Exploring Austria And Switzerland: Rail Pass Options

Rail passes are a great way to save money on train travel in Europe, but it can be confusing to figure out which one is the best option for your trip. If you're planning to travel by train in Austria and Switzerland, there are a few different rail pass options to consider. One option is the Eurail Austria Pass, which offers unlimited train travel within Austria. This pass includes travel on the country's high-speed and night trains, but keep in mind that seat reservations may be required at an additional cost. Another option is the Eurail Global Pass, which covers train travel in multiple countries, including Austria and Switzerland. This pass also includes suburban trains (S-Bahn) but does not cover city transport like buses or trams.

When deciding which rail pass to choose, it's important to consider your specific itinerary and how much flexibility you need. If you're only travelling within Austria, the Eurail Austria Pass might be the best option. However, if you're visiting multiple countries, the Eurail Global Pass could be more cost-effective. Additionally, some scenic trains, such as the Glacier Express in Switzerland, may require separate reservations and have mandatory reservation fees.

It's also worth noting that there are other ways to save money on train travel besides rail passes. Many European countries offer discounted advance-purchase tickets, which can be significantly cheaper than buying tickets at the station on the day of travel. However, these tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable, so they may not be the best option if you want to keep your plans flexible.

Ultimately, the best rail pass for your trip will depend on your specific itinerary and preferences. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what each pass covers before making your decision.

Eurail Global Pass

The Eurail Global Pass is a rail pass that gives non-European citizens and residents access to top travel destinations in Europe. It covers travel across 33 countries, including Austria and Switzerland, and offers travellers the flexibility to choose between consecutive and flexible passes. The consecutive pass allows for unlimited train travel during the pass's validity period, while the flexible pass offers travel on specific days within a given time frame.

The Eurail Global Pass provides access to standard and high-speed trains, with the option to book seats in advance for an additional cost. The pass is valid for either first or second class, with the former offering more luxurious amenities. It is important to note that the pass does not cover accommodations on overnight trains or seat reservations on certain trains.

When purchasing the Eurail Global Pass, travellers can choose from various options based on their travel needs. The pass can be tailored to cover travel for a specified number of days, ranging from 15 days to three months. It is essential to activate the pass within 11 months of purchase, and it is valid for 24-hour periods, allowing for unlimited train journeys within that time frame.

The Eurail Global Pass offers a convenient and flexible way to explore Europe by train, providing access to popular destinations and exclusive offers for pass holders. It is a good option for those seeking a stress-free travel experience across multiple countries.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket for international visitors to Switzerland. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, as well as many other advantages.

Advantages

• Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges may apply)
• Unlimited use of public transport in over 90 towns and cities
• Free admission to over 500 museums
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos
• Discount of up to 50% on other mountain excursions
• Discount of up to 50% on leisure travel offers
• Swiss Family Card: Children aged 6 to 16 travel free when accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss Travel Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass Youth: Young people up to their 25th birthday get a 30% discount
• Available as an e-ticket

Validity

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days of travel. There is also a Swiss Travel Pass Flex option, which is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 freely selectable days within one month.

Where to Buy

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online or at any staffed public transport point of sale. It is only sold to non-residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

Eurail Select Pass

The Eurail Select Pass is a rail pass that allows you to travel by train in 2, 3, or 4 bordering countries of your choice. You can select the countries that fit your travel plans from a list of 28 participating European countries. The pass is valid for 2 months and includes 1 free train travel day.

The Eurail Select Pass is a good option if you are planning to visit multiple countries in Europe and want the flexibility to choose your destinations. It is important to note that the pass only covers train travel and does not include other forms of public transport such as buses, trams, or metros.

Two Countries

• France-Italy
• Benelux-Germany
• Austria-Switzerland

Three Countries

• France-Italy-Spain
• France-Italy-Switzerland
• Benelux-France-Germany

Four Countries

• France-Germany-Italy-Switzerland
• Benelux-France-Germany-Switzerland
• Austria-France-Germany-Switzerland

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card is a great option for those planning a longer stay in Switzerland, or for those who want to go on excursions throughout the country. The card offers a discount of up to 50% on journeys by train, bus, boat, and most mountain lifts or railways, as well as on public transport in over 90 Swiss cities and towns. It is valid for one month and can be purchased at Swiss railway stations, worldwide points of sale, or online.

The Swiss Half Fare Card is perfect for those who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace, as it offers flexibility and significant savings on transportation. With this card, passengers can purchase tickets for various modes of transport at half price. This includes trains, buses, boats, and some mountain railways.

The card is available for CHF 120 per month and can be easily obtained online or at any staffed public transport point of sale. It is important to note that only persons domiciled outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein are entitled to purchase this ticket.

In addition to the Swiss Half Fare Card, there is also the Swiss Family Card, which enables children aged 6 to 15 to travel for free when accompanied by a parent with a valid Swiss Half Fare Card. This makes the Swiss Half Fare Card an excellent option for families or groups looking to explore Switzerland on a budget.

When using the Swiss Half Fare Card, it is important to note that the discount may be less than 50% on short-distance routes due to minimum pricing. This also applies to reduced or combined offers that include a train journey and additional services.

Overall, the Swiss Half Fare Card is a convenient and cost-effective option for those looking to explore Switzerland's diverse landscapes and cities without breaking the bank. It offers the freedom to travel extensively throughout the country while enjoying significant savings on transportation costs.

Eurail One Country Pass

The Eurail One Country Pass is a great option if you want to explore a single European country by train. It offers flexible travel on 3, 4, 5, or 8 travel days within a month, perfect for those who want to visit only one country. This pass includes regional and high-speed trains, allowing you to move conveniently between beautiful city centres.

The One Country Pass is currently available for the following countries:

• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)
• Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Greek Islands
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Macedonia

Prices for the Eurail One Country Pass start at:

• $158 for Italy
• $84 for France
• $184 for Spain
• $131 for Benelux
• $184 for Scandinavia
• $100 for Portugal
• $184 for Sweden

Note that some trains, such as night trains and high-speed trains, require a separate seat reservation, which is not included in the Eurail Pass. You can make these reservations through the Eurail Reservation Service, covering 95% of trains in Europe. It is recommended to book your seats as early as possible, especially if you are travelling in a large group or during the high season (May to September).

If you are considering combining One Country Passes for multiple countries, it may be more cost-effective to explore the range of Eurail Global Passes.

Frequently asked questions