seeksocean

Thanks so much! I’m hoping that a friend joins me but more and more I think it’ll just be me. I’ll be with friends in Chamonix for the weekend… then so far my plan is to get transportation back to Geneva and take a train from Geneva to Zürich? Or should I fly Geneva to Zürich and then get on the train from there? I really want to see some of the Swiss countryside so that’s why I figured I would take a train. Originally I wanted to do the glacier express but that doesn’t seem like it makes sense.

Then I’d take the overnight train from Zürich to Prague, and then from Prague to Vienna. And I think I might just do those two only and not do Budapest because I don’t think I have enough time.

I’d like to be in a somewhat historic..even hip area where I could do walking tour or eat at restaurants have things be convenient. I’m trying to do as much research now as possible, because I’m using reward travel for the flight into Geneva and back from Vienna. Thank you again!

seeksocean

My trip has just taken a new turn. A Dutch friend of mine recommended that I do this. I am originating from Chamonix.

Train from Chamonix to Zermatt (spend the night). Glacier Express to St. Moritz (spend the night). Train from St. Moritz to Zurich and then the Zurich to Prague night train. It’s a lot of trains…but great scenery. Thoughts?

seeksocean

And… if I did decide to do this plan, should I buy an Interail Pass? Or a SwissPass?

seeksocean

I started a new thread specific to this new idea.

neckervd

It doesn't make any sense to go up to Zermatt if you can stay there a few hours only before it gets night and to backtrack to the Rhone Valley the morning after.

For the Glacier Express train ride, you have to leave Brig at 14.18, with arrival at Chur at 18.25
Trains from Chamonix to Brig run every hour, the first one at 7.28 (2 1/2 hrs journey)
Leave then Chur at 21.31, change at Sargans and arrive at Buchs SG at 22.12.
The Vienna and Prague bound train (with sleeping cars) leaves Buchs SG at 23.05.
Ticket for the Swiss leg (Vallorcine - Buchs SG): Saver Day Pass. It you buy it 6 months ahead in the web, it will cost 52 CHF.
There is furthermore a seat reservation fee (compulsory) for the Glacier Express.

If you prefer to spend a night at St. Moritz, you may remain in the Glacier Express train up to there (arrival at 21.00) and leave St. Morritz the day after at 19.02 forf Buchs SG.
For the St. Moritz - Buchs SG leg, you will need a supersaver ticket or another Saver Day Pass (almost the same price)..

As an a alternative, you might also go from St. Moritz THROUGH THE ALPS to Prague:
St. Moritz dp 8.02 - Scuol-Tarasp 9.24/9.30 - Landeck 11.16/11.27 - Innsbruck 12.11/12.16 - Linz 15.15/15.54 - Prague ar 19.36
The supersaver ticket for the Swiss leg would then cost 33 CHF if you sleep at St. Moritz and 9 CHF if youi sleep at Scuol.

For tickets for the Zurich, resp Buchs SG od Landeck - Prague leg, have a look at www-oebb.at https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/europe

seeksocean

Thank you so much! I will study this and figure out a plan. Thank you so much again! Any hotel recommendations in St. Moritz? Mid range $$ and easy to get back to the train station?

bilboburgler

Mid $$ doesn't really mean anything. (well it means different things to different people) Be bold and tell us what you want to pay.

seeksocean

If I’m traveling alone I’d like to pay $150 or less a night at a hotel. If I travel with a friend we’ll probably get an airbnb.

neckervd

It might be rather difficult to find a single room with breakfast close to the railway station for only 1 night in September which would cost less than 125 CHF

seeksocean

Thanks! I looked at prices online. I get loyalty discounts from Expedia…so I think I can find a hotel in the $150-$175 range for one night.

But as I look at a calendar I’m feeling like I’m shaving off too much time from Prague and Vienna. I’ve already cut out Budapest.

When I leave Chamonix I’ll have 8 days (including the day I leave Chamonix) to do all that. I could extend it a day or two I guess. I just don’t want to spend all my time traveling.

If I went back to Plan A and went back to Geneva…took the train from there to Zurich and then the overnight train to Prague…would I see some amazing scenery on the daylight portion of this trip? Or should I not miss the Glacier Express? Tip about me…I live in the countryside high on a mountain…beautiful sweeping views..But it’s not the Alps. Thank you all again!! So appreciated.

neckervd

I suggested in post 25:
Chamonix dp 10.28 - Martigny - B rig - Glacier Express - Chur - Buchs SG ar 22.12
Buichs SG dp 23.05 - sleeping car - Prague ar.10.39

If you want to go directly to Zurich, that gives:
Chamonix dp 14.28 - Martigny - Lausanne - Zurich ar 19.28
Zürich dp 20.40 - Praha ar 10.39

Faster (and cheaper) solution:
Bus or train to Geneva airport plus flight (Eurowings or Easyjet). about 6-7 hrs door to door

seeksocean

Thank you Neckervd! You have been amazing!!

seeksocean

neckervd and others…is this too tough?

1) Mount Blanc Express Chamonix to Martigny

2) Martigny to Brig interrego

3) Glacier Express Brig-Chur 14:18-18:25

4) Chur-Buchs 19:11-21:48

5) Depart Buchs-Prague sleeper car..departs 23:05 arrives Prague 10:39.
If I were to stop and do one overnight on this route, which town should I pick. Be kind please… I’m doing the best I can. I wish I had more time, but I don’t. Thank you!

neckervd

If you need 2 days, you pay more or less twice the price of a Saver Day Pass (at least some 120 USD instead of 60).
After a few days at Chamonix, it wouldn't make much sense to stop at another (may be less attractive) mountain village along the Glacier Express itinerary.
If you have really time to waste, you may stopover at Brig and go either to
Lake Maggiore (subtropicla botanical gardens of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Villa Taranto)
or to
Riederalp - Aletsch Glacier
or to
Zermatrt as initially planned.

seeksocean

Thank you! Appreciate it! Do you think that itinerary I posted is doable? Without the extra overnight.

seeksocean

I have everything pretty booked up. Thanks for all the help. I’m just looking for recommendations for tours, food tours, etc. to do on my 3 nights (2 full day..Sunday and Monday) in mid September. Any tour (especially food tour) guides that you particularly recommend would be great. Hoping to catch an opera one of the nights I am there. I am staying in the Innere Stadt district. Thank you!

seeksocean

neckervd I am hoping you or any others could help me please, figuring out which website I can purchase the deluxe overnight sleeper accommodations from Zürich to Prague?

Apparently there are only 3 deluxe sleepers available per sleeper car. I know it’s a bit early… But I’d love to have everything in place for when I buy. I’m looking at early September for purchase. Thank you.