Understanding Swiss (panoramic) train timetables
A traveler named RobinS is planning a day trip from Zurich to Lugano and wants to know if the SBB timetable includes panoramic trains like the Bernina and Gotthard. They are looking for the best way to figure out train options for their trip.
- Check the specific pages for the Bernina and Gotthard trains to find their timetables and scheduling options.
- For a quick trip, take the fast train through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which only takes about 2 hours each way.
- If you prefer a scenic experience, consider taking the mountain route back to enjoy the views, but allow more time for your return trip.
AI-generated summary-
Do these time tables include the panoramic trains as scheduling options? As I’m trying to plan my trips using the timetable, it’s hard to tell if these trains are included as any of the options. If not, what’s the best way to figure out options? For example, I’m looking at a day trip from Zurich to Lugano. I have seen on happyrail.com that I can take the Bernina or Gotthard trains. However, when I go to the timetable at SBB, I can’t easily see if any of the scheduling options presented include either of these panoramic trains. Your assistance please?
Thank you
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Hi RobinS,
Our panoramic train pages explain how to find these trains. For example, for the Bernina Express you can check under “timetable” on the Route tab: http://www.myswissalps.com/be rninaexpress/gettingth ere. More is here: http://www.myswissalps.com/ac tivities/scenictrips/t rain.
If you haven’t done so already, it may also help to read the instructions on our timetable page: http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable.
Happy planning!
If you are still having problems have a look at BEX timetables at http://www.rhb.ch/en/panorami c-trains/bernina-express#info or alternative round trip http://www.rhb.ch/en/tickets-travelcards/promotions /gotthard-bernina-circular-tour.
For the other option see http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/ideas/offer.h tml/zuege/gotthard-panorama-express?tracking-marketingurl=gotthard-panorama-express.
Both BEX and GPEX require seat reservations. GPEX is 1st Class only.
if you are interested in spending some time in Lugano and enjoying that fabulous lakeside city then just take the fast train via the Gotthard Base Tunnel – it’s only 2 hours each way.
The Bernina railway is not the train to use for a day trip Zurich – Lugano, which is either end of the Gotthard transalpine railway route.
The options on the Gotthard route from Zurich are:
Use the new base tunnel (the longest tunnel in the world), the Intercity trains run Arth Goldau – Bellinzona non stop
Use the old mountain route on ordinary regional trains – for this you take a train from Zurich to Erstfeld, then the regional train Erstfeld – Göschenen – old tunnel – Airolo – Bellinzona – Lugano – Milano
The Gotthard route timetable PDF here:
http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/ fileadmin/fap_pdf_fiel ds/2019/600.pdf
I appreciate your feedback as I do want to make sure we have some time to spend in Lugano. Thanks all
My suggestion would be to take the fast train via the base tunnel outbound.
If you have time you could come back via the mountain route, but there is a lot to do in the Lugano area, for example Swissminiatur at nearby Melide (access by train or boat)
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