German Rail Pass: Travel Switzerland To Austria?

Travelling by train is a great way to see the world, and with so many picturesque routes, it's no surprise that many travellers opt for rail when visiting Europe. When it comes to rail travel between Switzerland and Austria, there are a few options available to you.

If you're looking for a flexible travel option, you might want to consider purchasing a rail pass. Rail passes are available for specific countries or regions and can offer unlimited travel within a set period. For example, if you're planning to travel extensively within Switzerland, a Swiss Travel Pass may be a good option as it provides unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats. Alternatively, if you're planning to visit multiple countries, you could opt for a Eurail Global Pass, which offers unlimited travel across 33 European countries, including Switzerland and Austria.

When deciding whether to purchase a rail pass or individual tickets, it's important to consider your travel plans and budget. Rail passes can offer flexibility and convenience, but they may not always be the most cost-effective option. In some cases, purchasing point-to-point tickets in advance can be cheaper, especially for shorter journeys or if you're able to take advantage of early bird discounts.

It's also worth noting that some trains, particularly high-speed and overnight trains, may require a reservation, which usually incurs an additional fee. So, when planning your trip, be sure to research the specific trains and routes you intend to take to understand the requirements and any associated costs.

Rail pass options for Switzerland and Austria

Rail passes are a good idea for Switzerland and Austria, as they can save you money and are more convenient than buying individual tickets. However, the type of rail pass you need depends on your itinerary and how much travel you plan to do. Here are some options for rail passes that cover Switzerland and Austria:

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a good option if you plan to primarily travel within Switzerland, with just a few train rides in other countries. This pass covers nearly all forms of transportation in Switzerland, including trains, buses, boats, and many high-mountain lifts. It also includes some discounts on other attractions, such as museums. The Swiss Travel Pass is available as a continuous-day pass or a flexipass, where you can choose which days to travel. You can purchase this pass online or at Swiss train stations.

Eurail Global Pass

If you plan to travel more extensively in multiple countries, the Eurail Global Pass may be a better option. This pass covers train travel in up to 33 countries, including Switzerland and Austria. It offers discounts on some mountain railways and other attractions in Switzerland. However, it does not include public transportation within cities or some tourist lines, such as the route from Interlaken to Jungfrau. The Eurail Global Pass is available for different durations and can be purchased online.

Regional Passes

If your travel is concentrated in a specific region, you may consider a regional pass. For example, the Berner Oberland Regional Pass covers the Bern-Interlaken-Luzern area and offers discounts on mountain lifts and trains. However, regional passes usually only make sense if you are doing a lot of travel within that specific region.

Point-to-Point Tickets

If you don't think a rail pass will be cost-effective for your trip, you can always purchase point-to-point tickets. You can save money by booking tickets in advance online or by taking advantage of discount options like the Half-Fare Card in Switzerland, which gives you 50% off on most Swiss trains and transportation.

Eurail Global Pass vs point-to-point tickets

When it comes to travelling through Europe, the Eurail Global Pass is a popular option. But is it the best choice for you? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Eurail Global Pass versus buying point-to-point tickets.

Eurail Global Pass

The Eurail Global Pass is an "all-in-one rail pass" that offers flexible access to most trains across 33 European countries. With this pass, you can travel freely and flexibly between 30,000+ destinations. The pass is available as a mobile pass or a hard copy, and you can choose between first and second class tickets. The pass is valid for a set number of travel days within a one or two-month period, and you can select the start date of your pass once you arrive in Europe.

Pros:

• Flexibility: The Eurail Global Pass allows you to change your plans as you travel. You can miss a train or change your travel dates without incurring additional costs.
• Convenience: With one pass, you don't need to carry multiple tickets.
• Discounts: Eurail Pass holders can enjoy various discounts, such as youth discounts, free passes for children, and reduced entry fees at certain attractions.
• High-speed trains: The pass covers travel on high-speed trains, which can be more expensive when booking point-to-point tickets.

Cons:

• Cost: The pass may be expensive, especially if you are only travelling to one country or taking shorter trips.
• Reservations: Some countries, such as France, Italy, and Spain, require seat reservations, which incur additional fees.
• Limitations: The pass is only valid on intercity train lines and does not cover local trains or some high-speed trains.

Point-to-Point Tickets

Another option is to buy point-to-point tickets as you go. This involves purchasing individual tickets for each train journey.

Pros:

• Cost-effectiveness: Point-to-point tickets can be cheaper, especially if you are travelling to a single country or taking shorter trips.
• No reservations: You don't need to worry about making seat reservations, as you would with the Eurail Global Pass in certain countries.
• Flexibility: You have the flexibility to choose the exact trains you want to take, without being restricted by the limitations of the pass.

Cons:

• Inconvenience: You will need to purchase tickets for each journey, which can be time-consuming and may involve standing in line at train stations.
• Less spontaneity: With point-to-point tickets, you may need to plan your trips further in advance to get the best prices.
• High-speed trains: Buying point-to-point tickets for high-speed trains can be more expensive, and these trains often require reservations.

