72625 posts
Hi LisselleC and welcome to MySwissAlps!
Tickets from Basel to Lucerne are about 30chf one-way. That is normal – Zurich is a few chf more.
You can look for SuperSaver tickets (marked with a % sign on the timetable = https://www.myswissalp s.com/timetable but note that the supersaver tickets are only valid for that departure time so don’t miss the train (regular tickets can be used on any train that day).
Rail passes may or may not save you money – it depends on the trips you make each day. If you are staying in the city of Lucerne and only making those 2 trips (Basel and Zurich) during your time in Switzerland then I wouldn’t think a rail would save you any money no.
If you are making more trips you can use our spreadsheet here to help you do the math to see if a rail pass works to your benefit: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/ticketspas ses/practical/choosera ilpass
72625 posts
Hi Lucas, thank you for taking the time to reply. We are based in Basel, so thought we would take advantage and visit a couple of othe places during our stay. We walked to the railway station to enquire today but as you say, the discounts are only available on line. There doesn’t appear to be any available at present so we have decided to save our money and make a dedicated trip to Zurich later in the year. We will enjoy a romantic meal out with the money we save this time.
regards
lisselleC
72625 posts
Are you living in Basel? In that case next time you want to travel look at the Saver Day Pass for travel almost anywhere in Switzerland (mountains also discounted with Half Fare Travel Card: https://www.myswissalp s.com/onedaytravelpass /details
Prices can be as low as 52chf if bought 30 days in advance – 29chf if you have a Half Fare TravelCard (which I would suggest buying if you plan to take trains even somewhat regularly – 180chf for the year for residents).
72625 posts
Hi Lucas, no we’re not living in Basel, we’re just here till Friday, a few days break from the UK. We love Switzerland so we will definately be back. So far we have holidayed in Lugano and Montreux. This stay in Basel is the first time we have not visited other areas during our trip, but we’re only here for 5 days so we’re relaxed about it. Regards, Lesley.