I'm going to be in Varenna 7/19-25 and would like to do a day trip via train to St. Moritz. I had heard that the travel agency in Varenna has such a tour but I've had trouble getting them to reply to my e-mails. Is this trip fairly straightforward to arrange on my own ... and doable in a day? I really just want the "mountain" views as opposed to spending time in SM. Thanks for any input.
Deb in Arkansas
Posted by
Asheville, NC, USA
32 posts
Hi, yes this day excursion trip is doable. I'd plan on going to the travel agency when you get to Varenna. I found them to be very helpful. Just be sure to start your conversation in whatever Italian you can muster. they really do like it when people make an effort!
Also, buy any train tickets you need at the agency; unless things have changed since I was there 2 years ago, the train station does not have a ticket office!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
One of the most scenic rides into Switzerland is the Bernina Express from Lugano to Chur. It does stop at St. Moritz on the way. You can read quite a bit about this train in Rick's book on Switzerland.
To get to this train, you would have to ferry over to Menaggio on the west side of Lake Como.
If this run is appealing to you, I would double check that construction hasn't closed some part of the run. I'm looking at the www.sbb.ch website and I see lots of bus runs where there should be trains so something is up.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
In his Italy 2008 book Rick has a section on "Varenna to St. Moritz in Switzerland by Train (p. 218)." He does say that it's best to get tickets from the I Viaggi del Tivano travel agency and goes on to say, "first, take the train to Tirano, and then transfer to St. Moritz (3/day, allow 4-5 hrs. with transfer.)" It might be a bit of a distance for a day trip though I haven't tried it.