The decision between the Eurail Global Pass and point-to-point tickets depends on your specific travel plans and preferences. If you value flexibility and convenience, the Eurail Global Pass may be the best choice. However, if cost-effectiveness is your priority, buying point-to-point tickets may be more suitable. Consider your itinerary, budget, and desired level of spontaneity when making your decision.

Swiss Travel Pass vs Eurail one-country pass

When it comes to travelling by train in Switzerland, there are a few different pass options available. The two most common are the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail One-Country Pass. So, which one should you choose? Here's a breakdown of each to help you decide:

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a great option if you plan on doing a lot of travelling within Switzerland. The pass includes:

• Unlimited train travel on most Swiss trains, including the famous scenic routes like the Golden Pass Line and the Gotthard Panorama Express.
• Free travel on premium panoramic trains, such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.
• Discounts on mountain excursions, ranging from 25% to 50% on most excursions, including the popular Jungfraujoch.
• Free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions.
• Free travel on post buses and local transport in cities.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a good choice if you want the convenience of having a single pass for all your Swiss travel needs. However, it is important to note that the pass does not cover travel to other countries. So, if you plan on visiting multiple countries during your trip, you may need to consider another option.

Eurail One-Country Pass

The Eurail One-Country Pass is a flexible option that allows you to travel within a single country of your choice. While there is no specific Eurail pass for Switzerland, you can use the Eurail Global Pass, which covers travel in 33 European countries, including Switzerland. Here are some things to keep in mind about the Eurail One-Country Pass:

• The pass offers unlimited train travel within the selected country for a set number of days.
• You can choose between consecutive day passes or flexible day passes within a set time period.
• The pass is available for first or second-class travel.
• There are discounts available for youths, seniors, and children under 12.
• The pass may include discounts on mountain excursions and other attractions.
• Seat reservations may be required on some trains, and there may be an additional fee for this.

The Eurail One-Country Pass is a good choice if you plan on visiting multiple countries during your trip and want the flexibility to use a single pass for all your train travel needs. However, it is important to note that the pass may not include discounts on attractions and excursions like the Swiss Travel Pass does.

So, which pass should you choose?

When deciding between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail One-Country Pass, consider your travel plans and what is included in each pass. If you plan on doing a lot of travelling within Switzerland and want the convenience of a single pass, the Swiss Travel Pass may be the better option. On the other hand, if you plan on visiting multiple countries and want the flexibility to use a single pass for all your train travel, the Eurail One-Country Pass could be the better choice. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Seat reservations

You can reserve seats on Swiss trains at SBB.ch, SBB Mobile, via the SBB Contact Center (0848 44 66 88), or directly at the ticket counter. It costs CHF 5 per seat to make a reservation. Reservations can be made for individuals or groups.

For seat reservations on touristic trains such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express, or Glacier Express, contact a public transport point of sale.

Reservations are required between 21 March and 31 October on many InterCity trains (IC).

When reserving seats for journeys to Europe, different prices and provisions apply according to the country. For example, reservations are possible but not obligatory for connections to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Reservations are obligatory for connections to France and Italy.

Seats in the SBB Restaurant can be reserved via SBB.ch, at the ticket counter, or by telephone.

Border crossing

When travelling between countries in Europe, you will need to cross a border. This is usually straightforward when travelling by train, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have your passport with you, as border control may want to check your ID. Secondly, be aware that there may be delays due to train cancellations or modernisations. Finally, if you are travelling with a rail pass, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your pass, as some passes may not cover travel between certain countries.

When crossing the border between Switzerland and Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the train may stop at a border station, where you may need to change trains. This is usually a quick and easy process, but it is something to be aware of. Secondly, if you are travelling with a Eurail pass, make sure you have the correct type of pass. A Swiss Pass is not valid for travel in Austria, so you will need a separate Austrian Eurail pass or a Global Pass.

If you are travelling on a high-speed train, such as an ICE or EC train, you may need to make a reservation for a seat. This can usually be done online or at the train station. There may also be a small fee for this.

When travelling between Switzerland and Germany, there are direct train connections between the main German cities and Basel and Zurich in Switzerland. You can also travel by bus or plane, but this is usually not cheaper or quicker than taking the train. If you are travelling by car, you will need a motorway vignette for Swiss highways.

When crossing the border between Switzerland and Germany, your passport may be checked by train staff or border control. Make sure you have it with you. There may also be delays due to train cancellations or modernisations.

If you are travelling with a rail pass, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your pass. Some passes may only be valid for travel within Switzerland, while others may cover travel between Switzerland and Germany.

When crossing the border between Switzerland and France, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, there may be border control checks, so make sure you have your passport with you. Secondly, if you are travelling on a high-speed train such as a TGV, you will need to make a reservation for a seat. This can usually be done online or at the train station. There may be a fee for this.

• Make sure you have your passport with you when crossing borders, as it may be checked by border control or train staff.
• Be aware of any delays or cancellations that may occur due to train modernisations or other issues.
• If you are travelling with a rail pass, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as some passes may not cover travel between certain countries.
• If you are travelling on a high-speed train, you may need to make a reservation for a seat. This can usually be done online or at the train station.
• When crossing borders by car, make sure you have the correct motorway vignette or eco sticker for the country you are entering.

Frequently asked questions