Is my SwissPass really valid for any train in the 24 hour period?!

Anonymous141

I bought a SaverPass (not a SwissPass, sorry that was my mistake!) which says “The Saver Day Pass is valid for travel on GA Travelcard area routes in the relevant class”.. I only wanted to go from ZRH to St Moritz via Chur and the Bernina route.

I have another pass for the return date.

Can I really take any train I want in all of Switzerland (apart from speical trains like the Bernina Express) ?

In that case, I could go to other places on my way back to Zurich, such as Arosa.

It seems too good to be true!

RolandP

Hello Anonymous141

The Saver Day Pass allows you to travel at will (hop on / hop off) on all trains on a chosen date, and this from midnight until the next day at 5 AM.

It has limited validity on mountain trains and cable cars.

If a point-to-point ticket from Zurich to St. Moritz is more expensive than a Saver Day Pass, yes, you are welcome to purchase a Saver Day Pass.

However, originating from that canton, I have an issue with your statement, the Bernina route between Chur and St. Moritz. This is not the Bernina line, yet the Albula line. The Bernina line starts at St. Moritz and goes to Tirano. It is only that the Bernina Express links to Chur twice a day, to avoid changes for those who want to travel to Tirano directly.

Kind regards,
Roland

Anonymous141

RolandP Thank you! I think yes, I mean the Albula line. The one that goes St. Moritz.. Preda..Bergun… Filsure.. Tiefencastel.. Thusis… Chur.

So I could also go that way and on to Zurich, and then go to Rigi Kuln via Arth Goldau, and back to Zurich again?

It’s a long day on trains but I’m thinking about it! I have bought a first class Saver Day Pass so I will be very comfortable!

Do you mind if I ask you this: on the Albula line from St Moritz-Chur, is it better to sit on the right side or the left side, do you know? I travelled on this route many times as a child 50 years ago with my Swiss mother so it’s a trip full of nostalgia for me.

Thank you for your advice. It’s very kind of you.

RolandP

Hello Anonymous141

It is with great pleasure. You are a grateful person, thank you for appreciating our voluntary work and expert advice.

So I could also go that way and on to Zurich, and then go to Rigi Kuln via Arth Goldau, and back to Zurich again?

In theory, you can. All depends on your schedule, and the travel date. Keep in mind that the long days will soon be gone.

Mt. Rigi is one of the few mountain railways that is fully covered by the Saver Day Pass. However, I must say, the boat ride from Lucerne, then up to Rigi Kulm from Vitznau using the cog wheel train is an unbeatable experience. Far more spectacular than from Arth-Goldau. But, since you are limited in time, going up from Arth-Goldau is still a viable option. And the view from the mountain top is the same, no matter from which side you have reached it 🙂

Regarding Albula: I suggest sitting on the left-hand side in the travel direction (Chur). And, on the right-hand side, when travelling to St. Moritz. There is actually no need to take the Bernina Express, you can just take any of the trains serving that route.

Is your mother from Engadin?

Please let us know if you have got more questions, we gladly answer them.

Kind regards,
Roland

Anonymous141

RolandP Hello again, Roland. You really are so very helpful, it’s incredible!

My only last question to you is about the train surcharge and seat reservation. On Sunday 29th September, I plan take the 07:02 train from St Moritz to Zurich via Chur. It’s confusing to me that there are two trains shown leaving at that time. One is called the Glacier Express, PE 901 and I think I have to pay a surcharge and I have to reserve the seat. The other one is the “IR 38” with “family play area and viewing windows”, which does not mention a surcharge etc. I assume these are both the same train, so I’m not sure what to expect! I will ask at the station when I first arrive on Friday 27th. I just hope that there will not be a problem finding a seat.

Anyway, here is my entire ambitious plan, but I would not blame you if you decide not to read it!

On Friday, September 27th, I will take the train around 1:15 pm from ZRH to St Moritz. I hope to arrive at 5pm but if my flight is late I’ll arrive at 6pm. Maybe I’ll have time to walk around the lake.

On Saturday I’ll walk or run to Maloja, starting at first light. I will take a bus back to St Moritiz and walk up to Piz Nair. I might keep walking or maybe take the cable car or funicular back down. It all depends on the weather but I will be prepared for cold and rain.

And on Sunday morning I’ll take the 07:02 train to Zurich via Chur, as I mentioned. I could take an even earlier train but it will be too dark to enjoy the views!

If it is a beautiful day, I might go to Rigi Kuln. I understand the route via Vitznau is more spectacular but I simply don’t have time. I hope to be back in Zurich by 5pm for the last two hours of daylight. Or, I might just relax and enjoy Zurich, one of my most favorite cities in the world!

The reason for this trip is that my mother died last year, and now my father has passed away. I want to relive some of those happy days we spend there together so long ago!

Well, Roland, I must thank you once again for your kindness and all the time you have spend helping me. I think I understand why do it, because I like to do the same thing for people on some other travel forums.

I wish you a very pleasant evening!

Krist

You do not need to pay a surcharge for the IR train.

What is happening is that the morning Glacier Express is brought to Chur from st. Moritz on the back of the 7:02 IR. That is why they have the same departure time. So it is one train, with two sections. In Chur they then disconnect the Glacier Express section, which then continues to Zermatt. If you sit in the normal section you do not have to pay a surcharge.

Anonymous141

Krist thank you! Maybe I will try out the Glacier Express if it is a nice day!

Do you have an idea of the price of a surcharge, and if I can do it using my Saver Day Pass?

Krist

You can do the Glacier Express with the Saver Day Pass, if you pay the reservation charge. The Glacier Express however is popular with tour groups, and last minute seats are rarely available. But you may enquire in the station.
Anyway, sitting in the other part of the train gives you the same scenery. And there is a small panoramic lounge in the car just in front of the engine (which will oddly be in them middle of the train…)

Anonymous141

Krist thank you again! I’ll just sit in the regular car.

If you don’t mind, I have one last question on all of this: Do you think many people reserve seats in 1 class in Switzerland? I’d rather not do that.

Krist

It is not common for people to reserve seats in Switzerland. Few people bother. Swiss Railways tend to run relatively long trains, with enough place for everyone.