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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL RAIL INFORMATION:
Times/Schedule: Using our best judgment, times will be confirmed based on your itinerary and availability. If you have any specific time requests, please let us know as your transfers will be confirmed in the next few weeks.
Transfers: Tenon Tours does not arrange/include transportation to and from the train stations unless otherwise mentioned. It is fairly easy to utilize public transportation throughout Europe. You can use Uber, Taxis, Trams, and or Buses.
Arrival Time:
Please plan to arrive at the train station with enough time to comfortably collect your tickets and take your seats.
– If your train is traveling to a different country we recommend checking in 45-60 minutes prior to departure.
– If your train is traveling in the same country we recommend checking in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Ticket Types:
Using our best judgment your ticket type will be confirmed based on availability. If you have a preference or would like first-class tickets please let us know as your transfers will be confirmed 90 days prior to your departure.
IRISH RAIL TICKET TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS
| Low Fare | Your ticket is valid on the selected service only. No change or refund is possible. |
| Semi-Flexible Fare | Without changing your booking, you can travel on that day, on the service directly before or directly after the service you booked, subject to availability. |
| Flexible Fare | On the day of travel, without changing your booking, you can travel at any time, subject to availability. |
SCOTRAIL TICKET TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS
| Advanced | For a specific train and must travel on your specified service. Unless your train is canceled or delayed, and you choose not to travel, there are no refunds on Advance Tickets. |
| Off-Peak | Semi-flexible Tickets with some time and/ or date restrictions. You will have to travel at certain times of the day and/or days of the week, and sometimes on specific routes or operators. |
| Any Time | Flexible Tickets with no restrictions on time. Tickets are valid for one single journey on the date shown on the Ticket. |
SWITZERLAND RAIL
Identifying Swiss Trains
Generally speaking, trains in Switzerland fall under one of these categories.
This company operates a variety of train services, including InterCity (IC), InterRegio (IR), and regional trains, as well as international trains such as EuroCity (EC) and EuroNight (EN). The trains are equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, comfortable seating, onboard dining options and free Wi-Fi.
The network covers most of Switzerland and also provides international connections to neighboring countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Austria, making it easy to travel across Europe by train.
IC: InterCity trains in Switzerland are operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The SBB is the national railway company of Switzerland and operates the majority of the country's rail services.
RE: RegioExpress trains are regional trains operated by SBB. They provide regional connections between major cities and towns within a region or canton, and are designed to offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience for commuters and travelers. RE trains typically have modern amenities such as comfortable seating, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and make frequent stops at smaller towns and villages along their route.
PE: Panoramic or scenic trains are the most scenic of rail travel, offering a unique and unforgettable way to explore the beauty of Switzerland. These include Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass Line and Gotthard Panorama.
Mountain Railways: Switzerland is famous for its mountain railways, which provide a unique and breathtaking way to explore the Swiss Alps and other mountain landscapes. These railways typically operate on narrow-gauge tracks and use small, charming trains that offer a comfortable and scenic ride. These include Jungfrau, Gornergrat, Pilatus and Rigi.
EC: EuroCity trains are international trains that operate during the day, typically between major cities in different European countries. The specific operator of an EC train depends on the route and the countries it passes through.
EN: EuroNight trains are international overnight trains that run between different European countries, typically departing in the evening and arriving at their destination the following morning. The specific operator of an EN train depends on the route and the countries it passes through.
ICE: InterCity Express trains are high-speed trains that are part of the national railway system in Germany and provide fast and efficient connections between Switzerland and Germany.
TGV: Train à Grande Vitesse trains are high-speed trains operated by the French national railway company SNCF and provide fast and efficient connections between Switzerland and France.
Your Ticket
Train tickets are provided in PDF format. Depending on the request, it is usually a tailormade ticket or Swiss Travel Pass.
A tailormade ticket will be issued in parts (or sectors) covering the entire itinerary. For instance, if you are traveling aboard a grand train tour, you may have up to 7 sectors, each sector would be a separate ticket, making a 7-page PDF.
As long as the QR code can be scanned, you can either print the ticket or keep it on your phone, like a boarding pass.
A Swiss Travel Pass is one PDF. If a Swiss Travel Pass Flex is used, then each date needs to be validated and a separate PDF will be sent to you via email. This can also be printed or kept on your phone.
A Point to Point is one PDF and permits travel on the route specified. Like the other tickets, you can either print or store on your phone.
Websites and Apps for Rail Travel
The following websites and apps will help you identify travel times and timetable changes.
Please note: we can advise you of timetable changes only on pre-booked panoramic trains (where a seat reservation has been guaranteed). All panoramic trains publish a scheduled timetable far in advance, and changes rarely occur.
For any other changes, we advise you to use the SBB app, where updates are provided in real time during your journey. SBB staff are always reachable on the trains, platforms or station counters and will be happy to help.
All connecting services are noted on screens and over speakers with information on arrival and departure platforms. Typically, there is at least 10 minutes between connecting services. Most stations are a quick transfer.
Checking Luggage
You can arrange for luggage transfers if needed (including ski equipment!) with Express Door-to-Door service by SBB. This service includes same-day delivery as when you arrive. This is also offered hotel-to-hotel.
Please note: we cannot book this service as it must be done by the traveler. Click HERE to see all relevant information and how to book.
Class Types & On-Board Expectations
Excellence Class is available on select departures on the Glacier Express.
Prestige Class is a new exclusive travel class available on the GoldenPass Express. This class offers travelers everything you expect from an unforgettable train journey: plenty of privacy, maximum comfort in a small compartment and exceptional culinary choices. The Prestige Class is available in addition to a first or second class ticket (with a seat supplement cost of CHF 35 pp). Learn more about Prestige Class HERE.
Generally speaking, First Class trains are available throughout Switzerland on the various services and on the whole remain consistent. The only services that may only operate in second class are smaller mountain railways and regional operators.
There is no in-car dining at your reserved seat other than Glacier Express and TGV Lyria (not in Standard). There are restaurant carriages on EC (EuroCity), IC (InterCity) and ICE (InterCity Express). Train staff may come and inquire if you'd like something from the onboard menu, but there is no guarantee.