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Train to Pontresina from Milan for big group - need advice/help

Our extended family group of 13 is ending a European trip by flying into Milan and then traveling the Bernina Express route north to Zurich (we fly home from there). We’ve found the advice in this Forum so helpful and, because of it, are stopping for an overnight stay in Pontresina. We have booked the actual Bernina train for the second day trip from Pontresina into Chur. However, the first day we’d like to just take the regional train (not official Bernina) that travels the Bernina route from Tirano to Pontresina, as many have recommended on this site.

But I cannot figure out how to purchase tickets from Milan to Pontresina that first day. Different websites list options that involve buses, 4 different transfers, and/or portions that aren’t available to purchase. Ideally, I’d like to get tickets ahead of time since there are so many of us, and we’d like it to be flexible in case the plane is delayed. Can anyone help me understand the best way to get from the Milan airport to Pontresina the same day (July 21) via train? I’m clearly doing something wrong but can’t figure out what it is, despite spending a hours today reading a variety of resources. I had no issue making train reservations for us from Florence to Rome on the Trentalia app. Thanks so much for answering what I’m sure is a stupid question.

Posted by
8166 posts

Buy them separately as follows:

Take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale
https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/travel-documents/tickets/

At Milano Centrale take the Trenord to Tirano
https://www.trenord.it/en/

At Tirano transfer to the SBB swiss trains and take it to Pontresina
https://www.sbb.ch/en

None of these routes require that you buy tickets in advance but it can't hurt to.
They are all regional trains where you sit where ever you want in the class that you purchased.
The good thing is that you are taking trains leaving right out of the barn so they will be empty and fill up as you go,

Posted by
5617 posts

Note that at Tirano you cross the plaza from the Italian train station to the Swiss train station.
We did this route on the regional trains and it is a fantastic experience. Enjoy!

Posted by
21159 posts

Unfortunately, there is ongoing track work on the Milan-Tirano rail line, You will have to get off the train at Colico and change to a rail replacement bus to Tirano.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all so much for this; it's exactly what we needed. @Sam - I am so grateful for this help. This explains our confusion. We couldn't figure out why the listings had a stop at Colico and then bus transport, and assumed we were doing something wrong. Much appreciation for all of the help and advice! If anyone has other advice for train travel with a large group, we will gladly take it.