[Michelle A]

21 May 2025 at 23:17:08 #2612417

Is it worth the large extra expense to purchase the 1st class Swiss travel pass. I will be traveling with luggage and possibly be using train station lockers as not to have to waste time checking in to hotels first. I will probably train from one hotel to the next to start hikes in the mornings, retrieve luggage after, then check in to hotels later.  Thank you
Michelle

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[Olga]

Reply 1 of 3 • 22 May 2025 at 19:31:14 #2614323

It depends on when you are travelling and how long, but we have always used First Class and never regretted it.

[User]

Reply 3 of 3 • 22 May 2025 at 19:32:08 #2614325

Hi Michelle,

You may find the attached link helpful, it explains the difference between 1st and 2nd class in Switzerland.

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/train/classes/

Let’s say traveling in 2nd, you will be perfectly fine and traveling in 1st is very nice. Do note though, if you are planning on traveling on a lot of mountain transportation, there is no separate 1st class, so there’d be little benefit here.

Personally, I think it’s worth treating yourself if you can 🙂

Regarding luggage storage, yes, that’s a good plan, especially if you are hiking.  I do this often myself.  If you have not come across our luggage guide, it’s attached below.

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/luggage/

Kind regards,
Yolanda

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 4 of 3 • 22 May 2025 at 21:10:28 #2614327

Hello Michelle

When the Swiss Travel Pass ( https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) was first introduced in 1972 under another name, I decided to buy the first class version.  That fortnight’s holiday, based in Interlaken, was the first time I had ever travelled first class on trains. (I am from Britain, where train fares are very high.)

In my later visits to Switzerland (about 45), I have l always invested in a first class STP.  Why?

Much greater comfort on trains

Access to the upper decks on boats (That is important.)

At busy times, whether weekday rush hour, weekends, national holidays, usually I can get a seat!

On scenic lines I am usually able to sit on the side with the best views.

Unlike in neighbouring countries (for example Austria and France) local regional trains – including S-Bahn trains – do have first class.

Two Words of warning and a Personal Anecdote

Firstly, first class carriages are not always quiet.  Note in particular that you do see families with young children travelling first class.  I think that is largely a result of the Swiss Family Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/discount/).

Secondly, at peak times on working days, on trains serving at least two of the main cities of Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Winterthur, Luzern, St Gallen and Lugano, first class seats can be in (very) short supply.  (I even deliberately avoid travelling on the 17 31 IC1 from Bern towards Zurich, Winterthur and St Gallen.)

(In case you are wondering, Swiss Public Transport usage is now just above pre-Covid levels.)

The anecdote illustrates my second point.  In September 2019 at 16 45, with just seconds to spare, I scrambled on to a train at Lausanne bound for Bern and Luzern.  I wanted an upstairs seat on the ‘Lavaux Vineyards’ south side of the train.

I could see only one, an aisle seat.  The window seat was occupied by a very well dressed woman engrossed in her laptop.  ‘Est-ce-que cette place libre?’  ‘Oui.  Asseyez-vous s’il vous plait.’  A casually dressed young man sitting opposite viewed me with suspicion, but relaxed when I produced my STP to the conductor.

At the time I thought, ‘I think she may be a senior Swiss politician.’  Less than three hours later that suspicion was confirmed.  She was on the Swiss TV news!  Karin Keller-Sutter, a member of the seven-person Federal Council of Ministers.  In 2025 it is her turn to be President of the Swiss Confederation.

Kind regards

Roger