MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial Tool to map out train routes in Switzerland?
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Hi,
I’m wondering if there is some type of tool that will allow me to map out my proposed rail itinerary through Switzerland, so I can see it visually. I couldn’t do it on Google Maps or Mapquest. (BTW, I am planning a 2 week trip for 2022 and am thinking of getting a rail pass and staying in Lucerne, Wengen, Murren, Lausanne and Bern and then back to the Zurich airport). Thanks to anyone who knows of an app/planning tool.
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I do not know of a comprehensive trip mapping tool. The closest thing I know of would be the “show on the map” option when you plug in your intended trip using the SBB app and then select one of the travel options listed. It will show you the route for that trip.
A Swiss Travel Pass is very convenient, we’ve used it extensively during our last two trips. You might want to consider staying in only 2 or 3 places during your two weeks instead of 5 towns, unless you pack lightly. Personal choice.
Thanks!! I am in the early stages of planning and didn’t know about the SBB app- just downloaded it.
We spent 10 days in Switzerland the 1st trip and 15 the 2nd time. The SBB app/timetable were indispensable during our travels, but we also had the Traveler’s WiFi which allowed us to use it anywhere we were. You might want to check that out too. There may be a promotion discount for it, at least there was 10 days ago.
Hi DaniPaul,
Welcome to MySwissAlps! You’ll find a lot of train routes listed here: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/scenictrips/train. If you pick one and navigate to the Route tab, you’ll find a very detailed map there. The map has a “find my location” button that shows where you are located.
Apart from this, the Swiss Travel Pass rail map is pretty detailed. You can download it here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/validity.
Finally, this map might be helpful: http://www.myswissalps.com/mapswitzerland
Train schedules can be found here: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable
Enjoy your planning!
Dear Arno,
I checked the SBB timetable and wanted to select a faster train journey from Milan to Luzern. There is a 4 minute period to switch trains from Platform 4 to 3 in Lugano. Is this transfer time doable with a big suitcase? Looks like I need to walk down around and up again to reach the other side. Worst case, what to do if I miss the connection?
Thank you and regards.
Hi BibiL,
I think 4 minutes is enough time to switch between Platform 3 and 4. But if you miss your connection, you can always take the next train. However if you have a Supersaver ticket and miss your connection, you’ll have to buy a new ticket to get on the next train.
You’ll find useful information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/howtotravel
Regards,
Anna
Hi DaniPaul,
Below is a link With a map that I used when planning a two week trip to Switzerland. While its not necessarily a ”tool”, it got me through my planning. I bought my plane ticket into, and out of Zurich, the Swiss Travel Pass, and filled in the blanks by using the map on this site. I used Booking.com for most of my hotels (all but one). (There are many, many sites for that). Between that, this site and google maps, I had a wealth of info to look at/through. Google maps itself has a tremendous amount of info on it also. On EVERY little tiny icon, you can click on it, and info pops up. Be it hours of operation at pubs, restaurants, hotels. Even train/bus schedules when clicking on a train station. Every icon is a clickable fountain of info.
You may want to consider just staying in Wengen. Depending on what sights you may be planning to see in the area, Wengen may be more central. Murren is a beautiful village to see, but it can pretty much be seen in a day for the most part. (Unless, of course, you just want to stay there). It is deeper into the valley and will take a longer time to go to other places, where, from Wengen, it won’t take as much time. From Wengen it’s only a 13 minute train down to Lauterbrunnen, which is a hub to pretty much anywhere in the region. Just some food for thought. This sight is also fantastic, to say the least. I hope this may be of some help to you. Enjoy your planning and have a great trip.
Danielsan
Thanks Danielsan- the map of the grand train route helps give me an overview. I read a long thread of Wengen vs Murren and think both are good for us- Wengen for easier access, as you say and Murren for doing the local stuff- Schilthorn and walking to Gimmelwald, and also my husband will love swimming at the Sportzentrum. I used to be a Booking fan but am now finding it is more expensive than booking directly in many cases (even with my Geniius 2 staus!). I’d be interested in seeing your 2-week itinerary–I’m not sure how much time to spend in the Alps vs seeing other things in Switzerland.
Hi DaniPaul,
I’m glad the map had some help for you. The whole transportation system is wonderful in Switzerland.
I had one gal in my hotel in Zermatt tell me that booking direct can save some money over booking.com. If one wants to take the time to check things out on Booking, (or any other site) they can compare prices by communicating/booking direct with the hotel. I looked at hotels in Murren, Lauterbrunnen and ultimately chose Wengen, looking down into the valley. Murren is a very charming, typically Swiss village and beautiful in its own right, and staying there to see the things/places you want to is fine, but not necessarily as a base (only because it is at the end of the valley, as I said in my last post).
As far as my itinerary, below is a link to my trip report I wrote here after I returned home. But in a nut shell, I (landed in Zurich), went down to Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Wengen, and back to Lucerne before heading back to Zurich to lay my head on a pillow before returning home. Most of my travel was based on the Grand Train Tour, as I mentioned in my first post. I was there in September. Not sure when you’re planning your trip, but it was great weather, and just past the tourist season, so not quite as crowded. Great trip, had a great time. Hope you do as well. Just one more tip: you have over a year or so, try not to get so involved in seeing things you may want to see. Meaning, the more you look, the more you discover that you may want to see. It can be overwhelming at times, and you can find yourself trying to cram in so much into one day/week etc. But remember that you will have a great time regardless. Enjoy.
Danielsan
http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/part-1-of-triip-report
Hi Anna,
Isn’t the Lugano to Luzern leg covered by the Swiss Travel Pass? So I can choose to buy a ticket for Milan-Lugano only, and use the STP for Lugano-Luzern, right?
Thank you and regards
Hi BibiL,
if you have a valid Swiss Travel Pass, you need to buy tickets just for the Italian part of your trip, meaning from the border to Milan. This page will be useful for you, have a look at it: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/italy.
You can buy your ticket at http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/italy/price.
Take care,
Ildiko
Hi DaniPaul,
We used the Swiss Travel Pass validity map to plan our 5 week trip from Australia in 2019. Printed it out at home months before to refer to easily when we wanted. It is very handy, showing all routes, including mountain transport, and any routes requiring payment with the travel pass discount.
Happy planning!
Narelle
Hi there,
Here you find the validity map of the Swiss Travel Pass, Narelle spoke about this one: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/validity. Printing it out is a good idea.
And here you can learn about how to use your Swiss Travel Pass: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/howtouse.
And for the last, if you haven’t bought it yet here is a list of the recommended sellers and resellers: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price
I hope this helps, if you have further questions please feel free to come back anytime!
Ildiko
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