[Removed user]

13 January 2011 at 10:20:11 #804091

Hi,

We are planning a trip to Switzerland next June. We will arrive from New York in the morning of June 8th. We are staying four nights in Lauterbrunnen and are hoping to mainly do long day hikes in the area with possible short train trips back to Lauterbrunnen. On the fifth day (the 12th) we are hoping to take a train to Venice either staying over in Milan or Lugano or taking a night train? We are two adults and our 16 and 18 year old sons.

Can you please advise which rail pass we should consider – Transfer, Swiss card, flex pass youth etc. We are very confused as to what will be the most economical for us – Thank you so much for any help you can offer. We would be very grateful!

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[Arno]

13 January 2011 at 11:43:46 #832097

Hi Ginnyf,

A Swiss Card would be ideal. It includes the inbound and outbound trip and allows you to do local transfers and sightseeing with a 50% discount. The Swiss Card page provides all details and ordering options.

Just let me know if you have further questions!

[Removed user]

13 January 2011 at 11:54:27 #832098

Would the Swiss card be best for my 16 and 18 year old too? Also if we are planning to take some trains in Bernese Oberland should we try and get the Bernese Oberland rail pass? Sorry for all the questions. Is there a night train to Venice and would this be covered at all by the Swiss Card. If not is there a route that you recommend for Venice that would be less costly. Thank you so much for your help!

[Arno]

13 January 2011 at 14:39:14 #832099

Hi Ginnyf,

Yes, a Swiss Card would be best for all of you, assuming you will all be doing the same trips. An additional pass will not be necessary from what I can see from your description. You will only make short trips to and from your hiking area, and the Swiss Card provides a 50% discount on that. Buying more passes would not be economical.

The Swiss Card covers any train within Switzerland, except the seat/sleeper reservations for those trains that require pre-booking (such as night trains and most other international trains). The map we link to from the Swiss Card page shows exactly where its validity ends. From that point on, you need a ticket or pass for the Italian portion of the trip.

You can travel to Venice overnight, but day travelling would be faster. In one day, you can travel from Lauterbrunnen to Venice and even make a stop for a few hours on the way, e.g. in Milan or Lugano. But you can best check the timetable to see what’s possible.