern to Chiasso, I will request same seats during seat reservation at any ticket counter that will cost me another 5 CHF for per person.
As the train stops at Chiasso only for a few minutes, I won’t be able be get down to get tickets from Chiasso to Milan so while booking I will select pick-up location to be possibly Luzern train station.
Now, you brought one more excellent point mentioning about the timings of train station ticket window at Zurich Airport i.e. 6am to 10pm. As we are landing into Zurich at 10:00 PM in the night of 20th April 2013, we definitely won’t be able to make it to the ticket counter on time. In such case, would you suggest getting tickets in advance before we depart USA or is there any other better options.
If we happen to get Swiss pass from the US agent (most probably be Rail Europe) then how we will be able to validate (activate) the card. Thanks again!
Finally with both of your help, I have got everything resolved. I will book tickets Chiasso/Milan C. on sbb having current fare of 17 CHF per person. To keep same train and seats (will double check same EC number) from Luzern to Chiasso, I will request same seats during seat reservation at any ticket counter that will cost me another 5 CHF for per person.
As the train stops at Chiasso only for a few minutes, I won’t be able be get down to get tickets from Chiasso to Milan so while booking I will select pick-up location to be possibly Luzern train station.
Now, you brought one more excellent point mentioning about the timings of train station ticket window at Zurich Airport i.e. 6am to 10pm. As we are landing into Zurich at 10:00 PM in the night of 20th April 2013, we definitely won’t be able to make it to the ticket counter on time. In such case, would you suggest getting tickets in advance before we depart USA or is there any other better options.
If we happen to get Swiss pass from the US agent (most probably be Rail Europe) then how we will be able to validate (activate) the card. Thanks again!
Apr 14th, 2013, 05:52 AM
#46
The actual time of closing is 10:30, but you still might not make it.
I was assuming you were buying your passes on arrival at the Zurich airport. If you are arriving 10pm, you wouldn't want to use a pass day for that day to get to your hotel that night assuming you are staying in Zurich the first night. If so, I would take the local tram (you will need cash in chf to buy tram tickets from the machine) or train to the hotel and buy the passes the next morning at the main station in Zurich. While buying the passes, pick up your Chiasso/Milan tickets that you purchased on sbb and make reservations for Lucerne/Chiasso.
The tourist office in the airport is open until 11:30pm and sells train tickets, but I don't think you can get Swiss passes there. Perhaps someone else knows, but I'm not sure I would risk it. If your flight is delayed, you might miss that closing time also.
http://www.zurich-airport.com/deskto...spx/tabid-201/
It's pretty close to your departure (4/26?) to have passes mailed.
I was assuming you were buying your passes on arrival at the Zurich airport. If you are arriving 10pm, you wouldn't want to use a pass day for that day to get to your hotel that night assuming you are staying in Zurich the first night. If so, I would take the local tram (you will need cash in chf to buy tram tickets from the machine) or train to the hotel and buy the passes the next morning at the main station in Zurich. While buying the passes, pick up your Chiasso/Milan tickets that you purchased on sbb and make reservations for Lucerne/Chiasso.
The tourist office in the airport is open until 11:30pm and sells train tickets, but I don't think you can get Swiss passes there. Perhaps someone else knows, but I'm not sure I would risk it. If your flight is delayed, you might miss that closing time also.
http://www.zurich-airport.com/deskto...spx/tabid-201/
It's pretty close to your departure (4/26?) to have passes mailed.
Apr 14th, 2013, 06:17 AM
#47
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Are you back to taking the through train from Luzern to Milano? You can buy that on SBB and it will account for the pass coverage from Luzern to Milan ( choose the GA2 option assuming you travel in second class). The price is 21 CHf and that includes seat reservations, SOS you will have the same seats the whole way. This is a ticket you can pick up at any station in Switzerland. As far as I can tell, you do not have to have a Swiss Pass in hand when you buy it. Of course you must have the pass in hand when you use it.
You can only buy five at a time own the website, so book them 3+4 and you will have seats in two small groups. You can choose between center aisle coaches, sitting four around a table, etc.
