Which of these train trips (if any) should I reserve

Posted by susan (lake forest park, washington, usa) on 02/22/26 05:02 AM

Hello all: I am finalizing all parts of my itinerary for 13 days in Switzerland (mid-5 week trip in W. Europe). I have reserved most trains between countries and major cities in France and Italy. In Switzerland I have pre-booked only the train out from Basel Sbb to Paris Gare de Lyon. I am wondering about some of the shorter trips within Switzerland.

Train from Chur to Lucerne
Trains & maybe bus from Lucerne to Wengen
Train(s) Wengen to Basel
I am thinking these 3 trips are regional and run often and I don't think I need to pre-book. Please provide any information in this regard. Husband and I I will have Swiss Half Fare Cards.

And finally, back to the entry into Switzerland . We will take the regional red train (Rhaetian Railway) from Tirano to Chur, maybe this question belongs on the Italy forum. I have seen a couple of recent posts about even these regional trains (vs. Bernina express) getting very crowded. This trip will be on May 2. Any info and all suggestions are appreciated!! Susan

Posted by SwissNomad

Switzerland

02/22/26 10:48 AM

400 posts

I don't think I need to pre-book.

Correct. Just buy a ticket for the route, get on and sit in any unoccupied seat.

Trains & maybe bus from Lucerne to Wengen

Not sure what bus you would want to take on this route. It is possible to reserve a seat on the train Luzern - Interlaken Ost portion, but in early May I would not bother with that as the tourist season is not in full swing. I have taken this train many times without a reservation and have always had multiple seats available to choose from.

regional trains (vs. Bernina express) getting very crowded.

I haven’t heard this, maybe someone else has.

Remember that Swiss use these trains to go about their lives - work commute, kids go to school and on class field trips, sometimes there are a lot of people because of a local holiday or event…but people are always getting on and off at different stops. The trick on most trains is to grab a seat as people get off before the ones waiting at the platform get on. Although I have to say that very rarely are trains so full that you will need to do something like that.

Posted by WengenK

Wengen

02/23/26 07:17 PM

3800 posts

Since the Rhaetian railways is a Swiss company questions about their trains definitely belong here.

The Bernina Express has indeed become a victim of its success. The RhB has plans to significantly expand service on the route, but that is not something you implement overnight. So in the mean time it does indeed happen that they limit the number of the allow to board in Tirano, to avoid the trains getting to overcrowded. Which means that on busy days you risk indeed having. to queue....
For that reason you can now also reserve seats on the regional trains, to make sure you are on the train of your choice. Boarding in Tirano is: people with reservations first, than those without reservations, subject to availability.

https://www.rhb.ch/en/tickets/bernina-line-reservations/

These seat reservations are only 5,- CHF, so reasonable.

Last remark: If you want to break your trip, do it in a place like Pontresina, or Filisur. Much more interesting then Chur.

Posted by susan OP

lake forest park, washington, usa

02/25/26 08:39 PM

190 posts

Thank you all for this helpful information