mtnestr

We're visiting Switzerland in April or May (1st time). Is it as easy as the guide book indicates to get around the country by public transportation, mainly trains? Next question: escorted travel or not? We're well travelled but only in US.

sandi_travelnut

Yes, the guidebooks are correct when it comes to trains. You may want to tell us your itinerary so the Switzerland experts can help even further.

Escorted travel? Do you mean like hiring a car to take you? I think that would be a waste of money unless you are completely uncomfortable being on the train "alone". The trains are clean, efficient and can be a beautiful experience, especially with beautiful Switzerland outside your window.

Dukey

I've been to Switzerland several times and have always used the rail system. It is an excellent way to get from one place to another, relaxing, and very easy to use.

You might want to consider getting rail passes if you are planning to take several trips.

IMO there is no need to go escorted. One thing you might consider is looking at the itineraries of the various escorted tours and then doing them on your own. The first time I ever went I considered doing an escroted tour which used the train system. I simply duplicated the itineray with some modifications, easily made all the hotel reservations on-line or by email, etc.

You CAN do this.

altamiro

I have no idea what guide book it is and what it indicates but Switzerland has a very tight, fully integrated network of public transportation. A car is with very few exception superfluous at best and a liability at worst, for example in the cities.

> Next question: escorted travel or not?

What do you mean with "escorted travel"? Bus tours? Obviously there are people who prefer them, but for myself, I wouldn't see the point. And planning the tour is half the fun anyway.

gruezi

Hi mtnestr,

The Swiss transportation system is everything it is rumored to be. Efficient, convenient, clean and comfortable. You can get from anywhere to anywhere with public transit and you will get plenty of help with directions etc.

Many (most?) Swiss speak at least some English and they are a very helpful culture. You will have no trouble getting around this beautiful country. No need for a tour or "escorted travel."

I would not rent a car.

What is so wonderful about traveling by train here is the scenery and the ability to bring your wine and cheese aboard for a picnic. It is a wonderful way to travel and so, so relaxing.

If you can come in May, the weather will hopefully be drier and sunnier than April. No guarantees of course.

gruezi

suze

Yes the trains in Switzerland are a great way to get around. No need for a car hire or an escorted tour imo.

Because Switzerland is so efficient and well organized it is a relatively easy country to plan & take your own trip. Things run smoothly there.

DalaiLlama

If Amtrak is your only known train experience, forget everything. The Swiss train system works much differently. No holding pens called "gates" before train departures, no early arrival and check-in and giving ID and all that - in Switzerland you simply show up with a ticket at the last second and hop on. No names taken, no fuss, but frequent departures and simple efficiency, with timetables tightly synchronized so when you need to change trains you rarely waste not even minutes in doing so. Unless you want to wait for the next one while you have a cup of coffee at the station restaurant (yes, most decently sized stations have them - how civilized!).

Currently a ticket allows travel on any train that day in the class you bought (1st or 2nd). Next year this may change, during rush hour there may be a premium.

Not sure either what you mean by escorted - you can do it all on your own, help is available everywhere, tourist info offices, travel agents, posters on the wall listing all trains to everywhere...

And not just trains, but wherever trains don't go you'll find buses, formerly run by the postal authorities (then they were all yellow), now often franchised out and not yellow anymore, but if you inquire if a "Postauto" goes somewhere, you will get answers.

Start by looking up some random trips on www.rail.ch to get used to how it all works (while you have a good map before you, of course, maybe from www.viamichelin.com), also check out http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/Tick....html?&L=2 and www.sbb.ch/mct/wi/shop/b2c/adw.do?36 - you will soon get the hang of it all.

kleeblatt

There's not much difference between riding the bus or train in Switzerland, except you can buy tickets on the bus.