Luggage Transport for Hikers

7BNye

Is it possible to use the SBB luggage transport services while hiking in CH. We are hiking the Via Alpina and are hoping to use the service to have our bags transported to a couple of locations during our hike. I attempted to book the service on the SBB website but was unable to complete the transaction because the system wouldn’t allow me to enter a billing address in the US. Only Switzerland or Liechtenstein were on the drop down menu.

RolandP

Hello 7BNye

Welcome to the SBB Community. We are a customer support forum run by volunteers.

Unfortunately, this is not possible. The luggage service is destined for people effectively using public transportation for the entire route they intend to send the luggage, and wanting to travel light weight. It is not a luggage transport service to transport your luggage from one hiking point to the next; for this, you would have to hire a private transportation company or use a guided tour while the tour operator is taking care of your luggage while you hike.

Kind regards,
Roland

7BNye

Thank you for responding.
From what I can ascertain, if I purchase tickets for each of the segments (i.e. Altdorf to Meiringen, Meiringen to Wengen, etc) I should be able to utilize the luggage transport service. Is that correct?

RolandP

Hello 7BNye

Yes, that is correct. Or having the Swiss Travel Pass. But is that worth the cost?

Kind regards,
Roland

7BNye

Perhaps. I will have to search for tickets and compare?

RolandP

Hello 7BNye

Yes, you do. Make sure you compare with full fare tickets if you do not hold the Swiss Half Fare Card.

Furthermore, what you should observe while travelling in our country: Swiss people love their niceties. Politeness is key. When you approach a local to ask for help/assistance, without greeting or saying ‘please’, you are assumed a rude person and people might not be willing to help you to that extent you are expecting it.

Kind regards,
Roland

7BNye

Thank you for your help.
I haven’t been able to locate a private transportation company to do the transports as of yet.
Perhaps someone has a suggestion?
Do you know if there is a limit on the number of bags that can be transported per purchased ticket? (i.e. 2 bags/person)
Also…any idea as to why I wouldn’t be able to enter my US billing address when purchasing the baggage transport?

7BNye

Hi Roland,
Sorry about the brusqueness of that previous reply. I mistakenly hit post before I was ready to send it.
I do appreciate your help and answers. They have cleared up a lot of questions. I have been planning to utilize the SBB baggage transport system for our trip since I began planning this trip months ago. Unfortunately I failed to read the fine print that indicated a ticket was required until a couple days ago when I attempted to book the service. So, I’m scrambling a bit to figure out the logistics.
Sincerely,
Kevin

RolandP

Hello Kevin 7BNye

All fine with me.

I have done the Via Alpina myself, it is a stunning hike, and it offers great insights on the Swiss countryside and the Swiss Alps. Don’t forget to charge your phones, you will often use them to take pictures 🙂 However, I have not used a baggage transport service.

I did some research on my end as well. Switzerland Mobility offers individual hiking with baggage transportation. It might be worth contacting them for an offer. There are other companies offering the same.

https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-1

Kind regards,
Roland

7BNye

Hi Roland,
Thank you SO MUCH. Super helpful!!
We are really excited about the hike.
I’m been looking at purchasing a ticket for the 4 segments I was planning on having the bags shuttled. If I utilize the supersaver fares (when available) it doesn’t add significantly to the cost of the transport and I don’t see any restrictions that wouldn’t allow me to utilize the baggage service for the 2 bags we want to move.
I will definitely look into the other option you recommended.
Sincerely
Kevin

7BNye

Hello.
Continuing this thread…
Now that I’ve purchased tickets for each of the segments I’m moving my luggage between I’m attempting to book the luggage transport on SBB.ch. When I attempt to make the payment to complete the transaction, I am unable to enter my billing address because only Switzerland or Liechtenstein are available in the “Country” drop down menu.
Can anyone explain what I need to do differently to complete the transaction?
Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
Kevin

RolandP

Hello 7BNye

The billing address is for administrative / tax reasons only. You could also enter the address of your first hotel. No invoice will be sent there physically. It is also not necessary to book the service in advance. You could well show up at the station and simply request the baggage service.

Did you notice that the baggage is ready for pick-up at the destination two days later only, counted from the day of check-in at the station? Will this fit into your hiking schedule?

Kind regards,
Roland

7BNye

RolandP
Hi Roland,
Thank you again for your prompt reply.
I will give that (using the hotel address) a try.
And, if needed, I’ll arrange it once we arrive but I was hoping to have this arranged prior to our arrival simply to avoid having to spend the time dealing with it once we are in Switzerland. I’d rather spend the time relaxing.
The 2 day transport time works well for us. I was planning 4 - 5 days between segments.
Sincerely,
Kevin