72625 posts
Hi Darren and welcome to MySwissAlps!
The PDF map shows exactly what is covered by the Regional Pass Bernese – Oberland: http://www.myswissalps.com/re gionalpassberneseoberl and/validity
You say you’ve seen a map but have you seen that PDF map?
It should answer all your questions (also read the list on that link on mountains that are discounted). If not let us know! It does not really cover anything near Lucerne (except to and from Lucerne from Bern or Interlaken).
If you have a lot of travel planned around Lucerne you may want to look at the Tell Pass: http://www.myswissalps.com/te llpass or perhaps the Swiss Travel Pass: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isstravelpass
8889 posts
The BO Pass covers Lauterbrunnen to Brig provided you go via Kandersteg which is handy as it is the more scenic route.
Have you read “How to choose the best travel pass” (http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass)?
72625 posts
Hi Darren
No the Berner Oberland Pass (Bernese Oberland in English) does not cover the tourist area around Luzern as the Luzern area is not geographicallly part of the Berner Oberland*. If you look for the ‘Berner Oberland’ wording on the validity map you will see how small the actual Berner Oberland area is compared to the ticket validity area.
It is a matter of luck for tourists that the authorities have the grace to include Bern – Luzern and Luzern Interlaken railways in the validity of the pass. Regional pass validity areas were much more restricted in the past.
So yes, Luzern – Lauterbrunnen is included
* – The Berner Oberland as a geographical feature is (as the name suggests – ober meaning upper or above in German) the ‘Bernese uplands’ ie high hills/mountains of the Bern Canton
72625 posts
Thank you all for your replies. They are very useful and helpful. I do have one follow-up question about leaving Switzerland and getting to Italy. If I have the BO pass the and the Half Fare Card pass, do I need to get 3 different tickets to get from Luaterbrunnen to Verona, Italy? Use the BO pass to get a free ticket from Lauterbrunnen to Brig. Use the HFC for a reduced ticket from Brig to Domodossola, Italy. And then buy a third regular price ticket from Domodossola to Verona? Could this all be purchased through SSB? Can/should I purchase these tickets before my trip or the day we need to use it?
Thank you!
15484 posts
Hi Dpace8,
You only need one ticket. You need to purchase a ticket from Brig to Verona. When buying online you can select the Swiss Half Fare Card for each traveler who has one. Depending on the ticket type you may save a little that way. Not much though, as the leg covered by the Swiss Half Fare Card is short.
You don’t need a ticket for Lauterbrunnen to Brig because you have a pass. Do make sure you travel via the covered route, i.e. via Kandersteg.
For the passes, please see:
72625 posts
Hi Arno,
Thank you for the advice on the ticket from Lauterbrunnen to Verona, Italy. Can I purchase this international ticket from SSB? Should I purchase it in advance before I leave on my trip, or purchase it a day or two in advance while I’m staying in Wengen?
Thank you,
Darren
15484 posts
Hi Darren,
You can certainly buy this a few days or even just before departure, but buying well in advance will probably save you money. The first link in my previous post lists various retailers, and SBB is one to check as well. They may or may not be more expensive for an international ticket like this, so do compare the options I’d say.