Is it so difficult to buy a ticket from Paris to Basle or to Porntarlier (if you take a Berne bound TGV)? But if you wish to pay more, you are free to do so. Have a nice trip!

Bookmarking

> Is it so difficult to buy a ticket from Paris to Basle or to Porntarlier (if you take a Berne bound TGV)?

Ok i was writing based on the direct TGV Paris - Interlaken ( as OP wrote "TGV Lyria Paris - Interlaken) that has been running on certain days of the week this winter. When OP will travel, probably this will not be running any more. Then the tickets to buy should be TGV Paris - Basel ( try online discount) and Basel - Interlaken is naturally possible with one of the Swiss railway passes.

To OP,
> I have already looked into trains Paris-Interlaken and, yes, there is a single price with no options.

How do you know there is only a single price? The TGV reservation opens 3 months ahead so you can see the price offers today only until 03July while you are travelling in SEP/OCT? Maybe you saw only a normal price and not the discounted ones that are available later.

Bookmarking... we too were going to attempt Gimmelwald, Murren, Wengen but now think we'll just do Wengen, and only if clear, if not, we'll stay in Interlaken and head over to Bern. Didnt think the journeys up would take that long, but we expected to spend 8-4:00 for same... We are seniors and happily just walk around a bit, no serious hiking for sure.

I was looking at the prices for July, yes, just to get an idea in advance what sort of price I'd be paying if I booked when the window opened for Sept/Oct.

I think I'd be better off (maybe it's just all too hard) to buy the direct ticket on the TGV as soon as that 3-month window opens and pay the 10.80 euro ticket Interlaken-Grindelwald. That is, if the trains are running to Interlaken!

Yet to sort out what passes, if any, to use for the 3 days we're in Grindelwald and the 4th day which is the trip to Italy.

Thanks for info on Swiss pass, I'll have a look at those websites (scuse ignorance, what does IMO stand for?)>

IMO - In My Opinion.

Thanks, PalenQ! Had since googled it and felt like a dunce!

What do you guys think of this:

HALF FARE CARD (approx. US$120, available only in Switz)
2 x JUNIOR CARDS (CHF30 each) - entitles the boys to FREE TRAVEL including JUNGFRAUJOCH?

SInce we're based in Grindelwald and weather plays a significant part in activities, I'm not sure either the Swiss Pass or Swiss Flexi Pass is worth it.

And this way the cards can be used for inbound and outbound journeys.

Thoughts, experts??

Thanks!

In order to make it clear:
Swiss Pass holders who take the direct TGV Paris dp 17.57 - Interlaken ar 23.53 buy a ticket Paris - Ponterlier (costs actually 34 EUR for the random date of June 4th)
Swiss Pass holders who travel by TGV up to Basel and change there do a domestic train to Interlaken buy a ticket Paris - Basel (fares start actually at 40 EUR for the random date of June 4th)

The junior cards can got free if you apply for them together with the Half fare Card.

The Half Fare card can be bought in the web. You must do so if you leave Paris in late afternoon, as there will be no possibility to buy it at Basel when you will arrive. For the direct train via Pontarlier, there will be no possibility to buy it at the border anyway.

I can't wait to read your trip report upon your return.

Sitting on pins and needles.

Tschuss

Thanks, neckervd, as always! You must get impatient with these repetitive Qs...

It does say that the Half Fare card is only available in Switzerland. So my next question was going to be: will we have time to purchase these cards in Basel?

We will not be doing the evening train. Planning on early morning departure (either 06:15 or 08:23).

Would it be a good option in your opinion? i.e. Half Fare card and Junior Cards? Good news that the Junior Cards are free – are you sure? Because this would mean they don't pay anything (not even the 60CHF) for Jungfraujoch. Seems like an amazingly good deal!

What's the problem?
http://shop.swissrailways.com/swissh...ffiliateid=101

Basle railway station counters: opening times
http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-service....posid.10.html

Right, point taken! Thanks. I can buy it and have it posted to Oz (30CHF) or buy it at Basel.

Seems there would be time to do this at Basel station.

