Can I use the eurail global pass for the Gotthard Express and the Volarpen Express Trains in Switzerland?
Best answer by thibcabe
View originalCan I use the eurail global pass for the Gotthard Express and the Volarpen Express Trains in Switzerland?
Best answer by thibcabe
View originalThank you
When I went to the Glacier Express website,
https://shop.glacierexpress.ch/gex_en/specials/daytrips/glacier-express
The cost was shown as 272 CHF each, not 49 CHF. Am I missing something?
Unfortunately you do. When you do read the text written above the price mentioned, it says "At a later booking stage, when asked to fill in the passenger's details, you have the option to select "reservation only" under Ticket/Refund."
272 CHF is the price for a regular ticket.
Yes if you have made seat reservations for the Gotthard Panorama Express it's fine
For all other trains (except Glacier Express where they are required) reservations are a waste of money in Switzerland
Here you go : https://www.gotthard-panorama-express.ch/en/stories/tickets-und-reservationen
"Gotthard Panorama Express seat reservation" on Google.
You're too early for the summer season per the website.
About your other question : seat reservations are really not a thing in Switzerland -> people hop on hop off and sit wherever they want basically. It works well. 1st class is very rarely busy -> 2nd class tickets are expensive enough! :)
The only exceptions are trains for tourists :
- Glacier Express : 49 CHF mandatory reservation, very popular so book as soon as possible. Most seats are taken by tour groups months in advance.
- Bernina Express : 36 CHF mandatory reservation in the panorama carriages. However you can board the regular carriages at the front at no extra cost.
- Gotthard Panorama Express : mandatory reservation, 1st class required (so you're good to go). Alternative : very good and comfortable hourly Treno Gottardo (IR26/46).
- Golden Pass (Express) : optional reservations. 1st class is rarely busy so I wouldn't bother, especially if you board at the first stop.
The usual advice we give on this forum is to take the hourly regional trains following the same routes : no extra fees, less busy, less loud, sometimes pull-down windows (RhB network) = better experience overall.
Feel free to ask anything.
Thank you
When I went to the Glacier Express website,
https://shop.glacierexpress.ch/gex_en/specials/daytrips/glacier-express
The cost was shown as 272 CHF each, not 49 CHF. Am I missing something?
Yes the Voralpen Express is only a brand, you can take any IR train
On the other hand the Gotthard Panorama Express is a special train : you need to pay for the boat (50% discount) and a 1st class surcharge for the train (only 1st class carriages) + 17 CHF (if I'm not mistaken) seat reservation
But you can take any hourly reservation-free IR train on the same route : whether 1st or 2nd class. It is the way to go in my opinion
You wrote: “For all other trains (except Glacier Express where they are required) reservations are a waste of money in Switzerland”
Why is that? I was going to make reservations for the Gotthard Express, Bernia Express, Glacier Express, and Golden Pass in June.
Thank you very for your quick response.
I have bought the first class eurail global pass. I have also separately made reservations in Gotthard Express & Volarpen exp IR2018. So I presume that there is no extra charge and I can use my eurail global pass in both these trains.
Thanks a lot.
Also, can anybody reply with the proper URL link to get seat reservations for the Gotthard Panorama Express? We already have the 2 first class Eurail passes. Thank you.
That route was St. Moritz to Zermatt. 8 hours, 19 minute journey.
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