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Hi good morning.
I am arriving in Basel at 10am on Saturday 9th December and wish to go on a short (4hr return) scenic train journey from Basel SBB. I want to return back to Basel around 2-3pm so can check into hotel.
My first time in Switzerland so want to see a small sample of the natural beauty the country has to offer. I certainly want to return and do the Alps scenic train journeys very soon, but for now just a short and fairly cheap return to trip from Basel.
Anyone have any suggestions on what route/train/destination is good to explore please? I’m based in London and the holiday is quite last minute. Can I buy tickets online or only at Basel SBB station??
Kindest regards.
Shh83
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Hi Ssh83 and Welcome to MySwissAlps,
Can you stretch to 4h 30m?
The trip Basel to Lausanne to Basel via Neuchatel will cost you a mere CHF132.
See attached.
If that doesn’t suit you can plot a round trip to anywhere in Switzerland using the Swiss Railway Timetable (http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable)
ps You can probably drop your bags off at your hotel at 10.00am and do a more extensive tour. How long are you in Switzerland?
Hello Ssh83,
The route Basel – Lucerne – Schüpfheim – Bern – Basel would be another option of just over 4 hours. The leg Lucerne – Schüpfheim – Bern is the best part (pre-Alps, you won’t have time to reach the “actual” Alps). A ticket costs around CHF 90. A break in Lucerne and Bern would be worth it, but requires at least 1.5 hours in each town.
Hi Rockoyster and Arno,
Thank you kindly for your recommendations!!
The train timings on Rockoysters route don’t allow for much unknown delay between connections. Are trains on schedule and efficient in Switzerland? Also, what’s the best/ cheapest way to purchase these tickets? Online or at Basel SBB?
I like the idea of pitstopping somewhere to explore etc. Are we committed to getting on specific train time or is there a bit of flexibility on the route to play it by ear?
Plan is to get on a train at around 12 noon if we can ditch bags in hotel first. Happy to get back to Basel for 5/6pm and check out the market and main square etc.
We are in Basel for just one night, explore the town and Christmas market. Arrive 10am Sat, depart 9pm Sun.
Thanks,
Sandeep
Hi Sandeep,
This page will be useful I think: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/practical/howtotra vel
Trains in Switzerland are very efficient, flexible (no need to book seats) and mostly on time. There’s not much of a price difference between buying a ticket online or at the station, if any. The standard prices are in the timetable Rockoyster referred to (read the explanation on that page before checking prices). You’ll also find retailers here: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland /price. Another option is a Saver Day Pass, but be aware of its limitations before buying: http://www.myswissalps.com/on edaytravelpass/details.
Amazing. Thank you very much.
Can I ask how /which website RockOyster used to generate the detailed train timetable with stop overs?
Maybe I’m being daft, but can’t seem to find the same itemisation ?!
Thanks in advance
Hi Sandeep,
The timetable Rockoyster used can be accessed via the Advanced timetable on http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable (this page also explains how it works). Once you see the travel options listed, keep clicking the plus (+) icons to drill down into the details. Rockoyster used the previous version of this timetable (with up to date schedules though), so it looks slightly different, but I’d recommend to get familiar with the current version.
Hi Sandeep,
If you happen to find it is a nice sunny day in Lucerne you can be enjoying the views at the top of Mt Pilatus (http://www.myswissalps.com/pi latus) in a little over 2 hours from Basel.
See attached.
Let us know how you go.
Attachments:congratulations on your 1000th post Rockoyster!!!
Maggie
Why, thank you Maggie. 😎
You made it with weeks to spare ;-D
Congratulations! I can feel you snapping at my heels already 😉
Alpenrose
Thanks Maestro. 🐶🐶 . . . Trying, but will never catch up. Well not until my second trip to Switzerland at least.
Bonjour rockoyster –
(Helping you get ready for your next trip on the French side).
Made the numbers. That is a start. What is your position about the quality of your efforts? 😉
Any room for improvement as you overtake Alpenrose? Or, have you reached your peak?
Slowpoke
Hi Sandeep-
<<“The train timings on Rockoysters route don’t allow for much unknown delay between connections. Are trains on schedule and efficient in Switzerland?”>>
You are edging into dangerous grounds. 😉
The Swiss are incredibly proud of the amazing train service, on time results, and efficient connections.
These day, there is much public consternation over the fact that trains in rush hours near the major cities may be 5 or even 6 minutes late. Sometimes.
Just joking a bit, of course, but they are extremely reliable. And, since your ticket is good for a day on the selected route, you can hop on and off, or miss a connection and catch the next one. Between major cities, there are generally trans every half-hour. From essentially all stations, there are trains once per hour.
Enjoy!
Slowpoke
HI Sandeep-
<<“We are in Basel for just one night, explore the town and Christmas market. Arrive 10am Sat, depart 9pm Sun.”>>
It would take approximately 3-4 days to explore the Basel Christmas market. It is a big one. So, you will only get a sample. 😉
A look at the Tinguely water sculpture is worthwhile…5-8 minutes walk from the train station – if it is running in the winter.
http://www.myswitzerland.com/ en-us/tinguely-fountain-basel.html
http://www.basel.com/en/Media /Attractions/Sightseei ng/Tinguely-Fountain
Slowpoke
Howdy (or should I say Здравствуйте) Slowpoke,
I could not possibly presume to take a position on the quality of my humble contributions. That is for others to judge. One simply tries one’s best. I have long since given up trying to emulate Alpenrose. He is in another league.
Which if I was to translate into Australian would come out something like “go bite yer bum”! 😉
Добрый вечер, here in the USA. Maybe Доброе утро down under.
Continuous improvement is the hallmark of a conscientious and caring craftsperson.
Sorry that you were unable to summon more more refined language in your reply.
Clearly an area for future improvement. Actually, a clear response to my question, with a good demonstration of a place to focus.
Well done.
Have another Foster’s before the day gets to you.
Slowpoke
Steady on you two 😉
>> I could not possibly presume to take a position on the quality of my humble contributions. That is for others to judge. One simply tries one’s best.
I certainly view your contributions as helpful and valuable to those you have responded to. It’s clear you put quite some time into many of your responses, researching routes and timetables and often coming up with quite inventive options to assist people make decisions about how to organise their trip. I’ve picked up quite a few good ideas from you myself!
Apart from the owners and official moderators of the forum, there aren’t that many regular contributors, so I think it’s great when people decide to stick around after their trip and assist others. Here’s to the next 1,000 from you!
Alpenrose
Hi Rockoyster-
Although I got a “;-)” into my first comment, somehow I missed putting a couple into my last post.
Here they are now:
😉 and 😉
Please take my comments to be in jest, with an inadequate attempt to equal the samples of Aussie humor you’ve provided.
You are indeed, more diligent with the schedules than I , and it is very useful to post screen grabs.
Keep it up!
Slowpoke
Pax Slowpoke,
In any event I’m much more of a cool-climate Tasmanian Pinot Noir kind of guy.
I don’t even know anyone who drinks Foster’s (en.m.wikipedia.org/wik i/Foster%27s_Lager) and have not seen it on tap in a Pub since I was last in Earls Court. 👍🏻
<<” 1017 posts
top member
Dec 10, 2017 – 10:18 PM in reply to Slowpoke
<<“
I don’t even know anyone who drinks Foster’s (en.m.wikipedia.org/wik i/Foster%27s_Lager) and have not seen it on tap in a Pub since I was last in Earls Court.”>>
We get Foster’s here in huge cans….Not sure who buys them, but they move off the shelf. Visit us in Connecticut sometime if you want to try some. 😉
Slowpoke
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