Swiss Half Fare Card for Lucerne, Zermatt, Wengen?

Hi!

I know this has to be one of the more asked questions in this forum. I've already examined the different Swiss Passes, but still want to be sure if this is the right for me. Maybe you can help if I give you my almost complete itinerary. This is how is it planned: Arrive at Zurich airport and take the train directly to Lucerne (visit to Mt. Rigi (Golden Route) and possibly Titlis. From Lucerne to Zermatt for three days; from Zermatt to Wengen (plan to visit Muerren, Schilthorn, Grindelwald and Wengen). Not sure of Jungraojoch. Return to Zurich. Will the Swiss Half Fare card will be the best choice? Waiting four your opinions.

Thanks

Gilberto

Hi Gilberto,

Welcome to MySwissAlps.

Based on your current plans, the Swiss Half Fare Card (SHFC) is a sensible choice. You pay half-price for all train tickets and mountain excursions so you'll save quite a bit. With the SHFC, you can also take advantage of cheaper Saver Day Pass and Supersaver tickets if you buy early. You can find more details here: www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard. Be sure to check this link too about buying discounted point-to-point tickets: www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland

You might also want to consider if getting the Swiss Travel Pass (STP) might be more convenient. With the STP, you don't have to worry about buying tickets for each trip as the pass offers unlimited travelling on all Swiss public transport (trains, trams, bus, boats). You only need to arrange for discounted tickets on mountain transportation such as cogwheel trains, cable cars, gondolas and funiculars. So for instance, based on your itinerary, the only tickets you need are for the visits to Schilthorn, Titlis and Jungfraujoch and any planned mountain excursions in Zermatt, Wengen and Grindelwald.

For tips on how to choose the best railpass, please refer to this quick guide, which comes with a spreadsheet that helps you to calculate and compare the cost of different railpass: www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass

Hope this helps.

regards,

Anna

Thank you very much, Anna. You are really an expert. This information is invaluable. Will look carefully in all the recommendations you gave me.

Gilberto

Another question came to my mind after reading your reply. When you mentioned "...you only need to arrange for discounted tickets on mountain transportation such as cogwheel trains, cable cars, gondolas and funiculars...", that is as an additional cost, or referring just to make the arrangements to get a "free" ticket for those type of transport?

Thanks again,

Gilberto

Hi Gilberto,

these are for an extra cost as the Swiss Travel Pass gives 50% discount on mountain transport.(Find the details here: www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/validity)

Try the calculation spreadsheet that Anna mentioned, it is pretty useful! You'll see wich pass is the best for your trip.

Let us know if you need help,

Ildiko