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1st class seat with 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass

Short summary – read this first

A traveler named Infolucianog is planning a trip on the Bernina Express and wants to know if they can reserve a first-class seat with a second-class Swiss Travel Pass. They are looking for advice on seat upgrades and reservations for a scenic ride.

Key takeaways:
  • You can upgrade to first class on the Bernina Express while holding a second-class Swiss Travel Pass by purchasing a seat reservation with an upgrade fee.
  • It's best to reserve your seat in advance, especially during busy summer months when trains may be crowded.
  • The ride from Tirano to Chur is highly scenic and worth the trip for great views.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Danielsan
    Participant
    745 posts
    Reply 1 of 4 • 14 November 2023 at 6:31:39 #959252

    Hi Infolucianog,

    Yes, you can do that. 5 years ago, I went on the Bernina, the Gotthard, and the Glacier Expresses. I had a second class STP. On the Glacier Express, I upgraded to the first class when I bought my seat reservation. The cost, if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or comparable pass, is half of the difference between the price of the two classes. I’m not sure in which direction you’re traveling on the Bernina or when you’re traveling. I went from Lugano (bus portion) to Tirano, then on to St Moritz from there. That was in September. Again, it was 5 years ago, but at that time, it was not crowded at all. The only reason I upgraded the Glacier was because it was a long trip, (6 hours from Chur to Zermatt after a two hour ride from St Moritz) and I wanted to relax and not worry about anything. Be it space, luggage, or anything else. But on the Bernina, I was constantly hopping from side to side on the train, taking pictures because there weren’t that many people on board to disturb. And there was another girl doing the same. But the ride itself is a beautiful one. From Tirano to Chur, or vice versa, it is very scenic and well worth it. So again, if you’re traveling in the summer months, it may be different and more crowded. Have a great trip.

    Regards,

    Danielsan

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    Anna
    Moderator
    7796 posts
    Reply 2 of 4 • 14 November 2023 at 6:34:12 #959253

    Hi Infolucianog,

    Yes, this is possible. You need to purchase a seat upgrade as well as have a 1st class seat reservation on the Bernina Express in this case. The seat upgrade can be purchased directly from the train station. You can find further information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/2nd1stclass

    Regards,

    Anna

    Infolucianog
    Participant
    5 posts
    Reply 3 of 4 • 15 November 2023 at 16:48:45 #959254

    Thank you so much for the advice.

    Infolucianog
    Participant
    5 posts
    Reply 4 of 4 • 15 November 2023 at 16:49:22 #959255

    Thank you so much Anna.

  • The thread ‘1st class seat with 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass’ is closed to new replies.

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