[CabinJon]

15 August 2026 at 0:27:09 #2798333

My wife and I are planning a 2 day trip to Lugano from Luzern in late September with a quick visit to Como. We have STPs, and plan on leaving Luzern early in the morning going through Chiasso to the Como San Giovanni station. Likely the IC21 train to Lugano, changing to the RE80 train going through Chiasso to Como San Giovanni. Given the STP covers up to Chiasso, I will need to pay for the extra miles to Como SG, which I presume I can do at the SBB counter Luzern or Lugano.

However, when I checked for the return trip, I notice the SBB timetable shows multiple trains coming back from Como SG to Lugano, including the RE80, S10, and a EC train. I will need tickets for the Como SG to Chiasso portion of that return trip but frankly I’m a bit confused over the SBB train numbers being listed.

Does that mean the STP is actually valid to/from Como SG and no “Italian” ticket is necessary?  Or does that mean I can pay SBB at the Swiss departure station for the short journey to Como SG, and purchase a ticket for the return portion at the train station in Como SG?

My preliminary research on the Italian train system, ticketing, and validation rules and procedures convinced me it is nowhere near as straightforward and coordinated as the Swiss system.

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[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 1 • 15 August 2026 at 6:38:35 #2798334

Hello Cabinjon

Swiss Travel Pass NOT valid to Como

While the STP is valid to a number of destinations in Italy, notably Domodossola, Tirano and Mals/Malles (at the end of the spectacular 811 bus route), it is not valid to Como.
Get the SBB booking office at Luzern to sell you the tickets for Chiasso to Como and Como to Chiasso.  You will need to give that office the approximate time at which you want to travel.

Trains which go Lugano-Chiasso-Como

Avoid the EC trains as they are very busy and seat reservations are compulsary for cross boarder journeys.  Use the excellent ‘TILO’ local trains organised jointly by the canton of Ticino and the province of Lombardia.
Going south from Lugano the S10 trains go only as far as Como.  The RE80 trains (which can be very busy) go though to Milano Centrale.
Going north from Como the S10s run to Bellinzona; the RE80s are bound for Locarno.

the Italian train system, ticketing, and validation rules and procedures convinced me it is nowhere near as straightforward and coordinated as the Swiss system.

One of the reasons why Swiss PUBLIC TRANSPORT (not just the trains) is the best in the world is the co-ordinated ticketing system.

Kind regards
Roger