We know Swiss Train Passes can be confusing, but we're confident our resources will help! -2023 Swiss Train Pass Guide: ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.html -How to Pick A Swiss Train Pass Checklist: aplinsinthealps.com/ultimate-swiss-train-pass-guide-2023/ -Still need help? Book a Swiss Vacation Consultation with us: www.aplinsinthealps.com/consultations
This was very helpful. I’ll be in Interlaken for 3 days. I believe I’ll have enough time to go to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. I’m hoping there are less crowds in October.
OMG!! Another great video!! So much information that, like your other videos, I'll be watching it more than a few times to digest everything. Seriously considering a mini-consultation just to thank you both personally!! Aloha!!
Hello! I want to thank you for all your information! Me and my husband will be travelling in Switzerland for the first tine for 9 day this June. As we are now planning ahead with our travel, we find it so confusing to think which is the best travel pass that we are going to avail. Please help us to make our trip memorable and budget wise😀. Here are our daily trips: Day 1: arrival in zurich late afternoon Day 2: Zurich Day 3: Lucerne Day 4: Interlaken ( with accomodation) Day 5: Interlaken/Isetwald Day 6: Interlaken/ Lauterbrunnen Day 7: Zermat Day 8 Going to St. Moritz via Glacier Express Day 9: St. Moritz to Zurich via train We would really appreciate if you can suggest the best option for our travel pass to save some money. Thank you!
I think this will be useful for most people, especially americans who aren't used to options of public transport, but it is a shame how you kind of forgot the main pass that most swiss like myself use and gets them further than you might have imagined: the GA, which is the swiss travel pass, except for it's valid for a month and cheaper than the 6 day travel pass... so yeah, shame that you forgot that one since it's mostly cheaper and includes almost all attractions that regional passes do, plus the travel to the region, like from Basel or Zurich... also it provides way more flexibility by being valid everywhere... still good video, but I'm surprised that with all you know you've forgotten the most important pass
Hi there! The reason we don't mention the GA card is because it's designed for Swiss residents and most visitors won't benefit from it. We actually aren't fans of the Swiss Travel Pass in almost every scenario, and find that the Half Fare Card or Half Fare Card + a regional pass for travel to the Berner Oberland is the best buy for most travelers. The key as we see it, is knowing that most visitors will want to explore the mountains. Those rides are only covered at 50% by the GA card, and the Half Fare Card gives the same discount. True, if someone is going to stay for a month and ride TONS of trains every day, they might save money with the GA card, but that's a pretty unique traveler!
May I know if the Day Pass / Super Day pass will cover the panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Express & Luzern-Interlaken Express). Thanks
I am planning to go from Milan to Interlaken using regional train. How different is it from the Bernina Express? I mean apart from the panoramic ones. We can still see the picturesque views with regional trains right? I just dont want to go to Tirano early morning and stop at Chur/St.Moritz then go through the trouble of more stops and connections and longer travel time. I am planning 6 days, to stay at Lauterbrunnen and flying back through Zurich Airport. So Half-Fare Card + Berner Oberland? Will the pass work from Milan? Do I have to purchase a separate ticket for the Milan to Brig stop?
Hello! Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted most places. But you'll definitely want a little bit of Swiss Francs for the self-service farms fridges. Usually 100 CHF per couple for one week is a good starting point.
So what do you do when coming March 29 -April 2, but the Oberland pass doesn’t start until April 1🤷♀️ just buy 1/2 price and buy everything out right?
This is so informative! Thank you! We have been watching many of your videos. Have you guys traveled from Switzerland to Italy by train? We are planning on going to Venice from Interlaken. Any recommendations?
So glad this was helpful to you!! We've traveled between Switzerland and Italy, but our route was Milan-Interlaken and not to Venice. Be sure to check out trainline.eu-that's our favorite site for booking trains (and long distance buses) throughout Europe, outside of Switzerland.
Both not. There are employed people which will come to you in the train/tram and check for your tickets/passes. If you do not have a valid one you get a fine
Hi Jenna and Brett! My husband and I are staying 5 days in Switzerland! We want to stay one day in Interlaken or Grindewald so we can do the Jungfraug, according to your videos it’s better the top of Europe pasa with the half card pass?
We’re posting a new Swiss train pass video and download next week that will answer your exact question. So be sure to check back next week to find the answer!
Hello. Could you please help me with some info that I need regarding travel pass? I will be travelling to Switzerland for 3 days with my family. My kids are 10 and 12 years old. We plan to visit Zurich and Interlaken. Should we opt for half fare card or Swiss travel pass to make the most when it comes to public transport and train journeys within Switzerland? In those three days, I can definitely save 50% if I go with half day pass for my wife and myself, however considering that we will do tour of Zurich extensively using public transport including boat rides, followed by trip to Interlaken, will all the ticket costs with half day pass, still be less than the travel pass in total? I do acknowledge that both our kids will travel free with us having any of these passes. Thank you for your help here.
Wow that’s a big compliment! Thank you so much. We love helping travelers like you, and are grateful that you wait for our new videos 🥰 Thanks for the encouragement!
We plan to spend some time in Germany, Austia and Switzerland, so naturally we chose the Eurail passes for our American group. However, does Eurail cover the valley buses, where the Swiss trains don't run (i.e. Urnaesch -Schwaegalp)? Of course, the international rail passes are valid on buses, when the train tracks are being improved/worked on, which requires the cancelation of the routes on the affected tracks, as there is no alternative for the conveyance of passengers from affected towns.
