We are going to Italy in May, flying into Milan, spending a day and a half there before heading to Varenna for a couple days, then taking the train to Florence for 3 days and then the train to Venice for 4 days. On day two in Varenna, we'd like to take the Bernina Express from Tirano to San Moritz and back as a day trip, but I can't find information about its departure time to plan this trip. I don't know when the Varenna to Tirano train will arrive in Tirano and how much time we'll have to make the connection to the Express. Is this trip even doable in one day? My husband especially wants to ride the train through the Alps.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Melinda, it can be done but it will be a long day. The summer schedule for the Bernina Express begins on 10 May 2014. More trains are added for the summer schedule. Here's the link to the schedule. http://rhb.ch/Bernina-Express.2188.0.html?&L=4 If you can get to Tirano early, you will want the 976 Train departing at 10:03. It looks like you will have a multi-hour layover at St. Moritz before catching Train 975 departing at 15:22. Time for a really nice lunch and a walk around.
Now, to get you from Varenna-Esino to/from Tirano. For getting there, I would suggest the 7:24 train at this link. No train changes and you are there in plenty of time. http://gyazo.com/f9ff1d68bc6f882d58b36ec9d9dc8e79 Just be quick about getting on the train. It only stops for about 90 seconds.
For the return, it looks like you will have to wait a couple of hours to pick up the 19:10 departure. Here's the link. http://gyazo.com/c5c4676c0cc7b62551356751fbfeb7db
Posted by
OP
California
30 posts
Thanks, Larry. We will just HAVE to relax and goof off at Lake Come instead! :D
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Melinda, the Bernina Express route is more of a viable proposition of you are travelling onward from St. Moritz. Otherwise, it makes up for a long day mostly spent on the route to/from Tirano.