Zurich to Como - Bernina Express or Regular IC Route?
Apr 23rd, 2003 | 09:19 AM
#1
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Zurich to Como - Bernina Express or Regular IC Route?
I am planning a trip from Zurich to Lake Como in mid-June. I am debating whether to take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, and then a train from Tirano to Como (about 7 hours total and great views); or just take the regular IC train from Zurich in 4 hours. I have done the latter a few times, and the trip is very pretty, although I expect it is nothing like the Bernina trip. Also, is the trip between Tirano and Como pretty enough to justify the extra time? Or will I enjoy the view from the regular Zurich-Como train just as much?<BR><BR>I live in Zurich and have been to Como, so don't need any advice on trains, passes or things to do in either place. Thanks for your help.
Apr 23rd, 2003 | 10:33 AM
#2
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Hello Cicerone,<BR><BR>did you notice our Fodors GTG mid June in Zuoz near St. Moritz?<BR><BR>The train route from Zurich to St. Moritz alone is spectacular enough, IMO more than the Gotthard-route, so it justifies the trip via St. Moritz. The Bernina Express provides eyedropping views, especially between Pontresina and Lake Poschiavo. The part Tirano to Lake Como is not so much spectacular if I recall correctly.<BR><BR>The route along Lake Como is beautiful again. I was wondering, however, if it would make more sense to catch a ferry somewhere (Varenna?) on Lake Como to get to Como than riding the train via Lecco.<BR><BR>Ingo
Apr 23rd, 2003 | 01:32 PM
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The Bernina Express train is a wonderful experience for mountain and lake scenery, especially if the weather is nice. We travelled in the other direction by train to Tirano from Milan so we didn't take the bus portion. If you have the time, you could also (as we did) break the trip into two smaller sections by spending a night or so in Pontresina or St. Moritz before continuing on.
Apr 24th, 2003 | 05:33 AM
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Cicerone - Ingo's right. The part from Tirano is not especially scenic until you get to Lake Como.
Tirano-Como is a slow route usually via Monza. There are a number of tunnels along the lake itself, so you miss some of the scenery.
As Ingo says, I think it would be quicker - and more scenic - to take the ferry from Varenna. You could cross to Menaggio or Cadenabbia and take the bus from there to Como. Alternatively I believe there's a hydrofoil from Varenna or Bellagio (-or even Colico) to Como.
Another possibility, though less scenic, would be bus from Lecco.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Tirano-Como is a slow route usually via Monza. There are a number of tunnels along the lake itself, so you miss some of the scenery.
As Ingo says, I think it would be quicker - and more scenic - to take the ferry from Varenna. You could cross to Menaggio or Cadenabbia and take the bus from there to Como. Alternatively I believe there's a hydrofoil from Varenna or Bellagio (-or even Colico) to Como.
Another possibility, though less scenic, would be bus from Lecco.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
