pre-purchase ticket

Ness

Is there any discount to pre-purchase a train ticket from Zurich airport to Geneva? I don’t wish to book a particular departure time in case my flight is late arriving. Is it possible to buy an open ticket?

RolandP

Hi Ness

There are three types of tickets: Supersaver tickets, Saver Day Pass, and point-to-point tickets.

Supersaver tickets are discounted pre-purchase tickets only valid for a certain connection. As you said, these are not recommeneded if you come from a flight with uncertain arrival. They are available for purchase 60 days out until the night before the desired departure date. They can sell out.
Saver Day Passes are discounted pre-purchase tickets valid for a selected day from 00:00 until 05:00 AM the following day; you can use any train with these tickets. They are recommended if the point-to-point ticket is more expensive than the Saver Day Pass. Saver Day Pass – book earlier, travel cheaper | SBB. They are available for purchase 60 days out until the night before the desired departure date. They can sell out.
The point-to-point tickets are available at any time at standard tariff and are valid on any train for the selected day and route (these are what you call “open ticket”). In your case, this might be the best option.

Let us know should you have further questions.

Best regards,
Roland

jlvelasco

Hi RolandP

I found that price of electronic ticket may vary depending on departure time, even though within same day/route. What if I purchase a ticket for a specific time/route and ultimately I take a train whose route is more expensive?

Thanks

RolandP

Hi jlvelasco

Your assumption is not entirely correct; please kindly note that prices indicated by default are “from prices” where the lowest fare is usually the Supersaver ticket. If you select a train connection you will see that there are different ticket types. Fares for Supersaver tickets change according availability & demand and this is why you think the prices for the tickets are flexible. Supersaver tickets are only valid for a particular connection/train. I do not suggest buying a Supersaver ticket when arriving by air. In case your flight is late the ticket is no longer valid.

Prices for point-to-point tickets at standard fare, however, never change. They are set once per year (in December) and remain the same throughout the year. Look at such point-to-point ticket. It is valid for any connection for the chosen day and until 5 AM the next day.

Best regards,
Roland

jlvelasco

Hi RolandP

You are very right, and it’s exactly like you said.

Many thanks!