Money-saving options of Swiss Travel System
Written: Oct 26 '00 (Updated Oct 27 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Passes (in one way or another) save $$$ as point-to-point tickets are very expensive. The best Travel System in the world.
Cons: none
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| AlexG's Full Review: Switzerland |
Review Topic: Practical Information
When it comes to on time departures/arrivals, timely connections, frequency of service and views from the window--Swiss transportation system is second to none. It is also a very expensive system. Fortunately, there are some options that save you money. I will concentrate on two of them which I used myself and which I find the most valuable.
Note: At the time of writing this review, American dollar is extremely strong, almost at record levels, $1= 1.78 Sfr.
If you are going to move around a lot then Swiss Pass is a must, because point-to-point tickets are as steep as the Alps. For example, a Zurich-Bern round-trip, each ride being about 1 hour, will cost you about 77 Sfr. If you want to hop on the famous Glacier Express-a scenic train from St. Moritz to Zermatt that passes through 91 tunnels and crosses 291 bridges-it's 135 Sfr. one way! And then, after climbing Matterhorn, let's say you want to go from Zermatt to Lucerne-88 Sfr. one way. 8-day Swiss Pass for two people traveling together costs 272 Sfr. per person (320 Sfr. for a single), and it will save you big $$$. Swiss Pass allows you unlimited travel (with several notable exceptions) on all rail, boat and bus lines and unlimited travel on urban transport systems in 36 towns. Swiss Pass is also valid in Liechtenstein, as I found out through my own experience. Furthermore, if you are traveling with kids under 16, they travel free or rather you don’t pay for them wherever your Swiss Pass is valid. There are some scenic train and gondola rides that are only partially covered by the Swiss Pass (Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn excursions, for example). On these rides you will save at least 25%.
Here's a little secret. Do not buy your pass in the States. Buy it in Switzerland. You will save money! I'll give you an example. Travel websites such as RailEurope.com, RickSteves.com sell 8-day Swiss passes for $220, while the same pass costs 320 Sfr. in Switzerland. You do the math, but the savings are substantial. Even if the conversion rate won't be as good when you travel (chances are it might be better), you will still save money by buying your pass in Switzerland.
An alternative to a Swiss Pass is a Swiss Card. If you are unsure of your travel plans in Switzerland or you are sure to spend your entire time in one place or in one region, the Swiss Card is probably the best way to go. You get a free journey to and from any destination of your choice (from the border or from the airport to anywhere in Switzerland and back, not necessarily where you entered the country). Also, every ride is ½ price (kids under 16 travel for free), with the same restrictions for scenic rides as a Swiss Pass; you would get a reduced fare. Buy your Swiss Card in Switzerland and you will save money.
You know, I’ve been thinking about the ever-favorable conversion rate of American dollar to major European currencies. Every time I go to Europe, it’s getting better and better. Heck, I don’t complain. I am sure there is some economical or mathematical explanation for this phenomenon, but I have my own theory on this. See if it makes sense. Americans, on average, have 2 weeks vacation per year. This is absolutely disgusting. Europeans on the other hand have 4 or more weeks off. In Germany, for example, 4 weeks is mandatory and most people have more than that. So, while Europeans are on vacation, Americans work hard without seeing the light of day and make the economy and the dollar stronger. What good is the money if you don’t have time to spend it?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
AlexG
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 130
Trusted by: 237 members
About Me:
Alex has a voracious appetite for travel. Travel hasn't satisfied an appetite. It's created one.
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