Swiss Card + Swiss Half Fare + purchase confusion

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Oct 7, 2010 - 1:30 PM

Hello. I will travel from Geneva airport to Lausanne and back 15 October / 21 October with short train trips in between (Lausanne - Vevey, Lausanne - Bussigny, Lausanne - Montreux) I have read about the Swiss Card that is available on the Rail Europe site, but do not see it on the SBB site. If someone could advise:

1 - is it worth it for me to buy a Swiss Card ?
2 - Is it valid if bought thru rail Europe when not available on the SBB site?
3 - can I purchase this when I arrive in Geneva airport train station?
4 - my husband will travel with me for the Gen-Lau-Gen portion. Do we get any price breaks for traveling as a couple

Many thanks for any info.

Arno

15899 posts
expert &
moderator

Oct 8, 2010 - 4:39 AM

Hi pcinsb,

1. I would recommend a Swiss Half Fare Card. It offers the same advantages as the Swiss Card, except for the free round trip. You don't need to pay the higher price for that free transfer as you only make short trips.

2. Yes, both passes are valid, regardless of where you purchase it.

3. The Swiss Half Fare Card can be purchased in Geneva. I'm not sure about the Swiss Card.

4. No, there is no such discount for these passes. Your husband can best buy a regular non discounted ticket.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your stay!

MySwissAlps.com recommends to read this:
Swiss Half Fare Card prices Discounted tickets for the Swiss Half Fare Card

rajarshi

3 posts
new member

Oct 11, 2010 - 12:32 PM

Hi,

We are group of 4 & would be travelling from Venice to interlaken & while coming back we would be going from Inetrlaken to Rome.

Please let us know, Can we buy Swiss half rate cared from Venice or Milan

If yes then what is the 2nd class fare for Milan to Interlaken with swiss half card. (the SBB.ch shows it is 138 CH for 4 but valid of 1yr Swiss half rate card)
If no then where can we buy or would you suggest alternate route to travel. we are open to travel via road also.

Arno

15899 posts
expert &
moderator

Oct 11, 2010 - 2:06 PM

Hi rajarshi,

I'm not sure whether you can purchase it there. You can best ask the Italian Railways about that. If they don't sell it at the station, you may want to search for a travel agency specialized in rail travel;
The price with the 1 year Swiss Half Fare Card is the same as with the 1 month Swiss Half Fare Card;
You can purchase it online from the Swiss Half Fare Card page. That way, you'll have it available in advance. I would definitely recommend a train trip. I don't think there's a bus service available, and if there is, it will take more time.

Last modified on Jan 27, 2020 - 11:14 AM by Arno

rajarshi

3 posts
new member

Oct 18, 2010 - 7:41 AM

Suppose we don't get the half card at Milan or Venice, would it be available at Spiez or in Interlaken

Regards

rajarshi

Annika

7184 posts
expert &
moderator

Oct 18, 2010 - 9:08 AM

Hello rajarshi. The Swiss Half Fare Card is indeed available at larger railway stations in Switzerland during opening hours. Interlaken is definitely one of them. Further purchase options can be found at the Swiss Half Fare Card page.

Kind regards,

Last modified on Jan 27, 2020 - 11:14 AM by Arno

Swiss Card + Swiss Half Fare + purchase confusion

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