In Switzerland,
Demi-tarif (Half pass): 1 year pass that reduces all Swiss train tickets to half price
Most students, whether semester only or full year, choose to invest in a half pass. Trains are the ideal mode of transportation in Switzerland and tickets can add up quickly so the pass does pay for itself at around 170 CHF. Once purchased at the train station here in Lausanne, you will receive a card that you must have with you while you travel to show with your reduced fair ticket. If you do not have it with you, you will need to purchase a full fair ticket. The half pass also offers a discounted rate on other forms of public transportation in Switzerland and can be applied to the Swiss portion of an international train.
sbb.ch (more information on the half pass)
Voie 7 (Track 7): 1 year pass that allows free travel between the hours of 7 pm and 5 am
*You must have a half pass in order to add on the voie 7, it cannot be purchased on its own
Some students decide to add a voie 7 to their half pass which allows them to travel for free between the hours of 7 pm and 5 am. This can be ideal for early morning trips to the airport or returning at the end of the day. Be aware that the entire duration of the train ride must fall withing these hours.
sbb.ch (more information on the voie 7)
To search for train times and fares in Switzerland... SBB: Online Timetable
In Europe,
Eurail: customizable pass that allows you to travel between selected countries on a certain number of days
There are many types of Eurail passes that give you access to up to 24 European countries for up to 3 months. You have the option of selecting how many countries (they must border each other) and how many days in a set window of time you would like to use your pass. Your Eurail becomes valid the day you first use it and expires after a few months depending on your specific pass. To use your Eurail, fill in the date of travel BEFORE boarding the train and you will be able to travel on any route within you designated countries for 24 hours. Note that 5 days does not mean 5 trains. It means 5 24-hour windows of travel. In addition to the pass, you will need to purchase a reservation for the specific train that you wish to ride. Each train has a set number of Eurail spaces so book early as prices rise and the spots will fill. There is a fine for riding without a reservation even with your pass. You will also need to show your passport with your Eurail on the train. Eurail passes are only available to be purchased online or at the Geneva train station.
eurail.com (more information on eurail passes)
Global Pass: all 24 countries
Select Pass: 3, 4 or 5 bordering countries
Regional Pass: 2 bordering countries
To search for train times and fairs in Europe... Rail Europe
Advice on trains...
- Invest in a half pass. Tickets add up! The trains to and from the airport are 25 CHF each.
- Buy reservations and buy them early! The fine is a full price ticket and can be very costly.
- When traveling to the airport, be aware of your time of arrival and give yourself plenty of time. You may need to leave earlier than you thought.
