Swiss trains; pricing.
Apr 3rd, 2012, 07:02 PM
#1
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Swiss trains; pricing.
I am usually really knowledgeable about trains, but I'm a little stumped here, and maybe you all can help out with my confusion. PalenQ?
I was going to get point to point tickets but the more I research, the more it seems better that I just get -- at least for the Switzerland part -- a Swiss flexipass. Tell me if I'm right or not.
We land in Geneva and head immediately to Montreux -- well, actually somewhere between Montreux and Vevey, thanks to the awesome help of Swandav. That's our base for 5 days -- I wanted to hang there as long as possible during the Montreux Jazz Festival with the hope that someone might be playing there that does it for me and my musical tastes.
Meantime, I'd like to check out some of the old places I've been to before as day trips -- seriously, most places can be seen as day trips. But in my research, I see that even a round trip to Bern can cost a bundle, and that is certainly one of the spots I plan on visiting.
When we leave, we head to Paris via Lausanne (or Geneva, depending on the train). Now, the swiss train website brings up all sorts of crazy long trips at crazy long prices, while the French website brings up Montreux to Paris via Lausanne or Geneva, at a cheaper price using the TGV.
Don't know if I can use the Swiss pass for that partial journey to the French border, but do know I have to pay extra for TGV.
What am I missing -- can you fill in the blanks?
I hope this makes sense!
I was going to get point to point tickets but the more I research, the more it seems better that I just get -- at least for the Switzerland part -- a Swiss flexipass. Tell me if I'm right or not.
We land in Geneva and head immediately to Montreux -- well, actually somewhere between Montreux and Vevey, thanks to the awesome help of Swandav. That's our base for 5 days -- I wanted to hang there as long as possible during the Montreux Jazz Festival with the hope that someone might be playing there that does it for me and my musical tastes.
Meantime, I'd like to check out some of the old places I've been to before as day trips -- seriously, most places can be seen as day trips. But in my research, I see that even a round trip to Bern can cost a bundle, and that is certainly one of the spots I plan on visiting.
When we leave, we head to Paris via Lausanne (or Geneva, depending on the train). Now, the swiss train website brings up all sorts of crazy long trips at crazy long prices, while the French website brings up Montreux to Paris via Lausanne or Geneva, at a cheaper price using the TGV.
Don't know if I can use the Swiss pass for that partial journey to the French border, but do know I have to pay extra for TGV.
What am I missing -- can you fill in the blanks?
I hope this makes sense!
Apr 3rd, 2012, 09:10 PM
#2
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Hi Surfergirl,
When you try the fare for the trip to Paris, do you input a day that's 90 days from today? That's the way to find out what the best discount fares are. And, yup, be ready to buy when your own trip is about 90 days out. You should find fares as low as, like, 29 Euro or so.
When you find discounted fares like that, you may not need the Swiss Pass to the border.
I've been travelling to Switzerland once or twice a year since 1995, and I've always found the Half Fare Card to be the best bargain. It costs 110 chf and gives you half off practically everything that moves for one month.
Have fun as you plan!
s
When you try the fare for the trip to Paris, do you input a day that's 90 days from today? That's the way to find out what the best discount fares are. And, yup, be ready to buy when your own trip is about 90 days out. You should find fares as low as, like, 29 Euro or so.
When you find discounted fares like that, you may not need the Swiss Pass to the border.
I've been travelling to Switzerland once or twice a year since 1995, and I've always found the Half Fare Card to be the best bargain. It costs 110 chf and gives you half off practically everything that moves for one month.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Apr 4th, 2012, 06:09 AM
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In case of Switzerland-Paris travel, imho, it makes sense just purchase international discount ticket (http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holiday...rice-tips.html) instead of combination Swiss pass for Swiss segment (and no, you don't pay extra by using TGV withing Switzerland) + full fare for French segment, first one will be definitely cheaper (you can buy it here - https://www.sbb.ch/ticketshop/b2c/pipSchritt_1.do), but at the same time it's for the fixed date and train, so kind of limits your spontaneity.
Regarding Swiss pass, there is a simple way to determine whether it's worth it's price or not, just spend a bit of time and calculate the sum of all point-to-point tickets for journeys you plan to take and then compare it the pass fare
Also you might consider potential promo campaigns by SBB, for instance rather popular lately SuperSaver offer, which allows you to travel all over Switzerland for a bargain fare. It's not available all year round, but still a great way to safe in case it happen to be on your dates of travel
Regarding Swiss pass, there is a simple way to determine whether it's worth it's price or not, just spend a bit of time and calculate the sum of all point-to-point tickets for journeys you plan to take and then compare it the pass fare
Also you might consider potential promo campaigns by SBB, for instance rather popular lately SuperSaver offer, which allows you to travel all over Switzerland for a bargain fare. It's not available all year round, but still a great way to safe in case it happen to be on your dates of travel
Apr 4th, 2012, 06:42 AM
#4
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Yes, swandav, I did that -- so I could have a sense of the fare at its least expensive. I'll run the math on the half fare card -- I looked into that, but didn't see one for a month or less. Thanks.
