Swiss Travel Pass - 15 consecutive day pass or 15 day flex pass?

AussieTravellers

Hello 🙂

We (party of 5) arrive in Zurich in the early evening on 19/12/2024 and leave from Basel at 7am on 03/01/2025 (16 days).

Our stops in between include Engelberg, Interlaken, and Lausanne.

I was originally thinking of purchasing the 15 day flex pass, as there will most likely be a day or 2 during our Engelberg stay where we won’t use our pass so the flex option will cover our entire stay.

However, I think we might be able to do the 15 consecutive day pass, as my research indicates we will most likely need to take a taxi to Basel airport on the day we leave in any case (so no use for pass on that day).

We are staying close to the Zurich Wiedikon train station upon arrival. And we are staying at one of the airport hotels for our departure.

I’m so worried about making the wrong choice and costing myself more money. Any advice on which pass would be recommended is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance 🙂

RedBaron

AussieTravellers
G’day mate

As there’s no 14,12 or 10-day flavor of both Swiss Travel Passes (next “smaller” one is 8 days for only 40.- less), and with 15 days the price difference between consecutive and flex is (just) 20.-, I think the choice is obvious:
In your situation, simply take the cheaper consecutive option. Even if there was a suitable early morning bus between your Basel hotel and the airport, the bus ticket (TNW 3 zones) would cost 8.40, which is less than those 20.- difference.

You might however also consider a Swiss Half Fare Card and getting individual tickets at half fare prices (which is the “from” price displayed if looking up the timetable as guest without login). This could end up much cheaper than the 15day STP in case you’re staying in the greater vicinity of the places you mentioned without criss-crossing the entire country every day.
Also note that if considering the Jungfraujoch trip, the STP only grants 25% discount with Jungfrau Railways while the half fare card grants 50%, which makes an additional approx. 50.- difference.

AussieTravellers

RedBaron thank you so much for your suggestions. And G’day back to you!!

I will go back over the fare prices now that our itinerary is set. I did this a while ago and it worked out slightly cheaper to do the STP however, you make a good point about taking into account the Jungfrau discount.

We’re really looking forward to visiting your beautiful country! And especially having a wintery Christmas versus the hot humid Christmas Days we’re used to!!

Thank you again 🙂