I am planning to take the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and then transfer to Milan on regional TrenItalia train in Tirano. I will have about 23 minutes in Tirano to transfer from Swiss train station to Italian station which I understand are next each other and just few yards apart. I was wondering if you experts can tell me if 23 mins is enough time in Tirano to disembark Berninan express and get on an Italian train in a different station?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
Should be if everything is on time.
Posted by
Green Bay
20090 posts
No problem, the stations are across the piazza from each other. The longest part of the walk will be if you are in the last car on the B.E. and have to walk the length of the train to get to the station exit.
Not sure if there is a manned ticket desk in the Trenord station, but should at least be a ticket kiosk. So factor in a few minutes to buy a ticket, unless you already have a pre-validated ticket bought on line or in conjunction with your B.E. ticket.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the info!
I have Euro pass and the regional train from Tirano to Milan does not require any reservation. From what I understand I can just board the train and find seat a sit.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Swiss trains are normally very punctual, so in all likelihood you'll arrive in Tirano on time. As you may be aware, if you're travelling on the panoramic Bernina Express, reservations are required.
AFAIK, your Railpass will be accepted on Trenord trains (Tirano to Milan), but will not be accepted on the Malpensa Express (which is also operated by Trenord). I tried to double check that, but couldn't find much information.
Posted by
1 posts
Hi.
I am planning to do the same trip on February 15, 2017. The Bernina Express is set to arrive Tirano 1:00pm and the Trenord train to Milan departs 1:08pm (Trenord's site currently only has timetable until middle of December 2016).
If I purchase the Trenord's Tirano-Milan ticket online with the Print-At-Home feature that DOES NOT need validation, do you think I will make it for the transfer from 1 building to the other in 8 minutes? Or do you think its too much of a risk given that if the Bernina Express is only late by a few minutes then I will not make my transfer?
I am asking because I prefer not to wait until the next train at 3:08pm which is 2 hours later.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
You can reserve the Bernina panorama car at https://www.rhb.ch/en/home and indicate the pass type when you fill in number of passengers. Yes, you can just board the Italian regional train and take any seat in your class of service.