[Removed user]

20 December 2011 at 19:10:15 #804808

Im flying to Zurich from US and will be staying a few nights in Zurich prior to heading to my home base of Bern. Throughout my stay I will be also taking a trip to Chamonix and back to Bern and then flying out of Zurich 2 weeks later. Is it practical to get a Swiss Card? How would my “round trip” ticket be used if my travel from Zurich airport to Bern is interrupted by a stay in Zurich. Would I want to buy a Swiss card for town of Zurich to Bern and then buy separate ticket for Zurich airport to city center? Also I will have someone traveling with me throughout this adventure so would it be more cost effective to purchase a swiss saver flexi pass? Should I purchase these rail passes at train station at airport when we get in?

Also are you aware of an insurance card option that will cover helicopter evacuation off a mountain while skiing? Something that costs around 25 euros?

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[Annika]

23 December 2011 at 12:05:25 #834570

Hi seilerpaws, and welcome to the forum! The Swiss Card provides a free trip from an airport or border station to your destination, and back again from your destination to an airport or border (plus a 50% discount on trips in between those days). In your case, you could best use the Swiss Card for the transfers Zurich( Airport)-Bern, and Bern-Zurich Airport. That would mean that the Swiss Card isn’t valid yet during your first days in Zurich. Depending on what your plans are there, a local pass such as the ZurichCard to cover those first days might be a good option.

The Swiss Saver Flexi Pass is an alternative indeed. Just note that it’s valid between the first and last free travel day, such as the Swiss Card. An advantage is that there are more free travel days available, which helps if you plan some longer train trips (the one to Chamonix for example). You can calculate which pass is most economical, if you like.

The purchase options listed at the upper right side of the pass pages I just linked to, show exactly where and how to purchase your pass.

As far as I know, you can obtain evacuation insurance at many post offices and/or tourist offices. You could also look into Rega. I suggest that you contact the tourist office in the resort you’ll be skiing from for specific information.

Have a great trip!