[Bless10s]

4 March 2020 at 23:28:42 #825411

How far in advance is it recommended to purchase an STP? WE are hoping to travel in Switzerland from 6/21-7/3. I was going to hold off a while and see what happens with the coronoavirus. We plan on using it for many train trips and some boat trips. We want to take the Gotthard Panorama express from the Lugano area to Luzerne. When is it recommended to book seats for that?

Effortlessly learn from the questions and answers in the forum. Receive a daily e-mail with new discussions. Sign up

[CabinJon]

4 March 2020 at 23:44:08 #931141

We bought our STPs about 6 weeks in advance last year, primarily so I could put it in the “done” column. There is no real need to buy the STP too far in advance, the price doesn’t change, and in fact you could buy it when you get there. However, we preferred to have it ahead of time, and printed out two hard copies for use when traveling.

Can’t help on the Gotthard reservations, we didn’t take that train or that route during our time there.

[Removed user]

5 March 2020 at 5:28:57 #931142

Hi Bless10s,

you can get your Swiss Travel Pass just a few days before you are arriving in Switzerland or as mentioned by CabinJohn you can purchase it while you are already in Switzerland. I recommend getting a digital pass online, it has many advantages like you cannot lose your pass and it cannot get damaged like paper passes. To learn more, visit: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/wheretobuy. Get your Swiss Travel Pass here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price. Make sure to check also the promotions at http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/promotions.

It is a more difficult question regarding the Gotthard Panorama Express. As you are traveling in the peak season I would suggest to buy it as soon as possible. But because of the coronavirus maybe you can wait a bit. You can reserve your seats and buy your tickets with a class upgrade (if you do not have a valid rail pass for the 1st class) at http://www.myswissalps.com/gotthardpanoramaexpress/tickets.

You can read about the updates of the coronavirus here: http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/does-the-corona-virus-affect-trips-to-switzerland.

Ildiko