Switzerland 2-week road trip in September
A traveler named taurus515 is planning a trip to Switzerland in September 2024, focusing on popular places like Zurich, Grindelwald, and Zermatt. They are looking for itinerary recommendations and want to know if they can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card as a US citizen.
- The Swiss Half Fare Card is available to tourists and can be purchased online.
- Consider the Swiss Travel Pass for convenience on transportation as it covers most trains, buses, and boats, which is useful for flexible travel.
- Driving offers the flexibility to stop at scenic spots but can be more expensive compared to train travel, especially with fuel and tolls.
AI-generated summary-
Toying with this idea for September 2024.
Has anyone done this? Any recommended itinerary?
Places of interest are the popular – Zurich-Luzern(3N)-Grindelwald(5N)-Gstaad(passthrough)-Montreux(2N)-Tasch(Zermatt-3N)-Bern(1N)-Zurich(1N).
Can a US Citizen buy the Swiss Half Fare Card (185 CHF)?
Appreciate responses from folks that have done this kind of road trip.
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Hi taurus515,
This route is doable. You can find sample road trips for inspiration here: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/scenictrips/car
The Swiss Half Fare Card is geared for tourists. You can find purchase options here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard/price
Hope this gets you going.
Regards,
Anna
is there a website for bus schedules and prices?
Hi taurus01515,
You can check bus schedules on the timetable: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable. Use the advance mode if you just want to view bus schedules.
Regards,
Anna
Are Interlaken local buses free with the BO Pass?
Yes – bus travel covered by BO pass. I’ve done two weeks car trip this year and last year, with a car you have great flexibility. Last year we picked up a van near Zurich airport; drove to Rhine Falls; Schaffhausen; stop for gelato at Paulangelo in Rudlingen (open weekends only – awesome gelato); then to Appenzell. Went to Bad Ragaz, did 5 lakes hike at Pizolhutte (family friendly); Chur; Churwalden to visit friends; St. Moritz; Diavolezza in Pontresina. Then we ducked into Italy visiting Bellano, Bellagio and Menaggio on Lake Como (use car ferry across Como). We then drove to Locarno via Lugano, visited Sonogno up the incredible Valle Verzasca. Then on to Altdorf through the Gotthard Pass (or tunnel as you prefer). Then to Sarnen or Flüeli-Ranft or Stan’s for two nights (day trip via 30 min train into Lucerne since hotels are much cheaper in countryside) hiked the four lakes hike from Melchsee-Frutt to Ebgelberg. Then three days in Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch is a MUST, expensive but is better than it’s ever been in my 13 years traveling Switzerland) one night in Adelboden (or Kandersteg); then to Visp via Lotschberg auto-train tunnel; park car in Visp Train station and ride train to Zermatt for 2 nights. Drive back to Zurich via Montreaux, and maybe Lausanne (Geneva was too far out of our way) short stop at Gruyères visit castle; stop in Bern and then back to Zurich.
‘Edit: in my opinion, people go to Switzerland to see the mountains. Time spent in the major cities is not the highest and best use of limited time.
Thanks so much SummitClym for your contribution.
Hi taurus0515,
Enclosed is the coverage map for the Berner Oberland Pass, you’ll be able to see what is included and where you’ll need to buy a discounted ticket.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you for your detailed response.
Here is my train itinerary.
What would you do different if you were to drive instead of taking the train?
Appreciate a response
Do US Citizens with US Driving Licenses need International Driving Permit to drive in Switzerland, for 2 weeks?
Hi taurus0515,
In the meantime, do take a read of our handy link which details driving versus train travel here in Switzerland.
For US citizens looking to drive here, you will need a valid national, foreign, or International Driving Permit to drive in Switzerland. The categories of vehicles listed on your license, will enable you to drive the same here.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
I thought your’s was a road trip – meaning driving a car. The detailed itinerary I posted only works with a car. A train trip is completely different. No international DL needed. EDIT: I much prefer train travel in Switzerland. Fuel is equivalent of about $7 per gallon and tolls can add up. Train is many times a little longer but with the Swiss Travel Pass and the SBB app, it’s so easy!
I looked at your train itinerary. It’s good but while you’re in Interlaken can you also do Wengen? I.e. switch Wengen dates with Montreux and Zermatt. Then take the train straight from Zermatt to Zurich at the end? It’s the pattern I usually use. You will love Switzerland in September! I go by myself for hiking during September and find it’s much less crowded yet everything is still open. Many retired people during that time.
Edit: and September flights are much much cheaper than June-Aug. I just booked a direct flight from my hometown of Las Vegas to Zurich for $750 r/t on Swiss Air subsidiary Edelweiss which has a direct flight. Their flights in June were $1800. For our just completed trip in June, we booked on British Air through Heathrow for $1,050 but it was hard to find.
Here is the itinerary I considered earlier: 2024g
We are senior citizens and my wife has knee issues. That is the reason why I felt driving would be better. We can park the car right at the hotel/apartment, instead of walking with our suitcases to our accommodations. I have been weighing various factors on driving vs train. There are pros and cons for both. I feel driving will definitely be more expensive. Sure, driving allows me to stop at many photo points, that I cannot do if traveling by train. Train travel restricts me to look for hotels in the near vicinity of the train stations – these are usually more expensive. I have been researching Switzerland travel for 3 years now, but never gave driving a thought. This is a new thought.
In the USA, I have done several trips – Austin, TX to San Jose, CA, or to New York, Chicago, Florida etc
Here is a cost comparison I did for Train Travel. Different combinations of passes (First Class). If I do train travel, I will go with STP+6-day BO Pass.
Makes a lot of sense. Train travel can be difficult, even walking from one platform to another requires walking many stairs or ramp. Also, Wengen will require walking since outside cars are not allowed. Maybe consider Grindelwald instead, where you can usually drive to your hotel. The second itinerary you most provided makes much more sense as to the flow of the trip. Don’t be discouraged by walking limitations! You may not be able to do all you’d like but any time spent in Switzerland is special!
Sure, if I drive, it will be Grindelwald, not Wengen.
Holy cow!! That spreadsheet is amazing! Looks like you have First Class Swiss Travel Passes listed. I love the half fare card combined with the Berner Oberland pass. But that’s just me. You have great choices (almost too many) to consider for your specific needs.
Half Fare Card + BO Pass looks cheapest for this rigid itinerary.
STP + BO Pass gives me the ability to hop on/off any train/bus/boat without actually buying a ticket.
Hi taurus0515,
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is very convenient, no need to worry about ticket purchases for the most part (mountain excursions you will need to buy discounted tickets).
Another thought to consider. The Swiss Travel Pass can also accommodate any last minute change of plans to another location and you need not have to worry about ticket purchases either.
Either way, you will have a great trip.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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