We are leaving Monterosso ,Italy in the Cinque Terre and headed for a week in Switzerland. We were thinking of an overnight stay in Como, or are we better off going directly into Switzerland . Plan is to base ourselves in Interlaken area for a few days. Thoughts ?
You would trade 2 days of train rides lasting 5 or 6 hours each vs one day with a 10-11 hour train ride. Your choice.
When will this be? This summer the Simplon route will be closed for engineering works, and trains will be replaced by busses. Going via Como however does avoid that, as the Gotthard route is operating.
I've made that trip a number of times, and prefer to spend a long travel day and get it over with. There are numerous departures, number of changes and travel times on that route, depending on when you'll be making the trip. It would help if you could indicate the date of travel.
Rather than Interlaken, you might consider staying further in the valley, such as in Lauterbrunnen or Mürren. You'll be able to enjoy incredible scenery and will be closer to some of the main sights in that area.