The WanderWise Guide to the Swiss Alps on Points
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There is a moment on the Glacier Express — somewhere between Andermatt and Brig, as the train rounds a curve above the Rhône Valley — when you stop pretending to read your book, set down your glass of Fendant, and just stare.
The Alps aren't showing off, exactly. They don't need to. They simply exist at a scale that makes everything else feel slightly unserious. Snow-dusted peaks that catch the afternoon light. Valley floors so green they look digitally enhanced. Wooden chalets tucked into hillsides as if the mountain itself decided it needed curtains.
Switzerland has always been on the bucket list. The problem, historically, has been the price tag. This is a country where a modest lunch runs $35, a cable car ticket costs $80, and a lakefront hotel can empty your wallet before you've unpacked. Switzerland doesn't apologize for being expensive. It just looks at you serenely, gestures toward the Matterhorn, and says: I know.
But here's what most travelers over 55 don't realize: the two most expensive parts of any Switzerland trip — the transatlantic flight and the luxury hotels — are exactly the things credit card points handle best. Get those covered, and suddenly the country that seemed financially intimidating becomes remarkably doable.
Let's plan your trip to the Swiss Alps on points.
Getting There: Swiss Air via Star Alliance
SWISS International Air Lines (commonly called Swiss Air) is Switzerland's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member — which means you can book their flights using United MileagePlus, Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and other Star Alliance programs, all funded by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points.
Zurich (ZRH) is your gateway. Swiss operates nonstop flights from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Miami, Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston. Geneva (GVA) is an alternative entry point, particularly if you're starting your trip in the western Alps or heading to Zermatt first.
Business Class Options
Swiss business class is quietly excellent — lie-flat seats, Swiss chocolate (obviously), a wine list curated with the seriousness you'd expect from a country that's been perfecting precision for centuries, and a calm, refined service style that feels like a warm-up for the country itself.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast → Zurich | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 100,000–140,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Swiss metal nonstop; excellent availability |
| East Coast → Zurich | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 120,000–176,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Dynamic pricing; book early |
| East Coast → Zurich | Avianca LifeMiles (via Chase/Amex/Citi) | 87,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Fixed chart; stellar value |
| West Coast → Zurich | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 110,000–150,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | One stop via East Coast or Europe |
| Any US City → Geneva | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 120,000–176,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | Swiss or Lufthansa metal options |
The WanderWise move: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Avianca LifeMiles and book Swiss business class at their fixed award rate — approximately 87,000 miles round trip per person. Swiss's 777-300ER business class features a throne seat with a closing privacy door, noise-canceling headphones, and a multi-course meal that begins with a proper Swiss cheese plate. For a seat worth $5,000–$8,000, you're paying roughly one sign-up bonus.
Aeroplan is the flexible alternative: If LifeMiles availability is tight, Aeroplan typically has better business class inventory on Swiss metal. Transfer from Chase UR or Amex MR at 1:1. Slightly more points, but wider seat selection and dates.
Economy Class Options
At 8–9 hours from the East Coast, economy to Switzerland is perfectly manageable. Swiss economy is above average — decent seat pitch, complimentary meals and drinks (including Swiss wine and chocolate), and that signature quiet professionalism.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast → Zurich | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 60,000–80,000 | $800–$1,400 | Saver awards on Swiss or United |
| East Coast → Zurich | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 50,000–70,000 | $800–$1,400 | Often the best economy award pricing |
| Any US City → Zurich | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile; simple approach |
| East Coast → Geneva | ANA Mileage Club (via Amex MR) | 55,000–75,000 | $800–$1,400 | Star Alliance partner booking |
Taxes and fees: Award flights on Swiss carry moderate fuel surcharges when booked through some programs — expect $150–$350 round trip per person through Aeroplan. United MileagePlus typically passes through lower surcharges on Swiss metal. LifeMiles passes through whatever the airline charges, so compare.
The WanderWise move for economy: Transfer to Aeroplan and book Swiss nonstop from the East Coast at 25,000–35,000 points each way. If surcharges bother you, route through United MileagePlus instead — fewer surcharges, though sometimes slightly higher point costs.
Where to Stay: Hotels on Points in Switzerland
Switzerland's hotel scene is world-class — but so are its prices. A standard room at a decent hotel in Zurich or Lucerne runs $300–$500 per night. In Zermatt, during peak season, $400–$700 is typical. This is where points earn their keep.
