Milan to Appenzell via Bernina Express

Posted by sarahmccarty91 on 12/09/24 03:32 PM

Hello there. You guys have been so incredibly helpful in my planning and I’ve finally decided on an itinerary but I’m a bit lost on the best way to make it happen. We are going to travel from Milan to Appenzell via Bernina express on Friday January 17th. I’m trying to figure out saver pass and half fare and flexi pass options. I’ve read a lot about them, but when I go to map out my route I’m a little lost. I plan to take the regional train from Milan to Tirano (possibly on the 16th to shorten my travel day with kids) and then hop on the Bernina express line up through chur and continue north to Appenzell.

When I look at tickets on the Swiss rail line site I am unclear at to which train I would be taking. I know opinions are mixed as to whether the panoramic train is worth it but I don’t know how to tell if I’m even selecting that train. I was hoping to compare prices. I read up to 2 children can travel for free with adults but I don’t know how to find that when looking at tickets.

How many transfers should I expect on this journey as we will have our luggage with us and 2 kids so I’m trying to make things as smooth as possible.

When I look at schedules there are short breaks for transfers. Would we be able to get off and have lunch and take a later train out of that station or do we have to stay on that schedule?

I’m new to trains so any advice is welcome!

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

12/09/24 11:34 PM

17559 posts

If you look on SBB.ch for tickets and schedules, the named Bernina Express trains are designated “PE” in white letters on a red block. The regular trains are designated “RE” in red or black, usually RE9 or RE19.

There are only 2 PE trains a day on Jan. 17 and only the later one, departing Tirano at 14:24, goes straight through to Chur without changing trains. That would be simplest with children and luggage. The earlier PE train departs Tirano at 10:06 and only goes as far as St. Moritz, where you change to a regular regional train, changing again at Landquart before reaching Chur.

In addition to these there are regular regional trains on the same track, with changes at Pontresina and Samedan on the way to Chur.

The price for the trains is pretty much the same (some have Saver prices available, but not the named PE). Regular price for the 14:24 Bernina Express is 66 CHF per person (adult). Children between 6 and 16 pay half fare, so 33 CHF.

Children between 6 and 16 only travel free with their parents if one or both parents get a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, and request a free Family Card when they purchase that. Or you can buy a Junior Card that allows a child that age to travel with you for free for 30 CHF each. Or you could get a Day Pass just for January 17 for each child for 19 CHF

https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/day-pass-children.html

And adults can buy a Saver Day Pass for that day for 52 CHF each (in 2d class)

https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/saver-day-pass.html

Regardless what kind of ticket or pass you have, you still need a seat reservation on the PE for each person, at 32 CHF. There is more information on the Bernina Express website :

https://tickets.rhb.ch/en/pages/bernina-express

You can book your reservations here (and buy tickets if you are not using Day passes). I looked at January 17 and there are plenty of 2d class seats left on January 17. The website will automatically assign you seats, but if you want to sit together you can “de-select” those seats and move yourselves to a different carriage. Right now there are tables for 4 available in Car 15.

Posted by CD in DC

Washington, DC USA

12/10/24 02:51 AM

511 posts

Would we be able to get off and have lunch and take a later train out of that station or do we have to stay on that schedule?

If the take the regional train on the Bernina route rather than the panoramic Bernina express train, then you can get off and on within Switzerland as often as you want. You could definitely get off to have lunch or hike or walk around a town and then get back on a later train on the regional train which also does not require seat reservations.

If you google "Man in seat 61" and Bernina Express, you will find lots of information explaining the Bernina route options including some on how to save money.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

12/10/24 06:36 AM

32363 posts

sarah,

That's probably going to be a long travel day. A few thoughts......

If you leave Milan fairly early, you should have time to get lunch in Tirano before you board the Bernina Express.

On the current schedules, there's a departure at 08:20, arriving Tirano at 10:52. The panoramic Bernina Express lists a departure at 14:24, arriving Chur at 18:31. The trip from there to Appenzell is about 2.5 hours (I didn't check), so that means a late arrival, and you probably won't be able to see much scenery after you leave Chur as it will be dark. You could consider staying one night in Chur and then going to Appenzell the following day.