Hi Thomas! Here's an excellent webpage with a map that shows everywhere the Eurail Pass is valid in Switzerland: www.myswissalps.com/eurailglobalpass/validity
Hello, Your video is very useful for me. I have a question about Swiss Half fare card. Could I and my girl friend use one same Swiss half fare card to but tickets?
After watching your videos I’m planning to get the Bernese Oberland and Half Fare. If we are spending one and a half days in Zermatt , should we also buy a different pass for that area?
Sounds great! If we were going there, we'd just use our Half Fare Card to pay for anything we do there with a 50% discount. But you can definitely checkout the Peak2Peak pass or Peak passes there and see if they'd save you any money!
This is very informative. Can you please let me know about Saver Day pass and whether it can be used to travel in Bernina Express along with separate seat reservations. TIA
Hey there! I little off topic but are drones mostly allowed in the Jungfrau/Interlaken region? And are there any stipulations when bringing them on a plane to Switzerland? Wanting to film doom footage when I’m there this summer. Thanks!✨
I would like to stay for only 2 days in Interlaken ( 1 day to jungfraujoch) and spend the 3rd and 4th day In Zurich (wish to see reinfalls and Lucerne too) could you please let me know what passes I should buy ? I do not wanna get half fare or Swiss travel pass as I will not be covering whole Switzerland. I’m going to Switzerland from Germany. Thanks in advance! ❤
How can I purchase rides availing the half fare card using the sbb app which consider the pass as a ticket. Can I manually choose half fare card so my ride ticket be priced at half price? 10:19
Hi there, yes you can! Go to your profile, then select co-passengers. You can add each passenger and then select they have the half fare card, which will cause the app to show the appropriate prices. Hope this helps!
Hello from quebec , Canada :) we are so happy because we found your channel . Really you guys are the best :) So We are going to switzerland at the end of september , we want to take the top of europe pass because we are spending a week in the region of interlaken . I just cant find all the region that is cover by the pass ? Need to know before booking hôtels...
I'm traveling from Zurich Airport to Bern and then Luzerne (1 day return) for work. That weekend I'm staying two days in Wengen and want to go to grindewald first (1 day return). Should I get the berner ober pass or only the half fare? Any help is great. I'm on a work budget.
Love your very detailed videos so much so my wife decided we are now going to Switzerland. My dilemma trying to work out best travel pass if you could help in anyway. We plan on going interlaken for 3 days travel round italy for a week or 2 then come back to lucerne for 2 days. We would like to go up the main mountains joch and pilatus, first. Which would be our cheapest/best option like you have said its a minefield with the ticket prices etc. Any help very appreciated cheers baz
Thanks for all the info!! So one Big doubt... I Will Travel on the last days of march until April 2... And i just realized the bern pass isnt avaible until April first... 🤐, And My plans includes stayin at interlaken at least 3 days and also take nor the glaciar express or the bernina express.... So what should i do.? Do You think should i Buy the half card pass or the Swiss travel pass??? Need some help!! And Alsooo. Wich panoramic train do You recommend me... It Will be My first time there with My wife!!! Thanks a lot!!! 🙂
The Half Fare Card for tourists is valid for 1 month, and the one for locals is valid for 1 year. You'll want the 1-month version! And not sure what you're referring to with the STP plus? Do you mean the HFC Plus? If so, that's also meant for residents. As a tourist, the best option is simply the 1-month HFC!
Can I use my half fare pass along with Benese Oberland pass and reach till the farthest station to Jungfrau? And only buy a ticket to go up to the spot?
I’m confused with buying rides online (sbb app) using half fare card as it is a ticket and not a pass. Can I manually choose half fare in the card options so I can purchase at half price?
Yep, sure can! In the app, go to your profile, then to co-passengers. When you enter each of your passengers, you can also tick a box that tells the app they have the Half Fare Card. Then you'll see the appropriate prices. We also made an Ultimate Guide to Swiss Transportation that can help you out with loads of other questions and tips like this one: aplinsinthealps.com/guides/ultimate-guide-to-swiss-transportation/
Hi guys! If i have the Oberland pass and want to take a train from Interlaken to Lucerne .... do I need to print of a train ticket or do you just get on a train with your oberland pass?
Hi! Can you please help us to plan our ist travel inSwitzerland.We are planning to stay in Switzerland for 15 days . We want to go to top of Europe and do the activities .We also want to ride the bernina and glacier express.What is the best train tickets for us . We want to stay in 2 days Zürich 2 days lucerne , 3 days Zermatt and 3 days Grindelwald.3 days in intrlaken. 2 days lauterbrunnen. Is that good itineraries.Actually we want to stay in 2 or 3 places only .I am travelling with a 65 years old and this is her bucket list .I am open for any suggestions for a change in our itineraries.Canu please help us .We are going on sept this year . Thank you
Hi there! We offer consultations if you'd like to check those out for help with your trip planning! (aplinsinthealps.com/consultations) But if it were us, we'd buy a Half Fare Card + the 8 or 10-day Berner Oberland pass for the trip you have planned. Sounds like it'll be a great one!
Hello !! I’m planning to travel from Venice to Interlaken and Lucerne for 3 and 2 days also want to cover Jungfra, Grindlewald, Lauterbrunnen, Murren and Mount Titlis and panoramic train from interlaken to Lucerne. It really confusing which pass would cover my trip with saving money on travel
Did you download the free guide? The link is in the description below the video. It's an easy to follow checklist that will help you discover which pass is best for you.
