Hi - we are heading from Bellagio to Zurich at the end of May. We want to take the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur. I read that this route can be done, but when on the RHB site to book a reservation, the "from" drop down menu only shows Chur and the "To" menu only shows Tirano, not Chur. We want to end in Chur. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong?
Posted by
San Diego, California
6491 posts
Which route are you taking? You can ferry to Varenna, and take an Italian train to Tirano, Italy.
At that point, you cross the plaza and take the SBB Swiss train to Chur.
Perhaps the panoramic trains are sold out, but the regional trains don't require seat reservations and run more often. We took the regional trains and found them to be very pleasant and not crowded at all.
I don't know about the alternate bus / train route , but someone here will.
Enjoy the beautiful ride, one of the most spectacular in the world. Safe travels!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1025 posts
I followed The Man in Seat 61's advice:
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bernina-express.htm
Posted by
Green Bay
22281 posts
I am on my phone now and have no problem bringing up Tirano on the "from" drop down menu.
Posted by
Wengen
3165 posts
You need two things:
- A ticket Tirano - Zurich. Book that with SBB. Probably a Saver Day Pass will be the cheapest.
- A reservation Tirano - Chur. But only if you want to sit in the Panorama cars. For the normal cars at the front no reservation is needed. Get this on www.rhb.ch. Make sure to select "reservation only" from the discount list.
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia, PA
2 posts
Thank you for your advice! I am able to get Tirano on my phone but not my laptop (odd). Unfortunately, there are no seats available on our date (5/28). Our date is not flexible so I think we will get tickets for the regular red Bernina train. It seems to have good reviews and we will save the reservation fee. It's nice that it runs on the same rails as the Express.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6491 posts
CW, we were very happy on the regional trains for the Bernina Express route. Because it is much less crowded, you can jump across the aisles as the scenery changes, Also, the windows open, so no glass glare for your pix, and you can breathe in all that fresh mountain air. The regional trains also have more schedule options.
Some folks have complained about the heat from the panoramic trains' glass.
If I did it again, I would use the regional trains. Enjoy this fantastic experience! Safe travels!