Yes seems inter-city bus options are exploding - and always cheap but IME and IMO never ever as comfy or nice as a train - especially for views with trains' large windows vs smaller bus ones and dificult to see out each side of a full bus I'd think and if not a window seat really limited views and just not being able to get up and move around like on trains - but if just wanting to get between pt A and B and don't care about views, being stuck in your seat or often taking much more time than hi-speed trains buses are a great option. Many seem to go overnight - saving money on hotels (meanwhile European trains are cutting back night trains more and more).

Hey all,

Thanks so much for the replies. Appreciate the tip on the bus, however, I get quite travel sick and would prefer the train too for scenic views.

Ok, so on sbb, the trips I've found stop at the below (total travel time around 7 hr):

Lauterbrunnen > Munich
(Lauterbrunnen > Interlaken, Interlaken > Mannheim, Mannheim > Munich)

OR

Lauterbrunnen > Munich
(Lauterbrunnen > Interlaken, Interlaken > Bern, Bern > Zurich, Zurich > Munich)

How would I purchase tickets for either of these trips (on the day of or day before we go)? As I mentioned I want to be flexible in case we get crap weather in the mountains, so that we can stay an extra day if needed.

If I purchase the half fare or STP, would I be able to buy the full-leg ticket on the day at the ticket booth?

Thank you again for your help!

You can purchase tickets right before you board your train - just advise ticket agent you have a Half Fare Card or show your Swiss Travel Pass. They will do the rest. They will give you tickets as well as a print out of the schedule showing each train change.

Suggest you look at the SBB site on the day of, as it will show how full each train is. You can then select accordingly.

BTW: the itinerary via Zurich (- Lake Constance ) is more scenic than the route via Mannheim (although both itineraries are not particularly beautiful).