Question about booking EC train from Montreux to Milano Centrale with STP

Goly

Hi everyone,

I am planning a trip from Montreux to Milano Centrale on the EuroCity (EC) direct train this coming December. My partner and I will both hold a valid Swiss Travel Pass (STP) 2nd Class.

I have two questions regarding the booking process and journey logistics on SBB:

SBB App/Website Reduction Selection: Since there is no explicit “Swiss Travel Pass” option in the discount/travelcard dropdown menu when booking international tickets, should I select “GA 2nd” (Generalabonnement 2nd class) for both passengers to correctly apply the discount? My understanding is that the STP covers the Swiss portion up to the border (Domodossola) just like a GA card does.

Cross-Border Logistics: Once we purchase this international ticket (which should include the seat reservation for the Italian section), is it a completely seamless journey? Can we just stay on the train all the way from Montreux to Milano Centrale, or do we need to alight at the border for any mandatory customs checks, passport control, or passport stamping?

Thank you so much in advance for your help and advice!

Danhiel

Hi Goly

Yes, for EC trains between Switzerland and Italy you can choose Generalabonnement 2nd class and you will pay only from Domodossola. A seat reservation will be included from Montreux to Milano. This rule is not valid for every international journey.

You can stay in the train, no passport stamping will be made because both countries are in the Schengen Area, but you may have customs checks and passport control in the train between Brig and Domodossola.

Kind regards
Danhiel

Goly

Hi Danhiel
Thank you so much for the quick and incredibly detailed response! This is exactly the peace of mind we needed.

It’s fantastic to know that choosing “GA 2nd” is the correct workaround to get the discount and that the seat reservation is automatically included for our journey. We will also make sure to keep our passports handy between Brig and Domodossola just in case of an on-train check.

Your expertise is much appreciated. Have a wonderful day!

Danhiel

Goly We will also make sure to keep our passports handy

A precision. You must always make sure to keep your passports handy because the train crew may also check that the names on the STP match with your passports.