In August mywife and I with 2 suitcases must travel from Interlaken, Switzerland to Bellagio, Italy. Based on my research, I see a train from Interlaken to Spiez which goes to Milan , and then another train to Como San Giovanni, where I take a 45 minute hydrofoil to Bellagio. This trip is over 6 hours and not known for being scenic.
Is there a more scenic route or easier route fom Interlaken to Bellagio?
Posted by
Green Bay
20230 posts
There is a route via Luzern, Arth-Goldau to Como S Giovanni in 5 hr 11 min, almost as fast as the fastest route through Milan. You will probably want to take a cab from Como S Giovanni to the ferry dock. It looks just a bit too long to hike with 2 suitcases. Leaves Interlaken Ost at 9:04, arrives Como SG at 14:15. I would not call the route through Brig to Milan as unscenic.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16379 posts
The trouble with the Spiez to Milan route is that is goes through two very long tunnels, the Lötschberg Basistunnel (34 km), and then the Simplon tunnel ( 20 km). You are going under the Alps, not " through" them. The other route, to Luzern and then south to Como via the Gotthard Pass, also has tunnels, but they are much shorter. The tracks go much higher into the mountains, sometimes gaining or losing elevation by way of spiral tunnels. But there is lots of scenery outside the tunnels, including icy peaks and hanging glaciers. Going this way, you go south to Como without a transfer in Milan. You would want a taxi from the Como San Giovanni down to the ferry dock, as Sam suggests. Buy your ticket in June On SBb for the Luzern to Como portion, and you should be able to get a good Special Offer price, saving 45 to 50 CHf per ticket.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn, New York, USA
3 posts
Thanks Lola I guess we will go through Gotthard Pass. Can you tell me how many transfers there are on thgat route? Thanks.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn, New York, USA
3 posts
Sam, thanks for the advice. we will go via Lucerne.