Bernina Express/Glacier Express
 

My wife and I will be leaving Locarno and heading to Celerina on June 1 and wanted to take the Bernina Express. We have the global rail pass but I don't think this is included. What is the bet way to book the train and is there first and second class or are all the seats the same? Also, on June 5, we were hoping to take the Glacier Express to Zermatt. Looking for the same information. Are there several train transfers for this itinerary?

Thanks for the information

Brian

Use SBB.ch and type in your destinations. The normal carriages don't have the high windows and plush seats but second class is still very comfortable. The trains use the same lines so you'll be seeing the same thing.

What is SBB.ch? How do I purchase a ticket for Tirano to Lucerne? Which train station do I use from Tirano?

SBB is the Swiss train company. Download their app or sign up online. You can also get tickets at the train station depending where you land in Switzerland.

I see tickets on trains as follows (not the Bernia Express). Is this the same path as the Bernia Express but on local trains?

09:41 - Tirano departure
2h 10m
R 4640

11:51 - Pontresina arrival
11m transfer time
12:02 - Pontresina departure
6m
R 1940

12:08 - Samedan arrival
7m transfer time
12:15 - Samedan departure
1h 49m
IR 1140

14:04 - Chur arrival
12m transfer time
14:16 - Chur departure
1h 22m
IR 35 2374

15:38 - Thalwil arrival
7m transfer time

15:45 - Thalwil departure
40m
IR 75 2124

16:25 - Luzern arrivale

BRICUD:
The Interrail Global Pass and the Eurailpass are valid in the Bernina Express as well as in the Glacier Express (Lugano - Tirano - Celerina - Bravuogn - Chur - Andermatt - Brig - Zermatt.
But you will have to pay a reservaton fee of 50 CHF/pax for the Glacier Express and of 40 CHF/pax for the Bernina Express (both 2nd class).
Locarno - Celerina: change at Lugano, Tirano and Samedan.
Locarno - Celerina Staz: change at Lugano, Tirano and Pontresina.
Celerina - Zermatt: direct train

It's the same route.

GDUNKLING: Yes, it's exactly the same itinerary.
You may also reach Lucerne by local trains through the Alps (much more scenic itinerary):
Samedan dp 12.15 - Reichenau ar 13.52, dp 14.05 - Disentis ar 15.11, dp 15.14 - Andermatt ar 16.22
Schoellenen Gorge railway: Andermatt dp 16.50 - Goeschenen ar 17.06
Treno Gottardo: Goeschenen dp 17.09 - Lucerne ar 18.41