[Anonymous]

23 July 2019 at 18:56:29 #823022

Our wish, for our one day, July 30, itinerary. My husband and I , start from Basel, spend a few hours in Bern, from there via Zweisimmen to Montreux. All in one day, returning to Basel that evening. Whichever way from Montreux would be best, because we don’t have a stop planned, back to Basel.We think the Day Saver pass would be our ,best, price wise and satisfies our plans. Which would be best? That, or point to point to achieve our plans? I need quick answers, because time has slipped up on me.

I need someone to explain to me the best way. I want to be sure I have done the right option for us.

Thanks, for help you can give, Karen

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[rockoyster]

Reply 1 of 9 • 23 July 2019 at 21:10:42 #918519

Hello Karen and Welcome to MySwissAlps,

Use the timetable on the SBB website (bit.ly/2HH1U7B) or the highly-recommended SBB Mobile app (bit.ly/2ICIUHi) to plan your travel, find fares* and buy tickets if required. If you are not familiar with using the timetable it will pay to first read the instructions on this page – http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable. *SBB website shows half-fare prices by default, mobile app allows you to nominate full or half-fare and is also smart enough to offer you the Saver Day Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/sa verdaypass) if that offers the best fare.

Go Basel to Montreux via Zweisimmen and return Montreux to Basel for the fastest route or via Neuchâtel for a more scenic longer route.

NB Saver Day Pass prices increase or may sell out as you get closer to travel date.

ps Any reason you chose a long train ride rather than a day trip to the Jungfrau Region where the real alps are at?

[User]

Reply 2 of 9 • 23 July 2019 at 21:59:51 #918520

The only reason for stopping in Bern was I have ancestors that lived there, and I thought I might find out some information on them, as well as see the old town. If this plan makes the trip seem more impossible, maybe, I should reconsider. Two months ago, I tried to book Day Saver Pass and there weren’t any available. Now, like you say if available, they are more expensive. I am getting nervous over this.

We have been to the Jungfrau Region several years ago, but never been on the western side of Switzerland. We are boarding a Viking ship in Basel, so we took an extra day to visit some of the places my ancestors lived before we board the ship. I want the best price for the most freedom for travel by train for that one day, July 30. Can you give absolute decisions for me? Is point to point too expensive? I know it is more restrictive than Day Saver Pass. I wanted to board a ferry for a short trip, and they include these things, as well as bus if I understand this correctly. HELP!

Thanks, Karen

[rockoyster]

Reply 3 of 9 • 23 July 2019 at 22:09:04 #918521

If you want maximum flexibility I would say the Saver Day Pass will be your best bet. Even at today’s price of CHF88. They only come on the market 60 days out from travel date.

You may want to avoid the actual MOB Golden Pass Panoramic trains Zweisimmen to Montreux at this time of year unless you want to make seat reservations. The scenery is just the same from regular trains.

[User]

Reply 4 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 4:59:41 #918522

Thanks, Is this time of year really crowded? We will take your advice, probably, and take the regular train from Zweisimmen to Montreux. I bought two Saver Day Passes tonight, but want to get them printed. I won’t be using my phone, so I will not be using that means. Hopefully, tomorrow, I will get an e-mail to allow me to print them. They said next business day, so I should.

You have been so helpful. You say you are an expert. Is that only about the trains there, or can you offer us any ideas, like must sees on the western side of Switzerland. You mentioned Neuchatel. I ran across this name associated with an ancestor. Is it close to Bern?

Thanks, again

Karen

[rockoyster]

Reply 5 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 6:44:48 #918523

Hello Kay,

The “French-side” of Switzerland is something of a blank sheet for me. Something I plan to rectify on a trip I am planning later in the year.

Google maps is the easiest way to figure out what is where in Switzerland. You can also download the map at http://www.myswissalps.com/sa verdaypass/validity to get a good visualisation of the routes available to you with the Saver Day Pass. The route from Montreux to Basel via Neuchâtel takes you over towards the French border and runs alongside the lakes.

Seeing you have only a 1 day trip I’d suggest you don’t get too ambitious. It’s only a small country but it does take time to travel around. Basel to Montreux via the Golden Pass route will take you between 4 and 5 hours depending on connections! Returning to Basel via Neuchâtel will add another 3 hours to you total daily travel time. That’s around 8 hours gone and you haven’t even stopped to have a look at anything yet.

Make sure you use the SBB timetable to figure out what is realistically achievable.

[Annika]

Reply 6 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 12:26:19 #918524

Hi Karen! I think you made a good decision buying the Saver Day Passes for your plans. At least it’s a very flexible option, and if you decide you’d like to change your route or other plans that day that won’t be a problem at all. Did you get your passes from the retailer mentioned at http://www.myswissalps.com/sa verdaypass/price? If you ordered through HappyRail (https://www.happyrail. com/en/pass/europe/swi tzerland/swiss-saver-day-pass), you should normally receive your digital passes within minutes.

[User]

Reply 7 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 16:23:24 #918525

I did get my tickets printed, and I am so relieved. Know I greatly appreciate all of your help.

Thanks, Karen

[User]

Reply 8 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 16:36:46 #918526

We planned from Basel, Bern, Zweisimmen, Montreux on the train. Supposedly, that shaves off at least an hour or more. We need it. We had already been to Zurich, and didn’t want to add the extra miles and time. Did we do that with this route? Like I said, we may leave off the stop in Bern.

We have our tickets printed, and we are now excited about the trip. You have been so helpful to me and I do thank you for your time and thoughts.

You have stuck through my questions, and alleviated them all.

Thanks, Karen

[rockoyster]

Reply 9 of 9 • 24 July 2019 at 20:12:15 #918527

You’re welcome Karen. Enjoy your day. 😎