Buying train tickets before Swiss Half Fare Card
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Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 10:18:14 #821426
Is it possible to buy train tickets online even before buying the half fare card?
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Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 10:35:34 #911474
Yes it is but there aren’t many trains in Switzerland that you have to buy tickets for in advance.
An exception is the panoramic trains for which you can reserve seats by paying a reservation fee 90-69 days in advance. Then buying the train ticket later. Then buy your half fare card before you travel.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 11:13:07 #911475Oh I see, would you recommend us buying panoramic train ticket ahead of time or would it be okay to buy at the same day?
Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 11:21:23 #911476When do you intend to travel?
Depending when you travel the tickets might be sold out if you try and buy tickets and travel on the same day.
Most of the panoramic trains will show availability if you checks the dates now.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 11:30:03 #911477We would be in Switzerland on July this year. Also, is there an official website for panoramic trains?
ArnoModerator15485 posts4 May 2019 at 12:15:23 #911478Hi Melodsohayam,
For all Swiss Half Fare Card details, please see http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard. You can print it at home.
For all panorama train information, please see http://www.myswissalps.com/ac tivities/scenictrips/t rain. It’s only the seat reservation that you need to buy well in advance, if required at all. Tickets can be purchased minutes before departure or in advance: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland halffare.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts4 May 2019 at 13:26:32 #911479Hi arno!
Thank you for the response .
Also, thank you for sending details regarding the half fare card.pkerrParticipant265 posts5 May 2019 at 1:20:45 #911480For me buying tickets ahead of time works because I know exactly which day I’m traveling and when. (these are point to point and not Mtn trains so weather won’t matter) That way I can get the Super Saver ticket and save anywhere from $8 to $29 per ticket.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 7:39:07 #911481Hi Melodsohayam,
You can benefit from discounted tickets like the Supersaver ticket or the Saver Day Pass , as you can see on here: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/discounts
In addition with your Half Fare Card, you could also buy a 1-day travel pass, more info here: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard
More info on how point to point tickets work: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland halffare
All the best on your travels!
Maria.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 9:20:08 #911482Quick question though, how would they know you do have a half fare card if you would buy and pay the tickets first. Even before buying the half fare ?
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 10:47:51 #911483Hi again,
You need to show the Half Fare Card to the conductor on board, along with your ticket. If you do not have a valid ticket and Half Fare Card, you would get a fine: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard/howtou se
So it doesn’t really matter in what order you buy them, as long as you have a valid ticket and card before you board the train 🙂
Maria.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 11:00:04 #911484Oh I see. Can I buy the half fare card months before I travel? does my half fare card already start it’s validity at the start of the purchase?
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 11:03:21 #911485Hi again
Please read the info under the link we gave you before http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard as it will explain exactly how the card works.
Maria.
Removed userParticipant72625 posts5 May 2019 at 11:05:01 #911486Maria,
Thank you so much for the big help here and on the other question I’ve posted.
🙂
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