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Bernina Express - Will it work for us from Bellagio?

We will be staying in Bellagio, Italy, April 25-30 and would like to take the Bernina Express for a day trip. I cannot make it work for us and am wondering if I am missing something. The only Express we can take to St. Moritz departs Tirano at 10:06 and arrives St. Moritz at 12:35. We would like to stay a couple of hours there and then return to Bellagio. The only train or bus I can find gets us in Varenna at 18:34 thereby missing the ferry to Bellagio. Are there any other options? We will have a car; should we drive to Varenna or is there a taxi or private shuttle boat? This is for the return. Going this is my plan:

Bellagio to Varenna - Ferry at 7:00 (not sure how long - 15 minutes?)
Varenna to Tirano - Train depart at 7:25, arrive at 8:52
Tirano to St. Moritz - Bernina Express depart 10:06, arrive 12:35

Is this doable? Thank you for any suggestions!

Posted by
5409 posts

There are private water taxis, I see them when we are there, I have no idea the cost, but your hotel will know.
You don't have to take the panoramic trains on the Bernina Express route, you can take the wonderful regional trains, which offer more scheduling options, and I actually like better. The regional trains run on the exact same tracks, require no seat reservations, are much less crowded, so you can switch seats with the scenery, and the windows open for much better pix. Plus, you can breathe the fresh mountain air when you ascend.
This is my favorite train ride ever! Enjoy!

Posted by
7259 posts

The only Express we can take to St. Moritz departs Tirano at 10:06 and arrives St. Moritz at 12:35

As said above there are plenty of other trains you can take! So, lots of flexibility.
And I would go no further than Pontresina, then turn back.

Posted by
10 posts

Not too many options on the return. The only train to take back that makes the ferry departs St. Moritz at 12:48 giving us 13 minutes in St. Moritz. Maybe a bus?

Posted by
27616 posts

I'm not sure I've ever read anything really positive about the town (village?) of St. Moritz. It's apparently not long on charm. As suggested previously, Pontresina seems to be a nicer target.