[traveljet]

31 March 2023 at 15:18:54 #829461

Hi,

We will be arriving in Zurich on 4 June 2023 morning and I am planning to buy in advance, 1st class train tickets (with half fare) from Zurich Flughafen to Meiringen. I would rather buy my tickets in advance as we usually like to print out hardcopies. I would rather not have the hassle of figuring out which train tickets to buy on the spot after a 13hr long flight.

I know prices are not out yet but just as a gauge, I checked out the dates for purchases for 30 May. I noticed that there are different prices for trains that go via Luzern and those that go via Bern.

The price (with Half Fare card) for Zur Flughafen to Meringen VIA LUZERN is CHF 42 (Pt to Pt). But the 11:08am via Bern and IntOst is CHF 59 for the Saver Day Pass. Without the Saver Day Pass, it is a whopping CHF70. Our preference is for the scenic route via Luzern.

Questions:

If I buy the Pt to Pt ticket with Half Fare card via the Luzern Route from Zur Flughafen to Meiringen,

1) Will I have the flexibility of taking any train VIA THE LUZERN ROUTE no matter what time I choose for our departure? Eg. If I choose 4 June @11:38am, can I also board the earlier train 10:38am or the later train 12:38pm or any train of that day via the Luzern route?

2) Am I correct that if I buy the Pt to Pt ticket that goes from Zur Flughafen to Meiringen via Luzern, I will not be allowed to board the trains that go via Bern?

Thanks in advance.

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[RolandP]

Reply 1 of 13 • 31 March 2023 at 18:35:03 #952836

Hello traveljet

All depends on the type of ticket. A normal point-to-point ticket will allow taking any train. It will also allow you to travel via Bern; in the latter case, a change-of-route ticket is needed in addition which you can by with the conductor.

A Supersaver ticket does not allow any change of travel plans. You must take the trains as according to the schedule when you bought the ticket. A change of routing is not allowed, either.

Regards,

Roland

[Anna]

Reply 2 of 13 • 31 March 2023 at 18:56:54 #952837

Hi traveljet,

It’s great that you’re planning ahead. The cost of standard 1st class ticket with a Swiss Half Fare Card from Zurich Flughafen to Meiringen via Lucerne is indeed CHF42. Travelling via Bern will cost substantially more.

To answer your questions:

1. If you purchase the point-to-point ticket from Zurich Airport to Lucerne, the ticket is valid until 5am the next day.

2. The ticket is not valid for travel via Bern.

Details about point-to-point tickets can be found here: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland

Regards,

Anna

[traveljet]

Reply 3 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 1:17:12 #952838

Hi Roland and Anna, many thanks for your reply. I realised that since we are getting the 10 day Bernese Oberland Pass, I can buy the Pt to Pt Zurich Flughafen to Luzern and then use the BO Pass for the Luzern to Meiringen sector. We are so looking forward to our trip in June☺️.

[Anna]

Reply 4 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 4:24:51 #952839

Hi traveljet,

That’s great.

You can view and download the Berner Oberland Pass validity map here: http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/validity

Purchase options here: http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/price

Regards,

Anna

[traveljet]

Reply 5 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 4:43:39 #952840

Thanks Anna. I noticed that the BO Pass covers the ride up to Niesen Kulm – do we need to show the pass and get a separate ticket to be scanned at the funicular entry gate? What about the buses in the areas covered by the Pass – do we simply show the Pass to the drivers?

[Anna]

Reply 6 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 5:05:55 #952841

Hi traveljet,

Yes, you might need tickets to access the gates. In this case, just present the Berner Oberland Pass at the counter and you’ll be issued with free tickets.

When travelling on buses, you simply get on board and show the pass upon request.

Regards,

Anna

[traveljet]

Reply 7 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 10:18:21 #952842

Hi Anna, thanks again.

[davel4848]

Reply 8 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 14:26:43 #952843

A small tip.

As you probably know, if you buy the half fare card you get a discount on the Berner Oberland pass.

When travelling around the region using your Berner Oberland pass, make sure that you also carry your half fare pass with you. Last year we left our half fare card in our apartment the first time we used the BO pass, as we didn’t think we needed it. You have to carry it to prove that you’re entitled to the reduced rate BO card.

We’re going again this year, a week later than yourselves, so fingers crossed for good weather.

[Arno]

Reply 9 of 13 • 1 April 2023 at 14:54:15 #952844

Hi davel4848,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for this useful reminder! That’s true, you need to carry all documents. This allows ticket inspectors to check if you’re the rightful owner of the pass (that’s why you need your passport or ID card too) and if you’re entitled to any discounts.

How wonderful you’ll be returning to Switzerland this year! Let us know if you have any questions (if so, it’s best to open a new thread).

[traveljet]

Reply 10 of 13 • 2 April 2023 at 2:07:50 #952845

Hi Dave, good to know you are also returning to Switzerland as well and thanks for the reminder. This year we will base ourselves 9N in Meiringen and 7N in Wengen. We have been 3x to Wengen and simply cannot get enough of the area.

Hoping to do the easier Jungfrau Eiger Walk (not the trail) and repeat the Panoramic Walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg if it opens. We had great weather during our last 3 visits and there was always snow on the peaks which makes the alps so stunning. Hopefully there will be some snow left so we don’t get bare rocks for scenery. Our trip in early June is to enjoy the wildflowers during the walks. We aren’t hikers in the true sense of the word, more like walkers.

This time we hope to walk the Rosenlaui – Schwarzwaldalp route, Aare Gorge, Gelmerbahn “roller coaster”, the Brienz cruise to Giesbach and Iseltwald, the Blausee, Isenfluh….

Enjoy your trip!

[traveljet]

Reply 11 of 13 • 2 April 2023 at 2:12:13 #952846

Hi Arno,

Just to confirm:

1) The BO Pass covers the bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh and also the rides from Lauterbrunnen – Stechelbergbahn – Murren – Birg.

However, the Jungfrau Travel Pass does not cover those bus routes and rides above and only covers the Lauterbrunnen – Grutschalp – Murren route?

2) Regarding the little cable car from Isenfluh to Suwald, is there a discount using the BO Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass?

3) Does the BO Pass cover the entrance to Blausee?

Thanks.

[User]

Reply 12 of 13 • 2 April 2023 at 12:07:02 #952847

Hello traveljet,

In answer to your questions:

1. The route is covered with a Berner Oberland Pass only up to Mürren. (Lauterbrunnen – Stechelberg – Mürren – Birg) (Mürren to Birg (to Schilthorn) is by cable car and discounted by 50%)

Do take a look at the coverage map for more details:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/validity

The route Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp-Mürren is also covered with a Jungfrau Travel Pass. It does not provide a discount for the bus route, Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg. (The cable car journey, Stechelberg-Gimmelwald-Mürren-Schilthorn is 25% off with this pass ) Likewise, do take a look at the coverage map for more details:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/jungfrautravelpass/validity

2. With the Berner Oberland Pass, travel up till Isenfluh is included, to Suwald, you will need to pay but it will be discounted.

3. Entrance to the Blausee is discounted with the Berner Oberland Pass: in the coverage map, you can also view all other “bonus partners” affiliated with the pass.

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[traveljet]

Reply 13 of 13 • 2 April 2023 at 12:11:31 #952848

HI Yolanda, thanks for the information on the route coverage for the BO Pass and Jungfrau TPass.