Originally Posted by
Michael
I'm confused by all the various options for Swiss rail travel - all the rail passes, Swiss Card, transfer tickets, half-price card, day cards, Rail Away specials (discounted trips to specific attractions), Tell Pass and the like.
Our plan is simple: we're flying on LX via ZRH, and plan to stop off and visit Lucerne for 3 days. We are two adults and two small children (both are under 5 years old, and IIRC do not have to pay on Swiss trains).
So we will need train tickets from ZRH to Lucerne and return. While in Lucerne, we will stay nearby in Meggen (and thus use the local bus system to and from Lucerne). We plan to visit the Transport Museum, and go up one of the mountains (Pilatus probably) and on a boat on the lake.
If I understand correctly, Many of these attractions can be combined with an adult train ticket at a discount via Rail Away offers. At the same time, I understand that boats on the lake, cogwheel mountain trains and the like are sharply discounted for holders of some Swiss travel passes (but not normal tickets).
From what I've seen so far, it looks like the best deal is to get a Rail Away from ZRH to Lucerne, combined with entry to the Transport Museum or with travel up and down Mt Pilatus. But perhaps I'm missing something, and we're better off doing something else (Half-Fare Card etc.)?
I'm hoping that someone who is familiar with the Swiss rail network and/or Lucerne might be able to lend a hand...
Many thanks in advance for any advice!
Michael
The price (in 2nd class) for zrh to Luzern and vv is about $17. A Swiss Pass would only get you a discount on the Pilatus trip, but does include Mt. Rigi: Luzern to Vitznau by boat and then train up to Rigi Kulm, with return via Arth Goldau offers spectacular scenery. From what you list as your itn, it doesn't look like a SP (or half fare card) would be cost effective--you'd have to take more trips
.
There are too many options with rail travel to give a definite answer without knowing the exact routes you plan to take.
There are many "touristy" routes which cost (lots) of extra money, these can be duplicated by take non-special trains; the Glacerier Express is a prime example: with a SP you can duplicate the exact same route, but you would not be riding in trains marked GE.