The kids would travel free with a Family Card going with the Half Fare Card, but here's the thing:
this would entitle them to only 50% off Jungfraujoch, whereas if I bought 2 x Junior Cards @ 30CHF each, they would travel to Jungfraujoch for FREE! Is this too simple? Have I missed something?

60CHF as opposed to 177CHF. Why wouldn't everyone do this? Or do they?

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/swis...y-card-en.html
89 CHF/pax is the standard round trip fare for a kid (6-16 years) travelling alone from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch and back. You don't need any pass or family card for that.
Junior cards can be got by everybody (for 30 CHF/kid) whereas the family card is for foreign travellers with Swiss Passes or half Fare Cards only.

I pay for Swiss Pass, Family Card is free and they get to travel for free.>

Yes free even on things you only get a discount on, like Junfraujoch trains.

Right. But isn't that terrific? If the weather's good and we decide to go Jungfraujoch all I need to do is buy 2 Junior Cards on the day and that'll cover them. I was just wondering if most people would realise this. Or if I somehow got it wrong.

What do you think of the Half Fare card as best choice for my trip out of the plethora of passes?!

Thanks again, neckverd.

Oops. Neckervd.

PalenQ, I think the kids only get 50% off Jungfraujoch with Family Card.

smm - where did u end up booking for grindelwald? we are heading there in august with our 2 boys 10 and 13. Im still looking for where to stay.

Hi MBM, I booked the Hotel Bellary

http://www.bellary.ch/

Triple room 195CHF including breakfast, 10 mins from centre, room facing mountains. Sounds like a smallish family-run place. I was actually going to book the youth hostel, but changed my mind! It would have meant paying for the extra unused bed, and check-in wasn't until 4pm and I really think my hostelling days are over!

Everyone's budget and requirements are different, so this may or may not be what you're after.

Have fun!

book the youth hostel, but changed my mind! It would have meant paying for the extra unused bed, and check-in wasn't until 4pm and I really think my hostelling days are over!>

for others the Nature Friends Houses in Grindelwald and other hiking/skiing resorts is a place where all ages will feel comfy - I've stayed in the one in Grindelwald - an all ages hiking crowd with a commune kitchen to fix your own food, etc. Some private rooms too. And yes cheap.

"PalenQ, I think the kids only get 50% off Jungfraujoch with Family Card."
So think whatever you want. I cannot repeat the same again and again and again ........

"PalenQ, I think the kids only get 50% off Jungfraujoch with Family Card."
So think whatever you want. I cannot repeat the same again and again and again .......>

You give great advice but you can be quite abrasive - seen it several times now - lose the attitude and keep giving great advice sans belittling others, pleeeeeze!

Thanks, PalenQ.

You are right, Palen. May be you understand that it takes some time to "give great advice" (I usually check timetables, opening hours, fares and fees and consult maps). Therefore it may be natural to be somewhat frustrated if people don't even read my answers.

Apologies for tagging on here, but I could also use some clarification. Is the Family Card only free if you purchase it outside the country (i.e. online)?

Conflicting information (or perhaps just outdated):

From SwissTravelsystem:
<i>The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online</i>
(I should just stop here I guess)

From RickSteves:
<i>The Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free with a parent who has a Swiss Travel System train ticket or Swiss rail pass (not a multi-country Eurail pass). Based on the validity of the parent's ticket or rail pass, they're free even on the high mountain routes. Request a free Swiss Family Card when you order an adult Swiss Pass (Consecutive or Flexi) , Swiss Card, or Swiss Transfer Ticket in the U.S. . . . . Both the Swiss Family Card and a Grandchild Travel Card are <b>also sold for 30 SF per kid at Swiss train stations</b>.</i>

and this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ree-or-not.cfm

Reluctant to weigh into this 'personal' discussion, but in my defence I have not only read every single answer and suggestion, but checked all links and tried to confirm in my own mind what's best option.

Regarding the Swiss Passes, I don't think I'm the first to find them confusing. Aware that my questions have been frustrating on this topic, I've ceased to ask them. See below the excerpt re the Half Fare Card, which had me querying the 'free for children on Jungfraujoch' statement. Don't worry, you don't need to tell me again they're free.

