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Lugano to Zurich Train Help

Posted by on

We are ending our trip in Lugano for a few days; then need to return to Zurich to catch our plane home. We would really like to ride the Bernina Express along the way to Zurich. We are getting very confused on the best way to do this.

If I understand correctly, since we currently have a reservation to sleep in Lugano the night before, we would need to catch a bus to either Tirano (seems out of the way) or St Moritz...is this correct? If so, is this route possible to complete in one day, ending in Zurich? Which bus/trains would we take?

I understand that there is a direct train from Lugano to Chur; then to Zurich, but if possible, we'd really like to take the Bernina Express.

Any detailed help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Posted by
8 posts

Thank you, Sam! That is exactly what we were looking for!

One more question: we will be travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass, so would our pass still be accepted if we get on the train in Tirano, Italy?

Posted by
21142 posts

Yes, and it might even work on the bus. You still have to pay for the seat reservation fee.

Posted by
2493 posts

You don't even need a reservation for the Bernina Express. The train has both normal an panoramic cars. For the normal cars you do not need a reservation. Good to know, since. the once daily bus connects with the Bernina Express. You need to reserve the bus though.

Other things: There is no train from Lugano to Chur (the normal route involves a bus from Bellinzona), and do not make the mistake of thinking there is a "Lugano Nord" Station. "Lugano Stazzione, Nord" just means the bus stands to the north of the station building.

Posted by
2 posts

I am new to this type of communication.
I hope someone can assist me. This traveler was talking about Lugano to Zurich train. That is exactly what I am interested in, but a direct train. We are traveling in the opposite direction as this traveler.
I read about the INNER CITY 2= IC2 874 train from Lugano, Bellinzona, Arth, Goldau, Zug, Zurich.
Is there another way?
THANK YOU,
JUDY

Posted by
21142 posts

Judy, Normally you should start a new topic, which is easy. That way, you will get notification when people supply answers. Sounds like you are going the same direction as the OP, but on a direct train. The IC2 is direct (InterCity, by the way), as is the EC train (EuroCity). They go at least once an hour and no need to reserve or buy in advance. They use the new Gothard Base Tunnel which is some 35 miles long underneath the Alps. You can travel alternate routes with a connection that go mostly over the Alps, but of course, take longer.

Posted by
2493 posts

You can find out all train times and prices on www.sbb.ch there are trains on that route at least every hour. You take whatever fits your schedule. Tickets you can buy on line, or at the station.

This is mass transit. It is as trivial as taking the subway. Just nicer trains (and scenery).

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