Has anyone been able to book seat reservations on-line for the Wilhelm Tell Express in the last couple of weeks? I saw a notice that since mid May no retailers are accepting on-line reservations. Would you let me know if you have had success? Thanks very much in advance.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11316 posts
I was so frustrated with this before our trip last month! I finally gave up and went to an SBB ticket counter when we got to Luzern and bought the tickets there. Even SBB was confused and it took 4 young women to figure out what to do and then, according to the personnel on the boat, SBB did not charge me enough for first class on the train. SBB also did not give me the meal voucher, although the personnel on the boat found some for us. All went well, but they do not have their ticket sales channels figured out. Booking the Bernina Express was like any other train. Not the W. Tell!
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
977 posts
I have done this journey several times now, but only once on the 'Official' Wilhelm Tell Express. I consider it very poor value for money, for a start there is a CHF49 reservation supplement in summer and for that I can enjoy a nice meal at the end of the day instead. And on top of this you're required purchase a first class ticket! The food on board is OK, but nothing special and you'd certainly get better value else where at the end of your trip.
Don't get me wrong, the journey is well worth the time, but use the normal public transport to get there and you'll save a bit of money on the way.
BTW: I can highly recommend the Continental Parkhotel in Lugano if you're looking for some where to stay. It is an easy walk from the train station. Ask for a room in the main building because they often have coach parties in the other building which can make for a lot of noise if they are leaving early morning.