We are seniors planning a 5-6 day mini trip in Switzerland and Lake Como/ Lake District northern Italy before we leave from Milan for the second part of our trip. We are flying in to Zurich and would like to experience a panoramic train to Italy for the views but also don’t want the hassle of not having these trains go directly there. Would it make sense to use the regular trains ? Is the scenery / route similar in terms of passing through the Alps ? How much of a hassle would the change of trains/ connections at Tirano ( end of Bernina Express line) to Como for example be after a long day of travel ? Would it make sense to take the Gotthard panoramic ( how does it compare to Bernina) instead to Lugano, but then we still need to transfer. Lots of questions, thanks in advance.
Posted by
413 posts
You might want to look at Lago Maggiore, it's beautiful and interesting and actually has a border across from the Italian side with Switzerland. A ferry or train to Locanto,Switzerland.
The Berina express departs from Domodosa, about 40 minutes from Maggiore.
A train from Maggiore around 2 hours to Milan airport terminal.
And fewer tourists, which creates a more pleasant experience.
Posted by
Green Bay
22270 posts
The Berina express departs from Domodosa, about 40 minutes from Maggiore.
Nope. The Bernina Express departs from Chur, Switzerland.to Tirano, Italy. The connection in Tirano is a matter of walking across the piazza from the RhB station to the Trenord station for the hourly train to Milan that stops at several locations along Lake Como, Varenna being the most popular.
What time of year? The rail connection from Tirano to Varenna may be by replacement bus after June 7 as there is track work scheduled on the route until mid September.
The Gotthard Panorama Express is an option. It does not go on Monday (except Swiss holidays) and includes a lake boat ride from Luzern to Fluelen, then the 1st class panoramic train to Lugano. From Lugano you can get a train to Como city on Lake Como and proceed by lake boat to another destination on the lake.
The Gotthard route includes a long tunnel, the old Gotthard Tunnel under the highest part of the route, whereas the Bernina Express goes over a pass without a large tunnel.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Very informative, thanks. Were planning end of so good to know!
Posted by
413 posts
Domodossola-Bernina Express refers to a combination of two scenic train journeys in Switzerland and Italy: the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno in Italy, and the Bernina Express from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland.
Which is what I did, Domodossola is therefore the closest and easiest way from Maggiore.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1883 posts
Very few lines are as panoramic as Bernina. Just consider that its higher station is at 2250 meters over sea level, while the old (shorter) Gotthard tunnel tops at 1150, about half the elevation. But frankly speaking the Bernina line was never meant as a long distance connection across the Alps, it was designed as a local Swiss railway meant to keep together different chunks of the country where driving could be very difficult, if not impossible, several months of the year. So if you are looking for convenience do not look at Bernina, if you are looking for landscapes it can't be defeated.
The old Gotthard route is a different story. It is exceptionally interesting to railway enthusiasts, as building an heavy duty railway across such difficult terrain was very difficult. The line uses several "corkscrew" tunnels, so at times you can see on a lower or higher level the very track you will be riding in few minutes. Its beauty is more elusive, but before and after the mountain section the line borders several lakes and those areas are quite beautiful. You will be riding along lakes also on trains using the new Gotthard fast line, but you cross the mountain section in a long tunnel. Of course this is the most convenient option for the Zurich-Milan itinerary.
Posted by
London, England
284 posts
Another option is the connecting bus service that the Bernina Express itself runs from Tirano to Lugano.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
I’ll look into that, thanks.
Posted by
SoCal
125 posts
The Treno Gottardo runs a similar route as the Panorama Express and is direct from Zurich to Locarno (via Luzern and the original Gotthard tunnel). I believe the TG operates every day of the week, with multiple departure times per day. It is also possible to get seat reservations on the TG if you so desire (although they are not required as on the PE). More info here: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/experiences/treno-gottardo/
There is also a direct train from Locarno, which is on the northern end of Lake Maggiore, to Milan, if you want to use Locarno as a connect point.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks so much for all of this information. If my final destination is Como or another recommended town in that area, does that train go all the way there?
Also I’m an assuming this is an Italian line. Is it as efficient and nice the Swiss trains?
And lastly if I’m only going to be in the country for around 4 days is it worth getting a Swiss train pass? We will be taking the cogwheel, a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, and a train from Zurich to Lucerne. Plus possibly the TG , but thst an Italian line I think .
Posted by
Green Bay
22270 posts
The Treno Gottardo is a Swiss train. It never goes to Italy, but from Basel or Zurich to Locarno in the Ticino canton of Switzerland, where most people speak Italian. Yes, it is a nice Swiss train. This article gives a description in the second of the five trains featured.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/travel/train-routes-europe.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Bk8.qBje.jeY1D-gg_niz&smid=url-share