Hi thought it would be easy to get from Verona to Tirano to catch the Bernina Express but looks like not that simple. Think we need to head west first to Milan then up to Tirano to catch the Glacier. Will make for a full day of train travel. Wondering if anyone has experience with this route and insights on best strategy? Next day will jump on the Glacier Express headed west. Could bypass the Bernina and go directly to Switzerland to catch the Glacier if time gets tight so looking for tips for that alternative as well. Many thanks to any responses forthcoming
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Verona-Milan-Lugano-(bus)-Tirano is your best option.
https://www.rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express
Posted by
Milan, Italy
78 posts
There are no straight roads (or railroads) linking Verona and Tirano. Mountains (pretty high ones) lay in beetween. No matter the route you chose, it takes several hours.
The easiest way is via Milan, but you might consider this alternative:
Verona to Brescia by train (Trenitalia). 35 minutes (Frecciabianca train)
Brescia to Edolo by train (Trenord). 2hours (fastest trains)
Edolo to Tirano by bus. 1h 5 minutes.
Please also consider connection time at both Brescia and Edolo.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
If you travel via Milan, it's up to you whether you go to Lugano and connect with the bus to Tirano, or whether you take the direct regional train (also scenic) that runs straight from Milan to Tirano along the east coast of Lake Como (through Varenna). See those schedules at www.trenitalia.com or www.sbb.ch, since our favorite DB schedules don't reflect that line.