Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
In the past I have found that there is no benefit to buying tickets in advance in Belgium, and I was wondering if the same was true of Switzerland.
Might I save some money buy buying in advance? It is a significant journey (Geneva to Interlaken via Bern), so I am hoping to keep costs down wherever possible.
trains public-transport bookings switzerland
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
|
show 7 more comments
In the past I have found that there is no benefit to buying tickets in advance in Belgium, and I was wondering if the same was true of Switzerland.
Might I save some money buy buying in advance? It is a significant journey (Geneva to Interlaken via Bern), so I am hoping to keep costs down wherever possible.
trains public-transport bookings switzerland
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
1
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
1
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
1
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
1
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
2
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18
|
show 7 more comments
In the past I have found that there is no benefit to buying tickets in advance in Belgium, and I was wondering if the same was true of Switzerland.
Might I save some money buy buying in advance? It is a significant journey (Geneva to Interlaken via Bern), so I am hoping to keep costs down wherever possible.
trains public-transport bookings switzerland
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
In the past I have found that there is no benefit to buying tickets in advance in Belgium, and I was wondering if the same was true of Switzerland.
Might I save some money buy buying in advance? It is a significant journey (Geneva to Interlaken via Bern), so I am hoping to keep costs down wherever possible.
trains public-transport bookings switzerland
trains public-transport bookings switzerland
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
asked Jan 6 '17 at 13:08
MikeMike
290411
290411
1
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
1
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
1
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
1
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
2
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18
|
show 7 more comments
1
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
1
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
1
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
1
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
2
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18
1
1
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
1
1
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
1
1
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
1
1
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
2
2
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18
|
show 7 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
Yes, if you have a definite plan for a certain date and time. There are super saver tickets available for up to 50% discount but you have to buy those tickets in advance, preferably at least a week earlier. I have personally traveled to Switzerland twice and found this a lot cheaper than regular prices and Swiss pass. The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, it would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket.
Source: Swiss Super Saver Ticket
And the price for your desired journey is around 36 CHF as a super saver ticket, but you have to buy them at least a week earlier. You may be able get a super saver ticket on that particular day, which depends totally upon availability.
Note: In the mobile app (which is otherwise quite decent) not all available super saver tickets are displayed (only the ones for the quickest routes). So on the online webpage you might see even cheaper options which aren't shown in the mobile app. Relevant news article (german): http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/kassensturz-espresso/sbb-sparbillette-im-internet-spart-man-mehr-als-mit-der-app
Geneva to Interlaken: As an example for next week, on the 12.01.2017 there's a ticket available for 36 CHF from Geneva to Interlaken.
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
add a comment |
Get the SBB Mobile train app which offers discounts on trains if you book ahead.
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
Yes, if you have a definite plan for a certain date and time. There are super saver tickets available for up to 50% discount but you have to buy those tickets in advance, preferably at least a week earlier. I have personally traveled to Switzerland twice and found this a lot cheaper than regular prices and Swiss pass. The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, it would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket.
Source: Swiss Super Saver Ticket
And the price for your desired journey is around 36 CHF as a super saver ticket, but you have to buy them at least a week earlier. You may be able get a super saver ticket on that particular day, which depends totally upon availability.
Note: In the mobile app (which is otherwise quite decent) not all available super saver tickets are displayed (only the ones for the quickest routes). So on the online webpage you might see even cheaper options which aren't shown in the mobile app. Relevant news article (german): http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/kassensturz-espresso/sbb-sparbillette-im-internet-spart-man-mehr-als-mit-der-app
Geneva to Interlaken: As an example for next week, on the 12.01.2017 there's a ticket available for 36 CHF from Geneva to Interlaken.
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
add a comment |
Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
Yes, if you have a definite plan for a certain date and time. There are super saver tickets available for up to 50% discount but you have to buy those tickets in advance, preferably at least a week earlier. I have personally traveled to Switzerland twice and found this a lot cheaper than regular prices and Swiss pass. The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, it would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket.
Source: Swiss Super Saver Ticket
And the price for your desired journey is around 36 CHF as a super saver ticket, but you have to buy them at least a week earlier. You may be able get a super saver ticket on that particular day, which depends totally upon availability.
