10 Train Travel Hacks Only Swiss Locals Know 🇨🇭🚂

Summary

Swiss local Greg shares ten insider travel tips for Switzerland, focusing on cost-effective public transportation. He advises on panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, recommends the Swiss Half Fare Card for half-price tickets, and introduces Saver Day Passes for significant discounts. Greg also highlights family-friendly options, guest cards for free local transport, and luggage lockers for hassle-free travel. His tips aim to enhance the Swiss experience without breaking the bank.

Takeaways

• 🚂 Consider taking the Glacier Express or Bernina Express for their panoramic views, but be aware of the long travel times.
• 🎟️ You don't have to complete the entire journey on the panoramic trains; you can opt for seat reservations on segments of the trip to save money.
• 🚄 For regular train routes, you can save on seat reservations by taking normal trains that share the same tracks with the scenic trains.
• 🔄 Avoid making reservations on Swiss trains unless it's mandatory on panoramic trains, as there's usually plenty of seating availability.
• 📍 Use train station boards to identify first and second class sections and position yourself accordingly for boarding.
• 🕒 Take advantage of longer stopovers at major stations like Lucerne or Zurich to secure a good seat before the rush.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 There are special compartments for families and quiet areas for those who prefer a peaceful travel environment on Swiss trains.
• 💳 The Swiss Half Fare Card offers half-price tickets and is a cost-effective option for travelers taking multiple trips within a month.
• 🗓️ Saver Day Passes are a cheaper alternative to regular day passes, especially for extensive travel on a single day.
• 👶 The Swiss Family Card allows children to travel for free when accompanied by adults who have a valid Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
• 🏨 Many locations in Switzerland offer guest cards with significant benefits, including free local transportation and discounts on mountaintop excursions.
• 🧳 Utilize luggage lockers at train stations to free yourself from carrying heavy bags while exploring Switzerland.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide travel hacks for visiting Switzerland, focusing on saving money and enjoying the country via public transportation.

What are the Glacier Express and Bernina Express?

The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are panoramic trains in Switzerland known for their spectacular views, but they can be time-consuming with long travel durations.

Why might some travelers find the Glacier Express or Bernina Express not ideal for their trip?

Some travelers might find the long duration of the trips on these trains, such as the almost eight-hour journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, to be a downside, especially if they have limited time.

What is the local tip for travelers who want to save on seat reservations for the Glacier Express or Bernina Express?

Travelers can save on seat reservations by taking segments of the entire trip on regular trains that run on the same tracks, avoiding the need for a full journey reservation.

Why does Greg, the Swiss local, recommend not making reservations on Swiss trains in general?

Greg recommends not making reservations on Swiss trains because, except for panoramic trains where it's mandatory, there is usually enough space, especially if not traveling during rush hour, and multiple trains are often available.

What are the two hacks Greg suggests for finding a seat on a train without a reservation?

The first hack is to prepare and stand on the track in a way that you can quickly access the sector with available seats. The second hack is to board the train at stations where it stops for longer periods, such as Lucerne or Zurich, to secure a seat before others.

What are the special compartments in Swiss trains mentioned in the script?

The special compartments include a children's area for families and a silent area for those who prefer a quiet environment to work or rest.

What is the Swiss Half Fare Card and how does it benefit travelers?

The Swiss Half Fare Card is a card that allows travelers to purchase tickets in Switzerland at half the cost. It costs 120 CHF and is valid for one month, providing significant savings for those who plan to use public transportation extensively.

What is the difference between the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Half Fare Card offers half-price tickets for a month, while the Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited travel for a set number of days. The latter is recommended for those who want to cover a lot of ground in a short period.

What are Saver Day Passes and how can they be beneficial for travelers?

Saver Day Passes are cheaper day passes that offer one-day unlimited travel. They are beneficial for travelers who need to make long journeys in a single day and can be even cheaper when booked in advance.

What is the Swiss Family Card and how does it help families traveling in Switzerland?

The Swiss Family Card allows children to travel for free when accompanied by adults who have a valid Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card. It provides significant savings for families with children aged 0 to 16.

How can guest cards benefit travelers in terms of transportation and discounts?

Guest cards, often provided by accommodations, offer free or discounted transportation within the city and significant discounts on mountaintop attractions, enhancing the travel experience and saving money.

What is the solution Greg suggests for travelers who are concerned about carrying their luggage around?

Greg suggests using luggage lockers available at train stations, which provide a safe place to store luggage and allow travelers freedom to explore without the burden of their bags.

What activities can travelers do in Lucerne with free time, according to the script?

Travelers in Lucerne can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, take a ferry to Bürgenstock, or explore the city with the freedom provided by luggage lockers and guest cards.