Train options: Zurich to Lake Como (via Chiasso?)

Posted by bswartz95 on 02/27/18 06:43 PM

From what I'm seeing, it can be semi-risky to book a EuroCity train from Zurich to Como S. Giovanni because if your plane is delayed, the train tickets are wasted. The advanced fare is 29 euros, while same day is 72 euros.

How about this option:
Book a ticket on the SBB site from Zurich to Chiasso ($36) It appears these are valid for the day. Then buy a ticket from Chiasso to Como S. Giovanni (which is very inexpensive - about 2 euros). Does this option seem to be the safest and have the most flexibility?

Another reason I like the Zurich to Chiasso option is because they offer a 13:09 train. The train to Como S. Giovanni is either 11:09 or 15:09.

Any experienced travelers to this region care to offer opinions?
Thanks!

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

02/27/18 07:47 PM

8889 posts

There is at least one train per hour from anywhere to anywhere in Switzerland, This includes Zurich airport station (Zürich Flughafen) to Chiasso, which takes about 3 hours and costs CHF 77 full price, CHF 38.50 if you have a Half Price Travelcard.
I don't know where you got $36 from, SBB quotes prices in CHF, not $!

You can look up times and prices on the Swiss Railways website: https://www.sbb.ch/en
If you are starting at the airport, that is Zürich Flughafen, not "Zürich HB".

CHF 77 is the price you will pay if you buy at Zürich airport on the day. There is no need to buy this ticket in advance. Any advance tickets you buy on the SBB or other websites at lower prices will only be valid on specific trains. As you say, buying fixed time tickets is risky if you are flying in.
The best flexible option is to buy on the day, as you suggest, but it will cost more than $36!

Posted by bswartz95 OP

02/27/18 07:49 PM

16 posts

Forget about the SBB option. They display a half-price fare. When you go to book it, it doubles. Ugh..

Next question:
If I book a trip from Zurich to Milan on Trenitalia, can I simply get off at Chiasso and then buy a same day ticket to Como station?
This may be the key to getting the best price. The SBB site is expensive compared to Trenitalia.

THanks!

Posted by bswartz95 OP

02/27/18 07:53 PM

16 posts

Thanks for your reply, Chris. Swiss currency is almost 1:1 with the USD. I just realized they show 1/2 price fares for Swiss passengers.

I'll probably purchase on Trenitalia for Zurich to Milan (they offer a 13:09 train), and just get off at Chiasso. Then buy a ticket in Chiasso to Como.

I land at 8:30am. The 11:09 is too soon and the next train directly to Como 15:09.

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

02/27/18 09:59 PM

8889 posts

One point: If you are flying in, you will be starting at Zürich Flughafen (the station at the airport), NOT Zürich HB The time you quote (13:09) is a departure from Zürich HB. you first need to get a connecting train:

Zürich Flughafen depart 12:47, Zürich HB arrive 12:59

So either your ticket needs to be from Zürich Flughafen, or you need to buy a ticket at Zürich Flughafen to Zürich HB.
In practice, when you get to Zürich Flughafen, just get the first train to Zürich HB, gives you more time to find the Milan train.

Posted by bswartz95 OP

02/27/18 10:05 PM

16 posts

Yes. We will buy the airport ticket for travel to the main station once we land. We just want to pre-book the EuroCity train. Much cheaper in advance. I wish the 13:09 from HB had a Como stop, but it does not. We will book this train to Milan (€29.00), but get off at Chiasso. Then for €1.40 take a train from Chiasso to Como. They appear to leave every 30 minutes and only take 5 minutes to get to Como. I don't think I can do it any cheaper than €30.40 total!

Thanks for all of your tips!