luvsun

Planning a two week auto/train trip (mostly driving) through Switzerland early Sept. Flying in and out of Zurich and would probably start off with a rental car from the airport. Would like to take a train for part of it even if only for a day or two and round trip if necessary to avoid dropping off and picking up another car rental. We are flexible as to where to board train but trying to determine which train trip would be more scenic and worthwhile. Right now deciding between Glacier express or Bernina Express. Any suggestions helpful. Thanks!

Melnq8

Of your two choices, the Bernina Express would be my choice.

But...only if it makes sense within the rest of your itinerary. You've not given us much to go on.

https://www.rhb.ch/de/panoramazuege/bernina-express

Is there a particular reason you want to drive? The public transport system in Switzerland is second to none.

kja

I agree with Melnq8 (and would add that I'd look at the regular trains on the same routes, rather than the named ones), and like her, I'm curious about a decision to drive in one of the countries where (a) public transportation is so very good and (b) the scenery -- which the driver won't be able to fully appreciate, at least if driving safely -- is so stunning.

luvsun

Thank you for your reply. We like the freedom of having a car and the ability to stop wherever and whenever we like (ie turn around and let's check out that cool castle etc!) but we also wanted to get the experience of being on a Swiss train. Leaning towards the Bernina Express from Pontresina to Tirano. That could be done as a round trip in a day with time to walk around Tirano?

kja

FYI: Some passes for Swiss rail let you do exactly that, and almost all stations have luggage lockers or desks, so it is extremely easy to do.

I'll have to let others answer your questions.

Ingo

Yes, doable and recommended. But I would rather walk around Poschiavo than Tirano, it's nicer.

Melnq8

Leaning towards the Bernina Express from Pontresina to Tirano.

Certainly doable. Do you then plan to spend some time in the Engadin?

neckervd

There is nothing wrong with visitng Switzerland by car, as long as you don't plan to go to places like Wengen, Muerren, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Paradise, etc. That would be a complete (and incredibly expensive) nonsense indeed!
You can perfectly go by car over the Bernina Pass. There is no need to board a train. If you want to enjoy the mountain area along this itinerary, park your car at Bernina Diavolezza and take a gondola to the glaciers of Bernina.

Hambagahle

The Bernina line is the most scenic in the country and you will see more from the train than from a car. No need though to take the Bernina Express itself unless you want to - normal trains run over this route once an hour and if you want to stop somewhere along the way best to be on a normal train because the BEX doesn't stop at all stations.
Tirano is not worth any time. There is nothing to see aside from the river Adda and gelateria (those are great!) Just get something to eat at a restaurant near the station - there are plenty of them. Poschiavo IS, as noted, a lovely small village and well worth an hour or two of walking around.

In Switzerland our public transport system is mass transit. You have total flexibility to hop on and off where you like provided you have either a point to point ticket or a pass. (the only tickets that do not allow this are the SuperSavers). Trains run, as a rule, every 30mns or less on a route. You make connections in 5mns or less. Driving - you will be stuck in traffic a lot and you cannot drive in the centre of most towns - they are pedestrian only or pedestrians have priority. Plus you have to park the car. Parking here is expensive and hard to find. You do not have to park a train.

luvsun

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions.

PalenQ

Bernina Express for sure -it includes one of the most scenic parts of Glacier Express route (Albula Spirals) and to most scenic train in Europe - Glacier Express is a long marathon where many passengers starts paying attention to tilting wine glasses than scenery which is scenic but not always awesomely so like the Bernina Express or local trains over the same route.

For lots of info on Swiss trains check www.swisstravelsystem.com; BETS-European Rail Experts and www.seat61.com.