Bernina Express or local train for photography?
A traveler is planning a day trip from Samedan to Tirano and back, wanting to capture scenic photos during the train rides. They have the Swiss Travel Pass and are unsure if the local trains on the same route allow window openings for photography or if they're equivalent to the Bernina Express. They seek advice on the best option for capturing the scenery.
- Local trains on the Bernina route often have open carriages, making them great for photography.
- The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on both the Bernina Express and local trains, but reservations are required for the Bernina Express.
- To maximize photo opportunities, consider taking the Bernina Express starting from St. Moritz early in the day.
- For the best views, sit on the right side of the train while heading to Tirano.
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I planned to travel from Samedan to Tirano and Tirano back to Samedan on the same day. I have STP and would like to take photos of the scenery during the trains rides. So if I take Bernina Express, the glass enclosure will not be possible for photography as it might have reflection. If I take the local trains, are they on the same route as Bernina Express and can I open the windows to shoot from the train?
I checked the local trains schedule and it looks like the travel time is about the same as Bernina Express. I am not sure if I am seeing the correct time table for the train. Any advice will be much appreciated.
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Hi Simage,
We have another thread talking about the open panoramic cars traveling on that route (regional trains only).
Take a look: https://www.myswissalp s.com/forum/topic/open -panoramic-cars-on-bernina-express
Thats not true . The Bernina express has an opening at the end of every coach to help you take photographs . We managed to take some amazing photographs as the train wound its way upto Alphine Gruh and down into the valley . The STP trains have a separate carriage at the rear that is conducive to take snaps.
Whilst the famous named trains have an appeal all their own and are great to ride, I enjoy riding local trains over the same routes. It can be a very different, but equally enjoyable, experience.
The Swiss timetable has all the details.
Whilst an occasional impromptu adventure is great, the old adage “prior planning prevents poor performance” usually applies. Planning, to me, is an essential and most enjoyable part of the adventure.
Enjoy your travels.
Thanks Lucas for the information.
Thank for the info Travelholic6
Send or link us to some of your photos Travelholic!
Travelholic6, you mentioned STP train. Are you referring to the normal train that runs the Bernina Express route that we can use the STP?
I’m not sure what an STP train is.
You can use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Bernina Express train or a local train – you just need a reservation on the Bernina Express train where you don’t on regional trains.
Thanks Lucas for the info.
Local trains are always a better ‘genuine experience’ than the tourist expresses.
All Bernina trains have some openeing windows, because the ‘Allegra’ unit trains have some, and the old power cars (which still operate a few of the locals) also have them
If you are planning to take the Bernina railway from Samedan to Tirano, the best way is to start early and go via St Moritz, not direct to Pontresina. That way you can board the Bernina train at its starting point at St Moritz, be first onto the train if you can, and bag one of the seats next to an opening window (I would say the best views most of the way are sitting on the right hand side in the direction of travel.)
Hi..If your objective is primarily on capturing the splendour on camera …then the local trains fit the bill . Many of them have open carriages at the rear . That said , the Bernina also has small peek out windows to facilitate photography .
Suggestion is …if you have not had the Bernina experience you should have one . You may go by the local train and return by Bernina or vice versa.
Hope this is useful
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