Note: In the mobile app (which is otherwise quite decent) not all available super saver tickets are displayed (only the ones for the quickest routes). So on the online webpage you might see even cheaper options which aren't shown in the mobile app. Relevant news article (german): http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/kassensturz-espresso/sbb-sparbillette-im-internet-spart-man-mehr-als-mit-der-app
Geneva to Interlaken: As an example for next week, on the 12.01.2017 there's a ticket available for 36 CHF from Geneva to Interlaken.
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
add a comment |
Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
Yes, if you have a definite plan for a certain date and time. There are super saver tickets available for up to 50% discount but you have to buy those tickets in advance, preferably at least a week earlier. I have personally traveled to Switzerland twice and found this a lot cheaper than regular prices and Swiss pass. The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, it would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket.
Source: Swiss Super Saver Ticket
And the price for your desired journey is around 36 CHF as a super saver ticket, but you have to buy them at least a week earlier. You may be able get a super saver ticket on that particular day, which depends totally upon availability.
Note: In the mobile app (which is otherwise quite decent) not all available super saver tickets are displayed (only the ones for the quickest routes). So on the online webpage you might see even cheaper options which aren't shown in the mobile app. Relevant news article (german): http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/kassensturz-espresso/sbb-sparbillette-im-internet-spart-man-mehr-als-mit-der-app
Geneva to Interlaken: As an example for next week, on the 12.01.2017 there's a ticket available for 36 CHF from Geneva to Interlaken.
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
Should I prebook a train ticket when travelling within Switzerland?
Yes, if you have a definite plan for a certain date and time. There are super saver tickets available for up to 50% discount but you have to buy those tickets in advance, preferably at least a week earlier. I have personally traveled to Switzerland twice and found this a lot cheaper than regular prices and Swiss pass. The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, it would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket.
Source: Swiss Super Saver Ticket
And the price for your desired journey is around 36 CHF as a super saver ticket, but you have to buy them at least a week earlier. You may be able get a super saver ticket on that particular day, which depends totally upon availability.
Note: In the mobile app (which is otherwise quite decent) not all available super saver tickets are displayed (only the ones for the quickest routes). So on the online webpage you might see even cheaper options which aren't shown in the mobile app. Relevant news article (german): http://www.srf.ch/sendungen/kassensturz-espresso/sbb-sparbillette-im-internet-spart-man-mehr-als-mit-der-app
Geneva to Interlaken: As an example for next week, on the 12.01.2017 there's a ticket available for 36 CHF from Geneva to Interlaken.
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
edited Jan 6 '17 at 18:02
Lukas Graf
36528
36528
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
Ali AwanAli Awan
10.6k95099
10.6k95099
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
add a comment |
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
2
2
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
"The only concern is super saver tickets are non refundable and if you miss that train, if would cost you more to get another Swiss rail ticket" -- this is really useful information, thanks! I may not risk it on my outward journey, when I'm dependent on airlines, but my return journey is more controllable. It seems like booking is still a good idea based on @Relaxed's (now deleted) answer where they mentioned getting a seat.
– Mike
Jan 6 '17 at 15:19
add a comment |
Get the SBB Mobile train app which offers discounts on trains if you book ahead.
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
add a comment |
Get the SBB Mobile train app which offers discounts on trains if you book ahead.
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
add a comment |
Get the SBB Mobile train app which offers discounts on trains if you book ahead.
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
Get the SBB Mobile train app which offers discounts on trains if you book ahead.
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
answered Jan 6 '17 at 14:50
chocolatpaulachocolatpaula
511
511
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
add a comment |
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
2
2
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
(+1) Actually, it seems they are available online as well, great tip.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:53
add a comment |
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1
@pnuts It's slightly sneaky, it says "from CHF 35" because anybody can get a 50% discount. Regular fare is CHF 70.
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:35
1
@pnuts I might be wrong, see the answers. There is also a different kind of 50% discount I wasn't aware of and you can apparently combine both (so pay 25%?) Still, clicking through in your example reveals that the price really is CHF 70 in this case (at least without Halbtax Abo). Confusing…
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:54
1
@AliAwan I wasn't aware of the Super Saver fares, your answers covers that and is much more useful than mine (I upvoted it btw).
– Relaxed
Jan 6 '17 at 14:56
1
@Relaxed i would have upvoted you answer for explaning that 35CHF is only availabe for half fare travel card,
– Ali Awan
Jan 6 '17 at 14:57
2
@Mike you're right, buying a return ticket won't save you anything (in my experience as a local). I usually don't bother with them, and keep the flexibility instead.
– Lukas Graf
Jan 6 '17 at 18:18