Best way to travel in Switzerland?

Question

I am planning to go to Switzerland for 9 days and want to buy Swiss travel pass. Would like to know :

i) Difference between 1st class and 2nd class
ii) Is it worth buying online or just go there and buy at airport?
iii.) I will be mostly in Montreux but a friend lives in Zurich, what is the best way to get there?
iv) If I want to go on other trains (ex. chocolate train, etc.) should I buy a 2nd class Swiss pass and pay the difference or a 1st class and only have to pay the reservation?

I am an American and this is my first time to Europe. Also any additional information is more than welcome. THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Trains are great, especially if you will be traveling between several cities. Then the pass can be worth it. 2nd class is perfectly fine and comfortable. You do need to keep an eye on your luggage, it stays on an unsecured rack above the seats. No need for constant paranoia, but at stops be aware.



However, if you will be mostly in Montreux with just one visit to Zurich, plane is just as fast and cheap (maybe cheaper).



For the trains I think you can get a better price if you buy beforehand, at least if you will be doing a lot of train travel and need a pass.



I wouldn't buy the pass personally, if you will just be in 2 cities.



Other tips: A little French will go a long way in Montreux. Learn at least a few phrases. I recommend you don't use euros. They will be happily accepted and you will get change back in Swiss francs (CHF) at a TERRIBLE exchange rate. Much less painful to take out some francs at the ATM. That's the best way to do it, forget the currency conversion stations at airport/train station. Bring comfortable shoes. I remember my first trip to Europe, I had never walked so much before. If you are worried about "looking like an American" in white sneakers, fine, get some black ones instead and you'll fit right in. Food is very expensive. It is also better (mostly) than what I ate in restaurants in America, but it is really expensive. For the native food it is well worth it, things like fondue, raclette, rosti and other Continental cuisine. "Exotic" restaurants in my opinion are better skipped (sushi, Chinese, Indian). You can find higher quality for less price in the States. For souvenirs, skip duty free and expensive souvenir shops. The department store chain Manor has reasonably priced souvenirs, and you can get great chocolate and wine at any grocery store. Make sure to take some Swiss wine back!



I have never seen any rude obnoxious Americans here. I've been living here over a year, and visited 4 times before that, 2 of which were extended stays. Customs/what is acceptable behavior is the same as back home. Act reasonably. At the same time, you do not want to be overly friendly with any strangers in the open street, petty theft is a problem in all major European cities and Switzerland is absolutely no exception.



Montreux is beautiful. It is on the lake and I'm sure there are places to swim (there are where I live, in Geneva). Don't miss the Chateau de Chillon, it's a very nice castle with a great audio tour. There are mountains around this area for hiking, it is better to have a car to access them. Bikes are very good for getting around town (usually rentable for cheap or free), and most Swiss cities have good public transport.



If you get the pass, then you have the advantage of being able to take day trips: Lausanne, Geneva, Vevey, Neuchatel, Lucerne would all be interesting (and others of course). Renting a car has the advantage that you can day trip into France, Germany or Italy without having to buy an additional pass or one of the 2 or 3 country passes.

Answer 2

Buy your Swiss Pass before you go. It's cheaper and you won't have the hassle of buying it from an airport or railway station.



There's not a huge difference between first and standard class. Swiss trains are mostly comfortable wherever you sit and provided that you travel outside of rush hours you will get a seat.

Some routes offer a distinctly better service for first class, e.g. the metre-guage "Brunig Line", where you get a panorama coach in 1st (big windows in the roof).



Switzerland is not in the Euro zone but they will accept Euros. The Swiss make it very easy to spend your money and you'll find loads of cashpoint machines almost everywhere.



While you are there - Remember the old saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do" and don't behave like an American. The Swiss (and most Europeans) are wary of American tourists who insist on being "American" and expect everything to be same as in the USA.

The reputation is of loud, rude people who demand everything instead of politely asking and get upset when they discover that the USA dialect is not the only version of English on the planet.



I have personally witnessed a table of American tourists in a Swiss restaurant in the charming Alpine village of Murren. They ignored the menu and were loudly and unpleasantly demanding "cheeseburger and fries" (not available). They were not drunk, just arrogant. The waiter's patience was commendable. After he had removed them he told me that it was very common behaviour by Americans.



I'm sure that you're not like that. The Swiss are very practical people who really do like things to run on time. Don't be late for your train, bus, aeroplane or any appointment - they won't wait.



Swiss beer is not very good. Ask for Heineken, Kronenburg or any Austrian brew. Please don't drink "Bud" unless it's the real Czech brew (Budvar).



If you have a chance then visit Meiringen (home of the real maringue pudding). Near there is the Reichenbach Falls where Sherlock Holmes was reported as falling to his death during a fight with Professor Moriarty. It's 30 mins walking distance from the town if you can get directions.



It can rain heavily in Switzerland in summer. Probably something to do with the altitude.



The Bernese Oberland is a region that is excellent in summer and winter (of course). There are two main railway lines to get you around. The Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB) from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald and the Wengenalp Bahn which takes you to a place called Kleine Sheidegg. From there you catch the Jungfrau Bahn which takes you inside the Eiger and up to near the top, The Swiss Pass might not automatically cover you for full discount on these lines. You may decide to pay for a "Jungfrau Bahnnen Pass". Check up to be sure what is available to suit you.



If you are a James Bond fan then you must visit the revolving restaurant on Piz Gloria. This was Blofeld's laboratory in the film "On Her Majesties Secret Service". It's accessible by funicular and cable car from the town of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. Time your self for a late lunch there. The Jungfrau Bahnnen Pass is valid for this trip.



Most of the cable cars and local Swiss narrow gauge (metre and 800mm gauge) lines close at or near 6 pm so don't get stranded.



There are several types of fondue, not just cheese. Enjoy.

Answer 3

i) There is no huge difference. Swiss trains are very comfortable and clean.

ii) I don't know the price but if I were you, I'd buy it in Switzerland.

iii) Take a train to Lausanne and then a direct train to Zurich.

iv) no clue, sorry.

Answer 4

There is practically no difference between first and second class - but do

not travel in rush time