Swiss train reservations & 1st vs. 2nd class

  • Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    13 July 2018 at 17:09:39 #817252

    I am traveling to Switzerland next week with two seniors. I want to know the difference between the first and second class in trains. I also want to know if there is enough luggage room in the second class trains or do I need to book first class only? Also, are the seat reservations fees the same amount regardless of the class? And are the seat reservations only required on the Glacier express, Panoramic express etc. or on all local trains too? Thanks you in advance.

  • Effortlessly learn from the questions and answers in the forum. Receive a daily e-mail with new discussions.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    13 July 2018 at 19:16:14 #891304

    Hi vky3867 and welcome to MySwissAlps!

    You can read about the differences between 1st class and 2nd class here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/practical/ 2nd1stclass – the differences aren’t too significant and there is plenty of luggage space in 2nd class as well (unless the train is very busy).

    Reservations are explained here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/reservatio ns and are indeed only required on panoramic trains: https://www.myswissalp s.com/activities/sceni ctrips/train

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    13 July 2018 at 20:39:15 #891305

    Thank you so much.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    14 July 2018 at 3:34:49 #891306

    Hi vky

    The first class works at over 50 % of the cost of a second class pass.

    The second class in swiss trains is pretty good in terms of seating and also luggage storage . However, you could be stretched for seating during peak hours . As you are travelling with seniors if pricing is not a consideration you may to consider a first class., which is also quieter.Also the space to store luggage between seats is more pronounced in first class .

    The difference is much less pronounced in terms of seating comfort , ambience , luggage space on the smaller trains (Interlaken – Grindelwald , Sargans- Mainfield etc). But the amenities in first class are better in the RJ , EC and ICE trains.

    Finally it is a trade off between comfort and pricing . In addition to the links advised by Lucas you may also want to check http://www.seat61.com (if my memory serves me right).

  • The thread ‘Swiss train reservations & 1st vs. 2nd class’ is closed to new replies.

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10730 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.