I want to take the train, but I am not sure which train provides the least train changes and if I am required to get off and get on a new train. If anyone has any advice, it would be appreciated. Just want to do a day trip to see the Alps, so nothing crazy. I was thinking maybe Zurich.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2621 posts
Zurich is about 7 hours away from Varenna by train, and wouldn't be a good destination to see alps anyway.
I don't think any Alp location is a day trip from there.
Posted by
Bend, OR
952 posts
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
429 posts
I have not done this yet but am planning, in mid October, to do a day trip from Varenna as far as Pontresina in Switzerland on the Bernina express route but taking a regular train. From Varenna, you can take a train a few stops to Tirano and then pick up the Swiss train there. You could continue on to St Moritz but might need to transfer in Pontresina. If you search this forum for Bernina, you will get much more information. Also, Bernina express on the Man in Seat 61 website explains quite a bit.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you so much for the input. Much appreciated!!
Posted by
TX, USA
4573 posts
I did this in July as CD in DC explained it.
An early train Varenna to Tirano (right now part of it is by bus, but it works just the same).
Tirano to Pontresina or St Moritz by regular train (no need to pay extra for the Bernina Express.
We took an hour and a half for lunch in St Moritz, then reversed the trip: train to Tirano, then train (or bus/train combo) to Varenna. It’s a long day but perfectly doable - and the scenery is gorgeous!
Use SBB for Swiss train schedules (and a Saver Day Pass saved us some money) and Trenitalia for the Italian train times.