Hi all, i'm trying to work out the swiss system of travel passes and it is doing my brain in.
We (2 of us) are flying in at the end of our Europe trip into either Zurich or Geneva on the 27th or 28th April, departing May 1st.
The Glacier Express appeals and I hear the best part is from Andermatt to Chur? With limited time, shorter is good.
So we could go:
27th - Zurich to Luzern (50mins 26CHF), drop bags off, visit Rigi (included in rail pass). Check out Lucern.
28th - Mt Titlis (staying again in Luzern for the night)…88CHF (inc 1 day ski pass), 77CHF without ski pass…I think. I don't understand this at all really.
This http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/day-trips/ideas-for-yo…
vs this
http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/day-trips/ideas-for-yo…
29th - Lucern to Chur via Andamat (5.5hrs 86CHF)
30th - Chur to Zurich (1.3hrs) 20.50 CHF
1st - Zurich to airport (6.80CHF or I think it's free by bus?)
Then use with one of these Swiss pass system: (terribly complicated)
Swiss Transfer ticket 146CHF (probably wont work for this as it is unlimited travel in one direction in 2 days from an airport). Maybe can work it if coming in via Geneva instead of Zurich. Haven't looked at that direction yet.
Swiss Travel Pass (3 days…maybe, probably not worth the 240CHF.
Swiss One day travel pass x 3 maybe 75CHF- Requires a half fare card as well, which is 120CHF
Swiss One day travel pass (post 9am) 58CHF x 3 Requires a half fare card as well.
Half Fare Pass 120CHF - Needed for above, will make Titlis 50% off to Engelberg rail journey, but no effect on ski pass…I think?
Companion Pass - 38CHF In combination with another paying fare of some sort.
The way I see it for the itinerary above: (brace yourself)
27th - Most likely buy 1 x half fare travel card, other pays full fare (as its less than 38 anyway)
28th - Titlis one gets half fare with half fare card, the other pays full (not worth paying 120 to save 40)
29th - Buy a ticket with half fare card, other gets a companion pass.
30th - Buy a ticket with half fare card, other full.
1st - Buy a ticket with half fare card, other full.
*If we are brave enough to lock in the exact times, we can save up to 50% on some fares.
Any itinerary advice/ amendment suggestions for our trip (remember we haven't booked our flight in yet. Could be in to anywhere really, coming from Scotland EDI or GLA most likely.
and am I understanding the complicated travel pass system in the correct ozbargain way (best value)?
Thanks all.
If you can understand this, you are half a genius in my book!
TL; BE. :(