You can only buy five at a time own the website, so book them 3+4 and you will have seats in two small groups. You can choose between center aisle coaches, sitting four around a table, etc.
Apr 14th, 2013, 06:46 AM
#48
Didn't know that was possible enzian. Sounds like a good plan to book Lucerne/Milan and not to have switch seats. Guess it just charges from the border onward when you select GA 2 travelcard? Do you select picking the ticket up in Lucerne?
I think the OP's issue now is arriving late in Zurich and pass activation.
I think the OP's issue now is arriving late in Zurich and pass activation.
Apr 14th, 2013, 05:00 PM
#49
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Yes, they just charge from Chiasso to Milan, the part not covered own the pass. They would pick up the ticket at any station is Switzerland, showing the confirmation code that came with the booking. Plus the credit card used for the purchase.
Apr 14th, 2013, 08:53 PM
#50
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Great! Thank you all of you for guiding and answering all my questions. I am now very clear about about my transportation from Lucerne to Milan...
kybourbon: My departure date from US is on April 19. I have booked Swiss Passes though Rail Europe with overnight shipping and I should get them before I depart for Switzerland. Do you know what's the best way it get them validated when I board the train at 00:02 hours to Interlaken from Zurich HB. I will purchase ticket from vending machines and pay in cash for Zurich Airport - Zurich HB.
kybourbon: My departure date from US is on April 19. I have booked Swiss Passes though Rail Europe with overnight shipping and I should get them before I depart for Switzerland. Do you know what's the best way it get them validated when I board the train at 00:02 hours to Interlaken from Zurich HB. I will purchase ticket from vending machines and pay in cash for Zurich Airport - Zurich HB.
Apr 15th, 2013, 02:16 AM
#52
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Neckervd: I am not sure what made you feel bad but I again thank everyone from bottom of my heart including kyborbon for helping me out on my upcoming trip. I know you we're dedicated to help me and I respect you for that. Thanks.
Apr 16th, 2013, 09:33 AM
#54
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kybourbon: I called Rail Europe and they won't put date on the passes. They still need to be vailidated which I am worried about as we are reaching there at the 10:00 PM and will wish to use first day on a pass at 00:02 hours for a train from Zurich HB to Interlaken.
Apr 16th, 2013, 09:34 AM
#55
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To Everyone including enzian: I have reserved 6 seats on a route Luzern to Milan by calling SBB rail service. Doing it online, I was not getting an option to pick seats for six people in sequence and making reservation on two different segments could have allocated seats far away and possibly in different coaches. Now I got seats 73 - 78 four next to each other with a table in between and 2 windows on a same row next to each other with a table in between, but I had to pay an extra fees of 3 CHF per person by reserving over the phone and there is not such charge when booking it online. One has to even pay extra 3 CHF when booking at any train station in Switzerland. I will have to pick tickets at any train station in Switzerland.
I am again thanks everyone helping me on this forum and sorting this out. Now, I am a direct train booked for six people with seats reserved all the way to Milan with all seats in next to each other.
I am again thanks everyone helping me on this forum and sorting this out. Now, I am a direct train booked for six people with seats reserved all the way to Milan with all seats in next to each other.
Apr 16th, 2013, 11:36 AM
#56
Did you ask about pass validation while talking to them? I've read it's possible to write in the date and ask on board train personnel to validate when crossing borders. Don't know if this would work when not crossing a border.
Apr 17th, 2013, 02:26 AM
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"My departure date from US is on April 19. I have booked Swiss Passes though Rail Europe with overnight shipping and I should get them before I depart for Switzerland. Do you know what's the best way it get them validated when I board the train at 00:02 hours to Interlaken from Zurich HB"
Don't forget to buy tickets from ZRH to Zurich HB (7 CHF/pax). I suppose you know at which of the 2 Interlaken railway stations you will have to leave the train and which itinerary you will have to follow to your hotel check in (obviously open all the night) as there will be nobody you can ask the way in the middle of the night.
