Jungfrau Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Cardβ¦ oh man, Switzerland has so many passes. And let’s just say it’s very confusing. I know; I got you here. I’ve been there, looking at all the options and trying to find the best pass for my trip to Switzerland.
I lived in the Jungfrau region (Grindelwald) and worked at the front desk for a year. Since I used most of the passes and researched, I also helped thousands of travelers choose the right pass to get to Jungfraujoch.
So, in this article, I’ll give you details about each pass and make it easy to understand which pass is the best for Jungfraujoch. So let’s get started.
β Travel Resources For Your Trip β
Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.
Book your hotel on BOOKING.COM Best bank account & cards for travel (low fees, free withdrawals) – WISE Get the best travel insurance deals with SAFETY WINGS Do the best activities with GET YOUR GUIDE Mobile Data – use this eSIM CARD to stay connected |
Best Pass For Jungfraujoch Excursion
The best pass for Jungfraujoch is Jungfrau Travel Pass. This is my ultimate answer. So if you don’t have time to read about the details, purchase Jungfrau Travel Pass if you want to see the main attraction, Jungfraujoch.
Note that no pass covers Jungfraujoch entirely. So you’ll always have to pay a little extra for the train ride between Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch. But with Jungfrau Travel Pass, the extra fee is the lowest.
If you don’t want to get a pass and just want a ticket to Jungfraujoch, purchase a this discounted online ticket. They offer it for almost half the price, so it’s the best deal.
π READ ALSO: Is Jungfraujoch Worth It? Ultimate Guide
Bye-Bye To Top of Europe Pass
In the summer of 2022, the tourism board offered the so-called Top of Europe Pass, which WAS ultimately the best pass for Jungfraujoch. So I’d normally recommend the Top of Europe Pass.
However, for summer 2024, the Top of Europe pass doesn’t exist anymore. So we’ll have to go for the second best option, the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
My Experience With Swiss Passes
I worked an entire year in the Jungfrau region (in Grindelwald) in a hotel at reception. And let me tell you – I got this question thousands of times – which pass is the best for what, which pass is best for Jungfraujoch, what shall I buy if I want to do this and that…
Since I love tourism staff and wanted to give YOU and our hotel customers the best possible answers at the reception, I did in-depth research about it.
In this article, we’ll look at 4 most important passes in Switzerland and 1 great ticket for Jungfraujoch. I’ll point out the differences and which pass is the best for what.
So let’s get started.
This article will give you details about the following passes:
- Jungfrau Travel Pass
- Swiss Travel Pass
- Bernese Oberland Pass
- Single Ticket For Jungfraujoch Online
- Swiss Half Fare Card
1. Jungfrau Travel Pass
Jungfrau Travel Pass is the best for Jungfraujoch excursion. It’s also the best pass to purchase to enjoy the Jungfrau region to the fullest.
For now, I’ll talk about all the activities and things that are included if you buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
What Does Jungfrau Travel Pass Include
Below, I list everything that Jungfrau Travel Pass covers. You don’t have to pay anything extra once you have it:
- All trains and cable car rides within the Jungfrau region (scroll down to see which trains & cable cars belong to the region)
- Boat rides on the Lake Brienz & Thun
- Trains between Interlaken & Brienz
- Buses within the Jungfrau region
- Schynnige Platte excursion
- Harder Kulm excursion
π READ ALSO: 23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region
Excursions Partially Included In Jungfrau Travel Pass
There are 2 excursions Jungfrau Travel Pass doesn’t fully cover. It means that you’ll get a discounted fare and will have to pay an extra fee just for these 2 excursions, even if you already have the Jungfrau Travel Pass:
- Jungfraujoch (extra fee of 63 CHF)
- Schilthorn -Piz Gloria (extra fee of 64.20 CHF)
How To Get To Jungfraujoch Using Jungfrau Travel Pass
Jungfraujoch is what you’re looking for. As I mentioned above, no pass for summer 2023 covers Jungfraujoch entirely. It used to be the Top of Europe Pass but doesn’t exist as of 2023.
So the cheapest option is to purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass if you want to go up to Jungfraujoch.
You’ll have to pay 63 CHF extra to get to Jungfraujoch (if you already have Jungfrau Travel Pass). The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers you for the journey from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher (whether you take a train or Eiger Express cable car).
The 63 CHF extra you’ll have to pay is for the last train section from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch (return).
How To Get To Schilthorn Using Jungfrau Travel Pass
Schilthorn is my favorite excursion in the Jungfrau region. Unfortunately, not many people visit the mountain, which is a shame. I highly recommend going if you have time and the budget. With Jungfrau Travel Pass, you’ll get a discounted fare of 64.20 CHF (return).