As with all voluntary activities (helping those less fortunate?), I think this forum should be participated in with a willing and open heart. Not a place to be venting frustration.

Children under age 6 travel free. Children from age 6 to 15 with a Junior Card also travel free to the Jungfraujoch, if accompanied by at least one parent. The Junior Card is available at all railway stations for CHF 30.– and is valid for one year. Without a Junior Card, children age 6 to 15 pay half fare.

Aware that my questions have been frustrating on this topic, I've ceased to ask them> If you have technical questions on anything to do with Swiss trains or passes, etc call Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - I have dealt with him for years buying various passes and he will patiently and expertly answer any questions even if you are not buying anything IME.

Thanks very much, PalenQ. Only problem is I'm in Australia, otherwise I would definitely call!

Never mind, I will work this one out eventually.

I really cannot understand why people in this forum believes that the National Swiss Tourist Office doesn't tell the truth. May be the so called "confusion" comes only from this behaviour.

May I just repeat the link I gave above (1 wewek ago):

neckervd on Apr 5, 13 at 3:06pm
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/swis...y-card-en.html

Mürren is 100 times better than Grindelwald and reallycan't understand why you would consider staying there rather than Mürren.

The views from Mürren at 1650m are amazing,its a true alpine resort with no cars with rustic chalets/houses and you get the true vibe of the Swiss Alps.

If you think journey time is an issue (while on holiday) just add the follwing minutes to your journey..its so worth it

Mürren to Wengen 45 mins
Mürren to Lauterbrunnen 24 mins

I would also consider the Schilthorn as an excursion from Mürren asit only takes 32 mins and you reach 3000m. I would also suggest going after June as you will experience the NEW Bond World up there plus the new viewing platform (all the info on my twitter : @ murrenlover)

ps....Mürren is a village compared to Grindelwald

It appears that a lot of the confusion is caused by consulting too many websites and too many third parties. One of the links posted above goes back to a 2010 discussion. The Swiss passes and prices change, and what was true in 2010 may no longer be so. Another person mentioned Rick Steves website. Rs rail pass page had totally wrong info on the Berner Oberland Pass until someone emailed them and pointed out that the pass provisions have totally changed in 2013. They still have last years price for the Half Fare Card. In 2013 the HFCis 120 CHF, not 110.

The best and only reliable sources of information are the official sites like MySwitzerland.com and SwissTravelSystem.com. Also SBB.ch, but they do not cover passes available to foreigners. For Jungfrau passes use Jungfrau.ch. And note that SwissPasses.com is a third party site, not official.

Bottom line is you can purchase a Half Fare Card for each adult upon arrival in Switzerland for 120 CHf, and request a FREE Family Card with it. Children will then travel up the Jungfraujoch ( and elsewhere) for free, just as ours have.

Thanks, enzian.

I believe whenever parents purchase any travel ticket kids of them under 16 get a Free Family Pass that sllows them to accompany a parent or two free. Do not need to buy Half-Fare Card or Swiss Pass, etc.

The multiple websites issue certainly sullies the waters when trying to make these sorts of decisions. I have found some contradictions. 'Bottom line' statements are incredibly enlightening!

And the 'official' sites have been duly noted. Thanks.

It is now up to me to figure out which pass suits us. Tending towards Flexi because PalenQ frequently mentions possibility of unexpected day trips to e.g. Thun. Also have noted that on the 'off' days you still get 50% off. See! I am being studious. Do I get an Encouragement Award?

Murrenlover, your enthusiasm for Murren is palpable. We will probably visit rather than stay, though.

After more than a week, they still refuse to read the official text (Myswitzerland com. 2013):

"Swiss Family Card
Coming to Switzerland with the whole family? Take advantage of the Swiss Family Card. It can be requested FREE OF CHARGE with every Swiss Travel System ticket.

Advantages at a glance

Children under age 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket

The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online. Children travelling UNACCOMPANIED are entitled to a 50% discount off the entire range of Swiss Travel System tickets. "

I give up!