Rail travel in Switzerland with 2 young kids
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We are traveling to Switzerland in early June as 2 adults and 2 small children (1 year old and almost 4 year old). As I continue to plan, I am having the hardest time figuring out the answers to the below train planning questions. Any help would be amazing, I really appreciate the help.
Train Journeys:
Como San Giovanni – Luzern (one way)
Luzern – Zurich (same day return)
Luzern – Basel (one way)
Basel – Colmar (same day return)
1. For the international journeys a) Como (Italy) – Luzern, b) Basel – Colmar (France) – is it possible to use the half fare card if don’t want any connections at the Swiss border stations? With small children I would prefer not to have to get on and off the train to save the fare if possible.
2. Does the SBB site assume you are using a half fare card when searching for tickets? Is there a way to uncheck this selection so I can see the option for tickets with and without the fare card?
3. What if we would like our 4 year old to have a seat? Everywhere I read says 6 and under are free but what if I don’t want my 4 year old on my lap for a 3 hour train ride? Or is it assumed if there is an empty seat he can sit there? Please clarify the rules or process including how to purchase a seat if that is the best way to ensure he won’t be on our laps.
4. Everywhere I read it says no point in purchasing tickets in advance – does this mean that the price for a June ticket that I see in March will be the same on the day I travel? With the exception of the Super saver tickets I assume?
5. If I purchase a ticket with my half fare card and then miss that train, can I use it for another train that day? What is my flexibility as I understand there is no flexibility with the super saver tickets?
6. I am still figuring out what excursions we would be doing as I calculate if the half fare card is the right choice for us. At the moment, some sure bets are the use of public transportation in each city, Lake Luzern, Mount Pilatus and Basel Museums – do you know if the half fare card would offer 50% off fare benefits here? I have read that some hotels offer public transportation cards, is this true?
7. Re: the Lake Luzern and Mount Pilatus – with two young kids, what is the best way to do these two sights? Should we be booking with a private company on a tour?
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