[Removed user]

25 April 2011 at 18:07:25 #804240

This June we (2 adult seniors) will be traveling to Switzerland. We need advice on the most efficient and economical way to accomplish our travel plans. We will travel from Milan to Zermatt and spend two nights in Zermatt before traveling to Interlaken where we will spend 3 nights. We hope to take several sightseeing excursions from both Zermatt and Interlaken. We will return from Interlaken to Milan. Will a rail pass be an economical option? If so, which one.

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[Annika]

26 April 2011 at 13:31:06 #832631

Hello bneuschatz, and welcome. A rail pass will definitely be economical. According to my calculations (based on the inbound trip, outbound trip and the trip from Zermatt to Interlaken), you’d be best off with a Swiss Half Fare Card. It offers a 50% discount on nearly all trips in Switzerland. This is especially suitable if you plan on making short regional trip from Zermatt and Interlaken mainly.

If you want to make longer and more expensive train journeys apart from the ones you described, you may also consider a 3 or 4 day Swiss Saver Flexi Pass. This pass offers 3 or 4 days of free traveling (to be used for the more expensive train journeys), and a 50% discount on all other days between the first and last travel day.

The timetable will help you plan your trips.

[Removed user]

28 April 2011 at 10:45:06 #832632

Thanks for the information. It seems that the half fare card is our best option. Can this card be purchased before leaving or must it be purchased in Switzerland? How is ticket pricing calculated, using the half price card, on trips that cross borders: specifically, Milan to Zermatt and Interlaken to Milan? Are we required to exit the train at the border and be reticketed in order to take advantage of this offer.

[Arno]

29 April 2011 at 10:23:04 #832633

Hi bneuschatz,

It depends on where you live, but in most cases you can either purchase in advance or in Switzerland. The Swiss Half Fare Card page Annika mentioned lists all details of these purchase options.

The page also has a link to a detailed map of the covered network. On a ticket to Milan, you’ll get a discount until the border station (usually Domodossola or Chiasso). You don’t need to get off the train. The service desks at rail stations can sell you a ticket for the whole trip with the Swiss leg being discounted.