If one is not too tired (jetlag!) I'd recommend taking the Zürich-Interlaken train _through Lucerne_ instead (not through Bern). The reason is that the Lucerne-Interlaken leg is a _fantastic_ panoramic route on a narrow-gauge cog-wheel train that climbs up and down the dividing mountain range. "Despite" the great views this route is actually cheaper (because it's about 1 hour longer).
What railway line would that be? We are heading to Interlaken from Paris, might either opt to go to zurich b/c of the direct train versus changing 3 trains from Paris to Interlaken in one go. Or might end up doing Paris- change trains to Interlaken and rent air bnb. Any recommendations on Air B&B? Does it even matter if we stay at west or OST? We plan to take Eiger Express to Eigergletscher, not sure yet on Junfraugh-concerned about AMS. If we miss a connecting train, do we have to buy another ticket? Seems like some of the interval times are so short esp. for those with arthritis, might not be able to walk fast Thanks!
@@Mia-ht8oi Sorry for the late response, YT did not notify me about your post for some reason. It's simply the route from Zürich to Interlaken through Lucerne (as opposed to the one through Bern). If you use the ticket vending machine, push the button to specify the route and type "Luzern", otherwise IIRC the machine will default to the Bern route (because it's a bit faster so considered "superior"). You need to change the trains either way. Don't have any specific Airbnb recommendation in Interlaken, sorry... It doesn't matter which part of Interlaken you stay in, you can even stay in any of the surrounding areas, they are usually connected by trains or postal buses (doublecheck your Airbnb is not a long walking distance from the nearest public transport! They usually mention this in the description, it's important). Check Google maps, there are places around like Unterseen, Bönigen, Matten, Wilderswil, etc. For regular point-to-point tickets (whether full-price or HalfFare) you can use the connecting trains as you please within the validity of the ticket (in the good old days the ticket validity was 1 _month,_ these days it can be as short as 24 hours, read the ticket). So don't worry about missing a connection, just hop on the next train. Transfer times in Switzerland average about 8 minutes, so it can be pushing it if it's a large spaced-out station. OTOH the _specially discounted tickets_ you purchase exclusively through the SBB web site or the SBB phone app (highly recommended!) are valid _for specific trains (date and time) only._ On the web or app they are marked with a red rectangle with the percentage off the normal price. This discount is even cumulative with the HalfFare. This type of ticket cannot be upgraded, it's a "use it or lose it" kind of thing BUT if you can use it, the savings are substantial, it's no gimmick!
@@realferox1218 According to the SBB web site the regular point-to-point ticket Zürich-Interlaken via Luzern is 53 CHF (2nd class) or 91 CHF (1st class). With the HalfFare pass it's 26.50 CHF and 45.50 CHF, resp. Usually Super Saver tickets are also available (valid for a specific train, so don't miss the train or you'll lose your ticket): 44.40 CHF (2nd class) or 72.60 CHF (1st class), and with the HalfFare: 22.20 CHF (2nd) or 36.40 CHF. Sorry to pile so many numbers but the moral of the novel is that both HalfFare pass and the Super Saver deals are very likely worth a look. All those numbers are a bit higher for the default connection through Bern, e.g. the regular 2nd class point-to-point is 73 CHF. So you pay 20 CHF _more_ for _less panoramic view,_ only because the Bern connection is about 1 hour shorter.
Did you have enough time to walk to your transfer? And also since you bought your tickets in advance what was the best train time for you to get? My flight lands at 11:45 and there is a train for 1:08 so not sure if that’s enough time to catch the train from Zurich airport
@@JoannaLy96 we had 6 minutes to transfer, it’s really tight but doable. Get off the train go straight to the screen to see your next train platform number, then head on to that platform. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the Zurich Airport Train Station after getting off the plane, given that you are coming from a EU country & you don’t have any immigration. But if you have to go through the immigration process after getting off the plane, it can take up to 1 hour depending on the traffic. Good luck!
Going there this Christmas on this exact same route! I'm super excited for it
If one is not too tired (jetlag!) I'd recommend taking the Zürich-Interlaken train _through Lucerne_ instead (not through Bern). The reason is that the Lucerne-Interlaken leg is a _fantastic_ panoramic route on a narrow-gauge cog-wheel train that climbs up and down the dividing mountain range. "Despite" the great views this route is actually cheaper (because it's about 1 hour longer).
What railway line would that be? We are heading to Interlaken from Paris, might either opt to go to zurich b/c of the direct train versus changing 3 trains from Paris to Interlaken in one go. Or might end up doing Paris- change trains to Interlaken and rent air bnb. Any recommendations on Air B&B? Does it even matter if we stay at west or OST? We plan to take Eiger Express to Eigergletscher, not sure yet on Junfraugh-concerned about AMS. If we miss a connecting train, do we have to buy another ticket? Seems like some of the interval times are so short esp. for those with arthritis, might not be able to walk fast Thanks!