Hi there! To buy on SBB mobile app using half fare discount (of course, make sure you have a valid half fare card before doing so!!): --Go to Profile --Choose "Co-Passenger" --"Enter Co-Passenger" --Enter your name and date of birth, click the option that says "Half Fare Travelcard (1/2), then save --Repeat this process for each person who will be traveling with you with a half fare card Hope this helps!
Hi ! Is it possible if you can recommend what is the best for traVEL PASS for us .I am travelling with a 65 seniors on sept for 15 days in Switzerland.Upon watching your vlogs it was confusing to me which is the best Travel pass. We are planning to do the scenic train ( Bernina,Glacier express,gothard panorama.) We are staying in Zurich for 6 days and just travel everyday to Lucerne,Interlaken ,Bern and basel Then 3 days in Zermatt and 4 days in Grindelwald .We want to go to top Europe too . Which is the best train pass for us .I am 50 years old and my travel companion is 65 years old . We are doing mix accomodation air bnb and hotel . Do you have suggestions for us.. We are staying in Zurich as a main point just to have 1 day each places . Can you please help us for the train pass as for your experience .Thank you in advance .
Hi, i've been watching your videos for quite sometime, but i still confuse about the ticket sistem in switzerland. I'm planning to go there in couple weeks, i'm going to stay in zurich for 1 night, interlaken for 2 nights, zermat for 2 nights. Do you have any recommendation which travel pass should i get? Thank you
Hi jana and brett. I am following your channel for quite some time and i appreciate your content. I would be travelling around lucerne, interlaken and zermatt in 08 days. So what according to you would be the best pass for me? Plz reply.
We’re posting a new Swiss train pass video and download next week that will answer your exact question. So be sure to check back next week to find the answer!
Do i need to buy this pass we are going to swzerland in june for 6 days with our baby interlaken,brienz,lake blausee ,lauterbrunnen,grindelwald and wengen nothing about hike,museums or activities to the mountains we just wanna be there, walk see the landscapes ,eat take the ferry and trains to see the landscapes Swiss pass to us is 800$ dollars I need to be clear is necesary for us ?
Traveling from Basel to Zermatt. Then train to Matterhorn. Then Glacier Express train to st Moritz. From there on to Venice. Which pass is best? Will a swiss train pass get me to Venice or do I need a europass for Venice?
Hi Pam! It really depends on the length of time you'll be spending in Switzerland and what else you'll plan to do. A half fare card is often helpful, but definitely look into the Eurail pass if you also want a pass that will cover you in Italy!
Will have to fly into Zurich and travel to Lugano 4-5 times in the next 12 months spaced out a couple months at a time. Not much travel outside of those trips. Any passes worth getting..?
Great question. If you have flexibility, look at flying into Milan Malpensa and taking a train from there. It's slightly shorter, but the tickets are usually about half the cost compared to taking the train from Zurich!
Actually Malpensa is terribly located and you'll end up on a slow regional train, not much shorter than Zurich actually, the only tip is get Half Fare and check your train connection a day before and look out for the "%" sign on the app, which are discounted trains that aren't running at capacity... also for Lugano I would suggest you look at using the IC2 rather than ECs, since they'll be cheaper being less busy. Also if you do opt for a Half fare which I think you could still make the most of, you might even be tempted on an occasion with extra time to go and discover something else, which you wouldn't have done otherwise
Holders of Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card can get reduced for Berner Oberland Pass. My question is : do two passes must cover the same valid period for the reduced rate ? For example my Swiss Travel Pass is for 8 days valid until today. Then today I go and buy the Berner Oberland Pass for 10 days valid starting from today. In this scenario, do I get the reduced rate for BO pass for all 10 days? thank you
Good question! To get the reduced rate on the regional pass, your half fare card or Swiss Travel Pass needs to be valid for the entire time your regional pass would be valid. Hope this helps!
In this situation, if you're trying to use a 8 day Travel Pass and then 10 day Oberland Pass, you're much better off getting a monthly General Abonnement for less then one of these two passes. It gets you unlimited transport on everything, even boats, Postbus routes over Passes and most mountain transportation that is included in the Oberland pass, so you'd be much better off getting one of those for a month, even if you're not staying for a month
There are fast trains that go from Paris to Geneva or Basel. If it were us, we'd take one of those, and then the routes to Interlaken from there are pretty basic. You could book the France tickets on something like trainline.eu and then use your Half Fare Card or Swiss train pass for the journey within Switzerland. Hope this helps!
We're so happy to help! We have loads of UA-cam videos with ideas, and free resources on our website too! www.aplinsinthealps.com/resources But if you'd like personalized help, we offer trip planning consultations. www.aplinsinthealps.com/consultations
Are boat rides operating during winter? We're going in February 2023 and I wanted to do a few lake boat tours but if they aren't operating, then i'm not too sure what else to do. Thanks!
Local swiss here to fill in the gaps... Straight answer yes, however timetables aren't as extensive (as expected) in winter and you're less likely to go on the beautiful steamers like in summer since very few run in winter. Also importantly train passes like the GA or Half Fare are valid, even though this video says they're not necessarily great to go in the mountains, that isn't quite true, you just need to avoid the tourist traps like Gornergrat and Jungfrau, although Jungfrau is still do-able with the right tickets!
Thank you for the information. I’d been trying to figure out how we can save with only short time we will be there. Enjoying all your videos and can’t wait to try your recommendations.
I would check out this updated video! There is also a link to a free download that will help you find just the right pass for your trip! ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.htmlsi=d3gz-svx2sol14Wl
We answer this exact question in our new Swiss train pass guide for 2023! It will be published next week (a video and a download) so check back then! 👍
Hi there! It depends on which pass. With the Swiss Travel Pass you can travel from Zurich to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Mürren/Gimmelwald, or Wengen for free.
