Swiss Travel Pass vs car rental
A traveler named Amarmistry is planning a trip to Switzerland from July 7th to July 14th, traveling with two others. They are unsure whether to rent a car or use the Swiss Travel Pass for transport, especially for scenic routes like GEX and GPEX.
- Consider using the Swiss Travel Pass for convenient access to many modes of transport, including discounts for boats and cable cars.
- Renting a car might seem cheap, but parking and gas costs can add up quickly in Switzerland.
- If a rental car is chosen, ensure to factor in the daily parking fees and other transport needs during your trip.
- The Swiss Half Fare Card can be a valuable option to save on transportation if the Swiss Travel Pass is not ideal for your itinerary.
AI-generated summary-
Entering Basel, Switzerland via TGV Lyria on 07/07/2018. Flying out of Switzerland on 07/14/2018 from Zurich.
Total three in my party. Swiss travel pass $1242 total (8 days consecutive).
Car rental: Approx $500. Not sure of gas, parking, tolls etc.
I would be doing GEX (from Brigg to Zermatt) and GPEX (Interlaken to Montreaux).
Can’t decide if renting car is better or Swiss Travel Pass. Has anyone been in this situation and what did you do?
Also came across this: http://www.myswissalps.com/ca r/trafficregulations
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Hi amarmistry,
That is quite a cheap rate for a rental car for 8 days. Economically that might make more sense…
Be sure to read about travel by car vs. train first though. We always recommend the train but sometimes it doesn’t make sense personally or financially. The rental car will have a toll pass already so you just need to worry about gas and parking (which can add up).
Hi Amarmistry,
Were you able to make up your mind? Note that just the rental fee is often not close to what you’ll actually be spending on transportation. Indeed there is parking that you already mentioned. I just spent CHF 20 per day on a parking garage, for example, which is a normal amount in Switzerland. To reach the beautiful spots you often also need to travel by boat, cable car, cogwheel train, etc. With a rail pass those are either discounted or free. If you do rent a car then at least Swiss Half Fare Cards would be useful to save money: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard.
Enjoy your trip!
Actually I think I am leaning towards not renting the car. Will most probably take STP. I did not check out Swiss half fare card yet. But I wonder if it’d be a better choice over STP for 7 nights stay.
Hi Amarmistry,
Which of those two is best price wise depends on what exactly you plan to do (transfers and day trips, and museums perhaps). You’ll find details here:
- http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass
- http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isstravelpass
- http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isshalffarecard
For convenience the Swiss Travel Pass is best, but if the Swiss Half Fare Card would be much cheaper overall then that’s the way to go of course.
You’ll like the trains once there!
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