[Removed user]

2 November 2011 at 18:20:52 #804760

Hi – Here’s our plan for a short trip to Switzerland and Austria this Nov 3rd week. Short trip is due to holiday constraints, Vienna is primary goal. However, want to see a bit of Switzerland. We are not skiers, just want to see beautiful scenery, cities and taste Swiss food and desserts!

Day 1 – Arr Zurich early Morning
Day 1 – Tour Zurich, spend night in hotel
Day 2 – Leave for Geneva @ Noon, Arr Geneva late afternoon (car)
Day 2 – Evening and Day 3 morning – Tour Geneva, night in Geneva hotel
Day 3 – 3 PM – Leave Geneva, Arr Zurich at 6 PM (car)
Day 3 – Leave for Vienna at Night (OBB night train)
Day 4 – Arr Vienna early morning
Day 4, 5, 6 – Tour Vienna
Day 7 – Leave Vienna in morning, Arr Salzburg at noon (OBB train)
Day 7 – Tour Salzburg
Day 7 – Leave Salzburg at Night (OBB train)
Day 8 – Arr Zurich early morning, fly out of Zurich in morning

We don’t want to drive from Zurich to Geneva but cheapest Zurich-Geneva on SBB is 82 CHF, so for 2 adults + 1 child the round-trip is about 410 CHF. None of the Swiss discount cards/passes seem to be worthwhile because we are taking just 2 Swiss rail trips. Car with parking and gas is between 250-300 CHF, so car wins.

We realize it will be cold but keeping our fingers crossed for no rain or snow. Any thoughts/suggestions/advice greatly appreciated! Please wish us luck!!!

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[Arno]

3 November 2011 at 6:26:22 #834411

Hi fgb59h,

You can purchase two Swiss Transfer Tickets and have the child travel for free. They cost CHF 130 each or even less, depending on where you purchase. Details and purchase options can be found here. You can also check out the Super Saver tickets offered by the SBB.

Have a great trip! Please feel free to post your experiences here if you find the time.

[Removed user]

3 November 2011 at 21:40:13 #834412

Thank you for suggesting the Swiss Transfer ticket.

1. Can we leave from Zurich Airport, go to Geneva and return to Zurich HB rail station? Or do we have to return to Zurich airport (Our train to Vinna leaves from Zurich HB)
2. Can I buy the Transfer ticket in Zurich or do I need to buy it in the US?

[Arno]

4 November 2011 at 2:22:14 #834413

Hi fgb59h,

1. Yes you can. The Swiss Transfer Ticket can be used from and to any airport or border station. On the way back, you can fill out Zurich Airport as your destination but just get off the train at the main station. If you don’t have a night train ticket yet, you may even be able to use it for the leg from Zurich to the border on the night train, depending on whether this still is the most direct route from Geneva to the border (as explained on the Swiss Transfer Ticket page).
2. No, you cannot buy it in Switzerland. Please check the options at the Swiss Transfer Ticket page.