Trains to Italy

Zauchostez26

We intend to get Swiss Travel Passes before our trip in April. We’ll be taking the Regional Bernina line from St Moritz to Tirano and then connect to a train from Tirano to Lugano. Most of the first train is in Switzerland with just a small part in Italy as we approach Tirano. Will the Swiss Travel Pass cover this entire trip or do we need to buy a ticket for the part of it that’s in Italy? For the second train from Tirano to Lugano, is it correct that we have to buy entire train tickets? If yes, do we need to do so in advance or can we just buy them at the station the same day? And do we need seat reservations? Also, if we buy 2d class Swiss Travel Passes can we upgrade on particular trains to 1st class?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Danhiel

Hello

Zauchostez26 Will the Swiss Travel Pass cover this entire trip or do we need to buy a ticket for the part of it that’s in Italy?

Swiss Travel Passes are valid until Tirano. Please note that seats reservations are now also recommended on regional trains during peak periods:

https://www.rhb.ch/en/tickets/bernina-line-reservations/

Zauchostez26 For the second train from Tirano to Lugano, is it correct that we have to buy entire train tickets?

Yes. You must buy entire tickets from Tirano to Chiasso (border station).

Zauchostez26 If yes, do we need to do so in advance or can we just buy them at the station the same day?

You can buy the tickets at the station (usually on vending machines). In Italy, tickets for regional trains must be stamped before boarding, you will find devices to do this.

Zauchostez26 And do we need seat reservations?

I suppose that you will change in Monza and continue with the RE80, no reservation is necessary or even possible.

Zauchostez26 Also, if we buy 2d class Swiss Travel Passes can we upgrade on particular trains to 1st class?

Yes, it is possible. In some trains you can buy the class upgrades in the train, in other ones it is not possible. So it is better to buy the class upgrades before boarding. You are entitled to buy half fare upgrades for a specific leg or day upgrades (50 CHF).

Kind regards
Danhiel

Zauchostez26

Danhiel Thank you for your helpful response. I just have a few follow up questions. We’ll get seat reservations for the Bernina line to Tirano. You said we can’t get seat reservations for the Monza to Lugano line, so I’m assuming we only need tickets from Tirano to Chiasso but no seat reservations, correct? Regarding the upgrade to Class 1 with our Class 2 Swiss Travel Passes, I’ve tried searching how to do that but the information I’ve found states that you need a Half Fare Pass or another type of pass (other than the Swiss Travel Pass) to get the upgrade, suggesting that you can’t use a Class 2 Swiss Travel Pass for upgrading to Class 1. Do you have any link or information stating how to use a Swiss Travel Pass to upgrade?

Danhiel

Zauchostez26 so I’m assuming we only need tickets from Tirano to Chiasso but no seat reservations, correct?

Yes, it is correct.

Zauchostez26 Do you have any link or information stating how to use a Swiss Travel Pass to upgrade?

The procedure is the same as other half fare 2nd class tickets. You don’t need to make a connection to your STP, a class upgrade is a separate ticket and you must show it in the train with your STP. An example on the SBB Mobile app, but you can also buy the class upgrade at the ticket office or on vending machines, it would probably be easier for you if you are not familiar with online ticketing in Switzerland.

Zauchostez26

Danhiel Thank you again! Last question - is it preferable for a couple to reserve seats across from each other or next to each other? I can’t tell from the seat diagram how far apart the seats are. Thanks very much.

Danhiel

Zauchostez26

I would reserve seats across from each other at the window, but it is a personal choice. If the train is not fully booked, you can choose other free seats. You can find pictures here (2nd class blue / 1st class black):

https://www.nose.ch/transportation-design/rhb-triebzug-interior-design/

Zauchostez26

Danhiel Thanks again!