Luzern to Milano via the Gotthard pass in August

Hello,

I am looking to travel from Luzern to Milan via the Gotthard pass on 8/15, as recommended by the amazing people on this forum. However, it looks like we have at least four transfers according to the timetable and depending on the route:

IR,

BUS 162,

BUS 110,

EC

Is this correct? We chose Luzern to Milano Centrale via Gotthard Passhöhe, and were hoping to have some scenery in the Alps but may choose convenience if that is the case.

As always, thank you!!

I also found one via EC that has no transfers and looks like it may go through the pass, but am unsure if this is the same thing.

We also plan on buying a rail pass for the week in Switzerland before our trip to Italy, so should we just buy a ticket from Chiasso to Milano and use the rail pass to Chiasso? Looks like there's an 8 minute difference between arrival in Chiasso and departure.

Thanks again.

Hi jwozn,

Trains do not cross the pass. All of them go through a tunnel. So you need to travel by bus to see the Gotthard Pass. The trip might be more complex than usual (more changes), because there are construction works on the route.

You have 3 options:

1. Do it all by train (simplest, quickest option).
2. Train + bus via the pass + train.
3. Boat + train: myswissalps.com/ wilhelmtellexpress.

All options are scenic, but options 2 and 3 are most scenic.

If you will have a Swiss Travel Pass, trains/buses/boats are free until Chiasso (apart from seat reservations, if any). You will need a ticket from Chiasso to Milan, and you'd better get that in advance to save time and to make sure you have a reserved seat, which is required for most trains into Italy. There is no need to get off the train in Chiasso.

You can buy your pass + ticket from the below pages if you reside in the USA. Be sure to order in time as it takes a few days to process orders.

• www.raileurope.com/rai l-tickets-passes/swiss-pass/index.html
• www.raileurope.com/ european-trains/trenitalia/how-to-book.html

Further options are here:

• myswissalps.com/ swisstravelpass/ price
• myswissalps.com/ traintickets/ italy/price