May 2nd we travel to Zurich and want to stay 5 days ending in chur for the Bernina express train to lake como, Italy
What would be a good route? We do not plan to buy a train pass as we aren’t staying that long.
Is it crowded this time of year?
Can we take the Bernina express last minute or do we need reservations days in advance?
Posted by
San Diego, California
4710 posts
Folks here are reporting almost daily how difficult it has been to find accommodations in Europe this year, because of pent-up COVID demand. Perhaps available accommodations will guide your itinerary.
Get a RS guide book for some background. Review the posts here under Switzerland. You haven't shared your interests, group size, mobility levels, travel style, age, etc. The Forum works better when there are more details in the questions presented.
Enjoy this beautiful country !
Posted by
Chicago
7850 posts
The first Bernina Express train departs from Chur at 8:28 the 2nd at 12:28. You would need to catch the train from Zurich to Chur at 7:07 am or an earlier train to make the 8:28. It is not crowded in May.
Here is the schedule and information to read to answer your questions:
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bernina-express.htm#Train_times,_fares_&_how_to_buy_tickets
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you! My sister and I travel together every year but generally don’t make any commitments or accommodation plans till we arrive in a city. With all the crowds I’ve heard happening in Europe, I may need to actually have hotels and itinerary pre planned. We are leaving May 2nd to Zurich and leaving Europe from Florence June 19th
Posted by
Green Bay
20103 posts
The Bernina Express requires reservations, but the regular trains do the same route on an hourly basis without the need for reservations.