Confirmation of EC 65 Train Operation on 29 December 2026 (Spiez–Milan)

Xottinee85

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to travel from Grindelwald to Milano Centrale on 29 December 2026, and I found the following connection on the SBB website:

Grindelwald: 12:47 (R 61 248)
Interlaken Ost: 13:24
Interlaken Ost: 13:29 (RE 9 4223)
Spiez: 13:48
Spiez: 14:05 (EC 65)
Milano Centrale: 16:56

The connection looks very convenient, with only two transfers.

However, I heard that EC 65 might not operate between 26 December 2026 and 5 January 2027.

I’m a little confused because SBB still shows this connection as available in its journey planner.

Does anyone know if EC 65 will actually run on 29 December 2026?

Is it safe to book this connection now, or should I wait until the timetable is confirmed?

I’d really appreciate any information or advice!

Thank you!

Tafunge25

Xottinee85 Does anyone know if EC 65 will actually run on 29 December 2026?

I guess no one will be able to confirm it for 100%, but there are so far no announced reasons why the train should not operate. Where did you hear that this train might not run?

Xottinee85 Is it safe to book this connection now, or should I wait until the timetable is confirmed?

It is never ‘unsafe’ to book a connection (unless maybe if you are booking via a resellor) because the passenger rights guarantee you transportation. If your train is cancelled, you still have a right to be transported and you will be informed by SBB or Trenitalia on how to procedd. Usually, your ticket will become valid on all trains of the day if it previously has been restricted to only one. Worst case, this can still mean that you have a longer travel time and/or some parts of the journey will be on train replacement bus services, but that would likely be the same for all trains of the day.
In general, if you book a train and this train is cancelled, that is not really your problem, that much more is the problem of the railway companies.

Xottinee85

Hi Tafunge25

Thanks a lot for your detailed explanation!

I found the information on this website: https://www.e656.net/orario/treno/65.html?utm

It states that EC 65 does not operate from 26 December to 5 January (“Non circola dal 26 Dicembre al 5 Gennaio”).

That’s why I was concerned about booking this connection for 29 December.

However, since SBB still shows EC 65 in its journey planner, I’m wondering if the information on that website might be outdated or incorrect.

Thanks again for clarifying the passenger rights. That’s very reassuring!

Do you think I can go ahead and book the ticket through SBB?

Tafunge25

Hello Xottinee85

Xottinee85 Do you think I can go ahead and book the ticket through SBB?

I don’t know where this site has its information from. Usually, if a train’s operation isn’t certain yet, for example if ther might be construction works, the train usually doesn’t appear in the online schedule until it is clear. If you want to buy a discounted limited ticket, then go ahead and book it. Otherwise, no need to rush – why not wait a few weeks?

Xottinee85

Hi Tafunge25

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! That makes sense.

I think I’ll wait a few weeks and keep checking the SBB timetable before booking.

Since we’re traveling with quite a bit of luggage, I’d really like to make sure the connection is reliable and avoid any unnecessary transfers.

I appreciate your help!

Krist

That e656,net site is a private site made by a train enthousiasts. It is not an official source, and in this case it is also not correct. The departure time shown for Basel is incorrect for example. I would not use that as a source.

You can be sure this train will be running. It is also shown on Trenitalia, and they only open bookings for trains when they are absolutely certain…

Xottinee85

Hi Krist
Thank you for the clarification!

I’ll rely on the official sources.

I really appreciate your help!