Golden pass line!
 

Read abt the golden pass line! Will you guys recommend to take the golden pass line from interlaken to zurich? The purchase of the tickets is different from the normal train ticket to zurich? How abt the boarding point?
Are we able to use the swiss pass without having to topup any $?
Will the half fare card entitle to 50% off the golden pass line?

abt means what?

Refer to the link below for information about, whatever is covered under Swiss pass and other passes. This page is sourced from the Rick Steves pages:
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/switzerland.cfm

I have got very similar queries myself. But I shall itemize each and every train ride and other rides, say within Switzerland or even beyond and then ask the online experts about how to cover those best.

You can also refer to the discussions on this board on a very similar topic, that I had myself initiated below:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...witzerland.cfm

seat61.com/switzerland most passes are expensive scams and
are not usually used enough to break even.Usually hopping on
training like a local on regional trains cheapest best for
me. To be fair I have made money on pass training long EVERY
pass day but pretty hard to do.

GP don't go to Zurich but goes to Lucerne. a lovely route up and over the Brunig Pass, a climb so steep the train must use cog wheels to assist the climbing and braking going down - the only mainline Swiss Federal Railways line to use cogs!

For lots of good info on Golden Pass and Swiss trains in general check out these great IMO sites: http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html; http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/switzerland.cfm
www.swisstravelsystem.com

The purchase of the tickets is different from the normal train ticket to zurich? Not really - any valid ticket I believe can ride the GPass from Interlaken-Ost to Lucerne where the GP ends and you take regular trains onto zurich (but be sure to have a good look at lovely Lucerne for a few hours!) Seat reservations are not compulsory on this portion of the GP I believe (they are I believe on the Montreux to Zweissimmen portion only) - board at Interaken-Ost like any trains

How abt the boarding point?


Are we able to use the swiss pass without having to topup any $?> Swiss Pass covers it 100% - seat reservations are optional I have been told in Interlaken by train personnel.

Will the half fare card entitle to 50% off the golden pass line? Yes.

most passes are expensive scams and
are not usually used enough to break even>

Ignore this pure misinformation when talking about Switzerland. Swiss Passes are amongst the true travel bargains in Europe - many folks find them not only cost effective but easy to use - just hop on any train, lake boat, postal bus or city tram or bus without having to buy a ticket.

To call a Swiss Pass a scam is really beyond believe and terrible misinformation IME and IMO.

Hi all,

Actually the value of passes is entirely dependant on how much the traveller travels.

I personally don't like to move around much -- I prefer to stay put in one place for *at least* four nights and spend my time really getting to know that place on foot and by bike. I always encourage others also to slow down and see, experience, and enjoy their destination.

For that kind of a trip, a Pass is indeed too expensive. I guess I won't call the Swiss Pass a "scam," but it is certainly overpriced for a slow-paced trip. I always favor the Half Fare Card.

s

for what the typical first time traveler does in Switzerland the Swiss Pass is often the best ticket IMO - especially those not sitting in a spot for several days and those who do not know exactly how much travel they will do. I have had dozens of Swiss Passes and always found them saving me money - and time as well as I never stand in a ticket line but just hop on.

But yes you do have to be traveling a bit and most first-time travelers do - moving say between Interlaken area, zermatt, Glacier Express, Lake Geneva, etc.

If taking the Golden Pass between Montreux and Zweissimmen (sp?) check out the totally unique and mind-blowing VIP seats - just a handful on each train - sit in compartment next to driver so you can simulate driving the train!

http://www.goldenpass.ch/goldenpass_..._zweisimmen_en

pictures of VIP seats!