Swiss Travel Pass for panoramic trains?

  • Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    23 October 2017 at 22:41:21 #813552

    We (2) are travelling in Switzerland next April and plan to do the following train trips

    Geneva to Interlaken (Golden Pass)

    Intrelaken to Zermatt

    Zermatt to St Moritz (Glacier Express)

    St Moritz to Lugano (Bernina Express)

    We plan to take 1st class options wherever possible and would like to lock in our bookings as soon as possible.

    I am unsure whether we need a Swiss Rail pass, whether this would cover all the trips listed above and whether we also need to pay additional for some services for upgrades, booking fees etc. Alternatively do we just need to book each trip on its own? What is the most cost effective way?

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    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    24 October 2017 at 2:29:03 #871192

    Hello MikeRayment and Welcome to MyswissAlps Forum,

    Yes all those trips are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. You can see where the pass is valid here http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isstravelpass/validity (check out the map).

    Reservations are mandatory on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The Bernina bus Tirano to Lugano is only one class.

    Reservations are optional on the Golden Pass Line but recommended between Montreux and Zweisimmen.

    You can either buy a 1st class pass or if you buy a second class pass you can buy a class upgrade on those trains you want to travel 1st class. The class upgrade costs half the difference between the 1st and 2nd class fares. You can typically only make reservations 90-days out from your travel date.

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    24 October 2017 at 5:23:57 #871193

    Forgot to mention there is a fee for reservations on the panoramic trains mentioned in your query.. Reservation fees are not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. The price varies according to the particular train:

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    24 October 2017 at 6:51:09 #871194

    Hi MikeRayment,

    If you would like to know how to choose the best rail pass for your trip click here. Note that there is not Swiss Rail Pass – I think you meant the Swiss Travel Pass.

    I’m pretty sure the Swiss Travel Pass is your best option as you are traveling all around Switzerland.

    You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online here. It can then be emailed to you to print at home (no need to wait in line-ups at train stations, and you have an electronic back-up in case you lose the pass.

    With the Swiss Travel Pass you then just hop on any train you want and go! Reservations are extremely uncommon in Switzerland (except those 3 panoramic trains where it is mandatory) especially in first class where the train cars are fairly quiet.

    Click on the following links to learn more about the Glacier Express and Bernina Express and Golden Pass route.

    Cheers

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    24 October 2017 at 9:46:16 #871195

    Thanks. Much clearer now.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    24 October 2017 at 9:49:35 #871196

    Thanks. Which times of the year are busier than others (or is it all year round). Just wondering if I need to try and book right on the 90 day thresh-hold to ensure we get our seats.

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    24 October 2017 at 9:52:09 #871197

    I don’t believe April would be classified as peak tourist season.

    Removed user
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    72625 posts
    24 October 2017 at 16:49:13 #871198

    Ya, April is quite quiet here, you are in between skiing and hiking seasons. Do note that some small villages can be so quiet some restaurants and hotels can be closed until mid to late June.

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