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Lake Como to Grindelwald using Bernina Express

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Hi All, In the last week of June, we are planning to stay in South of Lake Como and travel to Tirano and take the Bernina express to Chur and then from there travel to Grindelwald.
Would like to know what are the options to travel from LakeComo to Tirano so we can catch Bernina Express.

Here is what we were thinking and please chime in your input.
1. In the Morning, take a boat ride to Varenna. Drop the luggage in the station Varenna Esino.
2. Tour around Bellagio and Varenna till about evening 5PM.
3. Take the train from Varenna to Tirano, stay overnight in Tirano and take the morning Bernina Express.

First thing first, heard a lot about the Bernina Express, is it worth to experience the train ride?
1. How do we book train from Varenna to Tirano? When do they open dated for booking.
2. How long are the restaurants open in the night as we have little ones with us.
3. How soon we need to check in for Bernina Express the Morning train (8.04 AM).

Thanks,
Sri

Posted by
4881 posts

The Lake Como ferries can start running late by the end of the day, especially on weekends, so give yourself plenty of time to catch the Varenna to Tirano train. I believe that train is a regional train, so no seat reservations. Hopefully someone else is sure of this detail. Just buy the tickets from the app.
Does the Varenna train station have lockers? That will an uphill trek to store the luggage at the train station. Wonder if there is another alternative? Perhaps email the local Varenna TI?
The Bernina Express is a fantastic experience. However, I suggest using the regional trains that run on the exact same tracks as the panoramic trains. The regional trains offer more schedule options, are much less crowded, no seat reservations, and the little ones should be able to move around a bit.
You don't check in for Swiss trains.
What type of rail pass will you be using in Switzerland- half-fare card, STP, Saver Day, etc? Where else in Switzerland will you be going?
Enjoy these beautiful areas, some of my favorite places to be.
Safe travels!

Posted by
4881 posts

Perhaps see if there are Facebook groups for Varenna, Bellagio, and/or Lake Como you can join, These type of travel groups offer an amazing amount of real-time, on-the-ground info from folks already there.

Posted by
20254 posts

How soon we need to check in for Bernina Express the Morning train (8.04 AM).

If you already have tickets and seat reservations, you just board the train and find your seats and sit down.

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