[Bra1nSicK]

11 August 2022 at 13:17:32 #828046

Hello,

We are visiting the Berner-Oberland region in about a week. We will have Half Fare Card + Berner-Oberland Regional pass.

One of the days we would like to go to Zermatt (not the best use of the regional pass, I know – but Matterhorn is a must for us). So looking at the Regional Pass card of validity here:

http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/validity

I noticed that the train to Brig is covered by the pass, however it is not the train which is passing through Visp is that correct? We want to use the regional pass as much as possible and then pay for the rest of the trip to Zermatt.

When I am looking at the routes from Lauterbrunnen->Zermatt on sbb website it says that it is best to get off at Visp. Will this be possible with the pass or we have to go to Brig first and then buy a point-to-point ticket for Brig->Zermatt->Brig ?

Thank you!

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[Removed user]

11 August 2022 at 13:41:32 #945497

This is currently just about the most ‘asked’ question on the whole of MySwissAlps – especially in the last 2 weeks.

One of the threads giving the answer is this one:

http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/berner-oberland-regional-pass-bop

[Bra1nSicK]

11 August 2022 at 14:23:30 #945498

Thanks and apologies for not finding this out earlier, instead of posting a new topic.

Another quick one – I couldn’t find if the BOP is valid for city public transport as well, for example in Bern ?

[Anna]

12 August 2022 at 6:21:05 #945499

Hi Bra1nSicK,

Welcome to MySwissAlps.

No, the Regional Pass Bernese Oberland is not valid on the trams and buses in Bern. But it provides free travel between different destinations in the Bernese Oberland region.

You can find the list of public transport valid with the RPBO and other benefits on the official website. The link is here: http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/details (scroll down to the bottom)

Regards,

Anna

[Arno]

12 August 2022 at 13:19:48 #945500

No apologies Bra1nSick! It can be challenging to correctly interpret railpass validity details.

The pages and forum threads provided in the answers above can help you out. So can this page: http://www.myswissalps.com/regionalpassberneseoberland/validity. You’ll find a downloadable validity map with explanation, and there’s a list of activities and routes specifying the amount of discount provided by the Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland. As you’ll see the Lötschberg mountain route between the Bernese Oberland and the Valais is free up to Brig. The quicker base tunnel connection between Spiez and Visp is not included. The differences are described under “RegioExpress Lötschberger trains versus quick connections” at http://www.myswissalps.com/lotschberger.

Assuming you’ll be using the RegioExpress Lötschberger, you’ll need an additional discounted ticket Brig-Zermatt. With your Swiss Half Fare Card you’ll get a 50% discount (see https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard and https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerlandhalffare).

Railpass validity areas don’t determine where you change trains, so simply follow the timetable’s advice (https://www.myswissalps.com/timetable). Mind to enter a “via” station along the Lötschberg route (https://www.myswissalps.com/lotschberger/gettingthere), such as Kandersteg or Goppenstein, to force the timetable to display connections for that particular route. While traveling, show your Regional-Pass up to Brig if asked for by the railway personnel, and your Swiss Half Fare Card plus discounted ticket between Brig and Visp.

Let us know if you have further questions!

[andrew]

13 August 2022 at 13:33:42 #945501

Hi Bra1nSicK

One thing to watch. The trains to Brig via Kandersteg – which you need to take with your pass – stop at Frutigen. Up to that point the train is usually in three connected portions but divides there and only the front two sections proceed to Brig. The rear portion returns to Bern.

Cheers,

Andrew

[Arno]

14 August 2022 at 8:53:09 #945502

Thanks for the heads-up Andrew, that’s a valuable tip!

[Bra1nSicK]

14 August 2022 at 20:32:27 #945503

Thanks everyone for the advice, it was very useful!

[TravelElla]

16 August 2022 at 10:42:51 #945504

Hello Andrew

Thank you very much for this info regarding “only the front two sections proceed to Brig”.

We are going to do a daytrip on the Lötschberger Express and this info is absolutely crucial for tourists not knowing all the small details.

Now we will definately be on the look out for this to get into the front sections when boarding this train in Spiez

Greetings

TravelElla

[andrew]

16 August 2022 at 10:53:09 #945505

Hi TravelElla

I hope you find it useful. The divide usually seems to happen between the centre and rear sections of the train. The ticket inspector will keep you right. Talking of ‘right’: for the best views sit on the right hand side of the train facing in the direction of travel.

Enjoy your trip.

Andrew

[TravelElla]

16 August 2022 at 11:05:11 #945506

Thank you Andrew, we will do so: Right & Right 🙂

Looking forward to our Switzerland trip – starting next week !!

TravelElla