Destinations included in the Swiss rail pass?

we will be based in Geneva but wish to undertake day trips to various places like Lucern, Interlaken, Montreax, Chamonix etc. Does swiss rail pass provide free connection to these cities?

Hi Sandy -

A Swiss Travel Pass does, in all of Switzerland. Chamonix is in France. Possibly, there is some special arrangement for Chamonix; I don't know about that.

There are many different travel passes, so if you are able to define the length of time you will be in Switzerland, and what city you enter by, (if it is not Geneva) and leave by (if it is not Geneva) there may be some other pass that would by suitable.

I doubt that, but Arno and Annika are the experts on travel passes, and that information can help them help you.

This may help:

www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses.

In that link, under Swiss Travel Pass, there is a tab which provides a map showing the coverage.

www.myswissalps.com/sw isstravelpass/validity

When you use the rail timetable, make sure to spell Montreux correctly.

www.myswissalps.com/ti metable

Slowpoke

thanks Slowpoke. very helpful.

we will be coming in and going out from Geneva. we have 14th to 16th free and then 20th to 23rd. in between have meetings.

also wanted to check how many nights are good for interlaken. we just want to relax and do a bit of sightseeing, and we are NOT into hiking, climbing etc.

thanks a lot for all your guidance.

regards, Sandeep.

Sandy -

We'd better get Arno or Annika's advice on rail passes.

Interlaken is a fine base. Some prefer to be in the valley, at , for example, Lauterbrunnen.

However, November is slow season ( between seasons) in the Berner Oberland, so some cable cars will be shut down for maintenance. Some hotels will be closed. Cograil will be running for sightseeing.. Ski season starts at about December 15th.

Use the time table and a map.

www.myswissalps.com/ti metable

map.classic.search.ch/

Slowpoke

Hi Sandeep!

Which rail pass is best, depends on your final plans. If you'll be making shorter local trips mainly, a Swiss Half Fare Card would work well. It allows you to buy 50% discounted tickets for all trips in Switzerland and it's valid during one month. Please find details at myswissalps.com/swissh alffarecard. The validity map at myswissalps.com/swissh alffarecard/validity shows that Geneva-Chamonix is not included.

If you expect to be making long trips during your free days, two sets of Swiss Travel Passes (a 3 day variant for 14-16 and a 4 day variant for 20-23) might be better. Details and validity can be checked through http://www.myswissalps .com/swisstravelpass. The destinations you've mentioned are included for free. This also goes for Chamonix.

If you want to calculate which pass is most economical, please follow the guidelines at myswissalps.com/train/ ticketspasses/practica l/chooserailpass.

Thanks so much.

Just one last question. Can the Swiss travel pass be purchased from the airport or a hotel and is available immediately or there is some waiting time to get it.

Pardon me for jumping in....

You can purchase the pass at any manned railroad station, as well as through various on-line services.

Please refer to the links about "passes" that I and Annika provided above if you need more detail.

There is a rail station at GVA airport, and you can buy a pass there.

As far as I know, you cannot buy them at a hotel.. You can, of course, ask your hotel.

Slowpoke

Thanks. You guys have been very helpful.

You can't buy rail passes from hotels. You can buy them from the airport rail station. In most cases it's better to buy it online though. It saves you time or money (or both). If you check the Price section of our Swiss Half Fare Card page you'll find all the options listed. In your case the Indian site is a good option: www.raileurope.co.in/p ass/swiss-half-fare-card.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks. Just to clarify will an online purchase mean I have the pass on the same day and I can take print out.

You're welcome! You won't get the pass the same day. They either e-mail it to you within a few days, or they physically ship it. Please see myswissalps.com/ swisshalffarecard/ price and click to your preferred retailer to check for details.

In addition to my previous answer: I now see you specifically asked about points of sale for the Swiss Travel Pass. These can be found at: myswissalps.com/swisst ravelpass/price. This pass isn't for sale at hotels either, but it is at (airport) railway stations. As you can see, it's cheaper to buy it online though. Details per reseller are available through the link I included.

<<"also wanted to check how many nights are good for interlaken. we just want to relax and do a bit of sightseeing, and we are NOT into hiking, climbing etc.">>

There are enough things to do for several days, even in the off season You may find that some aasy walks are enjoyable....if they are not snowed in yet.

This may help:

www.myswissalps.com/be rneseoberland

and this:

www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfrauregion

and this, which includes walks and hikes:

www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/tips-about-wengen-and-the-jungfrau-region-by-kim

Slowpoke

Hi. I am sorry I am a little confused. If I buy the pass from a railway station do I get it right away without any wait?

Since I have only 4 days left before I start my trip I prefer a physical purchase.

<<"Hi. I am sorry I am a little confused. If I buy the pass from a railway station do I get it right away without any wait? Since I have only 4 days left before I start my trip I prefer a physical purchase. ">>

Yes.

Slowpoke

Thanks. this is a relief. I thought I had missed the chance of getting the passes.