Zurich, Bern, Zermatt, Tirano best rail pass?

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    21 August 2017 at 23:17:32 #813036

    Hello,

    I am planning a short visit in the beginning of November 2017 and need some advice for the cheapest way to travel (on a budget).

    I plan to fly into Geneva or Zurich from Oslo depending on price (1-2 days) then to Bern (1-2 days) then

    Bern to Zermatt (1-2 days) then hike from Zermatt to St. Moritz

    then take the Bernina Express to Tirano.

    Is this possible? Which pass would be the best and cheapest option for this route?

    Also, I love to hike (not sure if weather will permit) so if you have any suggestions or advice for this time of year or region please include as many details as you would like (:

    suggestions for hiking, cheap accommodation, travel options and other activities would be appreciated!

    Cheers,

    Audrey

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    Removed user
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    22 August 2017 at 5:01:06 #868762

    We just finished a similar itinerary from Geneva to Lausanne to Zermatt, Wengen, Interlaken, Bern, Zurich then took the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano onto Lugano. We spent 13 days so we bought a 15-day Swiss Pass.

    In your case, an 8-day Pass may be more appropriate as it will cover the Bernina Express as well except for the fact that you will be required to pay the extra charge for the reservation of the Bernina.

    It saved the hassle of buying tickets everytime and we made a lot of “side trips” by train along the way as well.

    Hope that helps.

    Sam

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    22 August 2017 at 6:16:04 #868763

    Hi Achvosta and welcome to MySwissAlps!

    I’m not a big hiking person, but it seems extreme to try and hike from Zermatt to St. Moritz at any time of year let alone in the winter…..?

    Here are some helpful hints for trying to travel on a budget in Switzerland.

    We have a list of activity ideas at for each town noted on these links (including hiking options if any, but in November it isn’t really possible). Also there are tabs on each page for accommodation options as well.

    1. Bern
    2. Zurich
    3. Geneva
    4. Zermatt
    5. St. Moritz

    As for a rail pass, the Swiss Travel Pass will cover your trips between those towns as well as a fair bit of mountain trips – see where the pass is valid here.

    Use the Swiss railways timetable here to plan out all of your trips.

    Note that November activities are more limited – we are between the summer and winter seasons here so some mountain cable cars/cogwheel trains temporarily close for maintenance etc.

    For details on the Bernina Express click here and for reservation information (mandatory) click here.

    Lucas

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