Bernina Express with 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass
Dwayne is planning a trip in May from Milano to Tirano, then taking the Bernina Express to Chur for a two-night stay before heading back. He has questions about upgrading his Swiss Travel Pass for first-class travel on the Bernina Express and is looking for the fastest route back to Milano.
- You can upgrade from a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass to 1st class for a single journey on Swiss trains.
- Seat reservations on the Bernina Express are mandatory and should be booked separately.
- For the fastest route from Chur to Milano, consider taking the express bus over the San Bernardino pass to Bellinzona, then an express train to Milano.
AI-generated summary-
Hi All,
A few questions about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Bernina Express carriages.
1) If I have a Swiss Travel Pass (2nd Class), can I book a 1st Class Bernina Express reservation…or do i need to buy an (expensive)
1st Class Swiss Travel Pass?
2) Is there a better (faster) route from Chur/Bonaduz to Tirano (actually back to Milano)?
Details….
In May 2023, we plan to travel from Milano – Tirano, catch the BE to Chur. We will stay in Chur for 2 nights, then return to
Milano. We are actually looking for the fastest route back to Milano.
Your advice would be welcome!
Dwayne
-
You can upgrade 2nd to 1st for one day or for a specific single journey on all Swiss trains
The direct way from Chur to Milano is via the express bus over the San Bernardino pass route (I have been that way by car – it is a scenic route) to Bellinzona, then express train to Milano
The timings can be seen on the official Swiss timetable PDF here:
http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2023/90.171.pdf
Hi Dwayne,
If you have a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel 1st class on the Bernina Express train by purchasing an upgrade ticket, as explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/2nd1stclass
Take note that seat reservation is compulsory on the Bernina Express and need to be booked separately: http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress/tickets
Regards,
Anna
Hi Anna!
I just purchased our outbound trip on the BE! It is too early to buy the actual ticket, but I have the seat reservation!
I will look at your instructions on how to upgrade our 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass to a one-time First Class, as per the instructions!
Question….do you use an App for your travels? I see the FAIRTIQ app? Is this recommended?
Sincerely,
Dwayne
Hi Dwayne,
I am not familiar with the FAIRTIQ app. If you’re using public transport for your travels in Switzerland, the most useful tool to have is the SBB timetable. You can download a mobile version to your smart device and use it to check schedules, plan trips and also buy tickets. You can find all the details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable. You can download the SBB Mobile app and find a list of other useful travel apps here: http://www.myswissalps.com/aboutswitzerland/practical/websites
Regards,
Anna
Hey Anna!
Thanks! I downloaded it. Thanks again!
Dwayne
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