Swiss pass and other train questions

Short summary – read this first

Anna is traveling from Prague to Zurich this summer with her 11-year-old daughter, planning to stay in Luzerne for 2 days before exploring the Oberland and taking the Golden Pass to Geneva. She seeks advice on purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, reservations, and whether her trips are covered by the pass.

Key takeaways:
  • Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass in advance to stay on the train to Luzerne.
  • Validate your pass with train personnel before reaching the Swiss border.
  • Reservations for the Golden Pass can be made online, even without a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • You can buy a Golden Pass ticket separately, but a Swiss Travel Pass may be more economical for your entire trip.
➤ We can plan your Switzerland trip for you. Save time and avoid mistakes! See how it works
InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    29 May 2011 at 20:37:55 #804347

    Hi

    My 11 year old daughter and I will be travelling from Prague to Zurich this summer which I know is a separate ticket from the Swiss pass – but it looks like the train continues onto Luzerne, which is where we’re going for 2 days.
    Would we just get our Swiss pass beforehand and stay on the train?
    Is it the same price to buy the pass in Canada before we go?
    We will spend 3 days in the Oberland then take the Golden Rail to Geneva before leaving for Paris. Does the Swiss pass include this trip?
    Should we reserve for it and how do I do it?
    thanks!
    Anna

  • Arno
    Moderator
    15730 posts
    Reply 1 of 3 • 30 May 2011 at 0:35:17 #832987

    Hi Anna,

    Welcome to the forum! You can best review the Swiss Pass page; it shows all local and pre-sale prices on the right (be sure to select your country, desired pass and travelers) and links to a detailed map with covered routes and a reservation page.

    If you buy your pass in advance you can indeed stay on the train. You need to have your pass validated by the train personnel before your reach the Swiss border. The Golden Pass is included in the Swiss Pass. Booking seats can be done from the reservation page.

    Enjoy your stay!

    The easiest way to plan for Switzerland

    ➤ No need to spend hours on research. We use our local expertise to plan your independent trip exactly as you want it. Professional and easy. See how it works

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 2 of 3 • 31 May 2011 at 16:08:34 #832988

    Thank-you. That helps alot. A few more questions…..
    If I buy a 2nd class Swiss Pass, am I able to reserve a panoramic car on the Golden Pass? Do I need to have the pass before I can do this?

    When looking at the “reservations” section, I’m unable to select the panoramic cars. Does that mean they are all reserved?

    Do I need to reserve for each town along the way? I plan to travel non stop from Interlaken to Montrex.

    One last question…..is it possible to purchase a Golden Pass ticket and not buy a Swiss Pass? I’m wondering if it’s more economical as my entire trip will include Zurich- Lucerne – Interlaken and the Oberland, then Interlaken to Montrex. Thanks once again.

    Anna

    Annika
    Moderator
    7328 posts
    Reply 3 of 3 • 1 June 2011 at 15:09:23 #832989

    Hello Anna. You can make reservations in advance with or without possessing a Swiss Pass. Panoramic coaches may indeed be full (depending on your date of travel). If you don’t manage to book your preferred seats, you can best contact the Golden Pass company. They may be able to help you out, as not all seats are available for online booking. You can make just one reservation for the entire way from Interlaken to Montreux.

    A Golden Pass ticket can be bought separately from a Swiss Pass. It’s quite a long and expensive journey though, so – depending on your travel plans in the Bernese Oberland – I think you’re better off with a rail pass. The FAQ on calculating travel fares may help you out here.

  • The thread ‘Swiss pass and other train questions’ is closed to new replies.

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 9050 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.