Last year we went to Switzerland in May bank holiday. My Swiss experience has been unforgettable. You might think why did I wait so long for writing a review? Well, there is so much to write, I did not know where to start and where to finish. Two things I liked the most about Switzerland- Swiss transport and Swiss refuse disposal system. Well I do want to start writing about garbage first, so I will start with the transport system.
The transport network consists of rail, buses, boats and cable cars- all accessed by one pass. The punctuality is beyond expectation- I am not sure if they set their clocks by train time or the other way round!
When to book: ---------If you wish to visit Switzerland, its best to book before you go there. The travel centre in London is very helpful. You could look up over the internet and place order, and it would be delivered in 3-4 days.
Which pass to buy?---------Depends on number of days you are spending there and where you are staying. Its best to look up the Swiss tourism website. If you do not have internet access, you will be able to get a Trafimage map - Public transport maps showing the various regions, train stations and networks from the tourist office. This Trafimage map provide information on a wide range of public transport topics and where your pass is valid. I have noticed that new maps are added on a regular basis.
Once you start looking there are a number of things you will come across, be sure to have a good look. Often so much information could be overwhelming!- • Half-Fare Card • Complete Public transport network • Panorama of train paths and recommended trips for foreign visitors • Special offers for cyclists . From last year Trafimage train station maps provide information on streetcar and bus stops, tourism offices, restaurants and shops available at Swiss train stations. These new type of maps are currently available for all train stations in Zurich as well as for the main stations in Olten and Montreux.
If you do not like driving around a lot in your holiday, you could travel to any part of Switzerland by Train, Bus and Boat. We found that using the public transport was getting to know Switzerland in a pleasant and relaxing way – especially a ride on one of the world famous scenic routes.
Duration of Swiss Pass ---4, ---8, ----15, --- 22 days or ---one month. With this you have unlimited access to Swiss Travel System’s rail, bus and boat network.
For most trains you do not have to do advance reservation. But you have to book in advance for scenic routes. There is lot of flexibility. We were told that their network is of more than 20000 kilometres of train, bus and boat routes.
When you book your ticket you will receive a synoptic map- which shows different colour coded routes, cable car routes etc. Types of tickets:
Swiss Pass:
With this you can have unlimited travel on Swiss Travel System’s public transport network on either - 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month. You travel in the rail network, (postal) bus or boat routes. It is valid for the public transport systems of 38 Swiss cities, and gives you 50% discount on most mountain-top trains and cable cars. It offers free entries to more than 400 museums and other interesting discounts accorded to you by some bonus partners. We purchased this type for 8 days and found it very useful. If two or more persons travel together, each one receives a 15% discount.
Cost- for one person
1 person- 8 days CHF 368.00 (£ 154.23) 2 persons- 8 days CHF 626.00 (£ 262.36) 1 person- 15 days CHF 446.00 (£ 186.92) 2 person - 15 days CHF 758.00 (£ 317.68)
Swiss Flexi Pass
The Swiss Flexi Pass allows travellers to freely choose their travelling days. You may travel on the Swiss Travel System network for 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 non-consecutive days within a month; on the selected days, you are offered the same great possibilities as when travelling with a Swiss Pass (see above). On the days between the first and the last validated day, your Swiss Flexi Pass offers a 50% discount on train, postal bus and boat rides, as well as on most mountain-top trains.
Costs:
1 person 3 days CHF 244.00 (£ 102.26) 2 persons- 3 days CHF 416.00 (£ 174.35) 1 person - 6 days CHF 389.00 (£ 163.03) 2 persons- 6 days CHF 662.00 (£ 277.44)
Swiss Youth Pass
Youths up to 26 years old can obtain the Swiss Youth Pass at a 25% discount on the full fare. Exactly the same advantages are offered as in Swiss Pass.
