Switzerland on a budget
Guide No. 1
Even though the Swiss Franc is high, it's still possible to enjoy Zürich and Switzerland without spending a fortune. Look no further than this ten-part series to discover the cheapest train deals, bathing and boat trips and picnic sites, walking tours, cycling and bike hire, gardens and parks, animals and nature, outdoor activities and family days out, beauty spots, historical buildings, shopping suggestions and arts and entertainment, and other activities and Swiss traditions that don't cost a penny.
Plus we will publish a walking tour or sightseeing tips from our members on one of our many beautiful Swiss towns ... every week or so.
Train tickets and public transport deals
There are plenty of great train offers and inclusive deals to be found online: check out the following:
www.sbb.ch, the Swiss rail network website, allows you to find your integrated travel itinerary and even book tickets online. Make sure you carry id with your online ticket though.
Swiss pass: For visitors to Switzerland, valid for 4, 8, 15 or 22 days.
http://www.swiss-pass.ch/en/swiss-pass?gclid=CJD5hKaT7aoCFZQm3wod50KzOg
Halbtax Abo: if you're staying here for a while, get a halbtax abonnement for one, two or three years, allowing half-price travel throughout Switzerland on public transport including trains, boats, buses and trams and some cablecars.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/railpasses/half-fare-travelcard.html
Zurich card: covers travel in 7 zones for 24 or 72 hours, including the airport, a short boat trip, free museum entrance, shopping discounts and all public transport in the wider Zurich city area. Ask at the station ticket office. Similar cards available in Basel, Lucerne and Geneva.
http://www.zuerich.com/en/Visitor/Information/zuerich-card.html
Mehrfahrkarte: for 6 similar journeys for the price of five at any time; stamp your ticket when you set off each time.
Tageskarte: allows travel in specified zones for 24 hours from time of issue.
9-Uhr Pass: For the whole of Kanton Zurich is a very good deal; travel after 9am on weekdays and at any time at the weekend. Ask at the station ticket counter.
Discover Zürich: This vintage tram journey takes you on a two hour tour of the city in comfort. It runs on alternate Saturdays throughout the year. Starting point is Usteristrasse in front of MacDonalds. For information about this and other tram journeys
see this link: http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/vbz/en/index.html
Zürich's mountain railways and trams: This directed excursion guides you on a trip from Central to Romerhof on Zürich's short funicular railways and trams around a recommended route. Discover the Polybahn, the Dolderbahn and the Rigiblickbahn at your leisure.
Details at this link:
http://www.ausflugstipps.zvv.ch/ausflugstipps_suche_de.cfm?act=detail&id=1610
RailAway Combi: tickets are available for seasonal journeys including discounted admission to specific museums or events all over Switzerland. Ask at the ticket counter. www.railaway.ch
Gemeinde Tageskarte: Many Swiss districts and towns offer cheap day tickets for travel all over Switzerland. Prices range from CHF35 - 50 and you can usually book online with your local Gemeinde. You need to select a date and number of tickets (limited). Good when guests are visiting.
This website might help but it's not fully comprehensive: www.tageskarte-gemeinde.ch
Be your own tour guide!
No need to pay for an expensive guided tour; you can take a tour of the main sights in any major Swiss city with the help of a good guide book and a street map.
The following towns are worth a visit: click on the links for extra information from our members.
In coming weeks, discover these cities:
- Zug
- Luzern
- Bern - you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour
- Basel Altstadt
- St. Gallen cathedral area
- Schaffhausen
- Chur
- Bellinzona
- Murten
Plus why not explore on your own these lovely towns and cities:
- Geneva - see www.geneva.info
- Fribourg - a medieval town on the French/German language border
- Appenzell - an old-fashioned town
- Lugano - gateway to three lakes
- Locarno - on Lago Maggiore
- And more ...
With contributions from Amy Eber, Colin Hawker, Ewelina Pace, Gill Rüttimann, Helga Meyer-Piening, Lindsey Carver, Otto Schreibke, Paola Cavallari, Sue Poolman, Trudi MacDonald ,Valerie Quiblier.
"Switzerland on a budget" - Guide No. 2 >