Bernina Express vs other trains Milan to Lucerne
A traveler is planning a trip from Milan to Lucerne on June 15 and is considering the Bernina Express for its scenic views. They seek advice on whether a change of trains is worth the beautiful journey or if direct trains offer a comparable experience in terms of scenery and efficiency.
- The scenic views on the Bernina Express are unparalleled, so if time allows, it’s worth considering despite the changes involved.
- The Swiss Travel Pass is only valid within Switzerland, so it won't cover the entire route from Milan to Lucerne.
- Reservations for the Bernina Express are necessary, costing around CHF 28 per person.
- Regular trains from Milan to Lucerne will not miss out on beautiful scenery, but will include some tunnel stretches that limit views.
AI-generated summary-
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi, I am travelling to Lucern from Milan on 15th of June 2017 and plan to travel by train. the Bernina express journey seems like a journey not to b missed with its maze of tunnels and bridges. But the drawback appears to be the changes I would need to make to reach Lucern. Whereas, the other trains give me the option of a direct train journey without disembarking and changing the trains. Just wondering if the train ride would be as beautiful as that of Bernina Express. And which one would be cost and time effective.
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Welcome to MySwissAlps Junketjunkie!
Direct trains from Milan to Lucerne do not offer nearly as wonderful scenery as the Bernina Express. Those trains cross a long tunnel, the longest in the world in fact, so there’s nothing to see while you cross the highest peaks of the Alps. A scenic alternative on the same route is the Gotthard Panorama Express, but that’s not direct either (2 changes). I’d pick that one or the Bernina Express if you have time. The changes are not problematic assuming you can handle your luggage yourself.
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi Junketjunkie,
Gotthard Panorama Express only runs on weekends/public holidays at the time you are travelling. If you are not worried about missing out on the steamer to Fluelen you can follow the same route on regular trains ( ie not special panorama cars). Check the SBB timetable at http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.htm l Look up Luzern to Lugano via Airolo. Change at Lugano for a direct train to Milan.
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi Junketjunkie,
Sorry just realised you are travelling in the opposite direction. Still you would only need to change once at Lugano. Bernina Express is a very long way round.
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi,
thanks for the replies. So if I travel by the regular train(SBB) from Milan to Lugano and then to Lucern , I will not be missing on any of the mesmerising scenery.please confirm.
further, just confirm that the Swiss rail pass would b valid for my journey from Milan to Lucern. I plan to buy the Swiss travel pass for 8 days. Would the seat reservation be needed for this journey?
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi Junketjunkie,
The route is the same so the scenery is the same. Attached is a sample route. I forgot to mention an additional change at Erstfeld. The only direct Lugano to Luzern goes via the Gotthard Base Tunnel so not much scenery.
If you want to do the steamer from Fluelen you can also find that on the regular timetable.
Swiss Travel Pass is only valid for inside Switzerland not from Milan to border.
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailIf you wanted to do the Bernina Express you can go Milan – Tirano – Chur -Thalwil – Luzern. A long but doable day with only 3 changes BEX departs Tirano 14:26. Trenord Re_8 goes direct Milan to Tirano. Tirano onwards all covered by STP but need to make and pay for BEX reservation – CHF28/person.
Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailHi Junketjunkie,
The Swiss Travel Pass covers your journey Milan-Lucerne from Chiasso (if you pick the Gottard Express) or Tirano (if you pick the Bernina Express). Please review the downloadable map at myswissalps.com/swisst ravelpass/validity.
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