I see that Rail Europe has an $18 processing fee for a $20 reservation fee...is there a better site to use to make these reservations without having to pay for shipping and processing fees?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
You want the Bernina Express website, www.rhb.ch. ( for Rhatische Bahn). Go to Shop then Bernina Express Tickets and Reservations. Remember that the bus from Lugano to Tirano and the train fro Tirano to St. Moritz ( or Chur) are booked separately if you are doing both. 12 CHF for each reservation.
Posted by
OP
Carlsbad, California, usa
87 posts
Thanks Lola
I pulled up the website and they are wanting credit card information before quoting fees...is that normal?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
It should show 12 CHF for each reservation. There is no shipping; it is a printable confirmation.
Posted by
OP
Carlsbad, California, usa
87 posts
Thanks Lola..I went ahead and booked the reservations and received a statement saying we will receive a confirmation within 48 hours...never did give me a total..thanks for all of your help as we have been planing this trip..your input has been so valuable..
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Vikki, It sounds like you have the ticket question sorted (with Lola's excellent suggestions), but I was going to mention that I bought my Bernina Express ticket at the station in Lugano the day before I was travelling. It was very easy. Buying tickets that way probably works better in the shoulder seasons, as the Bernina Express may sell out during peak travel times. Which direction are you travelling on the Bernina Express? Be sure to have your Camera ready, as it's a fantastic trip! Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Carlsbad, California, usa
87 posts
Thanks Ken...
We are starting our journey from Tirano to Chur..we start the day with an early train out of Venice to Milan (Tickets bought) and then a regional train from Milan to Tirano (will buy there)..we will then stay in Chur before heading on to Lucerne..we bought the Swiss 2 for 1 flex pass and will begin using it with this trip..reservations were confirmed but never a mention of the total amount charged..should be 12 euro each on the site Lola gave me..Rail Europe wanted $20 each plus $18 processing fee..big difference..we are making Lake Brienz our home base the 5 days we are there..we will be there mid September so hoping the weather isn't too wet
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Vikki, That's the same route that I followed. As I recall, sitting on the left (when facing forward) provides a slightly better view. As the Bernina Express doesn't arrive in Chur until about supper time, I decided to stay for two nights and have a look around. There aren't many "tourist sites" to see, but it's a beautiful city and I enjoyed my stay there. Getting a hot meal on my first night in Chur was a bit of an "adventure", as the staff at the restaurant didn't speak any English. After a few anxious moments, I found they were able to function in Italian which I can manage to some extent, so that's how I ordered dinner. Which Hotel are you staying at in Chur? Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Carlsbad, California, usa
87 posts
Hi Ken
We are staying at the Ambiente Hotel Freieck in Chur...none of the hotels looked exciting but tis one was close to the train station I guess and we will be traveling this leg with the in laws who are in the 80's so limited walking with luggage was a must..thanks for the tip on which side to sit on...we are getting very excited...we will leave early from Chur and head to Lucern for the afternoon before ending up in Lake Brienz which will be our home base while there..