I have read that train schedules change a few times each year, one of which is in June. I am trying to plan my trip that begins on June 12th, although the train schedules are not available yet. Does anyone know when the new schedules come out that will include June travel dates? Also, do the train schedules change significantly each season? Also, one more question: If my scheduled route has 2 changes but one is only a 12 minute changeover, would you assume that is generally enough time to board the next train? We are a young couple travelling without children and without large bags, but I wanted to know what is generally a safe amount of time to allow for a change at train stations. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17245 posts
Kristen, it would be helpful to know where you will be traveling (which countries, not necessarily the citits.) Twelve minutes is plenty of time for a change of trains in Switzerland; it may not be in Italy.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
18 posts
Thank you Lola, The 12 minute changeover I was looking at is for our trip from Naples to Interlaken. The first change is in Milan, Italy and is 33 minutes and the second change is 12 minutes in Spiez, Switzerland. Of course this is all assuming the train schedules do not vary when they change in early June. Thank you again for your help.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17245 posts
You should be fine on both, assuming you have through tickets and don't have to buy a ticket in Milan. That station is huge! But the train to Spiez on a mainline going north, so it should be easy to find. Milan is an "end station", meaning the trains dead-end at the station rather than going through, so you can walk between platforms at the head of all the tracks. When you exit your train from naples, follow the crowd walking to the front. Look for the board with the track postings to find the number, and then walk along the front area to that track/platform. walk down the train to find you car. If time is short, just get on the train and move through from car to car to find your car and seats. Spiez is a "through" station, but it is a very small one. You likely will just cross over from one side of the platform to the other to catch your train to Interlaken. I've been there a number of times, and I don't recall ever having to go downstairs and use a subway to get to a different platform.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
18 posts
Thank you, you've been very helpful!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The semi-annual timetable revision will go into effect on 12 June. For most trains there will be no changes, but don't assume that everything will be exactly the same everywhere. There may be some trains added on certain routes and on others trains may be discontinued. Most national rail companies have their new timetables uploaded by early April. However, Trenitalia is notorious for being the last to upload theirs. Don't count on seeing theirs until May.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33544 posts
When you change trains in Spietz you will be going out of the station back the way you came in. You arrive northbound, and go out southbound. Swiss trains (except for the Intercity to Milan - the former Cisalpino) are neither reserved or reservable for domestic travel such as that to Interlaken. If you miss your train from Spietz to Interlaken you can take the next one; they are frequent. Interlaken has two stations, I-West and I-Ost. Ost is German for East. West is first and for the model railroad exhibit, the Migros supermarket and most of the town. Ost is second and where the narrow gauge trains go from to Lauterbrunnen, Grindlewald, and the Jungfraujoch, and is most convenient to the large Coop. All trains arriving from Spietz to Interlaken will call at both.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC, USA
18 posts
Thank you all so much, you've been very helpful!