We are traveling to Lugano (staying for 2 days) by train from Lucern.
Originally we were going to take the Bernina Express to the Gacial Express in Chur. We’ve decided to skip the Bernina leg (bus time is too long) and just use the Glacial Express.
I’m finding it difficult to get from Lugano to Chur to catch the Glacial Express and on to Zermatt.
The goal is to take the Glacial Express to Zermatt
Any Suggestions?
Take a look at the Swiss railway map and you see why it is difficult to get to Chur from Lugano—- hut is far ro the east.
You could connect to the Glacier Express by taking a train north from Lugano to Göschenen on the Gotthard Pass route. There is only one direct train a day, the Gotthard Panorama E press, departing Luganomat 9:18 (reservations required). There are other trains with a single change at Bellinzona ( the TrenomGottardo) or Altdorf (after the deep tunnel).
Change at Göschenen to a train going the short distance to Andermatt, one of the few stops on the Glacier Express. Check the SBB schedules carefully for the timing as there are only 2;or 3 Glacier Express trains a day. There are other, regional trains on that route that you could take, but there will be additional changes along the way.
Excellent advice! Thanks so much.
Here’s a (dumb) question, how do I get my eyes on a Swiss Rail Map? I’ve been on several sites but I’ve found nothing implore or substantial…
Just saw the link to the trains! Thank you again
Another way to get to Zermatt is take a local train to Bellinzona and take the Post Bus to Chur.
Depart Lugano at 8:25 on the S-10 train, getting off at Bellinzona and then the Post Bus departing at 8:56, arriving at Chur at 11:02, then taking the 12:14 Glacier Express, arriving Zermatt at 6:10 pm.
The section of the Glacier Express between Chur and Andermatt is the most scenic IMO. Uses the Oberalp Pass. Andermatt to Brig less so as it uses the long Furka Tunnel.
See www.SBB.ch
You can leave Lugano at 9:02 and be in Chur at 11:52 which is perfect for the Glacier Express.
