Travelling from Paris to Zurich with a rail pass
A traveler named SL is planning to buy a Swiss Travel Pass for their trip within Switzerland. They are seeking guidance on how to use the pass for a discounted TGV fare from Paris to Zurich and have additional questions about cancellations and seat reservations.
- To travel from Paris to Zurich, buy a ticket only for the French leg to Basel SBB, as the Swiss Travel Pass covers the rest of the trip.
- Seat reservations are not usually required on Swiss trains, but check if needed for specific panoramic trains.
- Upgrading from 2nd class to 1st class is possible, so inquire about the procedures at the station.
AI-generated summary-
hello
I am going to buy a travel pass within Switerzland.
Before that, how can I using my travel pass to get the discount fare TGV from Paris to Zurich
please let me know which site and the procedures/
Thank you SL
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Hi SL,
If you have a Swiss rail pass, you might only need a ticket for the French leg of your journey. For example: with a Swiss Travel Pass, there is no need for a ticket all the way from Paris to Zurich, because the leg from Basel SBB (the Swiss border town) to Zurich is covered by the pass: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/validity. Just book to Basel SBB and enjoy the rest of the trip for free with your pass.
You can find more information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/france
Regards,
Anna
Anna.
thank you for your reply with the information
will buy the SBB travel card. Thank you
questions
1. Understand that the pass is cancellable/ /refundable. What happen it I need to change the date prior to my first boarding. . What is the policy and procedure.
2. Also Can I make the seat reservation 2 hours before onboarding
3. Can I upgrade from 2nd class to 1st class upon arrival at the respective station
Please provide direction
thank you SL
Hi SL,
1. Normally, the dates on the Swiss Travel Pass can’t be changed. If you want to change the dates, you would need to cancel the pass first and order a new one. It’s not practical so I strongly recommend to make the purchase only once your date is confirmed. Also you need to check with the reseller you bought the pass from as different resellers might have different procedures: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price
2. Seat reservations on Swiss trains are not required (only on specific panoramic trains). More details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/reservations
3. It’s possible to upgrade from a 2nd class to 1st class carriage. You can find more details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/2nd1stclass
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Anna
There is no such thing as a ‘discount fare TGV’ from Paris
If you are travelling in Switzerland you can buy a Swiss travel pass, but as it is a Swiss travel pass it is not valid in France. TGV trains from Paris to Switzerland enter one Switzerland at either one of three Swiss border stations: Geneva, Lausanne or Basel . You must buy a ticket for the French leg. It is usually cheaper to buy TGV tickets as far in advance as you can to get the cheapest fare
Within Switzerland, it is much simpler to choose in advance between travelling either 1st class or 2nd class and stick to it for the whole trip
Anna.
thank you for the helpful information
one more question. You have mentioned resellers. Thought We can only purchased tickets via SBb official sites. What are the difference in terms of pricing and flexibility.
thank you
Thank you for advising me that there is no discount fare from TGV from Paris to Switzerland. Helpful information. Thank you.
Noted your advice. Will stick to the standard class. Thank you.
Hi Lifamily,
These resellers are checked and trusted, we can recommend them. Actually, Switzerland Travel Centre (STC) operates the webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
Terms and pricing are usually very similar or the same as SBB. SBB is mostly for the residents, of course, tourists can also use that but in some ways, it is a bit more difficult (like it shows half-priced by default as most of the Swiss residents have a half-fare pass for the whole year.)
Make sure to read the small prints and terms in every case, even if you buy from SBB.
Ildiko
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