I have a follow up on using SBB trains for all the tickets for a one way trip from Venice St. Lucia to Zermatt on May 20, 2026.
When I checked on SBB for the entire trip, the tickets come up as "non refundable and only on these specific trains."
1. What happens if the Frecciarossa #9728 is late getting to Milano thus missing the Euro City #64 train (what happens?).
2. Also, when arriving in Visp and I miss the SBB #42 (what Happens?)
These misses would not be a result of my error but some other issue, thus, my concern is will I need to rebuy tickets if connections are missed when purchased all via SBB?
3. Finally, I am asking is it wise to purchase via SBB?
Posted by
Green Bay
23000 posts
- If you miss the connection due to late arriving train in Milan, you are free to use any other of the trains that get you to your destination. If it is another EC train, you will need to get a new seat reservation for free.
- At Visp, just take the next train to Zermatt. There is a train every 30 minutes.
- Only SBB gets you a single ticket. Trenitalia cannot ticket Visp to Zermatt.
Posted by
Wengen
3618 posts
The train you change to in Visp is not an SBB but an MGB train, but SBB serves as a "one stop shop" for all (+-200) public transport companies in Switzerland.
And yes, as everywhere else if you miss a connection due to a delay you can take other trains. In Italy however you do need to go to the information desk (there is one at the head of the platforms in Milano) to have your ticket changed.
In Switzerland however that is not needed, as tickets are by defaults for a route, not a train here.
If you take the 11:48 departure you have a 55 minute change in Milano, which is 45 minutes more than needed. Shows that Trenitalia still has something to learn with regard to scheduling. In Switzerland we generally prefer transfers to be under 10 minutes.
Posted by
OP
119 posts
Thanks for the clarification
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36249 posts
that extra time in Milano Centrale can be made to pass quickly by strolling around some of now very many shops in what is now basically a shopping mall in a station. Just keep an eye on the clock because if you are distracted it can pass quickly.
Good time to keep the tummy happy too. Plenty of choices.
Posted by
Wengen
3618 posts
The architecture of the Milano Centrale station is quite impressive.
Interesting detail: Along track 21 there is a mural that shows Mussolini. Or that used to show Mussolini. During the war a soldier shot at his face and it is now unrecognizable, as that bit of war damage has never been repaired...
Posted by
OP
119 posts
Sam, Wengenk, and Nigel: thank you for the wonderful advice. All tickets purchased and printed using the SBB website. As always, I appreciate your experience and expertise.
Posted by
Wengen
3618 posts
One more tip: Normally SBB should have given you proper Italian tickets for the Venice - Milano and Milano - Brig (or Visp) segments. These have a PNR code that you can enter in the Trenitalia App on your phone. That way you can load the tickets in there, and on on your travel day see what platform they will leave and arrive from, if there are any delays etc...