Swiss pass or half fare card & Jungfrau pass?

Still confused about railcards!

We (2 adults, 2 youths and 1 child - 14) will be staying in Wengen for 1 week. We are flying into/out of Geneva but I have discounted the Swiss card as I am prepared to sacrifice the difference in fare/saving for the ability to choose which route we would like to take on the day.

The Swiss pass has the advantage of the youth and saver fares but will cost us more overall. The half fare card and the Jungfrau pass (which we think we may be able to get 10% discount on) will cost less. The half fare card by itself is a gamble depending on the exact trips we will take. I like the idea of (mostly) ticket free travelling on a day to day basis, excluding transfer and the odd mountain trip, particularly as I will always be the one buying them!

I know that Jungfraujoch will be extra for both (25% off for Swiss pass and 50%/special fare with the half fare/JFpass combo, is that right?) but am confused about the Schilthorn - does the Swiss pass offer a discount and if so how much?

Have I missed anything important that will not be covered on either or better on one than the other - buses, cable cars etc.

The furthest we will probably go from the area is probably Bern, Brienz etc.

All help/suggestions welcomed!

Also does anybody have any idea it takes for baggage reclaim, customs etc at Geneva airport arriving at 10.45am from London?

Thank you!

Hi Swisscat,

To see what's included, you can download the map from any of our pass pages, such as the Swiss Pass page. The Schilthorn is 50% off with the Swiss Pass.

To calculate the best overall costs, these instructions should be followed, as suggested by Annika in the other topic. She also suggested to consider the Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland, which seems to be a good option as it offers ticket free traveling in a larger region than the Jungfrau Pass (the trains to Brienz and Bern are included as well). If the weather isn't good in the Jungfrau region, you can easily travel elsewhere. The Swiss Pass only includes a few cable cars for free, so if you prefer to have mountain transport included, the Regional Pass or Jungfrau Pass works best.

You can decide once you have done the math and made a decision on which region (large or small) you want to be covered. Please let us know the outcome or if you have further questions. Good luck and have fun!

Hi swisscat,

Were you able to make a decision? Just let us know if we can offer help.

We've decided not to use the Swiss pass or the Swiss card (this only saved a small amount but removed the possibility of taking a different route other than that prescribed) we will however buy the half fare card as this will more than pay for itself in transfer costs and regional pass discounts. The 14 yr old will obviously have the family card.

All we have to do now is choose which regional pass!!

To update with figures - the extra cost for an add on package from our hotel (to include 6 lunches for 5 people and the JF pass for the 4 aged 17+) will be 630 CHF if bought in advance.

Hello swisscat,

In your case I would say that the Jungfrau Railways Pass + lunch offer is cheaper. Since you have the Swiss Half Fare Card also, trips to destinations outside the area will only be half price.

Enjoy your stay!

Kind regards,

Annika