[Removed user]

9 February 2020 at 20:49:12 #825171

I am a bit confuse how to best route our trip this July 2020, 2 adults & 2 kids 4 & 9 years old.

We are coming from Milan and would like to visit Switzerland. But before going to Zurich, I would like our family to experience the panoramic view Bernina Express. I have read Lugano is where you take the Bernina Express.

looking for a recommendation route from Milan, Lugano for Bernina Express , Zurich. Is it possible not to stay overnight at Lugano or its recommended prior to departure to Zurich.

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[rockoyster]

9 February 2020 at 21:42:01 #929851

Hello StepR,

The Bernina Express (BEX) route is described here.

From Milan you can reach Lugano in time to catch the BEX bus to Tirano OR you can take a train from Milan to Tirano and catch the BEX to Chur. From Chur you take a regular train to Zurich.
– http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress, check al the tabs

Either route presents a reasonably long travel day if you go all the way from Milan to Zurich.

You will find the BEX timetable here. You need to make seat reservations or you can follow the same route on regular trains without seat reservations.

Based on your personal itinerary you should read “How to choose the best travel pass” (http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass), download the handy spreadsheet calculator and do the math. The spreadsheet also includes links to the “Where it’s valid” page for all available passes. Be sure to check those pages for each pass you are considering. Study the map AND read all the text on those pages to fully understand what is covered by the respective pass.

For checking timetables see http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/checking-train-timetables.

[Removed user]

10 February 2020 at 0:49:35 #929852

Hi,

Thank you for the information. This helps me understand the route we can do during our trip.

I have a question regarding the excel spreadsheet, Since we are 4 person traveling with 2 kids , how do I enter the amount.

Example – Chur to Zurich is $54 for one 4 of us. Should I put CHF 54 ? Also do I need to by 4 swiss pass to get the discount?

[rockoyster]

10 February 2020 at 2:29:11 #929853

Your 4-year old will travel free (kids under 6 are eligible for free travel everywhere). Your 9-year old will travel free if you get a Swiss Family Card (http://www.myswissalps.com/swissfamilycard) which is available for free when acquired in conjunction with a Swiss Travel Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass) or Swiss Half Fare Card (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard).

So basically you only need to worry about adults. You need one Swiss Travel Pass (or ticket) for each adult. For ease of use I only ever do the spread sheet calculations based on 1 person.

The full fare 2nd class is CHF41 per adult. If you don’t have the Swiss Family Card your 4-year old is still free and you 9-year old would qualify for half-fare.

You will need seat reservations on the Bernina Express for your children if you want them to have their own seat. Reservations are a set price, not age related.