Hello Girija,
So you're planning to see quite something of beautiful Switzerland! I really hope you and your husband will enjoy it!
As for your questions, at first I will do some calculating for you so that you get an idea of the costs - all prices given are second class, per person and single tickets (unless otherwise mentioned):
- Zürich – Lucerne CHF 27.00
- Lucerne - Alpnachstad CHF 9.90
- Mt. Pilatus CHF 64.00 (return ticket)
- Alpnachstad – Interlaken Ost CHF 27.00
- Interlaken Ost – Jungfraujoch CHF181.80 (return ticket)
- Interlaken Ost – Zermatt CHF 74.00
- Glacier Express Zermatt v.v. CHF 134.00 (return ticket, reservations will cost extraand are obligatory!)
- Zermatt – Geneva Airport CHF 88.00
- Total CFH 705,70
Now for your other questions:
To me it seems that spending a (part of the) day at Jungfraujoch plus taking an evening train to Zermatt is really much. And there's also the trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch and back. But if necessary, it can be done. You can check the
Swiss Time Table for times of departure and arrival.
I would suggest you stay in Interlaken to digest all the impressions!
Seat reservations for the ICE are not necessary, but if you have the feeling it's very crowded during your stay, it might not be a bad idea.
Although it would not be fair to give you a 100% certainty, travelling on early or late trains is really safe.
Taking the Glacier Express from Zermatt and back will be rather much too if you are coming from Interlaken the same day. You will be travelling quite some time, the trip (GE) will take between five and six hours, and more if you want to spend some time in Andermatt.
My idea would be:
After Jungfraujoch and having spent the night in Interlaken, consider taking a train to Visp and pick up the Glacier Express-connection to Andermatt and from there to Zermatt (two reservations for the GE might be necessary in this case). For times and prices, again please check the
Swiss Time Table and please view the
Railway FAQ.
I'm pretty sure that a
Swiss Saver Pass will be the best option in your case because you are planning on making rather long train trips. You might consider to purchase this pass (as you see it can be done online) starting the second day of your stay. In that case you will have to pay the full price for your trip from Zürich to Lucerne, but as you can see that part of your plans is not the most expensive track.
This Swiss Saver Pass (per person, second class, for four days), will cost you CHF 221.
Validity of the Swiss Saver Pass can be found
here. For example: you will receive a 25% discount on the trip to Jungfraujoch, from Wengen. To Wengen you will travel for free. You can see the rest of the information and discounts you will get having a Swiss Saver Pass yourself, as this is all mentioned on the site and the links given.
I hope this answered your questions! If not, please let me know.
Olga
