Rail Pass Offers Flexibility on Travel to Switzerland

SwissRail’s Flexipass offers three days of unlimited rail travel within a 15-day period, and includes boat travel on some lakes and the use of buses. The three days do not have to be consecutive. It costs $149 first-class and $99 second-class.

If you want to mix rail and car travel, look into the Swiss Rail/Drive Pass that offers three days of unlimited rail travel and two days’ use of a Hertz rental car within a 15-day period. The five days, whether by rail or car, don’t have to be consecutive.

Rates depend on the car and whether it’s for one or two persons. Lowest rate for two people on first-class rail travel is $179 per person; second-class, $129. On a solo basis, with first-class rail travel, the rate is $249; second-class costs $199.

There is no mileage charge and the cars can be dropped off anywhere in Switzerland. Reservations should be made at least seven days before departure from the United States.

The regular Swisspass allows unlimited rail travel for eight or 15 consecutive days within a month. The eight-day pass costs $180 first-class, $125 second-class. The 15-day pass is $220 first-class, $155 second-class. One-month cards cost $300 and $210.

Rail passes cover such famous Swiss trains as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Wilhelm Tell Express. Pass holders also get a 25% to 50% discount on private Alpine railways and cable cars.

The one-month Swisscard, available for $80 first-class and $65 second-class, includes round-trip rail transportation from arrival points in Switzerland (either at the border or at Zurich or Geneva airports) to a destination within the country. Travelers also can buy rail, bus and lake-boat tickets at 50% off regular prices during this one-month period.

These passes and cards are good for six months from the date of purchase; the time period begins when first used. They have to be bought in the United States from travel agents or French Rail, which serves as Swissrail’s agent in North America.