Rail pass for Bern Luzern Interlaken Zermatt Chur

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    18 July 2018 at 1:25:40 #817321

    We will be in Switzerland from 9 Sept 18 and would like to purchase a pass to travel around [Zurich, Berne Lucerne, Interlake, Zermatt, Chur] for ten days. We also would like to travel on Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur and then take a regular train to Zurich on 17 Sept 18.

    Please advise which Pass will work best for us as we are planning to visit as many. mountains as possible, do boat rides etc. Also will it be easy to get a regular train from Chur back to Zurich. We are planning to take Glacier Express departing around 10am which will get us in Chur mid afternoon around 3pm approx I think..

    We are looking at first class however your advise – if we really need 1st class or we can opt for 2nd class for travels [Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Chur]

    Glacier Express we would like to purchase 1st class pass incl. 3 course veg meal.

    We would really appreciate your help as we would like to buy our tickets online.

    Regards

    Shereena

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    18 July 2018 at 10:57:26 #891705

    Hi Shereena and welcome to MySwisssAlps!

    I would think, that bassed on your movements around a lot of the country that the Swiss Travel Pass is your best bet. It covers most rail travel around the country, and some mountain trips as well (most mountains are discounted but not fully covered). You can see a list of the attractions and a PDF map here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisstravelpass/ validity

    You can search for train schedules to any town or mountain with the Swiss railways timetable here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/timetable

    It will be quite easy to find a train back to Zurich from Chur – many options all day.

    You can read about 1st class vs. 2nd class here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/practical/ 2nd1stclass

    If you decide to go for 2nd class you can upgrade at Zermatt station for 1st class on the Glacier Express. You will need to make reservations for 1st class seats as soon as possible and you can do so here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/glacierexpress/p ackages

    You can make reservations in 1st class before you have the Swiss Travel Pass & before you upgrade to 1st class for this trip (if you don’t buy a 1st class rail pass).

    You can easily buy a Swiss Travel Pass at one of the online retailers noted here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisstravelpass/ price – the pass can be emailed to you and printed at home (and you’ll have a back up copy to print again in case you lose the pass).

    The Swiss Travel Pass comes in 8 or 15 day duration (and shorter) but not 10 days.

    You may find that a 15 day pass is still the most economical option for you even though you only need 10 days of travel (especially if you travel a lot, you’ll get your money’s worth for sure).

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    20 July 2018 at 3:02:08 #891706

    Thank you so much for your prompt replay – much appreciated.

    As per your suggestions, I had a look at the Swiss passes. Am I able to buy just one ticket which is Flexi for 8 days in a month and gives me access to Glacier Express 1st Class with three course meal. I spoke to few people and they are stating I can’t book meal and also reserve seats on Glacier Express. Please advise if they are correct. In case, I am able to book for the meal and seat – please direct me to the site I can do all at one time. Thanks heaps for your assistance.

    Shereena

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    20 July 2018 at 5:58:56 #891707

    Hi Shereena,

    Here are the details to make seat reservations and a meal booking at the same time: https://www.glacierexp ress.ch/en/travel-planning/gastronomy/ when making the reservation, you can select a reduction in the booking process (this is where you select what rail pass you would have to so you don’t pay for a ticket and reservation if it isn’t needed).

    A rail pass like the Swiss Travel Pass Flex (this is what you mean by Flexi ticket I think?) covers the ticket cost of the Glacier Express but reservations are extra and mandatory.

    If you buy a 2nd class rail pass and want to travel in 1st class, reserve a 1st class seat and buy the upgrade ticket at the station before boarding the train.

    Have a look at our page here to help you choose the most economical rail pass for your holiday: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/ticketspas ses/practical/choosera ilpass

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