Just for curiosity: most flights from the USA arrive at ZRH in the morning, those from California around 4pm. How did you manage to arrive in late evening?
Don't forget to buy tickets from ZRH to Zurich HB (7 CHF/pax). I suppose you know at which of the 2 Interlaken railway stations you will have to leave the train and which itinerary you will have to follow to your hotel check in (obviously open all the night) as there will be nobody you can ask the way in the middle of the night.
Just for curiosity: most flights from the USA arrive at ZRH in the morning, those from California around 4pm. How did you manage to arrive in late evening?
Apr 17th, 2013, 08:27 AM
#58
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kybourbon: I did ask them but they told me to validate at the train station or in the train when train conductor comes but they didn't had an answer when I mentioned that train station will be closed by the time I get there.
Even I read somewhere that I can validate the tickets my self by writing the start date on the card with Pen. I will email sbb customer service to get an accurate answer.
Even I read somewhere that I can validate the tickets my self by writing the start date on the card with Pen. I will email sbb customer service to get an accurate answer.
Apr 17th, 2013, 08:36 AM
#59
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neckervd: Lol..I am coming through Turkish Airlines and reaching Zurich 10 in the night.
USA East Coast dp 2325 -> ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL 2000 -> ZURICH / ZRH ar 22:00
Thanks, Yes I am aware that I have to get tickets from ZRH to Zurich HB and plan to get cash in CHF (or could we use USD to purchase tickets from vending machines in case I do not get time to get money from USA in CHF). From Zurich HB, I will get to Interlaken West and someone from hotel shuttle is going to pick us up.
USA East Coast dp 2325 -> ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL 2000 -> ZURICH / ZRH ar 22:00
Thanks, Yes I am aware that I have to get tickets from ZRH to Zurich HB and plan to get cash in CHF (or could we use USD to purchase tickets from vending machines in case I do not get time to get money from USA in CHF). From Zurich HB, I will get to Interlaken West and someone from hotel shuttle is going to pick us up.
Apr 17th, 2013, 09:02 AM
#60
Sounds like you snagged one of the sale fares to IST to use as a stopover in Europe. Saw a lot of $600 fares the last few months through IST.
I've arrived Zurich at 10 or 10:30 before, but I had scheduled a 12 hour layover in AMS. Zurich airport was mostly deserted that time of night with most food places closed that I saw. I'm sure there will be a handy cash machine on your way to the train. I took the tram, not the train and the ticket machine for the tram (which is outside) required chf. I already had some from a previous trip so didn't bother to use the ATM at the airport. You will not be able to use USD in a machine. That's like asking if a ticket machine at a train station in the US would take chf. It's possible it might take euro since Switzerland is totally surrounded by countries using euro. Whether the machines for train tickets will process a non-chip credit card, I don't know. Some do, some don't.
>>>Even I read somewhere that I can validate the tickets my self by writing the start date on the card with Pen. I will email sbb customer service to get an accurate answer.<<<
I've also read you can write in the start date before boarding and find someone on the train to activate, but that was when people were crossing borders between countries. I don't think you have another choice though.
I've arrived Zurich at 10 or 10:30 before, but I had scheduled a 12 hour layover in AMS. Zurich airport was mostly deserted that time of night with most food places closed that I saw. I'm sure there will be a handy cash machine on your way to the train. I took the tram, not the train and the ticket machine for the tram (which is outside) required chf. I already had some from a previous trip so didn't bother to use the ATM at the airport. You will not be able to use USD in a machine. That's like asking if a ticket machine at a train station in the US would take chf. It's possible it might take euro since Switzerland is totally surrounded by countries using euro. Whether the machines for train tickets will process a non-chip credit card, I don't know. Some do, some don't.
>>>Even I read somewhere that I can validate the tickets my self by writing the start date on the card with Pen. I will email sbb customer service to get an accurate answer.<<<
I've also read you can write in the start date before boarding and find someone on the train to activate, but that was when people were crossing borders between countries. I don't think you have another choice though.
