Dear members, We are a couple in our early fifties and would like some guidance from people who have experience with the buses and trains to Guarda and Soglio from Pontresina. We are arriving from Chur to Pontresina 21st September and have 2 nights accommodation at the Station Hotel, Pontresina. After dropping our bags at the hotel, located next to the train station, we plan to take the train to Guarda and then the bus up to the village, wander the village then if time and weather permits we would like to walk to Ardez then train back to Pontresina. Can someone please guide me through the process of using the trains in the Guarda and Ardez areas? How do we signal the train to stop so we can board and then how do we request the train to stop when we need to get off at our particular station/stop? I have read that the trains do not automatically stop in this particular area. Am I correct? Then on the 22nd we plan on taking the bus to Soglio and return the same day. According to the SBB the best connections are by bus from Pontresina Bahnhof to St Moritz Bahnhof is this also at the St Moritz train station and then onto Promontogno Poste and finally up to Soglio Villagio. My questions are where exactly will I find the bus stop "Pontresina Bahnhof"? I'm assuming it is next to the train station and also how do I know when I am approaching the stop Promontogno Poste and how do I signal the bus to stop? Is the bus fitted with electronic signage advising passengers of the approaching stop, does the bus driver announce each stop OR is the Promontogno Poste a designated automatic stop on this particular route - exactly what can I expect? Incidently we will be travelling with Swiss Saver Passes. I have my heart set on visiting these two areas but have read where very little English is spoken in the Engadine and asking for assistance when there may not be possible so any advise or information you can offer me will be greatly appreciated and will provide us with much needed confidence. On the 23rd we are taking the Bernina express into Italy and will be continuing our holiday from there. Thanks in advance for your kind replies
Lyn

Although I'm quite sure the train stops automatically at the Guarda train station (which lies below the town), there are red buttons on regional trains that say "stop" or "halt" to signal the train engineer to stop. (We have such a system in our village.)

As for buses, they have the same system as above. Inside the bus, you push the red "stop" button before your bus stop. If the bus driver sees someone waiting at a bus stop, he stops automatically.

Everything is one time here (well 95% on time) so you need to be punctual.

"Very little English" in Engadine. It depends where you go. The younger generation is learning English at school and most hoteliers also speak English. Pontresina is near St. Moritz, where everyone speaks English or Russian.

Thankyou schuler
Lyn

Schuler is spot on, but if I recall correctly the train stop at Guarda station is one 'upon request'. So I recommend to push that red button.

As for Promontogno, I suggest you tell the bus driver upon entering that you want to go to Soglio and ask him to point out the stop to you. I am sure he'll understand even if he (what I doubt) doesn't speak English. Another option is to write down the time when the bus is supposed to be in Promontogno from the schedule so you'll know approximately when to pay closer attention. The stop there is in front of the hotel Bregaglia, under huge old trees. Usually the other bus to Soglio is already waiting there.

I.

Yes, most people will get off bus at P'no and get on the bus to Soglio. You'll have 10 or 15 minutes as I remember. We had time to peek into the gorgeous hotel and take some pics. Lovely spot. There were plenty English speakers in Engadine. Ardez is a lovely, lovely stop.

Thanks LLindaC and Ingo for the good advice