Originally Posted by
skipaway
I haven't settled for sure on pass vs point-to-point, but the question pertains either way: what are the benefits of first class over second class on the Swiss trains? I know that's hard to answer objectively, so pure opinion welcome. What do/would you buy, and why?
I'm flying in to Zurich and plan to go from airport to Bernese Oberland, do at least one of the peaks there, maybe both, (expensive!!) then back to Zurich, and ultimately the airport. I don't have time to take any of the panoramic train routes, and I think the run from the airport to Wengen is only 3 or 4 hours if that makes a difference on which would be best. I'm looking for advice on availabilty of seats, amount of personal space, comfort, luggage room, or any other tidbit you have. I did do a search of this forum, and browsed Steve's and Fodor's guidebooks at the airport, as well as their respective websites, and did not find this question addressed. The money difference between 1st and 2nd if I buy the Flexipass is about US$150.
On the national railroads, the seating comfort in 2nd is excellent and at the end of each car there is plenty of space for luggage. On many mountain railroads there is NO fc.
The big advantage of fc over 2nd is when riding at peak travel times, there may not be enough seats even in fc let along 2nd.
Most passes are not valid on many mountain trips (at least the section which gets you to the top.
If you go to sbb.ch, and select english, you can put in itineraries and see the actual train routing, on most you can see if fc is even available.
Sometimes point to point tickets can be cheaper than the pass, but the pass allows you to change routes and explore interesting side routes without buying a ticket.
[Many Swiss buy annual 1/2 fare cards, which allow them to ride in fc for 1/2 price--causing fc to fill up.]