I am traveling from Kandersteg, Switzerland to Varenna, Italy which requires 3 different trains, a regional express from Kandersteg to Brig, a CIS train from Brig to Milano, and a regional train from Milano to Varenna. The CIS train is subject to compulsory reservations ahead of time but the websites (oebb.at, bahn.de, trentalia.com) won't let me reserve or buy tickets. How do I reserve ahead of time?
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
Hi Cheryl,
You tried the websites for rail in Austria, Germany, and Italy, but since the train originates in Switzerland then I would recommend that you try the Swiss rail website.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
You can purchase these tickets at the Swiss Rail site: www.rail.ch
The tickets can be picked up at any train station in Switzerland.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
The Cisalpino train website is very nice but you can't buy tickets from them. As mentioned above, buy them from the Swiss. www.rail.ch. You'll get your seat reservations from them as well.
For your tickets from Milan to Varenna-Esino, buy these in the Milan train station. This leg of your journey will be on a Regionale train. No seat reservations are permitted on this local train. Just validate your ticket, get on and find your own seat. It's much like the light rail in San Jose only the one in S.J. is a lot newer.
Also, when buying your ticket in Milan, I suggest that you buy a round trip ticket. That way, you can jump on any R train returning to Milan without problems within 60 days. No date or time on the R train tickets so you don't have to worry about catching any particular train.
The reason for some up front prep is that the train only stops in Varenna-Esino for 1 minute. Be ready to jump off. On the return, you will need to jump on quickly.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I don't think that you will see many countries offering a "reserve now - pay when you get there" ticket system for their trains.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
I presume you mean where you have a rail pass but you just want to purchase a reservation to go with it?
Posted by
OP
Morgan Hill, CA, USA
8 posts
Thanks for the great response! Does anyone know if it is possible to make a reservation on the CIS train without buying a ticket? I don't see a way to do that on the swiss site.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
Cheryl,
The easiest method would be to simply wait until you get to Switzerland, and buy the ticket there at a local station. If you're going to be in Kandersteg for a few days, purchase the ticket (which will include any necessary reservations) for your outgoing journey when you arrive there.
I was on one of the Cisalpino trains a few weeks ago, and had no trouble buying a P-P ticket (with reservation). I NEVER buy tickets or reservations before travelling there.
Good luck!