[Removed user]

23 February 2020 at 20:56:19 #825326

We are first time travellers to Switzerland, travelling from Geneva to Zermatt to Interlaken to Lucerne to Zurich over 8 days mid-June 2020. Is it easier to find space for luggage travelling 1st class? Is is easier to find a seat on the train in 1st class? We realize it is double the price but we want to have a smooth train experience (one of us cannot stand for long due to foot issue.) Thank you!

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[rockoyster]

23 February 2020 at 21:51:59 #930720

Hello Crawfordcynt and Welcome to MySwissAlps,

It would be rare not to find a seat on most Swiss trains. However it is also true that there is likely to be more space, spare seats and luggage storage in 1st class. See http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/2nd1stclass.

If you are travelling with a 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass but want to travel 1st Class on any particular trip you can buy a Class upgrade at any SBB station or using the SBB Mobile App (bit.ly/2ICIUHi ) or here bit.ly/2rZEIXh. You need to buy a route specific upgrade.

If you buy on line you need to nominate a Half-fare Card reduction to get the correct price (using either website or SBB app). An upgrade will cost half the difference between 1st and 2nd class full-fares.

Based on your personal itinerary you should read “How to choose the best travel pass” (http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass), download the handy spreadsheet calculator and do the math. The spreadsheet also includes links to the “Where it’s valid” page for all available passes. Be sure to check those pages for each pass you are considering. Study the map AND read all the text on those pages to fully understand what is covered by the respective pass.

For checking timetables see http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/checking-train-timetables.

[mestettler]

23 February 2020 at 22:01:49 #930721

Hello Crafordcynt,

Second class on an SBB Train is terrific. I spent 90 days in Switzerland in 2018 and another 90 days in 2019. I have never had a problem traveling throughout Switzerland by train. Whenever I had luggage (checked bag, carry on bag, and my knapsack) I was always able to to find a luggage racks. The SBB trains are almost always on time, go everywhere, and are clean. The only time I might recommend first class is on one of the sightseeing/scenic trains (i.e. Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Express).
– http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/scenictrips/train

Myriam