Swiss InterRail Question

[Jordy]

Does anyone know if the Swiss InterRail pass is valid between Locarno and Brig via Domodossola? The Locarno-Domodossola section is operated by "Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticines (FART)" - the ticket is valid on this private operator but since the route I'm talking about involves travel through Italy I'm not sure if the Swiss only pass is valid. I've tried asking InterRail themselves, they responded that the pass is not valid in Italy but did not respond directly to my query about this specific route - and this map seems to disagree with them and suggest that route is "Free".

Any help would be appreciated!

Cheers

 

[theblackwatch]

I did that journey several years ago - I don't think I bought an additional ticket, but unfortunately cannot be 100% sure.

 

[davetheguard]

I've travelled over the "Centrovalli" route using a Swiss Pass (not an Inter Rail) and that is certainly valid on the line, including the section in Italy.

With a Swiss Pass you're given a map showing which routes it is valid on; perhaps you'll get something similar with an Inter Rail?

The line certainly seems to be considered part of the Swiss network for some rover-style tickets, so hopefully you'll be able to use it, it's certainly a key link between the Simplon and the Gotthard main lines.

 

[Jordy]

You don't get a map with the pass, the one on the InterRail site is this - which doesn't really help! The other one is this which suggests it is valid.

 

[davetheguard]

I've now clicked on your link to the Inter Rail map and it clearly shows it as valid - so there's your proof; problem solved.

Take it with you when you go and you've got your evidence in the unlikely event of any problem!

 

[CC 72100]

I've now clicked on your link to the Inter Rail map and it clearly shows it as valid - so there's your proof; problem solved.

Take it with you when you go and you've got your evidence in the unlikely event of any problem!

FART should therefore accept this with no need to kick up a stink about it!

Sorry, couldn't resist, I'll go now.

 

[reb0118]

Off the top of my head, I'll check later & repost if incorrect, the line in question is owned by BLS ~ Bern Lotschberg Simplon Bahn. If so, Swiss passes are valid.

I had a similar query when asking if my BLS pass was valid to Domodossola via Isele even though BLS does not operate a passenger service there. The booking clerkess at Interlaken went off on one, not at me I hasten to add, and stated that if anyone wanted to refuse my pass I was to return & report the matter to her personally. As she looked like a Swiss version of Rosa Klebb I'm sure even Berlusconi would have taken a telling.

 

[Genocide]

Valid on a Swiss Pass without question - it's seen as a Swiss internal journey because although you end up in Domodossola it's the most viable route between Lugano and Brig.

Davetheguard - if you're an ex BW guard it's quite possible I was with you!

 

[blackfive460]

Been there, done that and had no problems using Interrail.
If you have a choice, avoid the 'Treno panoramico', the other EMUs have opening windows!

 

[Gordon]

Off the top of my head, I'll check later & repost if incorrect, the line in question is owned by BLS ~ Bern Lotschberg Simplon Bahn. If so, Swiss passes are valid.
I had a similar query when asking if my BLS pass was valid to Domodossola via Isele even though BLS does not operate a passenger service there. The booking clerkess at Interlaken went off on one, not at me I hasten to add, and stated that if anyone wanted to refuse my pass I was to return & report the matter to her personally. As she looked like a Swiss version of Rosa Klebb I'm sure even Berlusconi would have taken a telling.

A few points:
Locarno Domodossola is a joint operation between FART (Swiss) and SSIF (Italian) company, the border is at Camedo.

Regardless of this as has already been said, the whole of the Centovalli metre gauge line is considered a Swiss internal route.

The Domodossola – Brig line is not owned by BLS. It is SBB and FS trackage

 

[Jordy]

Excellent, cheers!

 

[Squaddie]

Been there, done that and had no problems using Interrail.
If you have a choice, avoid the 'Treno panoramico', the other EMUs have opening windows!

And sit on the left-hand side of the train (if travelling from Locarno to Domodossola) for the best views. Towards the end of the journey the more interesting views are on the right so, if the train's not busy, you should move to that side.

 

[Mr_FIP]

Off the top of my head, I'll check later & repost if incorrect, the line in question is owned by BLS ~ Bern Lotschberg Simplon Bahn. If so, Swiss passes are valid.

