Just to echo what some others have said the BE is just one car attached to the same train as the regional trains.>

sometimes but many times I've seen whole BEX trains -depends on demand and the season.

Palen is right. In detail it looks like that:

St. Moritz dp 8.48: attached panoramic wagon during the winter season
St. Moritz dp 9.30: BEX
Chur dp 8.32: BEX
St. Moritz dp 10.48: attached open air wagon during the summer season
Chur dp 8.58: attached panoramic wagon
Samedan dp 11.09: BEX
St. Moritz dp 12.48: attached panoramic wagon during the winter season
St. Moritz dp 13.48: attached panoramic wagon during the winter season
St. Moritz dp 14.48: attached panoramic wagon during the winter season, attached open air wagon during the summer season
St. Moritz dp 15.12: BEX
St. Moritz dp 15.48: attached panoramic wagon during the winter season
St. Moritz dp 16.48: attached open air wagon during the summer season

Thanks neckervd -3 attached open-air wagons on regular trains - like any other seats- no reservations even possible I think. I did this and yes these are the ultimate panoramic observation wagons- few people were on them when I took them -was a bit brisk so bundle up. Again TMK no advance anything needed to ride these. Not part of BEX.

Thanks for the detailed information. I'll share with DH about BEX vs regular trains.

We're still evaluating the Swiss Travel Pass as it doesn't quite make economic sense. Does anyone know if the small stations such as Guarda are manned for ticket sales? Or do we buy from machines?

No, the station in Guarda is not manned, you would buy from machines. I didn't do the math, but think the Half Fare Card for one month would be a good deal for you.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/swis...fare-card.html

BTW, you must press a well-marked button at the Guarda station, or when on the train, to request a stop in Guarda. And unless you want a VERY long uphill walk, you can take a van from the train stop in Guarda into town. When searching on sbb, look for "Guarda, cumün."

I'll share with DH about BEX vs regular trains>

Now there are folks who like the BEX more -the panoramic cars and the trappings of luxury-seats are more comfy probably, etc. Take whatever one is most convenient for you but the hassle of BEX is having to book in advance to guarantee seats and a supplement over normal trains.

"We're still evaluating the Swiss Travel Pass as it doesn't quite make economic sense."

I suppose you want to do the boring 10 1/2 hrs itineray you mentioned in your first post and not the scenic 11 1/2 hrs itinerary I proposed.

That will give the following standard fares:

Zurich airport - Thalwil - Lucerne: 30 CHF
Lucerne - Thalwil - Landquart - Guarda: 73 CHF
Guarda - Landquart - Chur: 41 CHF
Chur - BEX - Tirano: 78 CHF
Total 222 CHF

Possible half day trips/day trips:
Guarda - Scuol: 27 CHF
Guarda - Mustair/Glurns: 70 CHF
Lucerne - Rigi round trip: 140 CHF
Lucerne - Pilatus round trip: 120 CHF

Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days: 376 CHF
Swiss Travel Pass Flex with 4 free days within a month: 298 CHF
Swiss Half Fare Card: 120 CHF

Swiss Travel Pass Flex with 4 free days within a month: 298 CHF
Swiss Half Fare Card: 120 CHF>

but with Flexi Pass you can buy along with it a half-off Half-Fare Card-meaning for 358 CHF you get 4 days unlimited travel and a Half-Fare Card to use the other days.

Maths are hard but if you know exactly what you will be doing and nothing more take the best deal but if at all close go for the pass - you may use it more than think but no queuing for tickets.

Half-off Half Fare Card?? Where do you see this? My head is swimming.

This is where I saw it but now it is not an option -was last time I checked but apparently it is no longer an option -have to research more and correct myself: http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id3.html (I did not peruse every word but skimmed and saw no mention of it - 2016 it was highlighted. Sorry about that.)

Did someone say Capuns?

https://www.graubuenden.ch/en/experi.../recipe-capuns

Had to look it up!

Trust me, looking it up isn't nearly as good as tucking into a heaping plate. Same with pizzocals. Lovely indeed.

I must get busy writing that trip report!

Yes, I said Capuns. Can't help it. :-)

And yes, Mel, you *must* get busy writing that trip report!!

Capuns, pizokels...yum. I love these food recommendations as well as restaurant ideas.

Considering the Swiss Travel Pass, if we buy 2nd class, is there a way to upgrade for one ticket? DH is still inclined toward the BEX 1st class panoramic car. (This part of the journey is his choice).

Yes you show the pass and buy before boarding a 1st class upgrade-the difference between 1st and 2nd class fares.

Boats have two classes - first class is on the open-air front deck -2nd down below or in the rear -similar upgardes available- even on the boat -just pay the conductor the difference in price-not that much usually.

"Yes you show the pass and buy before boarding a 1st class upgrade-the difference between 1st and 2nd class fares"

It costs 24 CHF for the Chur - Tirano leg (OW) or 52 CHF for a whole day all over Switzerland