With a simple rail pass, I am wondering if I can take a normal train on some of the same tracks as the Bernina Express between Chur and Davos, and if its a worthwhile little trip.
Posted by
Cloud
273 posts
Yes you can use regular trains that run on the same tracks as the Bernina Express.
We took a regular train from Chur south to Tirano using a Swiss Travel Pass.
What kind of a pass do you have?
But I don't know what the scenery is like between Chur and Davos.
It is all great scenery in Switzerland I find regardless of name brand train.
I think you mean the trains that locals that use or Non Tourist Bernina Express and not Poor Man's.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
yes, yes
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA
700 posts
I have a Eurail global pass. Last year it worked fine in almost all Swiss trains - the exception being the little train that runs from Interlaken to Lautenbrunen where they give a 25% discount.
I guess there is a loop of sorts from Chur to Reichenau-Tamins to Thusis to Filisur to Davos to Klosters to Kublis to Landquart back to Chur. And it all is designated as scenic.
See this map
https://www.seat61.com/images/Bernina-map.jpg
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
The Albula Railway beyond Filisur is more scenic than the Davos-Landquart-Chur route. I can't speak for Filisur-Davos. Rather than a loop, if you don't want to go all the way to the Bernina Railway, I'd just do a round trip on the Albula Railway, to St Moritz and back to Chur. Sit on different sides and you'll see different scenery!
Posted by
Wengen
2494 posts
You can take any train on on the Bernina Railway with a normal ticket, or a rail pass that that is valid for the line.
It is only in the panoramic carriages that you need a reservation and pay a surcharge. The Bernina Express trains always have a few normal carriages at the front that you can sit in with any valid ticket or pass. Some people even prefer those normal carriages, as you can still open some windows.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
As I have learned from this Forum, you are referring to the regional trains, which run on the same tracks as the panoramic trains, have many more schedule options, are less crowded, the windows open, and we found them overall to be very enjoyable.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
I keep mentioning this but there are a lot of Youtube videos of this route, here's one that was just posted (wintertime so it's very snowy).
I've been watching its sister video where they do the run INTO Tirano which is backwards of most videos, frankly it's not as interesting.