MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial 1 week Switzerland in March: train or rental car
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We will be in Switzerland for 1 week in March. If we rent a car, are all the roads accessible? We are starting in Zurich and as of right now our plan is, 1 night in Zurich, 4 nights in Grindelwald as a home base for traveling throughout Jungfrau (Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Wengen) and maybe Lucerne and Bern, 1 night in Zermatt, then final night back in Zurich. Originally I was thinking only doing trains but then I wonder if a car gives us more flexibility (not relying on train schedules, having to take multiple trains to get to final destinations). However, I don’t know if we’ll be limited with roads because of snow. Would love to get advice. We are a family of 6 with 4 kids ranging in age between 11 and 17. Thank you!
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Snow will not limit your access to main roads serving the areas you plan to visit, but renting a car will be pointless as using a car is more complicated and costly than using public transport in Switzerland, because if you want to visit Murren and Wengen etc, you will anyway have to use the train or cableways etc beyond a certain point. Switzerland is the one country in the world where “multiple changes of train” and “relying on train schedules” is absolutely not a problem (most transport routes run at least once per hour, often once every 30 minutes).
Renting a car in Switzerland is only really advantageous in summer when you can drive yourself over the spectacular high alpine passes, but these are all closed throughout the winter.
hi mep1027,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
I agree, travelling with a car is sometimes more convenient and cost-effective than taking a train. However, some destinations such as Zermatt, Wengen and Mürren are car-free zones so you would still need to use public transport to travel. The pros and cons of car vs train are listed here: http://www.myswissalps.com/carversustrain
In March, some of the destinations might still be covered in snow so if you plan to drive, be sure you come well prepared: http://www.myswissalps.com/car/winter
Also, you might find some useful tips about planning a winter trip here: http://www.myswissalps.com/winter
Let us know if you need more information.
Regards,
Anna
Hi mep1027,
I too would vote for public transport over a car in your case. Large parts of the Jungfrau region (https://www.myswissalps.com/jungfrauregion/travel) plus Zermatt (https://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt/travel) are car-free, meaning you’ll have to park your car and continue by public transport anyway. Swiss trains, buses, boats and mountain routes all form an efficient system that’s very easy to use.
Maybe this practical guide about train travel helps you out a bit: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical.
If you opt for public transport, a rail pass will drastically cut down costs. Since you’ll be traveling across the country, a Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass) or Swiss Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard) would be obvious choices. The 11- to 15-year olds can travel along for free on all routes with the free Swiss Family Card. In case you choose the Swiss Travel Pass, there’s a cheaper Youth variant for children aged 16-17:
- https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price
- https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard/price
This page explains how to find the pass that suits your plans best: https://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass.
Hi.
Like everybody else, I’d also recommend going by train, not only for the convenience, but so you can experience the world’s best train system. It is one of the highlights of any trip to Switzerland. Watch this video to get a flavour of train travel in CH.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muPcHs-E4qc
Cheers
Alan
Hi Alan,
Very informative and engaging video. Thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Anna
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