To use this discounted fare to go up to Schilthorn, you’ll have to take this journey:
Lauterbrunnen – GrΓΌtschalp – MΓΌrren – Birg – Schilthorn
From Lauterbrunnen, take the cable car up to GrΓΌtschalp. From there, take a connecting train to MΓΌrren. Once you’re in MΓΌrren, walk through the village to the other side, and take the cable car from MΓΌrren up to Birg. Then take a connecting cable car up to Schilthorn.
Jungfrau Travel Pass covers you for the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to GrΓΌtschalp. The train from GrΓΌtschalp to MΓΌrren is also included.
From MΓΌrren up to Birg and Schilthorn, you’ll have to get an extra ticket, which is discounted if you already have the Jungfrau Travel Pass. It’ll cost you 64.20 CHF (return)
What If You Have Swiss Travel Pass Yet
If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass and want to also purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass, you would get a discount. The regular price for the 3-day Jungfrau Travel Pass is 190 CHF. As a Swiss Travel Pass holder, you’ll only pay 145 CHF.
Note that you must validate the Swiss Travel Pass on the day you use it. It means that you would overpay and lose 1 day.
My Tips For Using Jungrau Travel Pass With Swiss Travel Pass
Let’s say you want to go up to Jungfraujoch. You already have a Swiss Travel Pass and will purchase Jungfrau Travel Pass. You buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass for a reduced fare of 145 CHF.
This means that on the day of travel, you’ll also have to use up 1 day from your Swiss Travel Pass (because you bought the Jungfrau Travel Pass using the Swiss Travel Pass). Then you still have to pay 63 CHF extra for Jungfraujoch. So you’ll lose 1 day on your Swiss Travel Pass. I wouldn’t do it this way.
Rather purchase the full fare of the Jungfrau Travel Pass. And save your Swiss Travel Pass for other train rides and places in Switzerland.
Where To Buy Jungfrau Travel Pass
You can purchase the pass online or on the spot once you’re in the Jungfrau region.
It doesn’t matter because it’s the same price whether you buy it online or on the spot. There is also an unlimited number of passes for summer. So you don’t have to worry about buying it late.
If you want to buy it online, you can do so by clicking on my link below. They’ll email you a pdf confirmation with QR code. You can save it to your phone or print it. And use it to travel within the Jungfrau region.
NOTE: The Jungfrau Travel Pass is only valid from 7th April 2024 until 5th November 2024. Basically just for the summer :).
2. Swiss Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass is suitable if you want to visit many different places in Switzerland. It’s the best pass to spend at least 3 to 4 days in Switzerland and visit different regions/places.
Paying for every single train journey in Switzerland would cost a fortune. That’s when the Swiss Travel Pass comes into play. It saved me so much money when I traveled in Switzerland, visiting almost everything the country offers.
Visiting Jungfraujoch Using Swiss Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass is unsuitable for Jungfraujoch because it only gives you a 25% discount. So the discounted ticket to Jungfraujoch (for Swiss Travel Pass holders) would still cost you around 145 CHF. Note that that’s almost the price for a 3-day Jungfrau Travel Pass. So using a Swiss Travel Pass to go up to Jungfraujoch is not worth it.
What Is Included In The Jungfrau Region With Swiss Travel Pass
With the Swiss Travel Pass, you won’t travel far within the Jungfrau region. Only the train rides from Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are included. For all other trains, buses, and cable cars in the region, you’ll only get a 25% discount.
The only thing you have entirely included in the Swiss Travel Pass are boat rides on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
For everything else in the Jungfrau region, you have to pay extra. So it’s only worth it to purchase Jungfrau Travel Pass if you want to visit at least 2 things in the Jungfrau region.
If you want to use a Swiss Travel Pass to go up to Schilthorn, it’ll cost you 42.80 CHF extra.
π READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland
3. Bernese Oberland Pass
Bernese Oberland Pass is another great pass you can use. It covers not only the Jungfrau region but the entire Bernese Oberland region.
I love this pass as it’s a great deal that can cover you to see the most beautiful places in Switzerland and you barely have to pay anything extra.
Bernese Oberland region spreads from Lucerne to Bern and the entire Jungfrau region, so it’s a big area that this pass covers. But let me explain to you in detail.
Where Can You Use Bernese Oberland Pass
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the following:
- Train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken
- Train ride from Bern to Interlaken
- Trains from Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen
- Cable car from Grindelwald to First
- Bus from Grosse Scheidegg to Grindelwald (return)
- Eiger Express cable car
- Train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg
- Train from Lauterbrunnen via Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg
- Excursion to Brienzer Rothorn (entirely included)
- Ochinnensee (considered the most beautiful Swiss lake)
π READ ALSO: 22 Amazing Day Trips From Interlaken
Reduced Fares With Bernese Oberland Pass
Bernese Oberland Pass also gives you discounts for so many other activities within the region. These are activities such as:
- Jungfraujoch
- Schilthorn
- Jetboat Interlaken
- Canoeing
- Visiting the Aare Gorge
- Helicopter Flight in Gstaad
And many more. Check out this website to see what else you can get a discount for.
