My husband and I will be spending the night in Lake Como on October 2. We need to be in Karlsruhe, Germany late afternoon of October 5. Currently we were planning to take a train to Lucerne from Como the morning of October 3 and spend a couple of days there before training again to Karlsruhe. However, in reading some Fodorite posts, I'm wondering if it is possible to take a scenic train ride on the Bernina Express out of Italy to Lucerne or another town/city in Switzerland without jeopardizing our arrival in Karlsruhe. Or, is there another Bernina Express route once we arrive in Lucerne that is worth taking during our time there. We have only traveled to Europe once before and that was in Ireland so we are not familiar with the train options in this region. Would appreciate help with this itinerary.

Hi IndyRita,

Your original plan is a good one -- Luzern is a bit like all of Switzerland in one place because it's near mountains, on a lake, and has great history. The train trip from Como to Luzern would be just about three hours, with one change; the trip onward to Karlsruhe would be about three hours again with one change.

Yes, it would be possible to do the Bernina Express, but it will add some travel time. You would go Como to Lugano to Tirano, where you would catch the BE. The trip from Como to St. Moritz would take about 7-9 hours with multiple changes. The trip from St. Moritz to Karlsruhe (no need to go to Luzern) would take about seven hours with two changes. The advantage to this plan is that the area around St. Moritz has more higher mountains and some incredible Alpine lakes.

The Bernina Express route doesn't go near Luzern, so you wouldn't take it after you arrive in Luzern -- (not sure I understand that question).

You can check the train timetables yourself using the Swiss rail site at

www.rail.ch

Have fun as you plan!

s

I did this last year. I was staying in Bellagio. I took the ferry over to Varenna, only about 10 minutes. Then I took the train from Varenna to Tirano, no changes. From Tirano, the Bernina Express departs at about 2:00 PM to Chur. I spent the night in Chur, but it is possible to take another train on to Lucern. It will be late when you arrive Lucerne, maybe 9-10 PM.

Thank you swandav and scatcat....I wasn't sure of the BE route but going that way on our way to Karlsruhe sounds too long and two many train changes. Guess we'll stick to our original plan; just thought the BE sounded fun with a lot of beautiful scenery along the way.