MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial Tirano to Pontresina on Bernina Express
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I have read many posts and am still unsure of best option to take from Tirano to Pontresina one way in a couple weeks. It looks like the cost on the PE train would be approximately $70 for 2 seniors.
The other option looks like buying a saver day pass for approximately $100 ( 2 seniors) and then paying another $100 for seat reservation on Bex. Am I mistaken ?
Thank you
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PE and BEX reservable seat coaches are one in the same thing. You can avoid paying the reservations fee by travelling in the power cars that haul the other coaches, or by travelling in the local trains that have ordinary coaches. The ordinary coaches have big windows so you see the same views
Thanks for this info. It’s interesting that when we are online to buy a point to point ticket in a PE train it states that the ticket is good for any seat that is not reserved.
I guess then we would need to purchase a seat reservation separately should we want a specific seat .
Hi Cosmo,
Seat reservation is not necessary when travelling on Swiss trains. Exceptions are panoramic trains such as the Bernina Express and Glacier Express. You can find further details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/reservations
Regards,
Anna
Hi Cosmo,
That’s correct, tickets and seat reservations are two different things:
- The ticket covers for the ride. It’s valid for any type of train, whether it’s a Bernina Express train (indicated by PE in the timetable, which stands for ‘Panoramic Express’) or a normal regional train. As a ticket is valid for all sorts of trains, that explains the comment for the ticket you’re buying, stating that you can sit in any available seat. You can buy whichever ticket is most economical for your travel date and departure time. The types of tickets are explained here: https://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland. For the journey Pontresina-Tirano, a normal ticket is indeed best. Saver Day Passes can be cheaper for longer journeys, e.g. the whole stretch from Tirano to Chur, and if bought well in advance: https://www.myswissalps.com/saverdaypass.
- A seat reservation allows you to sit in one particular seat. Reservations are not required for normal trains. They are required for a few panoramic trains, such as the Bernina Express: https://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress/tickets. Often the additional fare also covers for the extras of panoramic trains, such as the comfortable seats, the large windows, the information about the route, access to entertainment systems, et cetera.
The differences between Bernina Express trains and regional trains are explained here: http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress.
Thank you for this helpful info . I’ve got it and can’t wait for our trip!
Yes, I noticed that phrase. It refers to the seats that I mentioned – ie those in the power cars pulling the panoramic coaches, but sometimes RhB railway tags on ordinary coaches which would have unreserved seats
The information that you mentioned regarding the power cars attached to the BEX is excellent. This past July, while waiting for a “regular” train from Tirano to Pontresina, I happened to ask if the Swiss Travel Pass that I held was good for any of the cars on the BEX train that was about to leave. The conductor pointed to one end of the train and said those cars (without the special windows and exterior BEX markings) were available to us and so we quickly hopped on! It saved us from having to wait for the next “regular” train to Pontresina.
Yes that’s correct – glad you were able to benefit. Not everyone realises that the Bernina Express has to be pulled by power cars that are not the special ‘Panorama’ cars (note that this is not the case on the Glacier Express which is pulled by traditional locomotives (ie without any passenger accommodation).
The Bernina Express can be hauled by either the old power cars or the up to date ‘Allegra’ power cars
Here’s a picture at Brusio spiral viaduct showing the old power cars
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Thank you – great photo and information!
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