Swiss transport price discrepancies?
A traveler named Helen is planning a trip to Switzerland in September and is confused about comparing train pass prices. She is specifically looking for guidance on which source to trust for pricing information, as she noticed differences between the SBB website and local sites like Jungfrau.ch.
- Use the SBB timetable, which shows half-fare prices by default, for a clearer understanding of fares.
- Consider consulting additional resources like 'How to choose the best travel pass' for helpful tools.
- Make a spreadsheet comparing your planned activities and associated fares for different passes to find the best value.
- Explore all pass options available, including the Swiss Travel Pass and the Peak Pass, to ensure you get the most suitable one.
AI-generated summary-
Hi,
I am trying to do a spreadsheet comparison to work out what pass will be best for my trip to Switzerland in September 2019 and am finding it a bit confusing as it appears there is variation in quoted prices between those on the SBB website and those on local price lists, e.g. the Jungfrau.ch and Maennlichen.ch ones. Are you able to explain this or am I not reading the SBB one correctly? Seeing it is just for comparison purposes at the moment, which source would you recommend I use? Thanks.
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The SBB timetable shows half-fare prices by default. Does that explain it or is the discrepancy only small?
Hi, no that explains it. Thanks for your help.
Helen
Hi Helen,
Goodoh.
Have you seen “How to choose the best travel pass” (http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass) where you can download a handy spreadsheet calculator?
Yes, am working through this at the moment, but there’s such a lot of information to read in all this planning I don’t always have time to cover it all in one go. But should be easier now I understand what you have said about the fares.
Hi Helen
I feel your “pain”. The site has a lot of data, analysis is left to us.
I found Robert at Swiss Rail dot com to be EXTREMELY helpful to be to select the correct pass to buy. It isn’t intuitive and most importantly depends on what activities you plan and your pocket book. I have chosen Half Fare for our entire trip travel and touring activities, after considering all of the options.
I found setting up a column with the activity and full fare, then similar columns with the associated fare for each different PASS was extremely useful, EG Glacier express is free with an 8 day swiss pass but the cost for the Pass outweighs the savings vs a half fare pass. I am a spreadsheet man myself.
consider ALL of the passes including Peak Pass, it also might work out for you
good luck
Hi Oldie, thanks for your input and suggestions. Sounds like we are on the same wavelength – I had already set up a spreadsheet similar to yours but what just having trouble interpreting the prices on SBB, but now this has been solved it’s a lot easier, although still haven’t finished the analysis. Am thinking I still have a bit more time to work on that as I am not travelling until September and booking accommodation and airfares has been my priority recently. It’s starting to get exciting now!
Rockoyster, thanks for your help also. While I am here, one question about the walk from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjochhütte, do you think crampons would be helpful on this walk in September, or not necessary? I have good quality German hiking boots and some experience walking in snow. I can put this query into a new thread if you would prefer. Thanks,
Aitch
Hello Aitch,
Hiking is not my strong suit but there are plenty of experts in that field who will chime in. Perhaps a new thread would get the best results for you.
Helen
my wife – Helene – and I are September travelers as well. Can’t wait till the SBB opens up for reservations and tickets.
good luck
ralph
OK thanks, will do. I have actually emailed the warden of the hut listed on the hut website but have not had a reply yet, so not sure if it has reached him or not. Thanks.
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