Lugano – Lucerne via Gotthard Panorama Express

  • Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    7 February 2020 at 7:28:27 #825141

    We plan to go to Lucerne from Lugano in Gotthard Panorama Exps my Question are

    1.Travelling with luggage – Lugano to Luceren in Gotthard Exps is it ok?

    2. Route Lugano-Flüelen and then Flüelen-Luzern by Boat is it right route?

    3. Frist We think to travel in Bernina Express – Lugano to Tirano by bus and then Tirano to Chur by Bernina And from Chur to Luceren, but now plan to choose Gotthard Express panorama Train, What do you suggest ? which one is better scenic train? As along with us one kid of 4 years so it will be much hectic in Bernina Express seeking your guidance.

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    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    7 February 2020 at 9:57:28 #929677

    1. Yes.

    2. Yes. See http://www.myswissalps.com/gotthardpanoramaexpress/gettingthere.

    3. Tough call. The BEX route is longer but more scenic. The boat leg of the GPEX is magic. You know more about what your 4-year old can tolerate than we do. Good luck making the right choice. 😉

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    7 February 2020 at 10:37:00 #929678

    Thanks for quick reply,

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    7 February 2020 at 11:48:24 #929679

    HI Ninad,

    In terms of practicality, I would suggest taking the Gotthard Panorama Express would get you to Lucerne hours faster than taking the Bernina Express. But as rockoyster mentioned, the Bernina Express offers a very scenic route so it will be choice between getting there faster or experiencing a longer but scenic journey.

    You can find information about tickets and reservation here: http://www.myswissalps.com/gotthardpanoramaexpress/tickets

    Regards,

    Anna

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    7 February 2020 at 12:01:29 #929680

    Thanks, Anna you are right as we reached faster in Lucerne around 3 to 4 hours .

    But if we want to take bernina from Lucerne is it possible?

    As we are 7 days in Lauterbrunan and 2 day in Zermatt from Lauterbrunen . By seeing From Route given in our site it is not possible…. Pls guide

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    7 February 2020 at 12:08:44 #929681

    One thing I forgot to ask as with luggage (approx. 6 Bags for 5adult) with us then it will be ok in ” steam boat” from Flüelen-Luzern?? Whether they have facility for luggage place? as I have seen some video of GPEX Train there is space for luggage , Pls guide us

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    7 February 2020 at 12:35:00 #929682

    Hi Ninad,

    I’m pretty sure there will be a space to store your luggage on the boat. You might have to leave them unattended but this is standard, just make sure you bring your valuables such as money and passport with you, in your backpack or handbag.

    Details about taking your luggage on public transport here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/luggage

    If you wish to travel on the Bernina Express from Lucerne, an option would be to travel to Chur and board this panoramic train from there. However it will take a long day to travel and back and forth. It’s not impossible but I wouldn’t attempt it with a 4-year old 🙂

    Bernina Express route in detail: http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress/gettingthere

    Regards,

    Anna

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    7 February 2020 at 12:44:34 #929683

    Thanks , we are much confusing on to go with Bernina from Lugano to Chur and from Chur to Lucerne (around whole day of journey) or go faster in GPEX and reach Lucerne?

    Guide which is the best ? What you will do if you come first time to Switzerland? Is It worth to spend one day ? What you suggest for us?

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    7 February 2020 at 13:44:58 #929684

    Hi Ninad,

    If it was my choice, I would travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano to Lucerne, simply because it’s faster. If you have a whole day to spare and don’t mind spending long hours on the train, then travelling via the Bernina Express could be an option. But I would use the extra time to explore Lucerne and the lake.

    Some sightseeing suggestions in Lucerne:

    Regards,

    Anna

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    7 February 2020 at 20:10:58 #929685

    Hi Ninad,

    The GPEX is 1st class only and you need to make seat reservations. The BEX also requires seat reservations.

    If you are travelling with a 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass but want to travel 1st Class on any particular trip you can buy a Class upgrade at any SBB station or using the SBB Mobile App (bit.ly/2ICIUHi ) or here bit.ly/2rZEIXh. You need to buy a route specific upgrade.

    If you buy on line you need to nominate a Half-fare Card reduction to get the correct price (using either website or SBB app). An upgrade will cost half the difference between 1st and 2nd class full-fares.

    The GPEX train does not operate on Mondays (boats operate every day) but you can follow the same route (Lugano to Flüelen via Göschenen) on regular trains without reservations and in 2nd class if you wish. if you want to skip the boat you can continue on the GPEX to Arth-Goldhau and connect with a train to Luzern.

    There is no problem stowing luggage on the steamer.

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    7 February 2020 at 23:40:09 #929686

    When are you traveling?

    Slowpoke

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    8 February 2020 at 1:12:56 #929687

    I do not recommend the Gotthard Panorama Express – the train bit is not all that scenic.

    If you want to travel on the Bernina Express and visit Luzern you need to think about revising your plans. It is unclear – are you are saying you want to travel to Lauterbrunnen from Lugano in one day and then have a fixed 7 day stay in Lauterbrunnen?

    If this is not the case, then my recommendation would be as follows:

    Lugano – Tirano – Bernina Express – Chur – Zurich – Luzern (Chur Luzern would be by fast main line train)

    Stay in Luzern and do the lake steamers as day trip without heavy luggage – much less hassle

    Travel on to Lauterbrunnen for a shorter stay than the 7 originally stated

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    8 February 2020 at 1:52:54 #929688

    1st to 12th of May if this thread is still accurate – http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/travelling-around-switzerland-in-may-2020.

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    8 February 2020 at 2:12:23 #929689

    Hi Ninad,

    If you are in fact heading from Lugano to Lauterbrunnen on the same day (as 1960man asked you to confirm) then you can forget the Bernina Express unless you don’t mind arriving at Lauterbrunnen at 22:22 at night!

    If you take the GPEX route you won’t get to Lauterbrunnen until 17:25.

    If you want the fastest route then just look at the timetable for Lugano to Lauterbrunnen. For the fastest route via the Gotthard Base Tunnel there will be one change at Luzern and one at Interlaken and you will be there in just under 5 hours.

    Perhaps you could outline what your overall itinerary looks like after the many iterations you have had. Just where you are entering and departing Switzerland and the towns you are staying is enough to get a picture.

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    8 February 2020 at 5:23:44 #929690

    Thanks for Reply our date is 3rd May and We are going to Lucerne from Lugano. SO if we take BEX than we will reach Lucerne at 20.20 pm we are staying their for two day and than we will go ahead to Lautebrunene. Make reservation in BEX. We think to go for Boat trip from Luceren to Flüelen next day. As early said in the thread that it’s beautiful route.

    Ninad
    Participant
    23 posts
    8 February 2020 at 5:24:41 #929691

    Any other Cruize or Boat trip which is very good and must do? As we are in Geneva also for 2 days and Two day in Montreuex.

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    8 February 2020 at 9:54:24 #929692

    Hi Ninad,

    For boat trip suggestions in Geneva and Montreux, have a look at this:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/boatlakegeneva

    Regards,

    Anna

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