I am looking to book train for 3 from Florence to Zurich on June 24th and would like to travel on scenic but expedient route. It appears there is a routing through Milan with change of trains in Milan. I have read other Traveler Help line response that said there is train that goes more through the mountain tunnels vs more scenic routing. I am looking for best optino that is expedient in terms of time but also scenic. Can you provide reference. I don't exactly know how to pick the train that is more scenic than through the tunnel. I am open to other routing from Florence if I can make journey all on day of 24th June. Unfortunately my itinerary does not allow for overnight along this routing. Sincere thank you in advance. Fred
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We did the same route via Milan. Getting to Milan is so so but from there to Zurich was very nice and scenic. You will need to leave Florence fairly early to make a one day run. You will see both tunnels and mountains.
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
6 posts
Thank you Frank. I had read another link that had seemed to imply there were two routes from Milan to Zurich and one was more through the mountains with little visibility of the mountain peaks and beauty of Switzerland. Another route seemed to offer better views of mountains, though there were also tunnels. My preference was for the latter. ANy thoughts on this. Fred
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17433 posts
The main route from Milan to Zurich is the direct train via the Gotthard pass, which takes 3 hours 41 minutes. This route does go through a few tunnels, but you do see a lot of the Alps in between (if it is a clear day). A couple of the tunnels are actually spirals to gain or lose altitude. So this route climbs higher into the mountains than the route that most people take to get to the Berner Oberland, which is Milan to Brig to Spiez. that one goes through two very long and deep tunnels. You can get to Zurich that way but it takes longer than the direct train, and there is no scenery to admire as you go under the Alps.. The tird option is the most scenic, but longer. You take the train from Milan to Tirano (past Varenna on Lake Como) and change there for a Swiss train following the Bernina Express route to Chur. There may be 1-3 changes on the way. Milano to Chur takes 7 3/4 to 8 3/4 hours. From Chur it is only 1 1/2 hours or so to Zurich. This route goes over the alps, not through tunnels, (thee is one very short one). But it is very long. I suggest people break it up with an overnigh tin Pontresina if they go this way. Note that you do not have to ride the designated "Bernina Express train; you can take any of the regional trains that use the same tracks.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Lola is correct. Not sure what you are trying to avoid or not avoid. The direct run is pretty scenic. I suppose it could be "more scenic" but not sure how. It is pretty to avoid scenic in Switzerland.
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
6 posts
Thank you all for your responses. I am not sure I had correct information based on your replies. My goal was to enjoy the scenerey and travel in one day from Florence to Zurich via Milan. Your notes have been quite helpful. Fred