Zurich: Park Hyatt Zurich
The star of the points show in Switzerland is the Park Hyatt Zurich — a sleek, modern luxury hotel in the heart of the city's Bahnhofstrasse shopping district.
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Zurich | 7 | 25,000–35,000 | $500–$900 | Central location, world-class spa, refined without being stuffy |
The WanderWise move: At 25,000–35,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards), you're getting a $700+ hotel for what amounts to a few months of everyday spending on your Chase Sapphire Preferred. Two nights here: 50,000–70,000 points. The Park Hyatt sits steps from Lake Zurich, the Old Town, and the Swiss National Museum. It's the perfect arrival base before heading into the Alps — unpack, recover from the flight, and ease into Switzerland with a proper espresso on the terrace.
Globalist perks: If you have World of Hyatt Globalist status (attainable through the Globalist card or status match), you'll receive room upgrades, free breakfast at the excellent parkhuus restaurant, and late checkout — turning an already strong redemption into an outstanding one.
Lucerne: Marriott & IHG Options
Lucerne is smaller and more intimate than Zurich, perched on the shores of Lake Lucerne with the iconic Chapel Bridge and a dramatic mountain backdrop.
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (Autograph Collection) | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $350–$600 | Grand lakefront hotel, stunning views, historic elegance |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne | Radisson Rewards | 35,000–50,000 | $250–$400 | Modern, central, solid value |
The WanderWise move: The Hotel Schweizerhof is Lucerne's grande dame — a 175-year-old lakefront hotel where Wagner composed and Tolstoy wrote. At 40,000–60,000 Bonvoy points per night, it's a splurge on points but delivers an experience that cash guests pay $400–$600 for. Request a lakefront room — waking up to that view of the water and Mt. Pilatus is worth the ask.
Interlaken & the Jungfrau Region
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serving as the gateway to the Jungfrau region — the dramatic trio of peaks (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) that define the Bernese Oberland.
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage (Marriott) | Marriott Bonvoy | 35,000–50,000 | $300–$500 | Right on the Aare River, classic Swiss hotel |
| Hotel Interlaken (Independent) | — | Cash only | $200–$350 | Family-run since 1491 — yes, really |
Points strategy for Interlaken: The Bonvoy options here are decent but limited. Consider a hybrid approach: use points for Zurich and Lucerne (where redemption values are highest), then pay cash in the Jungfrau region where independent hotels offer better character and value. Switzerland's independent mountain hotels are part of the experience — wood-paneled dining rooms, cheese fondue by the fire, balconies overlooking impossible valleys.
Zermatt
Zermatt — the car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn — has no major chain hotel presence on points. This is an all-cash destination, but Switzerland's hotel points savings elsewhere offset the cost handsomely.
Where to stay in Zermatt (cash):
- The Omnia: A design hotel built into the mountainside, accessed by a private elevator from the village. $350–$600/night. Worth it for the terrace alone.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zermatt: Classic five-star with Matterhorn views from the wellness area. $300–$500/night.
- Budget pick — Hotel Bahnhof: Family-run, steps from the train station, clean and comfortable. $120–$200/night. Exactly what you need for a base camp.
The WanderWise approach: Use your points for flights (saving $4,000–$12,000 for two) and Zurich/Lucerne hotels (saving another $1,500–$3,000). Pay cash for the mountain village experiences — Interlaken and Zermatt — where the independent hotels are part of the charm. Your total cash outlay for a 7-night Switzerland trip drops from $8,000–$14,000 to roughly $3,000–$5,000.
The Scenic Train Routes: Switzerland's Greatest Show
Switzerland's scenic train routes are not merely transportation — they're the attraction. These are among the most celebrated rail journeys on Earth, and they're perfectly designed for travelers who'd rather gaze out a panoramic window than endure another security line.
The Glacier Express (Zermatt → St. Moritz)
Duration: ~8 hours
Cost: ~$150–$250 (first class recommended) + $40 seat reservation
Route: Zermatt → Andermatt → Disentis → Chur → St. Moritz
The "slowest express train in the world" — and it's meant as a compliment. The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels across the Swiss Alps. Highlights include the Oberalp Pass (6,670 feet), the Rhine Gorge (the "Swiss Grand Canyon"), and the Landwasser Viaduct.
