Seeing the Alps by train

For a really scenic route, you can take the Rhätische Bahn from Tirano, about 60 km east of the northern end of lake Como, to Chur in Switzerland.

The best airport for flights back to the US(?) is Zurich, so you may want to end up there. But how many nights do you have for Switzerland, or are you just looking for the train ride?

Read the posts under the Switzerland section of this Forum. There is an enormous amount of info already posted here regarding Swiss train routes. Also, the RS Swiss Guide has route options. Good luck and have fun planning!

Thanks to all for your input and suggestions. I’ve read a few more posts and it seems that mid to late May might be too early for light hiking because of snow? Thoughts?
We’re looking at Rome for at least 5-6 nights in early May (after the May 1 holiday) to the Amalfi coast for 5-6 nights. Then either fly or train up to Como for 5-6 nights, train over the Alps to Switzerland for a few days and fly back home to Texas. We’ll be gone for three weeks total. Thoughts??

I'd also recommend the SBB site for train plans in Switzerland. If you are planning on being in one region then it could be cheaper to get a regional pass for those days rather than a half-price card or a Swiss Pass. Do a lot of homework as train travel in Switzerland is not inexpensive.

By mid May, most places below 8,000 ft should be snow-free, with some patches possible at lower elevations. You may encounter mud, but for light hikes it is not much of a problem.
For instance, if you choose the Bernina railway into Switzerland, you could spend 2 nights in Pontresina and discover that area without much snow-related trouble (just don't count on all mountain cable cars being open). You would then spend a 3rd night in Zürich before your flight.
Alternatively, and only if you stay on the west or southwest side of Lake Como, you could try the Gotthard-Panorama Express route into Switzerland. It takes you from Lugano to Luzern, where you could spend 3 days and find a lot to do.

I've done what you are asking and you don't have time. If you have three weeks total and you're spending 5 nights in Rome, 5 nights on the Amalfi coast, and five nights at Como....when are you going to have time for Switzerland?

Unless you plan to do some truly detailed exploring or some heavy duty relaxing, five nights in Como is a lot.

Honestly, there is so much in Switzerland with just scenery..and hiking....I would advise making it a separate trip for at least 2 weeks. Make this an Italy trip.

Or if you really must see some of Switzerland, stay at Varenna on Lake Como. Then take the train north to Tirano where you can catc the Bernina Express. Take it to Chur. From there you can get a train to Zurich for your flight home.

On your next trip take the Glacier Express, spend time in the Berner Oberland, visit Lucerne, Bern and a few other towns. You could even head over to the French speaking part of Switzerland.