Staying in Bellagio then plan on taking Bernina express to Pontresina. Question, should we take ferry to Varenna then regional train to Lugano and BE bus and train all the way? Or take regional train Instead of bus to Tirano from Varenna then hop on board the BE?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16259 posts
There is no need at all to go to Lugano. The truly scenic portion of the Bernina Express is the train ride between Tirano and the Engadine, over Bernina Pass. As near as I can figure, the bus trip from Tirano to Lugano is only added to make it a “Swiss” journey, starting and ending in Switzerland.
Just take the ferry to Varenna and meet the regional train to Tirano there.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Cindy,
What Lola said. One other point to mention is that the panoramic Bernina Express cars only make one trip per day in each direction. However there are numerous other trains that travel the same route. Check the SBB or DB websites for schedules.
Posted by
Green Bay
20087 posts
Actually, during the summer there are 4 Bernina Express departures daily from Tirano to Pontresina, 10:06, 14:06, 14:25, 15:15. You have to pay a supplement (reservation fee) to ride these. Lots of other trains as well with no extra fees without the panorama cars.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, Ca, Usa
80 posts
Thanks so much! That answered my question. We will train from Varenna to Tirano ten take the BE from there!