The WanderWise move: Book first class on the Glacier Express. The panoramic windows are larger, the seats wider, and a multi-course lunch is served at your seat — including wine. For travelers over 55, the extra comfort over 8 hours isn't a luxury; it's common sense. The $50–$80 premium over second class is one of the best upgrades in all of travel.
Practical tip: Travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz (east to west in the morning) for the best light on the most dramatic sections. Book seats on the right side of the train for the best views of the Oberalp and Rhine Gorge.
The Bernina Express (Chur/St. Moritz → Tirano, Italy)
Duration: ~4 hours
Cost: ~$65–$100 (first class) + $15 seat reservation
Route: Chur → St. Moritz → Alp Grüm → Poschiavo → Tirano (Italy)
The Bernina Express traverses a UNESCO World Heritage railway line, climbing to 7,391 feet at the Bernina Pass before descending through Italian-speaking valleys to the Italian border town of Tirano. You'll cross the iconic curved Brusio Viaduct and pass alongside glaciers, alpine lakes, and palm trees — yes, palm trees — all in four hours.
Pro tip: You can combine the Glacier Express and Bernina Express into a single epic 2-day rail journey: Zermatt → St. Moritz (Glacier Express, Day 1), overnight in St. Moritz, then St. Moritz → Tirano (Bernina Express, Day 2). Return from Tirano to Lugano by bus, then train back to Zurich. It's one of the great rail loops in the world.
The Swiss Travel Pass: Your All-Access Ticket
The Swiss Travel Pass is Switzerland's equivalent of the Japan Rail Pass — and for visitors, it's practically essential.
| Pass Duration | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| 3 consecutive days | $244 | $389 |
| 4 consecutive days | $296 | $472 |
| 8 consecutive days | $432 | $688 |
| 15 consecutive days | $472 | $752 |
What it covers:
- Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland
- Free admission to 500+ museums
- 50% discount on most mountain railways and cable cars (including Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and Pilatus)
- Free scenic train travel (you still need reservations on the Glacier and Bernina Express, but the train travel itself is included)
The WanderWise move: For our 7-day itinerary, the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass in first class (~$688) is the right call. First class trains in Switzerland offer wider seats, quieter carriages, and fewer passengers — a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade on long scenic routes. The math works out immediately: a single round-trip Zurich–Zermatt ticket costs $200+, and you'll take far more journeys than that. Plus, that 50% discount on mountain excursions saves $100–$200 over the week.
The 7-Day Swiss Alps Itinerary
This itinerary moves at a civilized pace — one that lets you linger over coffee, take the later train, and actually enjoy Switzerland rather than simply documenting it.
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich
- Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH). Clear customs and take the train to the city center (10 minutes — welcome to Swiss efficiency).
- Check in at the Park Hyatt Zurich (25,000–35,000 Hyatt points/night).
- Gentle orientation walk: Bahnhofstrasse → Lindenhof viewpoint → Old Town (Niederdorf).
- Dinner: Try Zeughauskeller, a 500-year-old beer hall with traditional Swiss cuisine (reasonable by Zurich standards).
- Recovery day. Don't overdo it. Jet lag is real and Switzerland will still be here tomorrow.
Day 2: Zurich → Lucerne
- Morning: Swiss National Museum or a stroll along the Limmat River.
- Late morning train to Lucerne (45 minutes, covered by Swiss Travel Pass).
- Check in at the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (40,000–60,000 Bonvoy points/night) or the Radisson Blu.
- Afternoon: Walk the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), explore the Old Town, and take in the Lion Monument.
- Optional: Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (free with Swiss Travel Pass). The afternoon light on the water is extraordinary.
- Dinner on the lakefront. Order fondue. You're in Switzerland.
Day 3: Lucerne — Mt. Pilatus Day Trip
- Full day: Take the "Golden Round Trip" to Mt. Pilatus — the world's steepest cogwheel railway. Boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (free with Swiss Travel Pass), cogwheel train to the summit (50% off with Swiss Travel Pass), panoramic gondola down to Kriens, bus back to Lucerne.
- Summit: Walk the panoramic galleries, lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, and take in 73 Alpine peaks on a clear day.
