Lugano or St. Moritz

Hi,
I see three options here. I recommend option 3 but the other options, which you've considered already, work as well depending on your priorities.
1. If you are a serious train buff, then do the Bernina Express tour. St. Moritz town is not that spectacular compared to the scenery on the way, it has lots of boxy concrete architecture, one hour is plenty of time. It will be an exhausting trip, however.
2. If you just want the thrill of heading into another country, then Lugano is a very nice place to spend a few hours (I've only been there for business so don't know much about the sights) by the lake.
3. However, Como has a lake too, and in my view it is more beautiful than lake Lugano. So, once in Como, I would take the funicular to Brunate and enjoy the view, or take a boat to Cernobbio - or beyond, if you check times carefully.

My friend and I took a train from Bergamo to Tirano and then the Bernina Express from Tirano to Poschiavo. I think the Bernina express left at about 2 pm. It was a long day but both train trips were phenomenally scenic, even during some rain. The train traveled along a lake, and I believe it was Lake Como, so we felt we were able to see that as well. Poschiavo is the second stop for the Bernina Express but not really far, so you get a little taste of Switzerland without having to spend all your time on the train. I got a pastry from a shop near the train station in Tirano. It may have been the best pastry I've ever had. It was flaky and not too sweet and had a wonderful cream filling. Yummmm.
Another trip, a friend and I took the train from Milan to Varenna. We took a ferry to Bellagio and spent several hours there. THEN we got lost, taking the wrong ferry and ending up in Menaggio, I think. We kept seeing signs saying that Lugano was maybe 6 kilometers
away, so there was always a view of the Swiss side of the lake. Both trips were memorable. I'd do either of them in a heartbeat. I don't think there is a wrong choice...The Bernina Express trip is more about the scenery, but wandering the streets of Bellagio was a special treat. You are going to have a wonderful time.

Thanks for the suggestions. They where very helpful.

Kristine,

Of the two choices, I'd suggest Lugano. It's a beautiful city and an easy day trip from Milan. There are direct (no changes) trains on that route and the short 1H:14M travel time will mean more time for sightseeing. Compare that with the ~4.5 hours each way trip to St. Moritz.

Thank for all the responses. They have all been helpful in making my decision. I think we will skip St. Moritz and visit Como and Lugano. Should I purchase tickets in advance or as we go? Where is the best place to buy tickets on line if this is what’s recommended?

Kristine,

The trains from Milano Centrale to Lugano are Regionale trains so there's no need and no price advantage to buying tickets online. Simply buy them at the station either from a Kiosk or a staffed ticket office. With locally purchased Regionale tickets, you MUST validate them prior to boarding the train on the day of travel or risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot.

The rail station in Lugano is on the side of the hill so you'll have to take the Funicular down the hill. It's right at the station and only takes a few minutes.

If you arrive at about lunchtime, you may want to try the Manor Restaurant. I haven't been there for a few years, and hopefully it's still open.

I wouldn't bother wandering around Como for a few hours as you'll probably enjoy Lugano more (your choice of course).