[Garrnielsen]

8 July 2022 at 1:07:32 #827707

We will be in Switzerland for 10 days this fall, and plan to spend the majority of our time in the Bernese Oberland region We will be travelling from Zurich to Lucerne, and from Murren to Zermatt, then from Zermatt back to Zurich. We are thinking about getting the Bernese Oberland Pass for the trains and lifts in the area, but it looks like travel from Murren (through Lucerne) to Zermatt, and the return from Zermatt are not covered by the pass. We assume it makes sense to just pay the fare for those trips not covered by the pass, but are open to suggestions if anyone has a better plan.

thanks

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[Removed user]

8 July 2022 at 7:27:18 #944039

Your best bet would probably be a Saver day pass (or a supersaver if available) bought as far in advance as possible for the days you are not using the Berner Oberland Pass

[Garrnielsen]

8 July 2022 at 13:55:28 #944040

Thanks. What would you suggest as the best route from Murren to Zermatt?

[Anna]

8 July 2022 at 14:34:32 #944041

Hi Garrnielsen,

Welcome to MySwissAlps.

For the trip from Murren to Zermatt, the Regional Pass Bernese Oberland is valid until Brig. From Brig to Zermatt, you must have valid a connecting ticket.

You can check out the Regional Pass Bernese Oberland validity map here: http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/validity.

[Removed user]

8 July 2022 at 18:51:26 #944042

There is only one route Murren – Zermatt (via the famous Lotschberg railway axis ) BUT it has two lines, the old mountain route via the original Lotschberg summit tunnel and the fast base tunnel route. The differences between the two are as follows:

Mountain route

Slower, has a spiral section between Frutigen and Kandersteg, and a nice view of the Rhone valley on the ‘south ramp’ down to Brig

Is ‘free’ on the Berner Oberland pass

even slower as a route to Zermatt as you run down to Brig and have to double back all the way to Visp on the Brig – Zermatt line

Base tunnel route

faster with some nice scenery as far as Frutigen

exit of the base tunnel is directly in to the Rhone valley at Visp, so is the most convenient for switching direct to the Zermatt train

is NOT valid on the BO pass

[Removed user]

8 July 2022 at 18:52:52 #944043

Anna, don’t forget that the BO pass is NOT valid on the base tunnel route so if the traveller wants the flexibility to use both routes for speed or convenience they need to get a Spiez – Zermatt ticket

[Garrnielsen]

9 July 2022 at 4:52:51 #944044

Thanks to all for the help.

[Annika]

9 July 2022 at 8:27:27 #944045

Hi Garnielsen,

In addition to the good advice you already received: you can read about the Lötschberg mountain route versus the Lötschberg base tunnel route at https://www.myswissalps.com/lotschberger. The mountain route is explained in detail here: http://www.myswissalps.com/lotschberger/gettingthere.

The Regional-Pass indeed covers the mountain route up to Brig only, not the Lötschberg base tunnel connection. You can see this on the downloadable validity map to which Anna linked.

[Garrnielsen]

9 July 2022 at 20:26:34 #944046

Perfect. I think we will give the mountain route a try, and to Zermatt from Brig.

So, it looks like we will need to purchase tickets for the trip from Brig to Zermatt (and any activities we choose), and for the trip from Zermatt back to Zurich

Thanks again for all the helpful information.

[Arno]

10 July 2022 at 10:13:06 #944047

That’s correct Garnielsen!

If you’re making several trips outside of the Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland, it can be economical to get additional Swiss Half Fare Cards: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard. You’ll then get a discount on your Regional-Pass: https://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/price. Plus, you’ll get to buy 50% discounted tickets for all trips not covered by your Regional-Pass. Savings can add up quickly, e.g. if you make a mountain trip from Zermatt, or a boat or mountain trip from Lucerne.

Here’s how to calculate: https://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass.

Information about activities in Zermatt can be found here: https://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt/activities.

[Garrnielsen]

11 July 2022 at 1:53:31 #944048

I agree, the Half Fare Pass looks like a good addition. We can then get the Zermatt Peak Pass for the Matterhorn at a reduced rate also.

[Arno]

12 July 2022 at 9:09:10 #944049

Sounds like a good plan Garnielsen. You can get your passes here:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard/price
• https://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/price

I don’t think the travel dates of your autumn trip have been mentioned yet, but just to make sure: the Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland is available until October 31.

[Garrnielsen]

12 July 2022 at 17:25:47 #944050

We arrive last week in September and leave first week in October, so I think we are good.