- Pace note: The cogwheel railway and gondola do the climbing for you. This is not a hike — it's a ride with views. Perfectly suitable for any mobility level.
- Evening: Rest. Tomorrow is a travel day.
Day 4: Lucerne → Interlaken → Jungfraujoch
- Morning train to Interlaken Ost (2 hours, through the heart of the Bernese Oberland).
- Check in at your Interlaken hotel.
- Afternoon: Train to Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe" at 11,332 feet. The highest railway station in Europe, with a viewing platform, ice palace, and restaurant. The ascent alone, through the Eiger's north face via tunnels with viewing windows, is unforgettable.
- Pace note: The journey to Jungfraujoch takes ~2 hours each way from Interlaken. It's a full afternoon but not physically demanding — you're riding trains and elevators. Dress warmly (it's below freezing at the top, even in summer). The Swiss Travel Pass gives you 50% off this $200+ excursion.
- Evening: Return to Interlaken. Dinner with views of the Jungfrau, glowing pink in the alpenglow.
Day 5: Interlaken → Zermatt
- Morning: Optional Schilthorn excursion (the James Bond "Piz Gloria" revolving restaurant — 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass) or a morning stroll around Interlaken.
- Midday train to Zermatt (approximately 2.5 hours, changing in Spiez and Visp). The final stretch into Zermatt is spectacular — the Matterhorn reveals itself gradually through the valley.
- Check in to your Zermatt hotel (cash — see recommendations above).
- Evening: Walk the car-free village streets. Electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages only. Find the Matterhorn viewpoint near the Kirchbrücke bridge.
Day 6: Zermatt — The Matterhorn
- Morning: Gornergrat Railway to the Gornergrat summit (10,135 feet). This open-air cogwheel train rises above Zermatt in 33 minutes, delivering what may be the most famous mountain panorama on Earth — the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and over 29 peaks above 13,000 feet, all reflected in the Riffelsee lake below.
- Lunch at the summit restaurant (the views are the real menu).
- Afternoon: Ride down partway, stop at Riffelalp or Rotenboden for gentle walks along well-maintained Alpine paths.
- Pace note: The Gornergrat train does all the climbing. The walks above Zermatt are well-graded, with benches placed at regular intervals. Even the short 20-minute walk from Rotenboden to the Riffelsee (with its iconic Matterhorn reflection) is on a smooth trail.
- Evening: Final dinner in Zermatt. Order rösti. You've earned it.
Day 7: Zermatt → Zurich → Depart
- Morning: Final Matterhorn views from your hotel window (or balcony, if you chose wisely).
- Train from Zermatt to Zurich Airport (approximately 3.5 hours, change in Visp). The Swiss Travel Pass covers every minute.
- Depart from Zurich (ZRH). Or, if your flight is late, stop in Bern for a few hours — Switzerland's underrated capital, with a medieval Old Town, the Einstein Museum, and excellent people-watching from the terrace of the Kornhauskeller.
What It Costs: The Points Math
Let's tally up a 7-day Switzerland trip for two people, comparing cash vs. points:
Flight Costs (Business Class for Two)
| Cash | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss business class, round trip × 2 | $10,000–$16,000 | 174,000 LifeMiles (+ ~$300 taxes) |
Hotel Costs (7 Nights for Two)
| Hotel | Nights | Cash | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Zurich | 2 | $1,000–$1,800 | 50,000–70,000 Hyatt |
| Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne | 2 | $700–$1,200 | 80,000–120,000 Bonvoy |
| Interlaken hotel | 1 | $250–$400 | Cash |
| Zermatt hotel | 2 | $500–$1,000 | Cash |
Ground Transportation
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass (8-day, 1st class × 2) | ~$1,376 |
| Glacier/Bernina Express reservations | ~$110 |
Total Comparison
| Category | Cash Price | With Points | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $10,000–$16,000 | ~$300 taxes + 174,000 LifeMiles | $9,700–$15,700 |
| Hotels (points nights) | $1,700–$3,000 | 50,000–70,000 Hyatt + 80,000–120,000 Bonvoy | $1,700–$3,000 |
| Hotels (cash nights) | $750–$1,400 | $750–$1,400 | $0 |
| Transportation | ~$1,486 | ~$1,486 | $0 |
| Food & activities | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 | $0 |
| Total | $15,436–$24,386 | $4,036–$5,686 + points | $11,400–$18,700 |
Two people. Seven days. The Swiss Alps — Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, the Matterhorn. Business class flights and luxury hotels. For roughly $5,000 out of pocket plus points you earned from everyday spending.
