Is there a weekly bus pass I can buy between Interlaken and Beatenberg?
I'll be visiting Beatenberg, near Interlaken, Switzerland, and I expect to take the PostAuto bus down to Interlaken a few times.
As a family of four, I really don't want to fumble with Swiss francs every time I take the bus. And it would be great if we could save some money too.
Is there some kind of pass we can buy that will let us ride the bus?
Or is there some Swiss card (analogous to the B-W card tourists receive at hotels in Baden-Württemberg) that allows free or reduced-price public transit use?
Best Answer
In Switzerland there is no need to "fumble with cash" when taking a bus. In fact, buying a ticket from a bus driver is actively discouraged, and in many cases not even possible. Many bus drivers don't like it when you board in the front.
The easiest way to pay for public transport is to get yourself the SBB app. This app has a function called "easy ride" where you just "check in" when you start your journey, and "check out" when you finish. The system then automatically calculates your trip. This works for all modes of transport.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/mobile-apps/sbb-mobile/easyride.html
At the moment easyride only works for one single passenger. However with the SBB app you can buy transport tickets for other passengers travelling with you. In the case of the Interlaken area one thing you can do is buy a "return" ticket which basically will function as a day pass.
If you are going to travel a lot it may be worth wile to get a Half Fare Card, which gives you 50% off on all travel. This also gives you 50% off on mountain railways, which makes for example the eyewateringly expensive trip up to the Jungfraujoch just merely a dear excursion. This card is interesting for families as it comes with a free family card, which gives free travel to kids till their 16th birthday.
For local travel some towns and regions give tourists free travel on local transport. How useful this is varies a lot. For example the guestcard Habkern/Beatenberg just gives you access to local transportation in the Interlaken area. The Canton of Ticino is a lot more generous here. Tourists staying in Ticino get free public transport in the whole canton!
If for some reason you still need to get a local transit pass you will need to consult the conditions of the local public transport tariff association. There are several of these, and to find out more here is a good place to start: https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/buying-options/fare-networks.html
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Is it cheaper to buy Swiss Travel Pass in advance?
The price is variable, cheaper the further ahead you buy it, if you leave it until the day before it could cost CHF 106. No refunds, no changes once you buy it. Buy online at www.sbb.ch or at Swiss stations. You can buy a maximum of 60 days before the day you want it for, right up to the day before travel.Does Swiss Travel Pass cover Glacier Express?
Each section of the Glacier Express is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass with no supplement required, however a reservation is mandatory.Is the Swiss half pass worth it?
The Swiss Half Fare Card is the right choice if:you have planned just a few or relatively short trips. You'll save money as the regular fare is more expensive. For frequent and longer trips you'd better consider the Swiss Travel Pass. you don't mind buying tickets for each trip.Can I use Swiss Travel Pass to Jungfrau?
You can avail discount on Jungfraujoch tickets if you are holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass or a Eurail Pass. What activities can I avail of with the Jungfraujoch excursion ticket? You enjoy the amazing journey to the top and attractions like the Alpine Sensation, Observation deck and the Ice Palace.ULTIMATE SWISS TRAIN PASS GUIDE: How to Pick A Swiss Rail Pass | Travel Switzerland on a Budget
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