What is the most scenic part of the Bernina Express? We will be spending 3 nights in Stresa and another 3 nights in Bellagio. We have 5 more nights in our itinerary which we would like spend in Switzerland. We are already committed to stay the last 2 nights in Zurich. Before Zurich does anyone recommend the Bernina Express which I understand we can take from Varenna? Or should we forget about BE and head back to Milan from which we can continue by train to Interlaken for 3 nights?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Peri, The Bernina Express departs from Tirano rather than Varenna. You'll need to travel via Regionale to Tirano to actually travel on the Bernina Express. Keep in mind that it gets into Chur late in the afternoon, so you might have to spend at least one night there before continuing your journey. You could easily travel from Chur to Interlaken after taking the B.E., as the trip is only 3-4 hours. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Boca Raton, Florida, USA
10 posts
Thank you for the advice. We are still debating whether we can incorporate parts of either the Bernina Express or the Golden Pass in our itinerary after Bellagio before our final destination, Zurich. I understand we can get a train from Varenna to Turino for tha BE. If a relaxing scenic train ride is preferred, would you choose BE from Turino to Interlaken, or is it better to do the Montreux (I assume we may have to go to Milan from Varenna to be able to connect to Montreux) Interlaken portion of the Golden Pass?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16265 posts
The Bernina Express route offers more dramatic scenery than the Golden Pass route, and is much more convenient if you are starting in Varenna. Head to Tirano and take one of the regional trains that runs that route; no need ton wait for the official Bernina Express that departs at 14:04. You could end the day in Luzern and spend the night there, if you want to continue on to Interlaken before Zurich. Or you could spend the first night in one of the mountain villages before Chur, such as Pontresina or Samedan.
Posted by
OP
Boca Raton, Florida, USA
10 posts
Thank you Lola. I have two more qsts. Is it possible to get to Interlaken on the same day from Tirano following the BE route? I am trying to minimize the pack/unpack time.
How do I find the trains that follow the same route as BE from Tirano?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16265 posts
Yes, it possible to get to Interlaken the same day using the BE route, but it will take about 9 hours total. To see the route, use the Swiss site www.rail.ch. Put Tirano in the From box and interlaken in the To box. Then put Pontresina in the Via box so it will route you that way instead of the shorter way via Milan. You will likely have train changes at Pontresina, Samedan, Chur, Thalwil, and Luzern.
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
Hello. Three years ago my husband and I took the William Tell Express out of Lucerne and ended in Lugano. We spent five nights in Lugano. During that time, we took a day trip by train to Milan. Another day we took the train to Lake Magiorre. Another day we took the train to Lake Como. We went around the lakes by boats. Our hotel was only a few yards from where we got off the train in Lugano. We just went down a fanicular and there was our hotel. After we spent our time in Lugano we hopped on the bus part of the Bernina Express. Our long trip around Lake Magiorre was absolutely beautiful. Then we boarded our train through the Alps. The Bernina Express was breathtaking. We started the Bernina Express in Lugano and ended in Zurich in the same day. Both the William Tell and the Bernina were wonderful.