I am impressed with your UA-cam videos and have found the information on Swiss passes very helpful. In our case my wife and I would probably buy a Half Fare Pass along with two or three regional summer passes. Since the Half Fare Pass lasts for a month and we are retired, I am considering using Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne and Zermatt my primary hubs. Can I use a Half Fare Pass to purchase a Bernese Oberland Pass or a Lucerne Tellpass at a discount? Thank you, Jack Long
No sorry, Halbtaxes don't cumulate when purchasing them with Tellpass or Berner Oberland Passes, however depending on what kind of activities you want to do, getting those regional passes might not be to you're advantage... contrary to what these guys say, most of the normal mountain transport, which isn't just cable cars and funiculars, but most of the time buses which is public transport, work with SBB Cards. So like in your case, here are my top tips for places to travel to: for Lucerne, the boats are included, Rigi Mountains is all included, Kleewenalp, Pilatus included, go further down the lake towards to the Gotthard such as where I work at Göscheneralp is a bus so included; for Zermatt, don't be fooled by Gornergrat, but go up Sunegga and Rothorn, where railcards work too as well as on portions of the Klein Matterhorn route and plus view from Rothorn is way better; for Berner Oberland, be clever if you want to go to the Jungfrau, but there are Gems like Kiental & Griesalp which is Europe's steepest bus route and UNESCO heritage for a reason and certainly less tourists, otherwise Simmental most things are included, Kandersteg gondola's up to Oeschinen too and also go beyond Meiringen to the Grimselpass which is also bus routes to get up and close with lots of glaciers and stunning mountain lakes. For me, I would recommend you both get a monthly Swiss Pass (NOT Swiss Travel Pass for tourists) at 340.- since it has practically all the same perks and definitely trumps buying multiple regional passes and halbtaxes, you'll have spent much more on that than a GA (General Abonnement)
Hi Jack, you can definitely get a discount on the Berner Oberland Pass (and it will nearly pay for the cost of your half fare card!)...unfortunately you won't get a further discount on the Tellpass.
@@hugobazin8052 Hi Hugo, thank you for lots of info which will also be valuable for me. Are scenic trains worth taking than normal ones as they are not so frequent and impede my flexibility with travel. What a channel in Swiss German (general knowledge/life) can you recommend watching? Thank you
@@samanthaenglish6548 Wonderful! That contact form goes to our email, and we will reply with the same link as above to sign up for a consultation. So you can go ahead and sign up with that link (we’re behind on our emails since we took off for the holidays!)
They don't make it simple do they?! Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Swiss Train Passes if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.html
We know Swiss Train Passes can be confusing, but we're confident our resources will help!
-2023 Swiss Train Pass Guide: ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.html
-How to Pick A Swiss Train Pass Checklist: aplinsinthealps.com/ultimate-swiss-train-pass-guide-2023/
-Still need help? Book a Swiss Vacation Consultation with us: www.aplinsinthealps.com/consultations
This was very helpful. I’ll be in Interlaken for 3 days. I believe I’ll have enough time to go to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. I’m hoping there are less crowds in October.
OMG!! Another great video!! So much information that, like your other videos, I'll be watching it more than a few times to digest everything. Seriously considering a mini-consultation just to thank you both personally!!
Aloha!!
We definitely try to jam pack our videos with helpful info! 😊And it would be awesome to meet you in a consultation!!!
Great video, thanks for making our life easier.
Hello! I want to thank you for all your information! Me and my husband will be travelling in Switzerland for the first tine for 9 day this June. As we are now planning ahead with our travel, we find it so confusing to think which is the best travel pass that we are going to avail. Please help us to make our trip memorable and budget wise😀. Here are our daily trips:
Day 1: arrival in zurich late afternoon
Day 2: Zurich
Day 3: Lucerne
Day 4: Interlaken ( with accomodation)
Day 5: Interlaken/Isetwald
Day 6: Interlaken/ Lauterbrunnen
Day 7: Zermat
Day 8 Going to St. Moritz via Glacier Express
Day 9: St. Moritz to Zurich via train
We would really appreciate if you can suggest the best option for our travel pass to save some money. Thank you!
Nice plan but which pass did you use?
I think this will be useful for most people, especially americans who aren't used to options of public transport, but it is a shame how you kind of forgot the main pass that most swiss like myself use and gets them further than you might have imagined: the GA, which is the swiss travel pass, except for it's valid for a month and cheaper than the 6 day travel pass... so yeah, shame that you forgot that one since it's mostly cheaper and includes almost all attractions that regional passes do, plus the travel to the region, like from Basel or Zurich... also it provides way more flexibility by being valid everywhere... still good video, but I'm surprised that with all you know you've forgotten the most important pass
Hi there! The reason we don't mention the GA card is because it's designed for Swiss residents and most visitors won't benefit from it. We actually aren't fans of the Swiss Travel Pass in almost every scenario, and find that the Half Fare Card or Half Fare Card + a regional pass for travel to the Berner Oberland is the best buy for most travelers.
The key as we see it, is knowing that most visitors will want to explore the mountains. Those rides are only covered at 50% by the GA card, and the Half Fare Card gives the same discount. True, if someone is going to stay for a month and ride TONS of trains every day, they might save money with the GA card, but that's a pretty unique traveler!
Has anyone mentioned difficulty with the identity check with the SBB app or site?
