Is it possible to ride the Gotthard Panorama Express from Fluelen to Lugano without paying for the reservation? I understand there are non-panorama cars on the train. Can one simply board and sit in one of those cars without a reservation or does one have to take a different train altogether? The GPE train seems to leave at 14:10 on the day I want to travel. There is a regular train at 14:16 out of Lugano (to Bellinzona) which I could take but that seems to involve a change or two before you reach Lugano whereas the Gottahard panorama train has no changes. Rick says not to bother paying the fee.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
Are you riding from Fluelen to Lugano? Where does the Lugano to Bellinzona come in?
To answer the question, if you look on SBB, the 14:10 departure from Fluelen to Lugano, the named Gotthard Panorama Express, has the symbol R in a square, which means "reservations compulsory." This is the only direct train ( no changes) on this route.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
162 posts
Yes, I do want to go from Flüelen to Lugano. I mentioned Bellinzona because I think I would have to change trains there. Apparently there is another change that would have to be made before that one.
Perhaps it's worth it to avoid the high reservation fee. The tricky thing is making sure you're still getting the scenic route.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Possible to enjoy the same route but if you want the "panorama" cars, reservations are compulsory for those cars.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
To find alternate train departures along the route of the GPE, request a schedule from Fleuelen to Lugano with a "via point" or "intermediate stop" at a point that's unique to the route, such as Airolo or Goeschenen. Using this method, I find many trains with one connection at Erstfeld and fewer that would require a second connection at Bellinzona.
Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. Or www.sbb.ch should give similar results.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
162 posts
Thank you to all.