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Planning; Geneva to Lake Como, Lugano, Maggiore

Posted by (Virginia) on

I am in the preliminary stages of planning a trip through Switzerland in late August, early September using the trains an ending at one of the Lakes in a VRBO rental for at least a week. I have used this forum in the past and have always gotten great advice and recommendations from everyone, so thank you in advance!

Right now, am planning on flying into Geneva, spending the night. Then taking the train to Interlocken, passing through Montreux, spend the night in Interlocken and then take the train to Lucerne. Spend the night in Lucerne and take the train to Zermatt, passing thought Andermatt. Plan on spending 2 nights in Zermatt. Then the train through Andermatt to Lugano and to our VRBO rental for the week. Fly out of Milan back to US?

I notice that there are Panoramic trains but assuming there are local trains on the same route that I am assuming, would be just as good with better schedules and appropriate stops.

Would Swiss Rail Pass be a good investment with this much train travel? What site is the best for Swiss train schedule/tickets?

Am I missing anything in Switzerland that would be worth the time?

Are there rental cars available in Lugano?

On the forum, sounds more economical to stay in Italy rather than Switzerland

Which Lake to stay at? What are the advantages to each. Is a rental car necessary?

How far are the Lakes from the Dolomites if we want to see them.

Thanks for any input provided, it is appreciated!

Posted by
4768 posts

How much time do you have total - nights on the ground?
The Swiss rail line is SBB- just download the app and play with it. There are several passes once you have the itinerary firmed up, you can research which pass makes more sense.
I'm not a fan of one night stands, so perhaps decide on priorities, so you can actually spend a few nights in one place. One night in Interlaken doesn't make sense, when you have Wengen and Murren so close by. You currently have too much time on trains, and not enough time to explore.
You may have more air options flying into Zurich, going straight to Lucerne, and flying out of Milan , if Italy is on your itinerary.
Yes, Italy is much cheaper than Switzerland, but Switzerland is so glorious and beautiful, so organized and the trains run precisely on time.
What are your interests, age, group size , budget, and style of travel?
Have a great time planning your trip. Perhaps review some Trip Reports posted here for insight.
Safe travels!

Posted by
20160 posts

I think the order of travel and route will be dictated on where you decide to get a VRBO rental. I would disregard Lake Lugano and pick between Maggiore and Como. If Maggiore, I would go Geneva, Luzern, Interlaken, Zermatt, Maggiore. If Como, I would go Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Luzern, Como.

Yes, Italy will be a lot less expensive than Switzerland. A car in Italy might be handy. Rent in Italy, not Switzerland.

Como and Maggiore are a long way from the Dolomites, and I would not bother unless you plan on several days there.

A Swiss Travel Pass would be convenient. Look at Swiss train schedules at https://www.sbb.ch/en/buying/pages/fahrplan/fahrplan.xhtml

Posted by
31 posts

Thanks for the information.
We will be two couples, retired, so have some time to explore. What are the highlights of Murren and Wengen? Zurich could be a possibility to fly into, thought traveling from Geneva would cover a large part of Switzerland. Looks like the choice is either Maggiore or Como for the lake rental. Thanks

Posted by
20160 posts

If coming from Dulles, there are nonstops to both Geneva and Zurich, so its a toss-up.

Posted by
4768 posts

Dario, if you are asking what the highlights of Murren and Wengen are, you definitely need to do more research and view some U-tube videos, along with the RS videos. We are talking about some of the most fantastic Alps scenery in the world!!!
Safe travels!

Posted by
1708 posts

Interlocken

When the people of Aarmühle decided to call the new resort town that was springing up around the new train stations "Interlaken" to make sure English tourists could pronounce it they obviously did not foresee autocorrect...

Posted by
31 posts

Thanks for the replies;

Looks that we will fly into Zurich and head to Interlaken. Would we do a day trip to Murren/Wengen or better to spend the night there? Perhaps add a night or two elsewhere before heading to Zermatt for at least 2 nights and then on to the Lakes.
Fly back to US out of Zurich, think this makes more sense. Thanks

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