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> You mention Swiss train service for example which seemed pretty great as a visitor--but it sure wasn't cheap as is true of a lot of European train service. T
by gspr 6y ago
> You mention Swiss train service for example which seemed pretty great as a visitor--but it sure wasn't cheap as is true of a lot of European train service.
The thing is, if you're not a visitor, you'd buy an AG or a demi-tarif (perhaps with a contribution from your employer). The former gives you free unlimited use on almost all public transit (including trains and busses), or alternatively, the latter gives you approximately a 50% discount on the price you paid as a tourist. The latter is quite commonly sponsored by your employer – and even if not, both types pay off very quickly if you actually commute by public transit.
- CaptainZapp 6y agoEven if you're only in Switzerland for a couple weeks the half fare card (CHF 185 for a year) can make sense. Considering that a 1st class return ticket from Zurich to Bern is 180 Francs (2nd class 102) just three or four longer train rides can make it worthwhile. The better option (if you're not living in Switzerland) may be the Swiss Travel Pass[1], which gives you free travel for a number of days on virtually the whole Swiss train and public transport network (excluding the most mountainous connections and cable cars, which are usually private and there you get a 50% discount) plus a number of other goodies. Prices are comparable to what you pay for a JR Rail Pass in Japan. And that's a helluva buy. In any case practically nobody pays full price for longer range train travel in Switzerland. [1] https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/planning/transport-accommodation/tickets-public-transport/swiss-travel-pass/ https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/planning/transport-accom...