Hello - we will be traveling from Luzern to Lugano on Monday, September 12. We understand we can take "regular" trains that follow the same route as the Gotthard Panoramic Express - but I have spent time on the SBB website and cannot seem to figure out what the route should be that does not take us through the big long tunnel. Would appreciate any assistance you can provide. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
route via "Göschenen"
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
If you route via Göschenen on the SBB website, you will see trains called "Treno Gottardo". That is the train you want. You'll take it to Bellinzona, and change there for a local train to Lugano.
[EDITED - I mistakenly described the journey in the other direction]
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Thank you both so much!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
381 posts
If you get confused when you're there, go to the office upstairs at the Luzern train station and they will tell you exactly which trains to catch. Just tell them you want the scenic route and not the long tunnel.
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Perfect- we will arrive in Switzerland on September 8- I am just trying to get our “ducks on a row”! I have heard great things about the train system and how helpful the staff can be. You all have made me feel much more relaxed! Really appreciate your replies!!
Posted by
Lucerne
75 posts
The train is named "IR 26".
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17421 posts
If you enter “Lucerne” as the starting point and “Locarno” (not Lugano) as the end, and look for trains with NO changes on the way, you will find it. As noted above, it is IR 26. It departs Lucerne at 9:18, 11:18, 13:18, and 15:18 (and maybe more, I didn’t check beyond that).
To end at Lugano instead, you would take the Treno Gottardo from Lucerne and change at some point—-we changed at Bellinzona and it was easy. I bought two separate tickets (online) to do this, but an agent at the station could sell you a through ticket to Lugano.
We took the Treno Gottardo a few days ago it is was really pleasant, and beautiful. At one point the train makes switchbacks down the mountainside, and you pass the same church 3 times. We were in first class and the carriage was nearly empty, so we could freely move from side to side to see the scenery and take photos. There were two “older” Swiss women ( I.e., meaning my age) in the car who were pleased that we had chosen this train, and happily explained some details to us in German, which I (mostly) understood.
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Oh my - sounds just dreamy! I went onto the SBB website on my computer and saw the map of the route - all the little corkscrews - sounds amazing! We have the Swiss Travel Pass - so we are set! Thanks again to all - now just working on packing light!
Posted by
Wengen
2494 posts
There is no need to buy two separate tickets to do this route, even if you buy it on line. In Switzerland tickets are for a route, not a train, and any Luzern to Lugano ticket is valid for both the new and the old route, and that for a whole day. So you just buy a Luzern - Lugano ticket. And then take the Treno Gottardo.