Switzerland isn't expensive. Paying cash for Switzerland is expensive.
Practical Tips for 55+ Travelers in Switzerland
Health & Comfort
- Altitude matters. Jungfraujoch (11,332 feet) and the Gornergrat (10,135 feet) are at serious elevation. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and don't push yourself. If you feel lightheaded or short of breath, descend. The train is right there.
- Walking surfaces vary. Swiss cities are well-maintained but hilly (Zurich's Old Town, Lucerne's cobblestones). Zermatt's village is flat and walkable. Mountain viewpoints accessed by train/cable car require minimal walking. Bring shoes with good grip and ankle support.
- Pharmacies (Apotheken) are everywhere and well-stocked. Bring any prescription medications in their original packaging with a doctor's note.
- Travel insurance: Essential for Switzerland. Medical care is excellent but extremely expensive for visitors. Ensure your policy covers mountain rescue and medical evacuation — standard policies often exclude high-altitude activities. See our Travel Insurance Guide for recommendations.
Money & Logistics
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are plentiful and reliable with US bank cards.
- Tipping: Not expected. A service charge is included in Swiss bills. Rounding up is polite but not required.
- Water: Tap water is excellent everywhere. Switzerland's public fountains (brunnen) dispense safe, often spring-fed water. Bring a refillable bottle.
- Language: Switzerland has four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh). In the areas this itinerary covers, German is primary — but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. You'll have zero communication issues.
- Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Even in summer, carry a light jacket and rain layer. The rule: dress in layers, check the webcams at your destination before heading up a mountain, and remember that a cloudy valley often means a sunny summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Swiss Alps?
June through September offers the best weather and full access to mountain railways, hiking trails, and Alpine excursions. July and August are peak season (highest prices, most crowds). June and September are our sweet spots — warm enough for everything, fewer tourists, and lower hotel rates. December through March is ski season; beautiful but a completely different trip.
Is Switzerland too expensive for retirees on a budget?
Not if you use points strategically. The most expensive elements — flights and luxury hotels — are covered by points. Once on the ground, costs are manageable: the Swiss Travel Pass eliminates transportation costs, restaurant meals average $25–$45, and many of Switzerland's greatest experiences (mountain views, village walks, lake scenery) are free. Budget $150–$200 per person per day for ground expenses — meaningful but not outrageous for what you're getting.
Do I need to speak German (or French) in Switzerland?
No. English is widely spoken throughout tourist areas, transportation systems, hotels, and restaurants. Signs and announcements on trains are multilingual. Learning "Grüezi" (hello) and "Merci vilmal" (thank you very much) will delight the locals, but you'll never feel lost for language.
Is the Glacier Express worth the 8-hour time commitment?
Yes — emphatically. It's not 8 hours of sitting still; it's 8 hours of continuously changing Alpine scenery, a multi-course lunch, and the kind of slow travel that transforms a journey into a destination. That said, if 8 hours feels long, the Bernina Express (4 hours) delivers a similar scenic punch in half the time.
Can I do this trip with limited mobility?
Switzerland's transportation infrastructure is exceptionally accessible. Trains, cable cars, and cogwheel railways handle the elevation changes — you're riding, not climbing. Stations have elevators and ramps. Zermatt is flat and car-free. The main limitation is high-altitude mountain walks, which are entirely optional. The viewpoints themselves are accessible from train and cable car stations.
The Bottom Line
Switzerland is the trip you've been promising yourself. The Alps deliver on every postcard, every screen saver, every half-remembered scene from a travel documentary. The trains are a revelation. The villages are immaculate. The fondue is mandatory.
And on points? Two people can experience all of it — business class flights, Park Hyatt Zurich, scenic train journeys, the Matterhorn at sunrise — for less than the cash price of the flights alone.
Start by taking our Travel Score Quiz to see which cards position you best for this trip. If you already have Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points, you may be closer than you think.
The Alps aren't going anywhere. But the best award availability books 11 months out.
Time to start planning.
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