ETGC -- I did the calculations on point to point vs. pass -- that's how I arrived at the pass is better. I will check your other links, thanks!
ETGC -- I did the calculations on point to point vs. pass -- that's how I arrived at the pass is better. I will check your other links, thanks!
Apr 4th, 2012, 07:04 AM
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Surfegirl, try also to check out SuperSaver tickets? http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and...r-tickets.html
Those are much cheaper than usual point-to-point. For instance, Geneve-Montreux from 11,2 CHF instead of full fare 28 CHF etc.
Those are much cheaper than usual point-to-point. For instance, Geneve-Montreux from 11,2 CHF instead of full fare 28 CHF etc.
Apr 4th, 2012, 07:35 AM
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EuropeTrainsGuide - Are there only two SuperSaver tickets available right now? They seem to both expire May 14th which I'm super bummed about because we'll be travling from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen May 16th! Was the Geneve-Montreux just an example or do you see that ticket somewhere?
Apr 4th, 2012, 07:53 AM
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GillsinEurope, no Geneve-Montreux for 11,2 CHF SuperSaver ticket was just an example, SBB offers such promo fares (-->up to 60% off regular fare) for almost any route within Switzerland (some limits are only on private railways). SuperSavers will be sold up to August 20, so not sure what you mean by 'expire May 14th'
Also more info and FAQ regarding SuperSaver tickets you can find in a link to SBB page from my previous post.
But regarding your route (Zurich-Lauterbrunnen), now the last day it's possible to buy SuperSaver is April 18 and cheapest ticket Zurich-Lauterbrunnen for 18/04 at the moment cost 29 CHF (instead of 72,2 CHF regular fare). If you need it for May 16, then just visit SBB website 14 days before the date and easily buy your SuperSaver ticket.
Also more info and FAQ regarding SuperSaver tickets you can find in a link to SBB page from my previous post.
But regarding your route (Zurich-Lauterbrunnen), now the last day it's possible to buy SuperSaver is April 18 and cheapest ticket Zurich-Lauterbrunnen for 18/04 at the moment cost 29 CHF (instead of 72,2 CHF regular fare). If you need it for May 16, then just visit SBB website 14 days before the date and easily buy your SuperSaver ticket.
Apr 4th, 2012, 08:20 AM
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regarding the pass - I always do more once I am there if I have a pass than if I have to pay for each ticket - like on Lake Geneva you may want to take a late afternoon boat ride over to Evian-les-Bains for the evening in that swank French resort and spa and casino town - 100% covered by Swiss Pass, even to France. Or if you are visiting any museums - over 400 free entry with Swiss Pass - also covers city buses and trams and postal buses - best value per day is a consecutive-day pass but since they are only 4-, 8- 15- and longer consecutive days they have to comport to your time there - otherwise the flexipass comes into play - 3-day usually better than a 4-day since in between first and last day you get 50% off practically everything that moves except cows! Once the third day is used the pass terminates so you have to leave the third day to your last day of significant travel.
So if pass even approaches what the regular fares are go for the pass IMO - and when checking Swiss Pass prices as I did recently I found they were now significantly cheaper if bought in the U S than for the same exact pass bought in Switzerland - has often been the case for several years but not always so compare before buying. And if your c card imposes 3% on foreign transactions calculate that as well. And of course a pass negates waiting in ticket lines - you just hop on the train, boat, postal bus, tram, etc.
As TrainsGuide says it is best to nab a low fare from www.voyages-sncf.com for the Lausanne or Geneva TGV trains but if you cannot there is a Pass 2 discount on those trains if you have a railpass valid in Switzerland.
Great sources of info on Swiss trains IMO - http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html; www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
So if pass even approaches what the regular fares are go for the pass IMO - and when checking Swiss Pass prices as I did recently I found they were now significantly cheaper if bought in the U S than for the same exact pass bought in Switzerland - has often been the case for several years but not always so compare before buying. And if your c card imposes 3% on foreign transactions calculate that as well. And of course a pass negates waiting in ticket lines - you just hop on the train, boat, postal bus, tram, etc.
