RE80 to IC21 Transfer

MrOctopi

Hello,
I’m booking a route from Sirmione (Italy) to Luzern for 6/1.
My plan is this:

Bus from Sirmione to Desenzano
Trenitalia FR train from Desenzano to Milano
SBB RE80 train from Milano to Lugano
SBB IC21 train from Lugano to Luzern

I can either plan for a 4-minute transfer between RE80 and IC21, or a 1 hr transfer. Is a 4-minute transfer at the Lugano station reasonable for a group of 4 with carry-on and checked-sized luggage, or should we plan to need more time?

Also, if we do setup for the 4-minute transfer but don’t make it, there is an IC2->IR26 train an hour later. If we purchase IC21 tickets (cheaper than IC2->IR26), can we use them on IC2->IR26, or would we need to wait the full 2 hrs until the next IC21 train?

Thanks

Danhiel

MrOctopi Hello,

It is difficult to answer your question, I don’t know how is your physical condition. The trains are usually not on the same platform, you must use the underground passage, with stairs or ramps. I suggest to plan more time to avoid stress.

If you have Supersaver tickets, you must use only the mentioned trains, it is note possible to take any other train later, but, if the RE80 has a delay and you miss the connection, you can take the next available train.

RedBaron

MrOctopi Relax. That IC21 departure time has obviously not been chosen randomly, but deliberately in order to also accommodate those passengers arriving with that RE80 train. Many fellow RE80 passengers will be in the same situation.
If those 4 minutes would not be sufficient for the vast majority of transferring passengers (assuming the RE80 is on time), that IC21 connection would not appear at all in the timetable.

For some additional peace of mind, maybe just avoid to sit at the very end or front of the RE80, but rather in the middle in order to be closer to the stairs or ramps near the station building when arriving in Lugano, thus gaining an extra minute.

MrOctopi

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like we can make it if we’re smart and committed, I’ll talk it over with the group and see what they want to do.

RolandP

Hello MrOctopi

The IC21 is usually waiting in case the RE80 has got a slight delay, as a major part of the IC 21 passengers starting in Lugano will join the train after arriving from RE80.

Kind regards,
Roland