@@Mia-ht8oi Sorry for the late response, YT did not notify me about your post for some reason. It's simply the route from Zürich to Interlaken through Lucerne (as opposed to the one through Bern). If you use the ticket vending machine, push the button to specify the route and type "Luzern", otherwise IIRC the machine will default to the Bern route (because it's a bit faster so considered "superior"). You need to change the trains either way. Don't have any specific Airbnb recommendation in Interlaken, sorry... It doesn't matter which part of Interlaken you stay in, you can even stay in any of the surrounding areas, they are usually connected by trains or postal buses (doublecheck your Airbnb is not a long walking distance from the nearest public transport! They usually mention this in the description, it's important). Check Google maps, there are places around like Unterseen, Bönigen, Matten, Wilderswil, etc. For regular point-to-point tickets (whether full-price or HalfFare) you can use the connecting trains as you please within the validity of the ticket (in the good old days the ticket validity was 1 _month,_ these days it can be as short as 24 hours, read the ticket). So don't worry about missing a connection, just hop on the next train. Transfer times in Switzerland average about 8 minutes, so it can be pushing it if it's a large spaced-out station. OTOH the _specially discounted tickets_ you purchase exclusively through the SBB web site or the SBB phone app (highly recommended!) are valid _for specific trains (date and time) only._ On the web or app they are marked with a red rectangle with the percentage off the normal price. This discount is even cumulative with the HalfFare. This type of ticket cannot be upgraded, it's a "use it or lose it" kind of thing BUT if you can use it, the savings are substantial, it's no gimmick!
@@JanPBtestdo you know how much that ticket cost?
@@realferox1218 According to the SBB web site the regular point-to-point ticket Zürich-Interlaken via Luzern is 53 CHF (2nd class) or 91 CHF (1st class). With the HalfFare pass it's 26.50 CHF and 45.50 CHF, resp. Usually Super Saver tickets are also available (valid for a specific train, so don't miss the train or you'll lose your ticket): 44.40 CHF (2nd class) or 72.60 CHF (1st class), and with the HalfFare: 22.20 CHF (2nd) or 36.40 CHF. Sorry to pile so many numbers but the moral of the novel is that both HalfFare pass and the Super Saver deals are very likely worth a look. All those numbers are a bit higher for the default connection through Bern, e.g. the regular 2nd class point-to-point is 73 CHF. So you pay 20 CHF _more_ for _less panoramic view,_ only because the Bern connection is about 1 hour shorter.
Thank you for the post.
can we purchase the swiss travel pass at the counter?
There is a direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken / Interlaken West right?
Not that frequent. you can check the schedule at www.raileurope.com/en-us
Your video is very helpful as we will also be traveling like u... Thanks for making the video 🙏
@@eastnwestfr yes - I've checked the time table. Works for me :)
@jaspernotting so is there a direct train from zurich airport to interlaken east??
@@sreoshidas4162 yes - Interlaken East or Interlaken Ost is the final station. And that will be the train I will be taking
Pretty good instructive video
I always wanted to go to Switzerland
Nice video.
Very useful information
This is very helpful
Hi. Do we need to book this trains?
First it looks hectic that on Bern you have only 6 mins to transfer to another train!!
Isn’t this canton Argau
What hotel did you stay?
What hotel is that in Interlaken? 3:51
Hotel Bellevue Interlaken
Hi Guys, thank you for the video! was it easy to transfer from Bern to Interlaken since you only had 6mins? :)
As a first time, it was not easy but doable.
Did you have enough time to walk to your transfer? And also since you bought your tickets in advance what was the best train time for you to get? My flight lands at 11:45 and there is a train for 1:08 so not sure if that’s enough time to catch the train from Zurich airport
@@JoannaLy96 we had 6 minutes to transfer, it’s really tight but doable. Get off the train go straight to the screen to see your next train platform number, then head on to that platform.
It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the Zurich Airport Train Station after getting off the plane, given that you are coming from a EU country & you don’t have any immigration. But if you have to go through the immigration process after getting off the plane, it can take up to 1 hour depending on the traffic. Good luck!
Please tell me how’s the weather there in early September…?
We went there in April end. It rains a lot. But when it’s sunny, it’s really beautiful. Check the weather before you make your plans.
Hi Great video. Do we need any specific ticket or swiss pass is enough if we have purchased it already?
Swiss pass is enough for bus train n cruise...
What i i can’t make it due the 6 minutes train transit? I going tontake the same route but with a toddler 🥵
Trains run every 30 mins so you can take the next one.
♥️♥️♥️🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭
Bhai Switzerland tourist visa ke liye 3 month ka bank statement chal jata hai kya ?? Vfs wale accept kar lete hai kya??
No idea about visa.
How much did you paid for the ticket? And how did you get it, online or offline?
About $50 per person one way. You can get the tickets from rail Europe website: www.raileurope.com/en