As TrainsGuide says it is best to nab a low fare from www.voyages-sncf.com for the Lausanne or Geneva TGV trains but if you cannot there is a Pass 2 discount on those trains if you have a railpass valid in Switzerland.
Great sources of info on Swiss trains IMO - http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html; www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
Apr 4th, 2012, 01:37 PM
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I'm no rocket scientist, but I do consider myself to be a somewhat intelligent woman. However, I'm at a loss for this Swiss pass nonsense! If the last day to buy these SuperSaver tickets is April 18th then how can I wait until two weeks before my travel date? Fourteen days before May 16 is May 2. Will there be a new bunch of SuperSaver tickets then?
Also, if I do decide to go for the pass about how long does it take to ship? Or do I pick it up at the train station once we get to Zurich? I like the idea of the pass better because of the ability to just hop on and off, 50% off of mountain cables, the use of buses, etc. but if buying SuperSaver tickets saves me a lot of money, I'd much rather do that!
Also, if I do decide to go for the pass about how long does it take to ship? Or do I pick it up at the train station once we get to Zurich? I like the idea of the pass better because of the ability to just hop on and off, 50% off of mountain cables, the use of buses, etc. but if buying SuperSaver tickets saves me a lot of money, I'd much rather do that!
Apr 4th, 2012, 02:36 PM
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Yes, there will be a new bunch. The thing with SuperSaver tickets is that they basically being 'released' each day, thus on May 1 there will be tickets for May 15th available, May 2 - May 16, May 3 - May 17 etc., so each new day the final date for which you can purchase ticket also moves. So to say 'window' of sale is 14 days in advance.
And all those 'released' tickets are available until either they are all sold out (it can happen on the first day for some connections or it can be that for tomorrow or even today some are still left).
To simplify, today you can check out the last date for which SBB sells SuperSavers and pretty much expect to see the same picture on May 2.
Regarding the pass - http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/tickets/faq
And all those 'released' tickets are available until either they are all sold out (it can happen on the first day for some connections or it can be that for tomorrow or even today some are still left).
To simplify, today you can check out the last date for which SBB sells SuperSavers and pretty much expect to see the same picture on May 2.
Regarding the pass - http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/tickets/faq
Apr 4th, 2012, 08:28 PM
#11
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GillsinEurope -- if it helps any, I feel the same way!
But ETG Com, even as a new poster, has been pretty helpful trying to explain the serious idiocyncracies of the swiss pass that makes me feel like my name should be Alice and I just fell down the rabbit hole . . . .
But ETG Com, even as a new poster, has been pretty helpful trying to explain the serious idiocyncracies of the swiss pass that makes me feel like my name should be Alice and I just fell down the rabbit hole . . . .
Apr 5th, 2012, 02:19 AM
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Surfgirl, I'm not against passes completely, but anybody planning to buy it just should understand all the pros and cons of it
Yes, they give a good deal of flexibility and freedom to change plans, allowing you not to think about any bookings, 'catching' discounted ticket etc., but at the same time passes aren't always the cheapest solution, especially in countries like Switzerland with the whole bunch of other possibilities. But in any case the final choice is yours
Yes, they give a good deal of flexibility and freedom to change plans, allowing you not to think about any bookings, 'catching' discounted ticket etc., but at the same time passes aren't always the cheapest solution, especially in countries like Switzerland with the whole bunch of other possibilities. But in any case the final choice is yours
Apr 5th, 2012, 04:29 AM
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don't blindly judge passes by price alone - with a pass I always find I travel more than if I had to buy tickets - even at half-price and also have to stand in ticket lines, etc. If the savings are not much escdhew the restricted hard to change or refund tickets IMO and enjoy the sponteniety and flexibility of a Swiss Pass - which also gives free entry to over 400 Swiss museums and is good on city trams, buses and lakes boats and postal buses - consecutive-day passes are the best deal if they comport to your 4- and 8-day periods they are offered in (and longer time periods as well).
Apr 5th, 2012, 05:54 AM
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sometimes folks seem to want to spend hours looking for saver fares that come and go and are not in great supply - hours and hours - one thing about a pass is that it is so so easy and in Switzerland one would rarely lose much money with a pass over these limited in supply and not guaranteed mini fares - but that seems to be the Fodor's mantra - save a nickel even if it takes hours to research and try to book, etc.
Apr 5th, 2012, 06:55 AM
#15
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ETG -- I was paying you a compliment. I like having the choices explained, the confusion lifted and you do it well.
