JMMcCormick

We are taking a cruise in October which in Basel. We will have one full day to explore. I would like to take a train from Basel to Grindelwald. However, I would like to be able to hop on and off the train at Interlaken to look around, then go on to Grindelwald explore there and return direct to Basel that evening. Do we need to purchase a ticket from Basel to Interlaken, then a ticket from Interlaken to Grindelwald? Do we even need to purchase reserve tickets given the time of year? Is there a better route to take from Basel to Grindelwald and back which we could do in one day?

Christina

YOu have to change trains in Interlaken, anyway, so you'll have to hop off, there are no direct trains that I know of. It's about 2 hrs to Interlaken and another half hour or so to Grindelwald from there.

It's an IC train to Interlaken, then regional from Interlaken to Griendelwald (and you can't make reservations on that train, anyway, although you can on the IC).

A regular ticket is good all day, anyway, so you wouldn't need to buy two separate tickets just to get out at Interlaken for a bit. I don't know if you'll save money that way or not, over buying two separate ones, you can check.

There is no quicker route that I know of. Seems like a lot to do for a day trip given the journey is at least 2.5 hrs each way, if you want to explore two different places. If you only want an hour or so each, fine. I don't think you'd have to have a reservation on the IC part but don't really know how booked up that train gets in October.

As to what type of ticket if you want to stay a while in Interlaken.

WeisserTee

Lots of people do day trips from Basel to the Interlaken/Grindelwald/Wengen area. I do it several times a year.

Don't worry about getting a reservation. But do keep an eye on the weather forecast. If it's going to be a lousy, rainy day, there's really no point. You might do better in that case to go to someplace like Bern. If the weather is good, then enjoy! Although I would pick Wengen over Grindelwald. Just my opinion.

You can buy tickets online, at the train station or, on any day except Sunday, at the Bider & Tanner bookstore in Basel (go up to the second floor/first floor European). MUCH shorter lines (I've never had more than 2 people in front of me) than at the station itself but the store doesn't open til 9 am.

FWIW, I think you get a prettier view sitting on the left side of the train to Interlaken, especially from Thun onwards.

Dukey1

As a <B>general</B> rule for train trips which occur <B>wholly within</B> Switzerland, seat reservations are not available.

PalenQ

I don't think you'd have to have a reservation on the IC part but don't really know how booked up that train gets in October.>

Weisser Tee's experience is mine too - you could make an optional seat reservation Basel to Interlaken but few Swiss do and the train probably starts in Basel so boarding there you will have lots of empty seats I would think - if you board early anyway.

<As a general rule for train trips which occur wholly within Switzerland, seat reservations are not available.>

This is just not true - ignore that misinformation - seat reservations are optional on inter-city trains and indeed are possible - mountain trains may not have seat reservations possible and from Interlaken to Grindelwald you certainly do not need one- I think it is possible but no one bothers.

For lots of info on Swiss trains check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

No need to buy any Swiss domestic train ticket in advance. If you want to always have guaranteed empty seats IME go first-class.

Dukey1

Pal, exactly what part of the words "general rule" do you not understand? This is not "disinformation" and I'm getting more than tired of your accusations as if I am intentionally trying to mislead people.

PalenQ

As a general rule for train trips which occur wholly within Switzerland, seat reservations are not available.>

It is not a general rule- what do you mean by general rule? All Inter-City trains - all the regular trains almost take seat reservations IME - do they not in yours.

I do not mean to say you are purposefully trying to mislead people but your posts of patently incorrect info needs corrections - I guess thru ignorance of what is real.

the general rule is that seat reservations are available and possible - why do you say otherwise?

PalenQ

and I'm getting more than tired of your accusations as if I am intentionally trying to mislead people.>

Please don't get me wrong - I do not believe that -I've known you as a valuable contributor for years here - I know you would never try to mislead folks.

neckervd

http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and...ervations.html

This service seems to get more and more popular. In some intercity trains between Berne and Zurich, almost 1 per mil of all seats are booked in advance.

Melnq8

For what it's worth, in all our trips to Switzerland, at all times of the year, we've never, ever made a seat reservation. Nor have we ever purchased 1st class tickets. It's just a waste of money IMO.

WeisserTee

"It's just a waste of money IMO."

Not to us -- we head straight for the quiet car. It's worth the extra cost not to have to listen to people yammering on their mobile phones or having loud conversations. And since we have half-fare cards or buy super saver tickets, it's really not that expensive.

PalenQ

I've always had a first-class pass in Switzerland and many times I loved it because first class was sparsely filled and at times 2nd class SRO - definitely not a waste of money IMO but you can always make seat reservations in 2nd class to be guaranteed a seat.

Plus the Quiet Cars can be worth the money for some seeking peace and quiet.

Not saying to go first class but IMO first class is not a waste of money and I'm glad I was in it so so many times.

Melnq8

Fair enough, to each his own. I've seen quiet cars in second class too though.

WeisserTee

"I've seen quiet cars in second class too though."

Not in IC trains. Even the SBB site indicates they're in first.

"Swiftly from one centre to another. Airconditioned coaches. Restaurant and minibar. Usually waits several minutes for late connecting trains. Business and quiet zone in 1st class."

Quiet cars are much, much less common in second.

WeisserTee

Sorry, here's the link:
https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/time...f-symbols.html

On none of them, with the possible exception of Railjet, does it indicate there are quiet cars in 2nd.

PalenQ

this is a subjective matter - folks who regularly go first class know the benefits - those that only go 2nd class think that is fine but probably have never ridden in 1st class or they would not say it is a waste of money IMO.

But to make a blanket statement 1st is a waste of money is IMO too broad - 'to me first class is a waste of money' but don't apply that to everyone - Swiss residents like Wasser Tee have a better feel for this because they ride so much more than tourists who may take a few trains and make broad judgments on that.

Melnq8

<<Not in IC trains. Even the SBB site indicates they're in first.>>

I didn't specify ICE trains and I have no idea how common they are. I've definitely been in cars specifically marked quiet in Switzerland though. Hard to forget, as my husband was scolded once for sniffling in one. One of those memorable Swiss moments.

I'm not interested in getting into a pissing contest with you Pal - Lord knows you have enough of those going on.

I prefaced my statement with IMO and I stand by IMO. I find Switzerland expensive enough without spending more than necessary on train tickets. Let's just agree to disagree shall we?

PalenQ

I prefaced my statement with IMO and I stand by IMO>

Yes I neglected to note the IMO and well yes that is your opinion and I respect that - sorry about that. I respect your many posts on Switzerland and your experiences- except about train classes of course and we can agree to disagree.

Now about Quiet Cars - sniffing - wow - only in Switzerland - I have driven around Switzerland and been reprimanded for leaving my engine on at a train crossing after the gates came down.

PalenQ

On none of them, with the possible exception of Railjet, does it indicate there are quiet cars in 2nd.>

Perhaps they were sitting by mistake in first class - easy to do sometimes - on Swiss trains conductors do not always come thru?