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Hi there! I have a few questions regarding the GPL Tickets with the STP. My husband and I would like to go on the GPL from Montreux to Lucern using our STP as a discount. We want to make reservations as we really want to sit in First Class. My question is…When I go to the “Golden Pass” website and apply Montreux as my starting point and Lucern as the ending point, all these different Rail Stations come up with different starting points and times. I am very confused. I also do not see where to add our STP for the discount. (Please see link at bottom of page…I hope it works) I understand that it is free, but upgrade to 1st class is a fee?? Please help me understand this Rail System and seating. Thank you kindly!
Georgia
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Hi Georgia,
>> My husband and I would like to go on the GPL from Montreux to Lucern using our STP as a discount.
On the Golden Pass route, you get free travel, not a discount, with your Swiss Travel Pass.
>> We want to make reservations as we really want to sit in First Class.
Reservations are optional in both 1st and 2nd class, but recommended for the sector from Montreux to Zweisimmen, which is the sector on which trains have panoramic windows.
You do need a 1st class ticket or pass to sit in 1st class. If you have a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass, you can buy a class upgrade at any staffed station in Switzerland. You can upgrade just for the Montreux-Zweisimmen sector, or for the whole trip.
>> My question is…When I go to the “Golden Pass” website and apply Montreux as my starting point and Lucern as the ending point, all these different Rail Stations come up with different starting points and times.
That is because there are several sectors between Montreux and Luzern, where you must change trains. If you want reserved seats all the way, you need a separate reservation for each sector. But as I mentioned above, reservations are not compulsory.
The sectors are:
1. Montreux to Zweisimmen (change trains). Reservations are recommended for this sector.
2. Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost (change trains)
3. Interlaken Ost to Luzern
Sometimes you also need to change trains at Spiez, which is between Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost.
>> I am very confused. I also do not see where to add our STP for the discount.
Reservations cost CHF 8 for normal seats in 1st or 2nd class, or CHF 15 for VIP seats. VIP seats are only in 1st class and on some trains (not all trains) between Montreux and Zweisimmen. Reservation fees are not discounted.
>> upgrade to 1st class is a fee??
Yes, with a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass you will pay half the difference between a 1st class fare and a 2nd class fare for any sector for which you purchase a class upgrade. As I mentioned above, you can buy a class upgrade for one sector or for the whole trip at any staffed station in Switzerland.
I hope you are less confused now!
Alpenrose
Thank you for your clarifying the reservations for me! I made my 1st class reservations for the 3 different sectors, so correct me if I don’t understand correctly. Those were the only tickets that I have to purchase because I have the STP? The train is free, however, since I wanted to reserve 1st class seats (or 2nd whichever I preferred) I had to pay for them? Sorry, I just want to make sure I understand 100% as I am new to this. (because after I paid for the tickets, a box appeared on my screen saying, “This is only a seat reservation, you need a valid ticket for your journey.” Sorry, I am new to all of this! 🙂
>> after I paid for the tickets, a box appeared on my screen saying, “This is only a seat reservation, you need a valid ticket for your journey.
Yes, your Swiss Travel Pass is your “ticket” for travel in the appropriate class.
If you have a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass, but have reserved seats in 1st class, you will need to buy a class upgrade, which you can do at any staffed station in Switzerland before boarding the train. Otherwise, there is nothing more to pay.
Alpenrose
Hi Georgia,
You can also buy class upgrades via the SBB on-line ticket shop or the SBB mobile app. See http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/how-to-buy-a-class-upgrade-in-the-sbb-mobile-app
The SBB mobile app is super useful for looking up timetables and buying tickets “on the fly”.
Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it!
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