Swiss Train Travel 2006 - - What's New on Train Travel in Switzerland

Every year Switzerland announces new perks for train riders and rail pass holders. Swiss rail is a pretty civilized way to see a very scenic country--I was impressed by the specially marked "silent" cars on early morning trains in Switzerland. No talking, no cell phones, no boomboxes wailing away; the silence is enforced rigorously. Kudos to the Swiss for that.

This year's rash of improvements include free admission to museums with your rail pass, as well as the ability to reserve space on Swiss Postal Busses, the unique way to get to remote areas where trains don't (or can't!) go.

Parents, remember that children under 16 travel free on the entire Swiss train network if at least one parent has a valid Swiss Travel System ticket/pass, and the entire Swiss network has been smoke free since 2005.

• Free admission to over 400 museums
  - A great new bonus of the Swiss Pass, Swiss Youth Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass (check Swiss rail pass prices and get further info) is free admission to museums throughout the country, such as the Swiss Open-Air Museum in Ballenberg, the new Paul Klee Center in Bern , Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva and many more. The Swiss Pass starts at $158 US (Saverpass price) for 4 days of unlimited train travel.
  
  
• 50% discount on most mountain-top rides by cogwheel train or cable car
  – Get high for free with another bonus of the Swiss Pass, Swiss Youth Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass – previously the discount was only 25 percent.
  
  
• Same-Day “Fast Baggage” Shipment
  – Travel light by purchasing "Fast Baggage" vouchers ($15 per piece) before you leave home and hand over your luggage at the departure station so you can concentrate on enjoying the train ride. Your bags arrive at the destination station the same day. Especially useful when stopping to see sights along the way, or schlepping skis, snowboards or a stroller.
  
  
• Glacier Express Premium
  – From May 2006 a new class of service – Premium Class – will be offered between St. Moritz-Zermatt on this legendary scenic train route: quieter panorama cars, commentary in 6 languages, food served at your seat, air conditioning and wheel chair access. On the Glacier Express you'll pass through 91 tunnels, go over 291 bridges and travel along the 6668-ft. Oberalp Pass--check out prices on the Glacier Express.
  
  
• Postal Bus Reservations
  – Why chance it? Reserve your seat on a Swiss Postal Bus before you leave home.

Get more information and prices from Rail Europe.

Switzerland Travel Resources

Switzerland Travel Directory
Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials
Switzerland Rail Passes

Near Switzerland

Austrian Scenic Rail Journeys

Choosing a Rail Pass

Choosing the right rail pass for your vacation

Riding the Rails in Europe

Never took a train before? Watch our video, Riding the Rails in Europe.

Information in this report compiled from a press release by Rail Europe and Swiss Federal Railways.