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My husband are flying in Milan on May 9. We would like 3 nights in Switzerland and then on to Lombardy, Italy. We would like to spend 2 nights in Lucerne and then take the Gotthard Pass train back to Italy. I’m trying to figure out the best route to Lucerne from Milan (Our flight gets in at 12:15pm) hopefully on the Bernina Express and or Glacier Express including an overnight. Maybe Milan to St Moritz on the Bernina line and then St Moritz to Lucerne via Andermatt. I’ve been reading forum posts for 3 months and I think I’m getting myself more confused. I’ve read much about taking the regional trains on the same rails as Glacier Express and Bernina. What would be the best city for the first night?
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Hello Spres412 and Welcome to MySwissAlps,
You seem to have a good idea of the options. But the question is do you want to spend a couple of days largely on trains?
If it was me I would get a fast train to Luzern direct from Milan and settle in there. Then maybe return via the Gotthard Panorama Express route or the Bernina Express route.
With a 3-night stay you will only scratch the surface on things to do in and around Luzern.
Use the SBB Timetable (http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable) to plan your travel. If you are not familiar with using the timetable it will pay to first read the instructions on that page.
Hi Spres412,
Yes it depends on how much time you have or want to spend on trains during this trip. Rockoyster’s suggestion is a good one to be able to spend more time in Lucerne. I like that one. Gives you some time perhaps to check out Lugano as well (unless your focus is to be on trains which sometimes it is!)
If you want you can head first to Lugano, then on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne and then on your return via Chur and Tirano on the Bernina Express but that will take up a good day. The timetable will help you plan out possible trips and how long it will take to make them.
Your replies have given me some perspective, thank you.
If we stay the first night in Lugano, the next day the Gotthard Pass train leaves Lugano at 9:23 and arrives in Lucerne 14:47. Stay two nights and Travel back on Bernina to Tirano.
Whereas, taking the fast train to Lucerne and stay 2 nights. Then the Gotthard from Lucerne depart at 11:12am and arrive in Lugano at 14:38. Then stay over night in Lugano. Is there a fast train from Milan airport to Lucerne or do I have to go to Milan Central?
Also, fast train to Lucerne, Gotthard pass back to Lugano, up to Mt. Pilatus while in Lucerne and possible half day to Zurich.
Or train to Lugano, Gotthard pass to Lucerne, up to Mt Pilatus, possible half day in Zurich and Bernina Express to Tirano.
Which train pass would you suggest?
Thank you
Great trip you are planning to Switzerland, albeit a bit short!
In order to choose the right rail pass, you’ll need to map out your exact train travel and then do the math. We have a tool on the site that can be used for this purpose: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass
If you are doing a lot of travel across Switzerland as you are doing, it might be worth looking into the Swiss Travel Pass (which also means ticketless travel!) : http://www.myswissalps.com/sw isstravelpass
Or you could get point to point tickets: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr avel/toswitzerland/tra in/tickets
This link should also help: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/italy
Hope this helps in your preparations!
Maria.
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