8889 posts
It normally arrives by email within hours (or minutes). The 7-day from order thing is just one of those “avoiding liability” conditions.
But . . . you don’t need to have the Swiss Half Fare Card in order to make bookings. You generally can’t make reservations more than 90 days out from your travel. And you only really need to make reservations on the major panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Golden Pass between Zweisimmen and Montreux). Tickets you can buy anytime up to just prior to boarding.
7567 posts
Hi Rockoyster-
You have said it well and succinctly.
I know that you have learned that you can hop on any train in Switzerland ( except the specials that you noted) and get a seat ( unless perhaps during rush hour near Zürich or Geneva) but is is strange concept to many from less privileged countries.
I find these links useful too:
http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/reservations
http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain
Slowpoke
8889 posts
Hello RandMarg,
I’ve just been looking at a few of your earlier posts. You mention “my family and I”. Are there any children in your party? Forgive me if this seems like a silly question but you do realise that you need a Swiss Half Fare Card per adult.
72625 posts
I ordered our Half Fare Cards just a few days ago. Although I could have got them printed and saved some money, I asked to send them by courier. Yesterday a courier left a notice about a package as nobody was home. I am almost sure it would be the Half Fare Cards and in that case they arrived in just a few days (not even a week) after ordering. My visit is still over 6 weeks away.
72625 posts
Thanks for the note srdebnath!
I’d definitely recommend to order online so one can get it by email. No shipping costs and it comes almost instantaneously – and you have an electronic back-up in case it is lost. 🙂
http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard/price
Happy travels everyone!