Bernina Express Chur to Lugano/Como & on to Milan

We are traveling on April 13th from Lucerne to Chur to take the Bernina Express to Triano. We are trying to where to stay overnight (Pontresina or Triano) for one night. We wanted to go to Lake Como or Lugano for overnight on the 14th - which is better as we have to ultimately go to Milan and on to Venice to fly home. And finally, will our Swiss Rail Pass be valid train travel from Triano to Como or Lugano or would we have to buy a separate ticket for that leg? We would hate to give up a day of our 8 day Swiss Rail pass if we don't have to.

Advice appreciated!

Hi caseylight,

I would prefer Pontresina. Note that the other town is Tirano. The next day you can take a train to Tirano, and the Bernina Express bus from there to Lugano. You can either stay in Lugano or take a train to Como. All of this is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, except the Bernina Express seat reservations and the short leg from the Swiss border (Chiasso) to Como, which costs about CHF 2. There are direct trains from both Como and Lugano to Milan.

Please see here for details: myswissalps.com/ swisstravelpass.

I had understood that the Bernina Express Bus didn't operate in April, that it started up again in May. Did I misunderstand that? Please advise.

Hi caseylight,

The bus operates from March 25.

If we break up the train ride from Churr to Tirano and stay over night in Pontresina and the next day we go to Tirano, is it a separate reservation fee for doing so and how much is that reservation fee for the Bernina Express?

I would take any of the regular trains on day two. In that case the reservation fee (CHF 10 to 14) is not required.