I traveled by train on my last trip, and we had second-class Swiss Passes. I didn’t notice a big deal between first and second class – seats are somewhat more luxurious, and it’s a small cabin. Certainly didn’t look like enough benefit to me, compared with the difference in price!

I found the Swiss Pass to be great… I know they have a ‘flexipass’ option that’s a good deal if you don’t plan to travel EVERY day, or the regular Swiss Pass isn’t too bad. The nice thing about it is that it also applies to several mountain railways/cablecars. For instance, in the Lauterbrunnen area, it’ll cover you up to Wengen and Murren, and then from there the pass gives you 50% off the fare up to the mountaintop.

Apparently, as of this year, the Swiss Pass also gets you free admission to most museums in Switzerland.

2nd class will be fine on any Swiss train. I don’t think 1st class (costs 1 and 1/2 times first class) is worth the extra money. I would look at a Swiss pass or perhaps a Swiss card (505 off the price of any ticket — Almost every Swiss citizen uses one and they’re available for non-residents).

You can also buy a Swiss card that includes free passage into and out of Switzerland so Border to Zurich (or airport into town) when you come in and Zurich to border (or train to airport) when you leave. Look at www.railpass.com or "buy a railpass" at the top of the page for more information.