May I know if the Day Pass / Super Day pass will cover the panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Express & Luzern-Interlaken Express). Thanks
I am planning to go from Milan to Interlaken using regional train. How different is it from the Bernina Express? I mean apart from the panoramic ones. We can still see the picturesque views with regional trains right? I just dont want to go to Tirano early morning and stop at Chur/St.Moritz then go through the trouble of more stops and connections and longer travel time. I am planning 6 days, to stay at Lauterbrunnen and flying back through Zurich Airport. So Half-Fare Card + Berner Oberland? Will the pass work from Milan? Do I have to purchase a separate ticket for the Milan to Brig stop?
Hello my question is about payment in Switzerland. Are cards accepted almost everywhere or should one carry a lot of paper currency ?
Hello! Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted most places. But you'll definitely want a little bit of Swiss Francs for the self-service farms fridges. Usually 100 CHF per couple for one week is a good starting point.
So what do you do when coming March 29 -April 2, but the Oberland pass doesn’t start until April 1🤷♀️ just buy 1/2 price and buy everything out right?
Interrail for European residence, how about if I have Temporary Residence Card in one of Senchengen countries?
This is so informative! Thank you! We have been watching many of your videos. Have you guys traveled from Switzerland to Italy by train? We are planning on going to Venice from Interlaken. Any recommendations?
So glad this was helpful to you!! We've traveled between Switzerland and Italy, but our route was Milan-Interlaken and not to Venice. Be sure to check out trainline.eu-that's our favorite site for booking trains (and long distance buses) throughout Europe, outside of Switzerland.
If I get the Swiss travel pass and want to ride the tram at Zurich, do we tap in or show the conductor?
Both not. There are employed people which will come to you in the train/tram and check for your tickets/passes. If you do not have a valid one you get a fine
Hi there! @sabrinas.2469 is absolutely correct-just have the pass available to show if the ticket controller comes to check while you're on the tram!
Hi Jenna and Brett! My husband and I are staying 5 days in Switzerland! We want to stay one day in Interlaken or Grindewald so we can do the Jungfraug, according to your videos it’s better the top of Europe pasa with the half card pass?
We’re posting a new Swiss train pass video and download next week that will answer your exact question. So be sure to check back next week to find the answer!
Hello. Could you please help me with some info that I need regarding travel pass? I will be travelling to Switzerland for 3 days with my family. My kids are 10 and 12 years old. We plan to visit Zurich and Interlaken. Should we opt for half fare card or Swiss travel pass to make the most when it comes to public transport and train journeys within Switzerland? In those three days, I can definitely save 50% if I go with half day pass for my wife and myself, however considering that we will do tour of Zurich extensively using public transport including boat rides, followed by trip to Interlaken, will all the ticket costs with half day pass, still be less than the travel pass in total? I do acknowledge that both our kids will travel free with us having any of these passes. Thank you for your help here.
More great info! I wait for your videos and I'm never disappointed.
Wow that’s a big compliment! Thank you so much. We love helping travelers like you, and are grateful that you wait for our new videos 🥰 Thanks for the encouragement!
We plan to spend some time in Germany, Austia and Switzerland, so naturally we chose the Eurail passes for our American group. However, does Eurail cover the valley buses, where the Swiss trains don't run (i.e. Urnaesch -Schwaegalp)? Of course, the international rail passes are valid on buses, when the train tracks are being improved/worked on, which requires the cancelation of the routes on the affected tracks, as there is no alternative for the conveyance of passengers from affected towns.
Hi Thomas! Here's an excellent webpage with a map that shows everywhere the Eurail Pass is valid in Switzerland: www.myswissalps.com/eurailglobalpass/validity
@@AplinsintheAlps Thank you so much. I have downloaded it for periodic referral.
Travelling from Florence to Lucerne by train , so from where does swiss pass count and till which we need to buy tickets from Florence??
❤ very insightful. Much appreciated sharing this tips.
Thanks for the kind comment! Hope these tips help your travels!
Your videos are amazing!
Thank you! We have a good time making them so it's nice to know other people are enjoying them too:)
Hello, Your video is very useful for me. I have a question about Swiss Half fare card. Could I and my girl friend use one same Swiss half fare card to but tickets?
Hi there! Unfortunately you will both need your own half fare cards :)
What about youth Swiss pass, what’s the difference between that and half pass
Thanks again. Do I buy the half fare pass at Zurich Airport when I arrive and the train ticket to Zermatt at the same time?
Yes, you can buy both of these when you land!
I visiting switzerland on my car i only wanted to use cable cars which swiss pass is best for me
It depends on where you go! But often the Half Fare Card alone is a great choice.
After watching your videos I’m planning to get the Bernese Oberland and Half Fare. If we are spending one and a half days in Zermatt , should we also buy a different pass for that area?
Sounds great! If we were going there, we'd just use our Half Fare Card to pay for anything we do there with a 50% discount. But you can definitely checkout the Peak2Peak pass or Peak passes there and see if they'd save you any money!
Is using half fare card each time to buy a ticket a big hassle ?
Looks like they updated their offer and many of those mountain pass routes are now included.
You're right! We actually have a video with updated train pass information.
This is very informative. Can you please let me know about Saver Day pass and whether it can be used to travel in Bernina Express along with separate seat reservations. TIA
So glad it helped! The Saver Day Passes can be used for the Bernina express. You'll just need to book seat reservations on your own.
@@AplinsintheAlps : Thank you so much
Hi Jana & Brett, how or is there any apps to buy bus ticket with the half fare card?