Note that this pass is mainly suitable for those who want to spend at least 6 to 10 days within the Bernese Oberland region. This way, you’ll save a lot of money. If you’re staying in the Jungfrau region only 3 to 5 days, get the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
It also depends on the preferences and excursions you want to do. So first, plan your itinerary and the places you want to visit. Then see which pass covers the most activities you want to see during your itinerary.
Need Help With Planning Your Trip To Jungfrau Region?
If you need help planning your itinerary, I can gladly design one for you. I can plan your visit to Switzerland and the Jungfrau region. So please write me an email: info(at)voicesoftravel.com and tell me your thoughts or fill out the form below:
Travel Itinerary Planning Services
β Did you know? I design customized travel itineraries. |
---|
β‘ Whether you’re traveling somewhere for the first time and don’t know where to start and how to plan your trip… β‘ Or you don’t want to spend a thousand hours planning your perfect trip… π LET ME HELP YOU – I’ll design a travel itinerary based on your needs and interests (fill out the form below π). |
4. Single Ticket For Jungfraujoch Online
I found the best deal for the Jungfraujoch excursion via Get Your Guide. They offer a discounted ticket for a return journey to Jungfraujoch.
So if you decide not to get any passes and only want to purchase a single ticket for Jungfraujoch, get it on Get Your Guide.
You’ll receive the reservation confirmation via email. Then save it on your phone or print it, and travel.
This excursion covers the ride with Eiger Express, the most convenient and fastest way to get to the top.
5. Swiss Half Fare Card
Swiss Half-Fare Card can also be a great option. It all depends on the things you want to do in Switzerland. The Swiss Half-Fare Card can be a great option if you have a shorter itinerary (e.g., for 4 days) and only want to do a few things.
Generally, the more days you’ll travel in Switzerland and the more things you want to do, the less is the Half-Fare Card worth it. The fewer destinations you visit and the fewer days you want to spend in Switzerland, the more is the Swiss Half-Fare Card worth it.
In my opinion, the best combination of passes you can get for your Swiss trip is the Swiss Travel Pass + some regional pass (such as Jungfrau Travel Pass). This way, you’ll save the most money and see the most places.
Does Swiss Half-Fare Card Cover Jungfraujoch?
Partially. Swiss Half-Fare Card will give you 50% off the full fare to Jungfraujoch. So it’s not entirely included, but you’ll get a decent discount with the card.
FAQs
To help you plan your excursion to Jungfraujoch in the best possible way, I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions. So check them out below:
Is Jungfraujoch Covered By Swiss Travel Pass
No, Jungfraujoch is not covered by Swiss travel Pass. If you’re a Swiss Travel Pass holder, you’ll get a 25% discount for the Jungfraujoch excursion.
What Is The Difference Between Swiss Travel Pass & Jungfrau Travel Pass?
Swiss Travel Pass is aimed to travel through the whole of Switzerland unlimitedly on trains, buses, and boats. Jungfrau Travel Pass is designed for a specific region, the Jungfrau region. Therefore, you can only use it within the region for all trains, buses, funiculars, and cable cars.
Does Jungfrau Travel Pass Include Buses?
Yes, Jungfrau Travel Pass also includes buses within the entire Jungfrau region. That means you can take a bus, e.g., through the Lauterbrunnen Valley with 72 waterfalls, a bus from Grosse Scheidegg to Grindelwald, or a night bus from Grindelwald to Interlaken.
How Much Is The Train Ticket From Interlaken To Jungfraujoch?
A single ticket from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch costs about 220 CHF. It depends on your journey (via cable car or train) and the duration.
Wrap-Up: Which Pass Is Best For Jungfraujoch
So here you have it: the best pass for Jungfraujoch is the Jungfrau Travel Pass. I’ve also given you information about other great passes you can buy for your Swiss trip. Choose wisely the one that suits your needs and will benefit you most.
The Swiss Travel Pass is the ultimate solution for everyone who wants to travel in Switzerland longer, visit as many places, and do as many things as possible.
The Swiss Half-Fare Card is for those with a shorter itinerary who want to do only a few specific things.
If you don’t want to travel in the whole country and only want to explore one Swiss region, choose a regional pass, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass.
If you only want to visit Jungfraujoch and nothing else, opt for the online ticket on Get Your Guide.
More Tips For Switzerland Travel
Looking to visit more places in Switzerland? Check out my related articles:
Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train
5 Best Paroramic Trains In Switzerland
8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit
23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region
22 Amazing Day Trips From Interlaken
Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel In Switzerland
Jungfrau Travel Pass vs. Swiss Travel Pass
About the author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.
SWITZERLAND: Interested in more articles for Switzerland?
Check out my Switzerland Travel Page.