Swiss train travel questions
Apr 11, 2015, 1:20 pm
#77
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: DL
Posts: 963
Hi,
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
Apr 11, 2015, 1:37 pm
#78
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,300
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Other Train Company have it for some "Special Trains" like Glassier Express.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full?
Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
Apr 11, 2015, 2:08 pm
#79
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Gold; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,912
Hi,
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
You can stand in First class, or even ride in 2nd class with a first class ticket.
Other than rush hour though, it's rare to have a full first class wagon. Generally, I have a set of two or four seats to myself.
Apr 12, 2015, 11:30 pm
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
A few trains in Switz. require reservations: Bernina Express, Glacier Express and William Tell--all of these routes can be done (with a few changes of train/boat) on local routings (so NO reservation requirement.)
As noted above, during the "rush" hours (morning and evening) even first class can be at full capacity--but generally they have lots of fc cars (many of which are double decker [twice the capacity].
As noted above, during the "rush" hours (morning and evening) even first class can be at full capacity--but generally they have lots of fc cars (many of which are double decker [twice the capacity].
May 23, 2015, 12:05 pm
#84
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Gold; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,912
SBB. Also known as CFF or FFS (depending on which language you're speaking...)
Sep 17, 2015, 7:35 am
#86
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,924
I purchased the SBB Half-fare card this week. I noticed after buying it that RailPlus is free for under 26. Do I have to still add that on even though it's free? Would I have to talk to a ticket agent?
Second, I'm planning a one-way trip through Germany to Switzerland, SBB says I get 25% off German tickets. Do I have to buy these tickets through SBB to get the discount? Does my trip have to start in Switzerland?
Thanks all!
Second, I'm planning a one-way trip through Germany to Switzerland, SBB says I get 25% off German tickets. Do I have to buy these tickets through SBB to get the discount? Does my trip have to start in Switzerland?
Thanks all!
Sep 18, 2015, 3:21 pm
#87
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,623
You'd save a heck of a lot of money if you just book it on the German DB rail site, if you can deal with the German. The connecting trains in Switzerland are included in the ticket, Half Fare Pass or no Half Fare Pass. I have the German Bahncard 25, which gives a further 25% reduction. Good deal all in all. For example, this Summer I did Montreux to Dusseldorf for €14.25! You'd never get a price like that booking on the Swiss SBB site!
The RailPlus seems to come free with these cards. I've got it on both mine.
The RailPlus seems to come free with these cards. I've got it on both mine.
Sep 22, 2015, 10:43 am
#88
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London
Posts: 517
Hi,
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
I will be traveling for my first time using a Swiss Rail Pass. I've never used a rail pass anywhere and the idea of just hopping on a train totally thrills me!
I bought a first class pass and am wondering about the need to purchase seat reservations.
Is it really possible that I would have to stand in First Class if I don't and it's full? Or are people not permitted to board a full First Class car?
Sep 22, 2015, 1:18 pm
#89
Join Date: May 2013
Location: GVA, BSL, ZRH
Programs: A3*, HH, club carlson: all gold and bonvoy plat
Posts: 466
. I will think about it on my next train trip...by skipping the last leg 
Sep 22, 2015, 1:38 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Gold; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,912
At one point you could book a one-way from Zürich HB to a nearby but different station, say Zürich airport via Bern and only have to pay the fare between the HB and the airport. They fixed that loophole pretty quickly.