[Removed user]

10 June 2011 at 23:42:29 #804387

I have tried unsuccessfully over the last 2 hours to try and work out what would be the best option in relation to rail travel. We are 2 adults with an 8 year old daughter. Can someone please help and recommend whether the Swiss Pass or Half Fare Card would also be more appropriate. Also should we consider buying the Jungfrau 6 day pass?

This is our itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive Zurich, travel to Lucerne

Day 2 – Lucerne sightseeing
Day 3 – Lucerne, day trip to Mt Pilatus
Day 4 – Lucerne, day trip to Zurich
Day 5 – Travel from Lucerne to Wengen
Day 6 – Wengen, day trip to Maennlichen
Day 7 – Wengen, day trip to Brienz/Rothorn
Day 8 – Wengen, day trip to Lauterbrunnen/Grindalwald and Murren
Day 9 – Wengen, day trip to Jungfrau
Day 10 – Travel from Wengen to Zermatt
Day 11– Zermatt, day trip to Gornegrat
Day 12 – Zermatt day trip to Matterhorn
Day 13 – Travel from Zermatt to Milan

Thanks for your help!

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[Annika]

12 June 2011 at 9:03:36 #833136

Hi andrelo, and welcome! Your itinerary looks fine to me. I think it’s wise to concentrate on a few regions/towns and make short local trips from there. Some advice for your trips on day 5 and 10: make sure to travel from Lucerne to Wengen over the Brünig Pass route via Meiringen. And there are two ways to get from Wengen to Zermatt: one via the quick tunnel route and one over the old Lötschberg route in the mountains, crossing Kandersteg and Goppenstein. If you don’t mind the extra traveling time, the second scenic route is way more spectacular. You can plan your trips using the Swiss timetable.

As for passes: either the Swiss Half Fare Card or a 4 day Swiss Flexi Pass (with free travel days on day 1, 5, 10 and 13) would fit your needs. A regular Swiss Pass would turn out to be too expensive, as you’ve planned many short, regional trips. A Jungfrau Railways Pass as a supplement wouldn’t be cost effective, as you already profit from discounts with your Swiss Half Fare Card/Swiss Flexi Pass, aren’t able to profit from all 6 free travel days this pass offers, and plan on at least one journey (to Brienz) that’s outside of the Jungfrau Railway Pass’s validity area.

Does this help you decide? Best regards,

[Removed user]

12 June 2011 at 18:22:24 #833137

Dear Anika,

Your reply is perfect, thank you so much for your trouble. We have read about the two different ways to Zermatt, but not for travelling to Wengen. We will definetely follow your advise.

Thanks again

[Annika]

13 June 2011 at 4:59:31 #833138

You’re welcome Ozzie. Have fun preparing for your trip!