What”s the advantage of 1st class in Swiss trains?
A traveler is trying to decide between a 1st class and a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass for their upcoming trip. They want to know the specific advantages of having a 1st class pass and if it's worth the extra cost, especially since they travel during peak summer in Switzerland.
- 1st class offers more comfortable seating and less crowded conditions, making it a better choice during peak travel times.
- If traveling with someone, 1st class allows you to sit together, avoiding strangers.
- You can upgrade from a 2nd class pass to 1st class for specific trips if needed.
- Upgrading lets you enjoy a calmer atmosphere and better views, especially on scenic routes.
AI-generated summary-
What are the advantages of having a 1st class pass vs. 2nd class
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You get to travel 1st Class wherever available on trains and boats. See http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/practical/2nd1stcl ass. Cableways and mountain railways don’t offer 1st Class.
If you are travelling with a 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass but want to travel 1st Class on any particular trip you can buy a Class upgrade at any SBB station or using the SBB Mobile App or here bit.ly/2rZEIXh. You need to buy a route specific upgrade.
If you buy on line you need to nominate a Half-fare Card reduction to get the correct price (using either website of SBB app). An upgrade will cost half the difference between 1st and 2nd class full-fares.
I would not buy a 1st Class Pass, but I’m mean.
If there are two of you, you can pick seats facing each other and not be forced to sit with 2 strangers.
Today we went from Zermatt to Wengen and there was a mob at the first three connections, all with bags. We chose to upgrade to first class to limit fighting the crowds.
Hi tonyguy,
This summer (for us this year two and a half weeks from late July to early August) we were really glad of our 1st class passes. On many occasions all over Switzerland 2nd class was crowded and on occasion people were sitting on their luggage. At times 1st class was busy too but we always got window seats together.
It should be noted that this was the peak summer holiday period but our personal choice generally is that first class is worth it.
You get: wider more comfortable and usually adjustable seats; slightly more luggage space; seats which usually line up with windows; quieter and easier getting on and off and generally a less frenetic atmosphere. On the lake ships access to the upper decks(s) is a bonus with more room.
As you are asking, I assume you are prepared to pay the higher price but, in the end, it’s your choice. I hope this helps you to decide.
Andrew
Hi tonyguy,
We travelled for 5 weeks in Switzerland from mid May through June on a 2nd class pass, and didn’t bother upgrading at all. The crowd level will depend on when you travel, and where. We sometimes had a whole carriage to ourselves, and most trains were rarely crowded. The only time we didn’t get a seat was on the way down from Gornergrat, but only for one section, as a big group got off at one of the intermediate stations so seats became available. 2nd class carriages were great, plenty of room, large windows, and often with little tables under the windows between the seats. One train even had a “photographer’s” carriage, with panoramic windows reaching up above you into the roof, and I was the only one in it!
Nil😊
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