Reserved train type – Maybe it does matter?

  • Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    20 February 2016 at 21:25:23 #808456

    Hello:

    We plan to travel Lugano-Zurich 21 April 2016 and have 2 train options: an EC train [takes 1/2 hr longer] and an ICN [tilting], and wondering which train is better, ie comfort [1st or 2nd class] as well as keeping to its schedule.

    Both trains depart at similar times, both trains have no changes for our city pairs, both trains require reservations, both trains are pricing out the same using a Swiss Half-Fare Card.

    I can’t find seating charts or interior photos for either train. The EC train [#12] looks like it originates in Italy. The ICN train [#870] looks like it originates in Lugano.

    Also, wondering about the ride comfort [regardless of class] of the “tilting” ICN train and it being 1/2 hr faster than the EC train. Is that ICN train going to be a rock-n-roll ride compared to the EC train?

    Don’t think this matters with these questions, but separately, we’re going to transfer to a TGV train Zurich-Paris with a minimum 30-ish+ transfer time.

    Thanks kindly & Regards

  • Effortlessly learn from the questions and answers in the forum. Receive a daily e-mail with new discussions.

    Annika
    Moderator
    7104 posts
    21 February 2016 at 13:23:41 #848595

    Hi dgdgdg,

    The EC train just takes 13 minutes longer, and both trains do not require reservations. You can book seats but you don’t have to. I traveled by the ICN train a few months ago and it’s a really nice train, no rock-n-roll whatsoever. I don’t know about the EC but it will for sure be comfortable too. The ICN has various zones like a family zone for kids and a 1st class quiet zone where you’re not supposed to talk/call. The ICN indeed starts in Lugano so it will be less crowded when you board.

    Enjoy the ride!

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    21 February 2016 at 14:16:17 #848596

    Hi dgdgdg-

    I’ve ridden the tilting trains many times from their earliest introduction as “Pendolino” train sets.

    You don’t notice the tilt, and , if anything it smooths the ride a bit, because you are slightly aided in resistingor minimizing any sense of force on you during turns.

    Slowpoke

  • The thread ‘Reserved train type – Maybe it does matter?’ is closed to new replies.

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10730 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.