Please sign in to post.

How far apart is the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB train platform and the Trenord train?

Posted by on

We purchased an SBB ticket from Zurich to Lugano Stazione on the SBB train. The train arrives at Lugano Stazione at 2:58 pm.

We wanted to take a bus and a ferry from Lugano to Varenna, but we can't book in advance and we noticed a long wait time between our arrival and the next bus. We decided to book a follow on train from Lugano Stazione to Varenna.

The train Trenord train from Lugano Stazione to Varenna departs at 3:02 pm. Are the two train platforms close enough that we can make it off one train an onboard the next train in 4 minutes? How reliable is the SBB train? Does it always arrive on time? Should I avoid the risk of missing the follow on train and book a later train?

Looks like this means going from Platform 2 to Platform 1.

Posted by
8279 posts

Although I think you will make the connection I would not worry since Trenord are regional trains meaning they are mass transit local trains that do not require an advanced purchase to secure a spot on a specific timed train. You can just get on the next one if you miss the 3:02. There should be another at 16:02 or 4:02pm.

Posted by
5810 posts

If you were just going from one track to the other on the same platform, you might be able to do it. If you were an Olympic athlete and without luggage you might make a change of trains on different platforms. Otherwise, I doubt it. Looks like there's another train in an hour.

Posted by
28742 posts

The Swiss trains usually run like clockwork, but I believe you'll have to go down a flight of stairs, walk a few feet and go up a flight of stairs to get from Platform 2 to Platform 1. That will be a challenge if the Trenord train departs on time, but it might not. I'd expect them to hold the train as long as people are visible, walking from the top of the stairs to the train.

You definitely should be standing right at the door of your carriage when the train pulls into the station in Lugano. Be sure you know how to open the door if it needs to be done from the inside. I don't know how the Swiss trains work; there might be a button to push (usually to the right of the door) or a lever. You could test that ahead of time at an earlier stop.

Posted by
34526 posts

Are you sure that the TreNord train goes to Varenna? The train junction is a Y and trains going south don't turn left. I would expect you to change at Monza for a train going up the east side of Lake Como.

The station in Varenna is called Varenna-Esino. The name of the ferry dock is Varenna.

One other possibility is to take the train from Lugano to Como S Giovanni which is the city at the bottom of the lake. From there to the ferry docks is not too far, and then you could have either the slow or fast ferry up to Varenna.

What does the TreNord website say about stops and any changes you will have to make to get to Varenna.

Posted by
34526 posts

you don't want to be looking at Lugano Stazione - that is a bus stop and stop on the funicular. Just use Lugano.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.