Hey there! I little off topic but are drones mostly allowed in the Jungfrau/Interlaken region? And are there any stipulations when bringing them on a plane to Switzerland? Wanting to film doom footage when I’m there this summer. Thanks!✨
commenting because I'd also like to know
For the Eurail pass, does it cover as in ALL train networks (including Metro, Subways, etc..) across Europe?
You’ll have to research the Eurail’s validity maps to know where it does and doesn’t work.
I would like to stay for only 2 days in Interlaken ( 1 day to jungfraujoch) and spend the 3rd and 4th day In Zurich (wish to see reinfalls and Lucerne too) could you please let me know what passes I should buy ? I do not wanna get half fare or Swiss travel pass as I will not be covering whole Switzerland. I’m going to Switzerland from Germany. Thanks in advance! ❤
Hello! Can i use the swiss half travel card for my travel from swiss to germany?
Hi i will be traveling from zurich to geneva stoping in lucerene interlaken zermatt which pass you think is best.
Hi there! Make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide to Swiss Train Passes to see our recommendations! ua-cam.com/video/kk6wuDzvSPg/v-deo.html
How can I purchase rides availing the half fare card using the sbb app which consider the pass as a ticket. Can I manually choose half fare card so my ride ticket be priced at half price? 10:19
Hi there, yes you can! Go to your profile, then select co-passengers. You can add each passenger and then select they have the half fare card, which will cause the app to show the appropriate prices. Hope this helps!
Hello from quebec , Canada :) we are so happy because we found your channel . Really you guys are the best :) So We are going to switzerland at the end of september , we want to take the top of europe pass because we are spending a week in the region of interlaken . I just cant find all the region that is cover by the pass ? Need to know before booking hôtels...
I'm traveling from Zurich Airport to Bern and then Luzerne (1 day return) for work. That weekend I'm staying two days in Wengen and want to go to grindewald first (1 day return). Should I get the berner ober pass or only the half fare? Any help is great. I'm on a work budget.
Love your very detailed videos so much so my wife decided we are now going to Switzerland. My dilemma trying to work out best travel pass if you could help in anyway. We plan on going interlaken for 3 days travel round italy for a week or 2 then come back to lucerne for 2 days. We would like to go up the main mountains joch and pilatus, first. Which would be our cheapest/best option like you have said its a minefield with the ticket prices etc. Any help very appreciated cheers baz
Thanks for all the info!! So one Big doubt... I Will Travel on the last days of march until April 2... And i just realized the bern pass isnt avaible until April first... 🤐, And My plans includes stayin at interlaken at least 3 days and also take nor the glaciar express or the bernina express.... So what should i do.? Do You think should i Buy the half card pass or the Swiss travel pass??? Need some help!! And Alsooo. Wich panoramic train do You recommend me... It Will be My first time there with My wife!!! Thanks a lot!!! 🙂
We think the Swiss Travel Pass will work out just fine for you-especially if you ride more of the scenic trains! Have a great trip with your wife!!
Any info on the Swiss travel pass PLUS? what benefit does this provide? Also, have they changed the validity of the travel pass from 1month to 1 year?
The Half Fare Card for tourists is valid for 1 month, and the one for locals is valid for 1 year. You'll want the 1-month version! And not sure what you're referring to with the STP plus? Do you mean the HFC Plus? If so, that's also meant for residents. As a tourist, the best option is simply the 1-month HFC!
Great information from you two, very well explained
Thank you! We try really hard to simplify Swiss travel, especially Swiss train passes!
Can I use my half fare pass along with Benese Oberland pass and reach till the farthest station to Jungfrau? And only buy a ticket to go up to the spot?
@AplinsintheAlps
Hi there! You can get to Eigergletscher with your Berner Oberland Pass, and just need to buy a ticket from there. Hope that helps!
I’m confused with buying rides online (sbb app) using half fare card as it is a ticket and not a pass. Can I manually choose half fare in the card options so I can purchase at half price?
Yep, sure can! In the app, go to your profile, then to co-passengers. When you enter each of your passengers, you can also tick a box that tells the app they have the Half Fare Card. Then you'll see the appropriate prices.
We also made an Ultimate Guide to Swiss Transportation that can help you out with loads of other questions and tips like this one: aplinsinthealps.com/guides/ultimate-guide-to-swiss-transportation/
Hi guys! If i have the Oberland pass and want to take a train from Interlaken to Lucerne .... do I need to print of a train ticket or do you just get on a train with your oberland pass?
Hi! Can you please help us to plan our ist travel inSwitzerland.We are planning to stay in Switzerland for 15 days . We want to go to top of Europe and do the activities .We also want to ride the bernina and glacier express.What is the best train tickets for us . We want to stay in 2 days Zürich 2 days lucerne , 3 days Zermatt and 3 days Grindelwald.3 days in intrlaken. 2 days lauterbrunnen. Is that good itineraries.Actually we want to stay in 2 or 3 places only .I am travelling with a 65 years old and this is her bucket list .I am open for any suggestions for a change in our itineraries.Canu please help us .We are going on sept this year . Thank you
Hi there! We offer consultations if you'd like to check those out for help with your trip planning! (aplinsinthealps.com/consultations)
But if it were us, we'd buy a Half Fare Card + the 8 or 10-day Berner Oberland pass for the trip you have planned. Sounds like it'll be a great one!
Hello !! I’m planning to travel from Venice to Interlaken and Lucerne for 3 and 2 days also want to cover Jungfra, Grindlewald, Lauterbrunnen, Murren and Mount Titlis and panoramic train from interlaken to Lucerne. It really confusing which pass would cover my trip with saving money on travel
Did you download the free guide? The link is in the description below the video. It's an easy to follow checklist that will help you discover which pass is best for you.
