I am planning a trip next fall to Europe. I have the first leg in London and Paris. I would like to finish the next week with a couple days in Munich, and ride the Bernina Express. I read their was a night train from Paris to Munich, and thought I might start there, but wondered if anyone had a suggested itinerary from Paris, which city first, where to stay, and what city to fly back to the states from? I do see where I can take train from Munich to Zurich or Lucerne, but getting up at 5 AM to get to the Bernina express isn't exactly my way of starting the day. 6:30 or 7 I can handle.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Night trains from Paris to Germany are likely to be discontinued this winter, so don't plan to use any night train. I would want to allow time for at least one overnight in Switzerland before the Bernina Express. It could make sense to visit Switzerland before Germany, then fly home from Munich. Or, if you're heading south on the Bernina Express route, you can easily continue along Lake Como and fly from Milan (schedules for Tirano-Varenna-Milano at www.trenitalia.com).
Posted by
Green Bay
20070 posts
Yes, you can get from Paris to Zurich in 4 hours on the TGV-Lyria. Its runs several times a day. To take the Bernina Express, the IC train to Chur leaving Zurich at 7:37, which is not too bad. Connects to Bernina Express in Chur and will get you Tirano at 13:12. You could continue on to Varenna on Lake Como and stay for a few days and head to Munich by way of Milan. There is currently a CNL night train from Milan to Munich, but who knows for next fall. Day trains connect via Verona.