We will be traveling from Milan to Varenna late April and would like to experience riding the Berina Express train (or Regional train) enroute. Is it possible to do the following: Milan-StMoritz then take StMoritz-Tirano-Varenna all in one day? Or even stretch the trip on the Berina Express up to Chur? Thanks for any advice/recommendations.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17249 posts
You can do it that way, but Milan to St. Moritz is about a 5-hour trip. Then from there to Tirano is I think about 2 hours; you'll have to check schedules and make sure the Tirano to Varenna train will still be running.
I definitelynwould jot add Chur into the mix. A simpler way to ride the Bernina Express would be to ride it out and back as a day trip from Varenna.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1260 posts
Hi Jim. Without knowing our overall priorities / itinerary, it's hard to comment on your proposal.
What's a little confusing about your question is the word 'enroute'. The train from Milan to Varenna is a simple direct 1+ hour train. The other way you suggest isn't really 'enroute ' to Varenna. It's taking a very long train ride, and then going Varenna when done. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Sunnyvale, California, United States
2 posts
Thanks for the responses. After checking train schedules from several websites as you suggested, I see that while it is possible on paper to go from Milan - StMoritz in about 5 hrs, it would take a train and two buses (transfers at Bellinzona and Thusis) with no allowances for delays or mistakes. Instead, I think I'll do Milan-Tirano-StMoritz (6hrs), have lunch in StMoritz, then double back StMoritz-Tirano-Varenna (5 hrs). All trains and no bus transfers.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17249 posts
Good plan. That way you get to see the best scenery twice!