Paris-Montreux: change in Geneva & 1st/2nd class

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is planning their trip from Paris to Montreux, entering Switzerland, and then exiting from Hergiswil to Milan. They want to know if they need to change trains at Geneva and if they should activate their Swiss Travel Pass before boarding. They also seek advice on whether to buy first class or standard tickets for their journey from Paris to Geneva.

Key takeaways:
  • You need a ticket from Paris to Geneva, and you will likely change trains there before traveling to Montreux with your Swiss Travel Pass.
  • If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, it covers your journeys within Switzerland, so you only need tickets for trips to/from the Swiss border.
  • First class offers more comfort with larger seats and less noise, but standard class is perfectly fine for most travelers.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    30 August 2023 at 13:17:58 #830636

    Hi

    I’m booking train ticket for first time for Paris to Montreux for the entry in Switzerland and hergiswil to Milan for exit from Switzerland.

    im planning to book Paris to Geneva. Do I need to change any station or will I get train for Montreux from the same geneva station. Plus do I need to activate my Swiss pass before boarding a train for Montreux ?

    Should I take first class or standard tickets for paris to geneva. Is there any advantage for paying extra?

    second I will exit from Switzerland from hergiswill which is my last stay. I will go to hergiswill to Zurich Train station and do I need to change any train station in Zurich for going to Milan ?

  • User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 1 of 1 • 30 August 2023 at 13:56:58 #957760

    Hi Prasun09,

    Thank you for sharing your plans.

    If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you would only need tickets to/from the Swiss border. Herewith the validity map for the Swiss Travel Pass:

    1. Paris to Montreux: so, correct you would need a ticket for the Paris to Geneva leg. Most likely you will need to change in Geneva, you can check and plan your journey using the SBB timetable: https://www.myswissalps.com/timetable. Thereon, your Swiss Travel Pass will cover your journey to Montreux. If you are traveling from Paris to Montreux on for example, the 31 August, then your Swiss Travel Pass needs to be valid for the 31st too.

    More on travel to/from France in the attached link. Ticket purchase options via the “Price” tab: https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/france

    2. Hergiswil to Milan, via Zurich: a ticket is required for Chiasso to Milan. The rest of your journey within Switzerland is covered with the Swiss Travel Pass. Our handy link on travel to/from Italy here: https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/italy

    Depending which journey you choose, changes will be required. Use the timetable link above so you can view changes required on your desired route.

    As for first class from Paris to Geneva. First is generally quieter with larger seats, more legroom. Some trains may even have a bar coach, with snacks and drinks.

    Lastly, in case you needed any purchase options for the Swiss Travel Pass, take a look here: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price

    I hope this helps.

    Kind regards,

    Yolanda

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