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Panorama Express Train + Boat-Interim Stop Departure at Weggis Possible?

We have a transfer day from Locarno to Weggis, and one option for our transfer is the Panorama Express, which would involve a short train ride from Locarno to Bellinzona, then a train to Fluelen, followed by a boat (I think a steamship) from Fluelen to Luzern, with a second boat from Luzern back to Weggis. The Fluelen-Luzern boat timetable has multiple stops between Fluelen and Luzern, including Weggis, so my hope is that we can simply disembark at Weggis when the boat stops there enroute to Luzern, but I thought I would post this to see If others concur with this plan. Another question for the Panorama Express-does anyone know if the steamship seats also need to be reserved, or is it FCFS (first come, first served) seating as with most other Swiss transportation?

The other option is the Treno Gottardo direct from Locarno to Fluelen, then a boat from Fluelen to Weggis. I can book that complete journey with a Supersaver ticket, and since one of the options is the same boat (12:00 departure from Fluelen), I think that means the above scenario would work. This option is also cheaper for the same class of ticket since it does not require advance seat reservations, and the Treno Gottardo has multiple departures per day, adding more flexibility.

Posted by
2835 posts

I would take the Treno Gottardo as that train gives you a single seat ride Locarno - Fluelen, and it is a nice train, that goes over the scenic route.
Then just take a boat to Weggis, and yes if you want to stop there for a bit you can.

Best ticket to get is probably a Saver Day Pass, since that give s you full flexibility. With a supersaver ticket you do not have the option to change your plans, or have impromptu stopovers.

There are no seat reservations on boats, and they aren't really needed for the train either.

Posted by
116 posts

Thanks Wengenk-I was leaning toward the Treno Gottardo, since as you point out there is no train change in Bellinzona, plus there are more departure times available with that option. I agree the day pass would be best, but I missed the window for the cheaper tickets, so they are now more expensive than a PTP ticket, which I think would give me the same flexibility, but only for that specific route. FYI, Weggis is our final destination for the day, as we are staying at a hotel there, so another option is to take the train all the way to Luzern so we can spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the Alstadt before heading to our hotel in Weggis. In that case, a Saver Day Pass would definitely be the better option so we could get coverage for the other local transportation we will need on our arrival day.