Cost for one person
4 - days CHF 192.00 (£ 80.47) 8 - days CHF 276.00 (£ 115.67) 15 - days CHF 335.00 (£ 140.40) 22 - days CHF 386.00 (£ 161.77) 1 - month CHF 425.00 (£ 178.12)
Swiss Transfer Ticket
The Swiss Transfer Ticket includes one free round trip to anywhere in Switzerland. The trip can either start at the Swiss border or at any Swiss airport. It is valid for one month. Each trip needs to be completed by the end of the day and has to be as direct as possible. These tickets are good if you are staying for a brief period (and not moving about) or for winter holidays, where you just need to get to the destination in order to stay there without interruption.
1 person validity max. 1 month CHF 124.00
Swiss Card
The Swiss Card includes the first and the last trip from the border or airport to one's destination and back, it also offers a 50% discount on all trips train, boat, (postal) bus and most mountain trains and cable cars between the 1st and 2nd transfer day. The Swiss Card has a maximum validity of 1 month. However, once the included return has been used, it is not valid any longer. The first and last trip must be completed by the end of the day. Each trip has to be as direct as possible.
Cost- Validity 1 month CHF 178.00 (£ 74.60)
Swiss Half Fare Card
The Swiss Half Fare Card gets you a 50% discount on trains, buses, boats and most mountain trains and cable-cars for one month. It is ideal for shorter trips and excursions, in particular if these include mountain trains and cable-cars.3) Swiss Travel System Family Card
Cost for one person-
1 month CHF 99.00
If you have children, be sure to ask for a free Swiss Travel System Family Card. It will entitle your children up to 16 years of age to free travel, as long as minimally one parent accompanies them. Non-family members between the age of 6 and 16 receive a 50% discount on all Swiss Travel System tickets.
Anyone who is not a permanent resident of Switzerland or of Liechtenstein is eligible to buy any of the above-mentioned tickets. No photo is needed, but you will be asked to present a passport.
Another unique feature of Swiss transport is - Travelling without luggage. If you want to travel through Switzerland without carrying your bags and suitcases- you could do it! facilities offered are –
Carrying of Domestic luggage, Fly Rail Baggage, Check-in at the Train Station and Train and Bike. For Domestic luggage transport you have to pay CHF 20 per baggage and they will transport your luggage!
For - Fly Rail Baggage – you have to check in your luggage to your end destination in Switzerland at any airport worldwide. This service is possible with all airlines through the airports of Zurich or Geneva.
Check-in at the Train Station – only at larger stations -you have the possibility of checking in at many Swiss train stations where you can also receive your boarding pass. Checking in is now possible at major train stations for charter airlines, Swiss International Airlines, as well as selected other carriers.
Documents for Fast Baggage, Check-in and Fly Rail Baggage are available at more than 50 Swiss train stations, outside Switzerland at most Swiss Travel System sales points as well as most Swiss International Airlines counters. The cost is CHF 20.– (payable in local currency).
Train and Bike
One of the best ways to explore Switzerland landscapes is by bike- especially in summer months. You could just rent one at any of the 80 train stations that offer this service. Many trains give you the option of taking along your bike on a train.
You load it on and off the trains. Cost is CHF 10.– per bike and day, rental bikes are free. Offer valid only from - March 21 to October 31. However for this a reservation on the Inter- City tilting trains (ICN) is necessary.
We spent 8 days in Switzerland and spend all the days visiting some scenic route or the other. The pass offered 50% Discount on excursions to Mountain-Tops and in aerial cable cars. Swiss trains go anywhere- over the snow, climb slopes – over bridges and to unbelievable heights. You could be in the train and enjoy some unforgettable moments on one of the countless Swiss peaks. Decide how much time you have and which routes you wish to travel- every route is unique. If you wish to cover most of the routes, you will need about a months stay.
My favourite was the cable car ride from Zermatt to see the peak Matterhorn and up the mountain train to Jungfraujoch.
Trains run on time, remember to set your watch correctly. If you are late, do not bother running – you have missed it, wait for the next one!
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
