Regular trains Tirano-Chur vs Bernina Express
A traveler named Jzebedee is planning a trip from Tirano to Chur and asked about local train schedules and whether reservations are needed. They were particularly interested in the differences between local trains and the Bernina Express regarding comfort and scenery.
- You don't need reservations for local or regional trains; they follow the same route as the Bernina Express.
- If you're on a limited schedule, consider turning around at Pontresina for a shorter trip.
- Regular trains offer great views, and large windows are sufficient for enjoying the scenery.
- Avoid confusion with place names; it's Tirano, not Torino, which is far away.
AI-generated summary-
Do the local trains from Torina to CHur run on the same tracks . And just twice a day the Bernina express cars are attached. The big difference being the wrap around windows and the more comfortable seating. Although I know you need reservations on the BA and tickets, do you need to prebook on 2nd class or the so called local trains?
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Hello Jzebedee and Welcome to MySwissAlps
You don’t need reservations on the “local” or regional trains which operate on exactly the same route as the Bernina Express.
The scenery is exactly the same. You don’t get the panoramic windows and you don’t get the commentary you get on the BEX. The panoramic windows are not a big deal. Regular train windows are fine.
Hi Jzebedee,
in addition to Rockoyster’s answer, here you can read about the differences between regular trains and Bernina Express: http://www.myswissalps.com/be rninaexpress.
I, personally like the panoramic windows, but it is true, that the landscape will be the same. 🙂
Thanks for the quick replies. A few more questions. We have a limited time available and want to travel part way and return to Torino. Would you suggest Pontresina or Diaolezza as a turn around point? Perhapsthe Bex north and then the local back. Do you pay for the Bex all the way to Chur or just to your own jump off point? Thank you
Firstly, beware of place name spelling – it is Tirano (not Torino which is a large industrial city east of Milan).
For a short trip on the Bernina railway itself there is no need to take the Bernina Express, especially as you avoid the extra fare and being tied down to a specific train. The regular trains (like all Swiss trains) have large windows anyway, and only a limited number of views are directly above the train so I too don’t think the ‘panoramic’ windows add much, on the Bernina line especially two of the most spectacular views are looking down from the train not up.
http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/ fileadmin/fap_pdf_fiel ds/2019/950.pdf
If you want to complete the railway trip, go to Pontresina. If you want to turn back at the summit, stop at Diavolezza. The latter would be less nice if the weather is poor.
thanks so much for the reply. Since I am looking at a map I do not see how I confused the Italian cities. I am happy to be on the regular trains and think I will turn around at Pontresina. Excited to be going!
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