I had a similar query when asking if my BLS pass was valid to Domodossola via Isele even though BLS does not operate a passenger service there. The booking clerkess at Interlaken went off on one, not at me I hasten to add, and stated that if anyone wanted to refuse my pass I was to return & report the matter to her personally. As she looked like a Swiss version of Rosa Klebb I'm sure even Berlusconi would have taken a telling.

A few points:
Locarno Domodossola is a joint operation between FART (Swiss) and SSIF (Italian) company, the border is at Camedo.

Regardless of this as has already been said, the whole of the Centovalli metre gauge line is considered a Swiss internal route.

The Domodossola – Brig line is not owned by BLS. It is SBB and FS trackage

I am assuming that reb0118 when taking about a BLS pass was refering to a FIP BLS coupon.

And so here is 1 of those anomalies with FIP coupons when used in Switzerland. In that as you say the Brig - Domodossola line is SBB and FS with the FIP ticketing point between SBB and FS at Iselle di Trasquera.

However a BLS FIP coupon is also valid throughout between Domodossola and Brig.

Just like for example, a BLS FIP coupon is valid between Bern and Langental despite there only being SBB trains on that line of route.

 

[Gerald Fiennes]

Has anyone out there got a listing of all these 'anomalies'? Since SBB and BLS did a service swap a few years back, it's got very confusing. The station staff at Spiez the other day had their own internal list of all the routes that BLS passes are valid over, but this doesn't seem to be published. And there are similar problems in St. Gallen where SBB and SOB swopped services when creating the S-Bahn network. What generally seems to happen is that it depends on the route, not the train, ie. the route is owned by one company or another and that is the FIP pass that you need to travel on any train on that route: the exception being Thun-Bern where both SBB and BLS passes are valid (and only SBB passes valid on the base tunnel route).

 

[Mr_FIP]

Has anyone out there got a listing of all these 'anomalies'? Since SBB and BLS did a service swap a few years back, it's got very confusing. The station staff at Spiez the other day had their own internal list of all the routes that BLS passes are valid over, but this doesn't seem to be published. And there are similar problems in St. Gallen where SBB and SOB swopped services when creating the S-Bahn network. What generally seems to happen is that it depends on the route, not the train, ie. the route is owned by one company or another and that is the FIP pass that you need to travel on any train on that route: the exception being Thun-Bern where both SBB and BLS passes are valid (and only SBB passes valid on the base tunnel route).

for BLS on SBB lines suggest you look on the back of an old BLS FIP coupon.

SBB should also be valid on Bern - Luzern route via Wolhousen.

Also on the line from Bern to Biel.

And you should be able to use BLS or SBB on the Thun - Brig section regardless of via Visp or via Goppenstein.

Why not ask ATOC your question, they administor the facilities!

 

[Gerald Fiennes]

Thanks Jordy, perhaps I'll do that. If I find out anything from them, I'll let you know.

 

[Pete81E]

I also am planning to do Domodossola to Locarno in September on an Inter-rail.

Does anyone know if the interchange from the Brig-Domodossola train to the Centovalli line at Domodossola is straightforward? I have about 15 mins for the change which I know is usually masses of time for a Swiss train change (certainly more than the 4 minutes I'll have the following day at Goschenen to get the Andermatt train!), but just wanted to check it's not a half mile walk or something stupid - it looks OK on the maps...

(And yes I know that Inter-rail is NOT valid on the MGB so I have already bought my Goschenen-Disentis/Muster ticket online.)

Only three weeks to go - can't wait!

Pete

 

[radamfi]

I got an InterRail One Country Pass for Switzerland last year. I was debating whether that line was valid, although in the end I didn't have time for it.

Out of interest, are people on here talking about the InterRail One Country Pass or the full Europe pass? I got the One Country Pass simply because it was far cheaper than the Swiss Pass.

 

[Pete81E]

I have got a 4-day Swiss One country pass for £136.

