It costs 41,30 chf or 42,80 to go from Zürich airport to Wengen --

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thank you - that is about 42 francs but if then the person were to go from Wengen to say the Italian border or even French or German or Austrian borders it would cost much more than 42 euros so for those scenarios the Swiss Card would be better than the Half-Fare Card - from Zurich Airport to Wengen and back the Swiss Card and Half-Fare Card would be about exactly the same.

Again. Unless someone wanted to make long trips in the middle of his/her vacation.

s

No wswandav - perhaps I have not explained it that wello - but for anyone it seems coming into Switzerland from any airport or border and then going onto another country - the 42 euros is about what it would cost from Zurich, the nearest airport say to the Interlaken/Wengen area but to go from there to any border point, say on the way to italy, France, Austria or Germany that would cost much more so anything over 42 euros would be how a Half-Fare Card would cost more than a Swiss Card. Only if going to and from Zurich Airport would it be about the same so why not then buy the Half-Fare Card (well for one reason the Swiss francs could keep increasing in value whereas Swiss Card prices are guaranteed for six months after issue.

Do you purchase the Half Fare Card in the US or at the Zurich airport? If the answer is both, is one cheaper than the other?

You can buy the half fare card in either place and according to people on Fodors, it is cheaper in the US, so check it out in enough time to buy it before leaving. I ran out of time and bought it in Zurich before hopping on the train to Grindelwald, and in the end we about broke even with the half fare card. I think it would have been cheaper if I had gotten my act together before leaving.

We looked into the Swiss Pass as well - it had been the better choice for us 5 years ago - but with only being able to buy in certain increments, it was not cost effective for us this time. You really should do a spread sheet with the half fare card, Swiss Pass and with full fares to see which one to pick. And I agree...it's overwhelming!

It's no problem to arrive at the Zurich airport and go to the Bernese Oberland area the same day. We've done that a few times and have had no regrets at all. Better to get there right away and start enjoying the scenery!

Alsoi, be aware...everything is soooooo expensive now in Switzerland!!!!! My husband said he's not going back, but of course I would have none of that! ;)

Thanks Kwren. Good for you about not worring about the prices. It's vacation!

Half-Fare Cards are not sold in the U.s. nor are they priced in dollars - only in Swiss francs and are available at train stations all over Switzerland, including at Zurich Airport - some folks have ordered Half-Price Cards from the Swiss Railways - www.sbb.ch put have to pay a mailing fee I understaned so makes it more expensive - buy the Half-Fare Card upon arrival but do look into the Swiss Card, which priced in doollars and bought at home can indeed be cheaper than the Half-Fare Card for many travel plans - above I explain that it is also a half-off everything card plus you get a trip from any airport or border point to anyplace in Switzerland and then back to any border or airport - within a one-month period. Could well give same benefits as Half-Fare Card and be cheaper, depedning on how far you travel from airport or border point to your destination.

Glad to hear that Pal- I've been beating myself up for not buying the half fare card at home!
In that case, we saved 10 Euros by using it. A little savings is better than nothing!

Who cares anymore?

The CHF has reached such stratospheric heights what does saving 10 euros mean when you are paying $85 for an entree at a Swiss restaurant?

Live fast, die young, and leave a trail of Krug bottles in your wake.

The Great and Powerful Pippy Peppington

Well for 10 euros you MIGHT be able to buy two cups of coffee in a cafe?

Well for 10 euros you MIGHT be able to buy two cups of coffee in a cafe?

Hey, that 10 euros bought us 4 chocolate bars at the Coop! :D

Yes indeedy a few things are still affordable in Switzerland -like chocolate and wine and beer!

Yup - that's all we really need! Keeps the kids happy! Keeps the adults happy!

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