Hi Jana and Brett! A question, How can you buy tickets online or in the SBB app with the half fare card discount?
Hi there! To buy on SBB mobile app using half fare discount (of course, make sure you have a valid half fare card before doing so!!):
--Go to Profile
--Choose "Co-Passenger"
--"Enter Co-Passenger"
--Enter your name and date of birth, click the option that says "Half Fare Travelcard (1/2), then save
--Repeat this process for each person who will be traveling with you with a half fare card
Hope this helps!
@@AplinsintheAlps Thanks for the help!! :)
You're welcome Alex!
Hi ! Is it possible if you can recommend what is the best for traVEL PASS for us .I am travelling with a 65 seniors on sept for 15 days in Switzerland.Upon watching your vlogs it was confusing to me which is the best Travel pass.
We are planning to do the scenic train ( Bernina,Glacier express,gothard panorama.)
We are staying in Zurich for 6 days and just travel everyday to Lucerne,Interlaken ,Bern and basel
Then 3 days in Zermatt and 4 days in Grindelwald .We want to go to top Europe too .
Which is the best train pass for us .I am 50 years old and my travel companion is 65 years old . We are doing mix accomodation air bnb and hotel . Do you have suggestions for us.. We are staying in Zurich as a main point just to have 1 day each places .
Can you please help us for the train pass as for your experience .Thank you in advance .
Sorry for the comment here, but can you indicate what is your video where you talked about eSim?
Thank you!
It’s linked on our website under our gear page! Holafly eSIM. www.aplinsinthealps.com/our-gear
Great tips friend
So glad you found these tips helpful!!
Hi, if I buy the Swiss Travel Pass for me and my husband online. Do we get both an e-ticket, meaning will we be able to ride trains seperately?
Hi, i've been watching your videos for quite sometime, but i still confuse about the ticket sistem in switzerland.
I'm planning to go there in couple weeks, i'm going to stay in zurich for 1 night, interlaken for 2 nights, zermat for 2 nights.
Do you have any recommendation which travel pass should i get?
Thank you
Hi jana and brett. I am following your channel for quite some time and i appreciate your content.
I would be travelling around lucerne, interlaken and zermatt in 08 days. So what according to you would be the best pass for me? Plz reply.
We’re posting a new Swiss train pass video and download next week that will answer your exact question. So be sure to check back next week to find the answer!
Do i need to buy this pass we are going to swzerland in june for 6 days with our baby interlaken,brienz,lake blausee ,lauterbrunnen,grindelwald and wengen nothing about hike,museums or activities to the mountains we just wanna be there, walk see the landscapes ,eat take the ferry and trains to see the landscapes
Swiss pass to us is 800$ dollars
I need to be clear is necesary for us ?
Traveling from Basel to Zermatt. Then train to Matterhorn. Then Glacier Express train to st Moritz. From there on to Venice. Which pass is best? Will a swiss train pass get me to Venice or do I need a europass for Venice?
Outside Switzerland you need an European one, you can buy this one at the swiss office boxes of the SBB
Hi Pam! It really depends on the length of time you'll be spending in Switzerland and what else you'll plan to do. A half fare card is often helpful, but definitely look into the Eurail pass if you also want a pass that will cover you in Italy!
Will have to fly into Zurich and travel to Lugano 4-5 times in the next 12 months spaced out a couple months at a time. Not much travel outside of those trips. Any passes worth getting..?
Great question. If you have flexibility, look at flying into Milan Malpensa and taking a train from there. It's slightly shorter, but the tickets are usually about half the cost compared to taking the train from Zurich!
Actually Malpensa is terribly located and you'll end up on a slow regional train, not much shorter than Zurich actually, the only tip is get Half Fare and check your train connection a day before and look out for the "%" sign on the app, which are discounted trains that aren't running at capacity... also for Lugano I would suggest you look at using the IC2 rather than ECs, since they'll be cheaper being less busy. Also if you do opt for a Half fare which I think you could still make the most of, you might even be tempted on an occasion with extra time to go and discover something else, which you wouldn't have done otherwise
Holders of Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card can get reduced for Berner Oberland Pass. My question is : do two passes must cover the same valid period for the reduced rate ? For example my Swiss Travel Pass is for 8 days valid until today. Then today I go and buy the Berner Oberland Pass for 10 days valid starting from today. In this scenario, do I get the reduced rate for BO pass for all 10 days? thank you
Good question! To get the reduced rate on the regional pass, your half fare card or Swiss Travel Pass needs to be valid for the entire time your regional pass would be valid. Hope this helps!
In this situation, if you're trying to use a 8 day Travel Pass and then 10 day Oberland Pass, you're much better off getting a monthly General Abonnement for less then one of these two passes. It gets you unlimited transport on everything, even boats, Postbus routes over Passes and most mountain transportation that is included in the Oberland pass, so you'd be much better off getting one of those for a month, even if you're not staying for a month
@@hugobazin8052 thanks
How do i reach from interlaken to paris. Can i buys train tickets in advance… if yes then where? And what is the fastest way to reach interlaken
There are fast trains that go from Paris to Geneva or Basel. If it were us, we'd take one of those, and then the routes to Interlaken from there are pretty basic. You could book the France tickets on something like trainline.eu and then use your Half Fare Card or Swiss train pass for the journey within Switzerland. Hope this helps!
@@AplinsintheAlps so as per your sugesstion we should go from interlaken to basel by train and then from there take a train to paris
That's what we would consider first. Can't know for sure it will be the best thing for you, but it's the fastest way by train for sure!
