Explore Switzerland Using Swiss Rail Pass?
Switzerland is known for having some of the most panoramic train rides! With views of the lush green hills and snow-capped Swiss Alps, you’ll definitely spend a large part of your ride peering out of the windows. Read on to find out how to use your Swiss Rail Pass and some of the must-see sights in Switzerland.
The Swiss Rail Pass allows you travel on trains, buses and even boats across Switzerland as long as they fall under the Swiss Travel System You won’t have to go through the hassle of buying single trip tickets, saving you both time and money. You’ll also be entitled to special passholder fares on TGV Lyria on the route from or to Switzerland.
For the full area of validity of your pass, check out this map.
On top of transport, you can flash your Swiss Rail Pass to enjoy free entrance to up to 500 museums and exhibits.
Buying your Swiss Rail Pass:
These are the passes available on Klook :
Swiss Travel Pass
Currently on Klook, the Swiss Travel Consecutive Pass (3, 4, 8 or 15 Days). Upon checking out, you will be asked to leave your residential address and your pass will be mailed to you for FREE within 7 business days.
[E-Ticket] Swiss Travel Consecutive Pass (3, 4, 8 or 15 Days)
Unlike the Eurail Pass, print at home tickets are applicable to the Swiss Travel Consecutive Pass. Simply place an order, print out your Swiss Rail Pass and you’re ready to begin your Swiss journey. This will allow you to get your Swiss Rail Pass within 1 day after placing an order!
Swiss Half Fare Card
If you aren’t entirely sure which dates you’ll be travelling and prefer flexibility in your itineraries while still enjoying cheap fares, your best option would be the Swiss Half Fare card! Enjoy up to 50% off on tickets for Switzerland’s public transportation systems for one calendar month and travel around Switzerland with ease.
Seat reservations
Reservations are needed for most of the high speed, overnight, scenic and international trains. You can make seat reservations up to 3 months before your selected departure date but do note that these reservations will cost you additional fees.
Itinerary: Cities to visit with 1 week in Switzerland
Day 1 : Zurich
Zurich is famous for being the cultural and economic center of Switzerland, and also its largest city! Home to beautiful architecture, rich history and the most luxurious shopping streets in the world, this city is definitely a must visit. If you’re a first timer in Zurich, be sure to check out these 10 must visit places as well as some of the must eat foods in our first timer guide!
Check out Zurich’s highlights with a half day city tour! Let your chosen guide take you to some of the must see spots in the city and tell you the stories behind these character filled buildings.
Day 2 -3 : Lucerne
Known for its medieval architecture and snow capped mountains, Lucerne is one of the most popular Swiss cities to visit. If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the colorful Altstadt (Old Town) or the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). If you prefer the great outdoors, here are 2 mountains you’ll need to visit on your trip to Lucerne.
1. Mount Titlis
Ride the world’s FIRST rotating cable car up to the top of Mt Titlis. From there, test your fears on the country’s highest suspension bridge or take a ride on the ice flyer for breathtaking views of the alps. If you’re travelling with family, take the little ones down to the glacier park where they can slide down the mountain on mini plastic sleds and rocking horses.
Klook your Mount Titlis half day tour and it comes with 2 way transfer from the Lucerne train station as well as the cable car up to the top of Mount Titlis! This way you won’t have to worry about not finding your way to the mountains.
2. Mount Pilatus
Another mountain not to be missed is the Mountain of Dragons, more commonly known as Mount Pilatus. This majestic mountain range looks over the whole of Lucerne and is famous for its legends about dragons and the soul of Pontius Pilate (the man responsible for the trial of Jesus).
Take the aerial cableway up to the peak and enjoy the views on the terrace. The highlight of the trip is definitely descend down the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway! You’ll complete the day with a boat ride on Lake of the Four Cantons back to Lucerne.
Klook your Mount Pilatus tour and enjoy 2-way transfer from Lucerne station! This means you won’t have to worry about any transportation methods the entire trip. All you’ll need to do is prepare to take in the beautiful views.
Day 4: Interlaken
Interlaken is paradise for those who love the great outdoors. Apart from the stunning alpine landscapes, there is a huge variety of adventure sports in this Swiss playground. Imagine paragliding through the skies while taking in views of the alps! If that doesn’t sound like paradise we don’t know what else will.
If you’re not into extreme sports but still like being outdoors, there are many hiking routes available on the Schynige Platte near Wilderswil. Take the cog railway up and the mountain station is the beginning to most hiking trails.
Day 5: Jungfraujoch
You can’t leave Switzerland without visiting the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch. Home to the world’s highest train station, an ice palace and some of the best views of Europe, this is a must do for anyone visiting the Swiss city. Since Jungfrau is said to be blessed by an angel, it is no wonder you can find the UNESCO listed Aletsch Glacier- one of the largest in the alps.
Klook your day trip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne and it includes not just a visit to the Summit of Jungfrau but also you’ll get to board the world famous cogwheel train up! Once you’re up there, experience the Alpine Sensation tour, the Ice Palace, The Plateau and also some of the best views at the Sphinx Observation.
Day 6: Montreux
Surrounded by vineyards and nestled in a breathtaking backdrop of the snow capped alps, the city of Montreux is a beautiful day trip to take and unwind. Some of the most iconic names in show business like Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin have lived and continue to live on the Vaud Riviera.
The Chateau de Chillon, known as the pearl of the lake is the medieval fortress that sits on Lake Geneva. Go back in time and understand the daily life of the Court of Savoy and the Bernese bailiffs.
Some of the other must visit sites include:
- Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
- UNESCO listed Lavaux
- Nestle headquarters at Vevey
Day 7: Geneva
Most will recognise Geneva – the city where the United Nations convenes and makes world changing decisions. Nestled in between Alpine peaks, this French speaking city by the bay is home to both old character filled streets and urban business centers.
The symbol of the city is the Jet d’eau – a fountain with a 140 metre high water jet in the middle of Lake Geneva. Also worth a visit is the Palais Des Nations – the European headquarters of the United Nations. They are open daily and provide guided tours for you to walk through the hallways where world changing decisions were made.
Some of the must-visit sites include:
- Place du Bourg-de-Four
- Horloge Fleuri – large flower clock
- International Museum of the Red Cross
