Bern-Lucerne-Locarno train routes, best side to sit, ticket discounts?
A traveler named Wohui is planning a trip from Bern to Lucerne and then from Lucerne to Locarno in late October. They are looking for scenic train routes and advice on train stations and ticket discounts. They're particularly interested in train seat options for the best views during their journey.
- For the Bern to Lucerne route, take the RE7 train for a scenic 90-minute ride and sit on the right side for the best views.
- When traveling from Lucerne to Locarno, the IR26 train is recommended, as it offers beautiful scenery along the old 'Panoramastrecke.'
- If you're purchasing tickets in advance, consider the Swiss 'Day Saver' ticket to save some money, but most tickets do not offer discounts when bought early.
- If you're traveling extensively, look into getting a Swiss Travel Pass for better value on public transport.
AI-generated summary-
Hi, I have some questions about traveling in Switzerland:
Which scenic route should I choose when taking the train from Bern to Lucerne?
When traveling from Lucerne to Locarno in late October, which scenic route should I take since the panoramic trains are no longer running? Where should I sit on the train for the best views, and is the direct IR26 the best option?
Which train station should I choose in Locarno?
Do Swiss train tickets offer discounts if purchased in advance?
-
Hello Wohui
Welcome to MySwissAlps
Scenic Routes Bern to Lucerne
The IR15 trains take only an hour, but the routing is not particularly scenic.
The RE7 trains leaving at 36 minutes past each hour take about 90 minutes and go through some very pleasant countryside. Sit on the right.
The most scenic routing will take three hours, and will involve one change of train, Take the IC61 or IC81 train leaving Bern at 04 minutes past each hour. Travel right through to Interlaken Ost; journey takes 54 minutes. Sit on the left for a magnificent view over Lake Thun. At Interlaken Ost change to the ‘Luzern-Interlaken Express’ waiting om the opposite side of the platform. Sit on the right. When the train changes direction at Meiringen, do NOT change your seat.
Lucerne to Locarno The IR26 is undoubtedly the best option if you intend to go the whole way by train. The IR26 ‘Treno Gottardo’ leaves Lucerne at 07 18, 09 18 and then every two hours….. It takes 3 hours 9 minutes. It takes the old ‘Panoramastrecke’ opened in 1882, not the modern ‘Base Tunnel’ route. At Locarno this train terminates at a station called simply ‘Locarno’. You get off there. As far as Fluelen (at the eastern end of Lake Lucerne) sit on the right. After Fluelen there are excellent views on both sides of the train.
Boat to Fluelen? The boats on Lake Lucerne run 365-days a year. Even in mid-winter you can take the boat from Lucerne to Fluelen, and change there to the ‘Treno Gottardo’ IR26 or IR46 train to Locarno. The landing stage at Fluelen is about 250 metres from the train station. For example, on 25 October you could leave Lucerne on the boat leaving at 10 12, get to Fluelen at 12 55, and Locarno at 15 27 (3 27 pm).
Cheap Tickets in Advance? The Swiss ‘Day Saver’ ticket has to be bought at least one day in advance. Except for special ‘Saver’ tickets, there is no discount on advance purchase of Swiss public transport tickets.
How much travelling are you doing in Switzerland? I will have to limit myself to two broad generalizations. If you are doing only a moderate amount of travelling in Switzerland, consider buying a Swiss Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/). If you are doing a lot of travelling on Swiss public transport, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/).
Hi Wohui,
I agree with Roger. The RE7 train from Bern to Lucerne travels on a scenic route via Trubschachen and Entlebuch. The views are nice from either side, and you can always switch sides if the train is not full.
From Lucerne to Locarno, you can travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express with regular trains and boat. You can the route description and planning details here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gotthard-panorama-express/#directions (scroll down to section under Other train options to travel on the same route)
Please use the Swiss timetable to check train schedules: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/. Be sure to select Locarno as the end station (not Locarno FART)
Regards,
Anna
Roger and Anna ,Thank you so much for the tips !
“Be sure to select Locarno as the end station (not Locarno FART)”
Hi Anna , one more question about Locarno station, so The station “Locarno” is different than ” Fart “? and if I want to take the Gotthard route , the final destination should be Locarno instead of Fart? a bit confused.
thanks in advance for your kind reply
Hi Wohui,
The Locarno SBB and Locarno FART stations are separate but located adjacent to each other. You want to use the Locarno station if you are connecting to the Gotthard route.
Regards,
Anna
Thank you Anna 🙂 Great helps!
Helen
- The thread ‘Bern-Lucerne-Locarno train routes, best side to sit, ticket discounts?’ is closed to new replies.
