Gotthard Panorama Express for trip from Lucerne to Milan?
A traveler is planning a trip with their family of four adults in mid/late August and is weighing the Gotthard Panorama Express against faster options to Milan. They need insights on whether the scenic route is worth the longer travel time, considering customs processes for VAT refunds and traveling with large luggage.
- If you have time, the Gotthard Panorama Express offers beautiful scenery but takes longer.
- The Treno Gottardo is a faster option with similar views and does not require a seat reservation.
- Consider shipping your luggage ahead to make travel easier.
- Including a ferry ride can add to your experience, but it will extend the journey time significantly.
AI-generated summary-
Hi Everyone!
My family and I (4 adults), are planning a trip in mid/late August and were originally planning on taking the Gotthard Panoramic Express as part of our trip to Milano.
To my understanding, this is a relatively longer trip compared to the direct train (6+ hours compared to 3-4 hours). We also anticipate needing to stop in Chiasso for customs to get a VAT refund stamp. Is the panoramic express worth it? or is there another line we can take that gives similar views but faster? We are also a bit worried about needing to take care of customs and still making it to Milano at a reasonable time since we will be traveling with 3 large suitcases.
I have seen the Treno Gottardo recommended which ends in Bellinzona where we can then take a train to Milano (and step off in Chiasso if needed for customs). Can this still be combined with a ferry ride if we’d like?
Thank you!
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Hi pandamana,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
Many visitors enjoy the Gotthard Panorama Express. If you had the time, then it’s worth taking the experience but if you are on a time restraint then the quicker option is via the Gotthard Base Tunnel however, it is via a tunnel so as a sacrifice, views and scenery are forfeited.
You can read more about the alternative options in our Gotthard Panorama Express guide in the link below. Scroll to “Other train options to travel on the same route”.
You can research boat trips on Lake Lucerne in the link below:
Or there are boat trips on Lake Maggiore too, if time permits before heading to Milan:
As for traveling with luggage, if there is concern, there is always the option to have your luggage sent ahead? More details and information here:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Hello Pandamana
I have seen the Treno Gottardo recommended which ends in Bellinzona where we can then take a train to Milano (and step off in Chiasso if needed for customs). Can this still be combined with a ferry ride if we’d like?
I am a great supporter of the Treno Gottardo trains. Same scenery as the Gotthard Panorama Express. But no compulsory seat reservation. No supplement. Workaday train of the ‘FLIRT’ type you see all over Switzerland. Plenty of luggage space.
The IR26 from Lucerne to LOCARNO leaves Lucerne every two hours at 07 18, 09 18, 11 18 etc. Here is a suggested schedule leaving at 09 18.
Catch the 09 18 from Lucerne, making sure you get in the carriages going to Locarno. (There may also be carriages going only to Arth-Goldau.)
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the old Gotthard Railway opened in 1882. (The Base Tunnel opened in 2016!) Get off the train at Bellinzona at 12 00.
Stay on the platform. When the 12 14 Eurocity to Milano comes in ignore it. It will probably be packed (in both classes).
Catch the 12 16 S10 ‘TILO’ train bound for Chiasso, arriving there at 13 06. TILO stands Ticino-Lombardia. Ticino is the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Lombardia is the adjoining Italian province. The two regional governments have done a great job organising the local train system.
At Chiasso you will have 25 minutes to see to the Customs. Catch the 13 31 S80 TILO train to Milano Centrale, arrive there 14 17.
Include a Boat Ride
This is possible but will extend the journey time from five hours to just over seven hours.
Get the 09 12 boat from Lucerne to Flϋelen, arrive there 11 55. As you are travelling in August, this boat is scheduled to be a paddle-steamer. Walk the 200 metres or so to the train station and get 12 15 IR26 Treno Gottardo, arrives Bellinzona 14 00
When the 14 14 Eurocity comes in ignore it. It will probably be packed (in both classes).
Catch the 14 16 S10 ‘TILO’ train bound for Chiasso, arriving there at 15 06.
At Chiasso you will have 25 minutes to see to the Customs. Catch the 15 31 S80 TILO train to Milano Centrale, arrive there 16 17.
Best wishes
Roger
Thank you Roger! This is amazing, really appreciate you providing times and train names as well. We will most likely go with the Treno Gottardo option!
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