I tend to follow the same path as PalenQ on rail passes -- I more often go for them than not. Because, like PalenQ, I like to be a little more spontaneous on day trips, whether they be to Bern or Zurich, or wherever. It usually depends on the weather and in this case, it will also depend on what music group is playing on a particular night. So I need a lot of flexibility.
But I will certainly look into these options and possibilities. I just wish the Swiss rail was as user friendly as the French counterpart!
I tend to follow the same path as PalenQ on rail passes -- I more often go for them than not. Because, like PalenQ, I like to be a little more spontaneous on day trips, whether they be to Bern or Zurich, or wherever. It usually depends on the weather and in this case, it will also depend on what music group is playing on a particular night. So I need a lot of flexibility.
But I will certainly look into these options and possibilities. I just wish the Swiss rail was as user friendly as the French counterpart!
Apr 5th, 2012, 07:26 AM
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ETG and PalenQ are so helpful!
I want to buy the 2=1 pass because I know it will be easier (and it may be the same price or even cheaper than buying individual tickets, but I also know we'll be doing a lot of "it's easier" on our vacation because we have our kids with us. All those "it's easier" situations definitely add up!
So I'm leaning towards the 2=1 Swiss pass where we would get 4 days within 1 month. How does it work using those 4 days? I want to make sure our last day (the train from Lauterbrunnen to Zurich) is covered. We'll be in Switzerland for 7 days and probably on at least one train, mountain lift, gondola, etc. every day. Do we just pay full price on the days when we don't want to use our pass? Am I making any sense? It sounds right in my head.
I want to buy the 2=1 pass because I know it will be easier (and it may be the same price or even cheaper than buying individual tickets, but I also know we'll be doing a lot of "it's easier" on our vacation because we have our kids with us. All those "it's easier" situations definitely add up!
So I'm leaning towards the 2=1 Swiss pass where we would get 4 days within 1 month. How does it work using those 4 days? I want to make sure our last day (the train from Lauterbrunnen to Zurich) is covered. We'll be in Switzerland for 7 days and probably on at least one train, mountain lift, gondola, etc. every day. Do we just pay full price on the days when we don't want to use our pass? Am I making any sense? It sounds right in my head.
Apr 5th, 2012, 11:23 AM
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2 for 1 pass? Is that the Saverpass for two people traveling together - if so not really 2 for 1 - or referring to the recently expired actual 2 for the price of 1 pass thru RailEurope in the US? In any case be sure to compare prices in US dollars to the exact same pass sold in Switzerland - currently I checked and there appear to be significant savings for buying the exact same pass here, if an American than in Switzerland - and if I were you I would consider the 8-consecutive day pass over the 4-day flexipass - and in any case the 3-day flexi is almost always a better deal than the 4-day flexi. Gotta run now but will answer your other questions if someone else does not.
Apr 5th, 2012, 09:39 PM
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It's $288 (total price for two people) for 4 (flexi?) days within a one month period. I guess it is the Saverpass for two people traveling together between April 1 and May 31. It said it was a special deal on Rick Steves and on BudgetEuropetravel.com It says includes all museums, boat rides, postal buses, and scenic train rides. It also gives 50% off for mountain rails, cable cars, etc. We will be in Switzerland 7 days so we can use our 4 "travel days" any of those 7 days we want right?
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...r+1.affiliates
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticke...r+1.affiliates
Apr 6th, 2012, 10:31 AM
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http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html
Yes indeedy I was wrong about the cut-off date - have to buy before May 25 according to Budget Europe site link above.
Yes indeedy I was wrong about the cut-off date - have to buy before May 25 according to Budget Europe site link above.
Apr 8th, 2012, 07:16 AM
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We will be in Switzerland 7 days so we can use our 4 "travel days" any of those 7 days we want right?>
Yes except you want to leave the last of the four days for you final trip as after you use the 4 days the pass expires - in between the 1st and last day of use you get 50% off everything that moves practically in Switzerland but not after the fourth and final day of 100% travel is used.
Some aerial cable ways are 100% covered - if they do to an actual town - like from Lauterbrunnen-Grutschalp and mountain train to Murren - 100$ covered because it links Lauterbrunnen and Murren - ones just to mountain tops are 50% off.
Yes except you want to leave the last of the four days for you final trip as after you use the 4 days the pass expires - in between the 1st and last day of use you get 50% off everything that moves practically in Switzerland but not after the fourth and final day of 100% travel is used.
Some aerial cable ways are 100% covered - if they do to an actual town - like from Lauterbrunnen-Grutschalp and mountain train to Murren - 100$ covered because it links Lauterbrunnen and Murren - ones just to mountain tops are 50% off.