Plan is:
Day 1 Geneva-Brig-Domodossola-Locarno-Bellinzona-Biasca

Day 2 Biasca-Goschenen-Andermatt-Disentis/Muster-Reichenau-Samedan-Pontresina-Poschiavo-Pontresina- Scuol-Tarasp - Klosters - Davos

Day 3 Davos-Landquart-Zurich-Biel/Bienne-Bern-Thun-Spiez-Reichenbach-in-Kandertal

Day 4 Reichenbach-in-Kandertal to Geneva (either via Visp and back along Rhone valley, or via Bern/Fribourg, or via MOB Zweisimmen/Montreux which I have done once before). Want to stop in Palezieux and Lausanne whatever way I decide.

Bit of a whistle-stop tour taking in most of the lines I have not done before.

 

[Gordon]

.

The SSIF terminus in Domodossola is a Swiss-style short subway which brings the metre gauge into the main station area. so yes, it is a quick change.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I have got a 4-day Swiss One country pass for £136.

Plan is:
Day 1 Geneva-Brig-Domodossola-Locarno-Bellinzona-Biasca

Day 2 Biasca-Goschenen-Andermatt-Disentis/Muster-Reichenau-Samedan-Pontresina-Poschiavo-Pontresina- Scuol-Tarasp - Klosters - Davos

Day 3 Davos-Landquart-Zurich-Biel/Bienne-Bern-Thun-Spiez-Reichenbach-in-Kandertal

Day 4 Reichenbach-in-Kandertal to Geneva (either via Visp and back along Rhone valley, or via Bern/Fribourg, or via MOB Zweisimmen/Montreux which I have done once before). Want to stop in Palezieux and Lausanne whatever way I decide.

Bit of a whistle-stop tour taking in most of the lines I have not done before.

Look like a good whistle stop itinerary. Sounds like you may be including the BLS su ramp festival? At least yesterday I was unable to book the hotel Bahnhof at Reichenbach because it is full!

 

[Pete81E]

Thanks for that, Gordon. No, unfortunately I couldn't get the weekend of Sep 7/8 off work which was a real pity so I will be there the weekend after. And yes I am staying at the Hotel Bahnhof in Reichenbach. Never been there but looks perfectly placed!

Pete

Actually, it was nearer four weeks away than three, wasn't it!

 

[Gordon]

Thanks for that, Gordon. No, unfortunately I couldn't get the weekend of Sep 7/8 off work which was a real pity so I will be there the weekend after. And yes I am staying at the Hotel Bahnhof in Reichenbach. Never been there but looks perfectly placed!
Pete
Actually, it was nearer four weeks away than three, wasn't it!

I'm not sure if the fact that the hotel is full the week fo the BLS Sud ramp festival (as its on the north ramp!) but I tried it because I thought that the Hotel Bahnhof Ausserberg (which I've stayed in before) might be a bit fraught being right next to the celebrations.

I've had to default to the Hotel Rustica just north of Frutigen. It is south of the base tunnel entrance used by most long distance stuff but does have a good view of the old line, which is fine by me as I'm to some extent more interested in the stuff that still goes over the top and the owners have sent me a very friendly response to my request for a room with a view: "We have booked the room as they wish. You will see well to the railway"


"

 

[Pete81E]

LOL! Very nice... Enjoy the Hotel Disco!

 

[Gordon]

LOL! Very nice... Enjoy the Hotel Disco!

sorry, I don't understand your comment - decode?

 

[Jordy]

I'm pleased to report that I used my InterRail on the Centrovalli with no problems, there was also a ticket check on the Domodossola - Brig section, again with no problems.

 

[Pete81E]

Thats good news, Jordy!

Gordon I was looking at trip advisor comments for your hotel and it seems some people weren't very happy with the hotel nightclub going on until the early hours.

 

[Gordon]

Thats good news, Jordy!

Gordon I was looking at trip advisor comments for your hotel and it seems some people weren't very happy with the hotel nightclub going on until the early hours.

Hotel confirms no nightclub (and sounded a bit miffed at the proposal that there was!

I think that some tripadvisor comments are for the wrong Hotel Rustica.

Certainly at least one refers erroneously to a Hotel Rustica in Klosters, much more likely to have a disco I suspect!