We are stuck with a dilemma and hoping someone might have a great suggestion. We are taking the Bernina Express from Chur to Lugano - sadly the bus portion of the trip is sold out. Looking on line at the regional train routes I could take a combo of 4 bus / trains to get to Lugano at 9pm which I do not want to do. 2nd option would be train to Milan then another to Lugano - feasible but would be getting into to Tirano at 12:38 and back on train at 1:10. So my thoughts are should I take Lugano out of the equation and pick a spot to overnight and explore a bit in or just pass on the view portion of journey to Lugano from Tirano. As always thank you for your suggestions they are a great sounding board :) Additional info: we are locked into that travel date.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1219 posts
Hi Liz. It's uncleaer from your question if you have to go to Lugano, and if so at any time / day? In other words, where do you want / locked in to going next if you don't go to Lugano?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Liz, In that situation, I'd take the train departing Tirano at 13:10, with arrival in Lugano at 17:30 (travel time 4H:20M, two changes at Monza and Chiasso). You won't need to go to Milan at all. When you arrive in Tirano, you could pick up a sandwich or other snack for the trip, or buy something on the train. The trip suggested above will get you to Lugano in time to check into the Hotel and then go for a fine hot meal. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Tempe
21 posts
Sorry if unclear - I am locked into Lugano in so much as it is where I would like to spend a couple of days. I have a hotel booked already. With the bus portion of the Bernina Express Train sold out - I am trying to find an alternative way to Lugano that won't have me on trains/buses forever. Talking with raileurope they gave me the impression my only options were to do one of the above two routes and I wasn't thrilled with either choice. So, I thought perhaps someone would have an alternate way to get from Tirano to Lugano or a suggestion of a different place to stay all together and taking Lugano out of the equation. We will be traveling on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano on September 8, 2o11. Was much more worried about the hotels/seat reservations/rail pass choices never thought the bus would be my Waterloo. Thank your for your help!
Posted by
OP
Tempe
21 posts
Ken - I will go look at schedule and see about those connections - ty
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I don't know what your native location would be but I absolutely loved Lugano...beautiful, wonderful size town to wander around and enjoy the views and also the best asparagus risotto I have ever had in my life. I have returned a few times and was never disappointed.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
3 posts
We are having similar problems trying to get from Tirano to Lugano in early November. The bus doesn't run then, and I thought I had found a suitable train to Milan, then another to Lugano. However, when I try to the train to Milan to check on the fares, I get the message
"Sorry, we were unable to find a price for this solution, please other solution". What we are trying to do is go on the Bernina Express to Tirano, then down to Milan and up to Lugano, where we want to stay the night, then next morning return to Zurich. But it all seems a bit too hard. Jan
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32859 posts
Remember to not tax Trenitalia too far out. They only put their information on reasonably close to departure. And they won't give prices for regional trains. Do either of those help?
Posted by
OP
Tempe
21 posts
Do they do car rentals in Tirano?
Also, where was the risotto you speak of : )
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Jan, Where are you trying to get information on trains from Tirano to Lugano? That's a very easy trip, about five hours total (including a layover at Milano Centrale) and not "hard" at all. The schedules for November may not be posted yet, but using an arbitrary date of 15 August, the current second class fare is listed at €31.15 PP. Note that the segment from Milano to Lugano requires reserved seating. Happy travels!