We try to visit Switzerland every September & stay in the Berner Oberland , specifically Murren or Wengen. We try to add a different area each time in addition to BO. This September, we have booked 2 nights in Ascona. We have a third night to book in that area before taking train to Lauterbrunnen.
I’m looking for train options that will get us from Ticino to Lauterbrunnen faster, rather than slow .
It looks like a train from Lugano would be over 4 hrs. I read somewhere online about the Italian FART train line that is fast. I am wondering where to stay for my last night in Ticino that would access faster transport to Alps .
Any ideas will be much appreciated !
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32498 posts
Laurie,
I did a brief search and it appears one of the easiest trips from Ascona to Lauterbrunnen is a departure at 08:24, arriving at 13:26 (time 5H:02M, 4 transfers). I used an arbitrary date of 9 September for the search. The first leg is a 16 minute bus ride to Locarno. I checked using the Bahn.de website as the Swiss Rail website wasn't accessible at the time I checked. Of course you'll have to double check the details closer to your travel date. Arrival is still at a reasonably early time, so you'll be able to do a bit of exploring and get settled in your hotel before dinner.
The FART Railway that you're referring to is likely the Centovalli Railway. I've travelled on it a couple of times, and I wouldn't exactly characterize it as "fast". It travels between Locarno and Domodossola, and the station at both ends is underground next to the main stations in each town.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3278 posts
Looks like the fastest journeys from Lugano to Lauterbrunnen take 4:24 with two to four changes of train. Eurocity (EC) or intercity (IC) trains take you on the first leg from Lugano to either Lucerne or Zurich. Then trains go to Interlaaken before finally reaching Lauterbrunnen.
The routing through Lucerne to interlaaken is the one I would choose as it’s one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland.
Posted by
Wengen
3269 posts
www.sbb.ch will find the fastest route for you. There are no hidden faster routes.
The Centovalli line to Domodossola is scenic, but is anything but fast.