[Suddenspiral]

26 June 2022 at 12:08:42 #827603

Hi all,

Apologies for what I’m sure is the latest in 1,000 threads of this type. I’ve done a bit of research and I’m still unsure as to the best rail pass option for my family (2 adults and 2 children aged between 18 and 24). There are just so many options, all of which seem pretty expensive!

We’re visiting in early September and have the following itinerary:

1. Zurich for 2 days

2. Train from Zurich to Grindelwald

3. In Grindelwald for 4 nights doing various hikes around the Jungfrau region

4. Train from Grindelwald back to Zurich airport

I was initially thinking to just pay for the return train from Zurich to Grindelwald and get a 3-day travel pass for each of us while we’re staying in Grindelwald, but I’m not sure that’s the best/most cost-effective option. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

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

[Arno]

26 June 2022 at 15:08:07 #943611

Hi Suddenspiral, thanks for joining MySwissAlps!

No worries. Picking the right rail pass can be a challenge indeed, and every traveler’s situation is unique!

I think your idea makes sense. Some thoughts:

• If you spend the first two days in Zurich, you can get normal tickets or a Zurich Card: http://www.myswissalps.com/zurich/travel.
• For your transfers Zurich-Grindelwald and Grindelwald-Zurich you can look into Saver Day Passes. If bought well in advance, they’re cheaper than regular tickets: https://www.myswissalps.com/saverdaypass.
• Consider a Jungfrau Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/jungfrautravelpass) or a Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland (https://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland) for your days in Grindelwald. The Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland covers a much wider area, which I personally like as it provides more alternatives in case of bad weather. But if you’re sure you’ll focus on the Jungfrau region only it might be more than you need.
• You could consider adding a Swiss Half Fare Card to the options listed above. That’s CHF 120 extra per person. You’d probably be close to the break-even point due to the discounts you’ll get on Saver Day Passes (https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price), the Jungfrau Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/jungfrautravelpass/price) and the Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland (https://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/price).Whether you’ll actually save money by adding Swiss Half Fare Cards depends on your plans and the regional/local pass you pick

Below are easier options:

• Only get Swiss Half Fare Cards and buy discounted tickets for all trips, including those made from Grindelwald: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard.
• Buy 6-day Swiss Travel Passes for the transfers Zurich-Grindelwald and back, plus the trips made from Grindelwald: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass. This pass is very easy and flexible to use. The 18- and 24-year olds can get a cheaper Swiss Travel Pass Youth: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price.

Unfortunately there’s only one way to know for sure which option is most economical: making a detailed list of your plans and calculating as explained at https://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass. If that’s too complex or if your plans aren’t set in stone, you can pick what’s easiest. You’ll save money for sure with any of the options listed above compared to buying full-fare tickets. So you can’t really go wrong.

I hope this gets you started. Let us know if you need more help.

[Suddenspiral]

26 June 2022 at 21:47:50 #943612

Thanks for the detailed response, Arno. Much appreciated. That information is very clear and easy to understand. I’ll check out the links and make a final decision.

Cheers.

[Suddenspiral]

27 June 2022 at 22:50:02 #943613

Sorry, just a follow up question to anyone who may see this. I assume the answer is ‘yes’ but just wanted to check. Does the Jungfrau travel pass cover the bus from Bussalp back to Grindelwald? Just planning out my hikes and First > Bachalpsee > Faulhorn is definitely on the list, so just wanted to confirm my transport options for that one.

[Anna]

28 June 2022 at 8:15:06 #943614

Hi Suddenspiral,

Unfortunately, the mountain bus lines in Grindelwald are not covered in the Jungfrau Travel Pass. I suggest taking the cable car from Grindelwald First.

Regards,

Anna

[Suddenspiral]

28 June 2022 at 8:52:37 #943615

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the quick response. That’s a shame, but better to know now so I can plan accordingly!

Cheers.