Hi! I'll be in Como for a few days and would like to do a fun day trip. Was looking to do the Bernina Express to Chur and do the toboggan run there, then a drive back to our out hotel in Como after. Is that nuts? Also, why can't i buy a ticket to Chur leaving Tirano in the morning? Seems like the alternative is taking the train to St Moritz for lunch and then driving back. Maybe you have better suggestions?
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3095 posts
Where in Como are you starting? And if you take the Bernina Express to Chur, how would you drive back? I mean, how would you have a car.
Posted by
OP
USA
7 posts
The hotel. So a ride to Turino and then a car service back.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3095 posts
“Ride to Turino and then car service back”. OK, so the train back from Chur to Tirano, then have your hotel arrange a driver? Where is your hotel? The train will take you from Tirano to Varenna.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
991 posts
That makes for a very long and complicated day. There is so much to see around Lake Como - I am not sure going all the way to Chur is worthwhile. You would have to take the train from Varenna to Tirano and then change at the border to a swiss train either a regional service train or the BEX (Bernina Express that requires reservations) - both run the same route. The ride up to Chur will take a long time (4 hours). No point in using a car in Switzerland as the train gets you everywhere you need to go. I think this "Day trip" is too long to be enjoyable.
Margaret
Posted by
OP
USA
7 posts
Thank you. Maybe we forgo that idea. :)
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
You don't have to use the posh Bernina Express trains. The regional trains run on the same tracks, and have more options time-wise, so no reason to drive back. There is no need for reservations, and they are much less crowded. Plus, the windows open for better pictures. The scenery is spectacular, and the ride is quite worthwhile! If you can work it into your schedule, I'd nightly recommend it.
Posted by
Paris
6883 posts
Is your hotel in the town of Como? If so, the Bernina railway is difficult to reach for the day. It is too far.
However, if you are staying on the eastern side of Lake Como - Varenna, for example - then it is a realistic, if long, day trip!
But I would go no further than Pontresina on the train. There is a great tobogganing run at Muottas Muragl there, but beware: it is steep and you need boots with ankle support, and snow-proof winter gloves! You also need to check if your insurance covers tobogganing injuries.
Posted by
OP
USA
7 posts
Thank you! We were going to get a taxi to the Tirano station from our hotel. I didn't realize there were toboggan rides in St Moritz, cool! Also looks like El Paradiso for lunch has closed. Hmmm...
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32712 posts
We were going to get a taxi to the Tirano station from our hotel
That is a seriously long taxi ride. If you start in the city of Como that's about 2 hours. And have to pay too for the taxi to return empty. wow.