Really appreciate this. Thanks a lot
We're so happy to help! We have loads of UA-cam videos with ideas, and free resources on our website too! www.aplinsinthealps.com/resources
But if you'd like personalized help, we offer trip planning consultations. www.aplinsinthealps.com/consultations
Are boat rides operating during winter? We're going in February 2023 and I wanted to do a few lake boat tours but if they aren't operating, then i'm not too sure what else to do. Thanks!
Local swiss here to fill in the gaps... Straight answer yes, however timetables aren't as extensive (as expected) in winter and you're less likely to go on the beautiful steamers like in summer since very few run in winter. Also importantly train passes like the GA or Half Fare are valid, even though this video says they're not necessarily great to go in the mountains, that isn't quite true, you just need to avoid the tourist traps like Gornergrat and Jungfrau, although Jungfrau is still do-able with the right tickets!
Is that swiss half fare pass eligible 50% discount from Basel to Gare De Lyon Paris?
Visit Nepal also. Highest mountain in the world(mt. Everest), birth place of lord buddha and many more...
We'd love to hike to Everest Base Camp one day, just for fun!
Do you need half fare card per passenger?
Yes, one card for each adult
Thank you for the information. I’d been trying to figure out how we can save with only short time we will be there. Enjoying all your videos and can’t wait to try your recommendations.
HI
I Plan to visit swiss for 2 days. Which train pass should I buy for 2 days,
I would check out this updated video! There is also a link to a free download that will help you find just the right pass for your trip!
ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.htmlsi=d3gz-svx2sol14Wl
Do you think travelling with car is it still worthy buying berner oberland pass?
We answer this exact question in our new Swiss train pass guide for 2023! It will be published next week (a video and a download) so check back then! 👍
@@AplinsintheAlps wow cnt w8 for it
If we are a couple, do we have to buy 2 Swiss Half care cards?
Yep, each traveler needs their own half fare card.
If I buy Swiss pass for jangfrau region.. we can travel for free from Zurich by train ?
Hi there! It depends on which pass. With the Swiss Travel Pass you can travel from Zurich to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Mürren/Gimmelwald, or Wengen for free.
I am impressed with your UA-cam videos and have found the information on Swiss passes very helpful.
In our case my wife and I would probably buy a Half Fare Pass along with two or three regional summer passes. Since the Half Fare Pass lasts for a month and we are retired, I am considering using Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne and Zermatt my primary hubs.
Can I use a Half Fare Pass to purchase a Bernese Oberland Pass or a Lucerne Tellpass at a discount?
Thank you,
Jack Long
No sorry, Halbtaxes don't cumulate when purchasing them with Tellpass or Berner Oberland Passes, however depending on what kind of activities you want to do, getting those regional passes might not be to you're advantage... contrary to what these guys say, most of the normal mountain transport, which isn't just cable cars and funiculars, but most of the time buses which is public transport, work with SBB Cards. So like in your case, here are my top tips for places to travel to: for Lucerne, the boats are included, Rigi Mountains is all included, Kleewenalp, Pilatus included, go further down the lake towards to the Gotthard such as where I work at Göscheneralp is a bus so included; for Zermatt, don't be fooled by Gornergrat, but go up Sunegga and Rothorn, where railcards work too as well as on portions of the Klein Matterhorn route and plus view from Rothorn is way better; for Berner Oberland, be clever if you want to go to the Jungfrau, but there are Gems like Kiental & Griesalp which is Europe's steepest bus route and UNESCO heritage for a reason and certainly less tourists, otherwise Simmental most things are included, Kandersteg gondola's up to Oeschinen too and also go beyond Meiringen to the Grimselpass which is also bus routes to get up and close with lots of glaciers and stunning mountain lakes. For me, I would recommend you both get a monthly Swiss Pass (NOT Swiss Travel Pass for tourists) at 340.- since it has practically all the same perks and definitely trumps buying multiple regional passes and halbtaxes, you'll have spent much more on that than a GA (General Abonnement)
Hi Jack, you can definitely get a discount on the Berner Oberland Pass (and it will nearly pay for the cost of your half fare card!)...unfortunately you won't get a further discount on the Tellpass.
@@hugobazin8052 Hi Hugo, thank you for lots of info which will also be valuable for me. Are scenic trains worth taking than normal ones as they are not so frequent and impede my flexibility with travel. What a channel in Swiss German (general knowledge/life) can you recommend watching? Thank you
Better video than the ultimate guide but again super biased toward one region in Switzerland
👍
Would like to have a consultation with you. How would I go about this
Wonderful! You can find out more info about our consultations at www.aplinsinthealps.com/consultations
Thank you for the reply. After I commented that last week I ended up figuring it out and sent an inquiry on your site. Excited to hear back and plan!
@@samanthaenglish6548 Wonderful! That contact form goes to our email, and we will reply with the same link as above to sign up for a consultation. So you can go ahead and sign up with that link (we’re behind on our emails since we took off for the holidays!)
Can foreigners buy Swiss Half fare Card?
Great question! Yes, foreigners can buy the Swiss Half Fare card. Select the 1 month option!
Thank you! 🤗
This is beyond confusing!
They don't make it simple do they?! Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Swiss Train Passes if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/video/fzuP0hMUjFk/v-deo.html
My brain is already hurting.. Ugh.. !
That's why our free checklist makes it super simple! aplinsinthealps.com/ultimate-swiss-train-pass-guide-2023/
How can I contact you
Hey! You can contact us using the link below
aplinsinthealps.com/contact-us/