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Is the train ride from Como to Zurich Scenic?

Trip Details The Bernina Express is a train with panoramic windows running between Switzerland and Northern Italy. One of the world's most scenic train journeys; the whole route is UNESCO ... Swiss Federal Railways is the national railway company of Switzerland.



The train journey from Como to Zurich is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular rail routes in Europe, particularly because it utilizes the Gotthard line through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Travelers typically take a regional train from Como San Giovanni to Lugano or Bellinzona before boarding a high-speed EuroCity (EC) train to Zurich. The route takes you past the shimmering waters of Lake Lugano and through the dramatic, steep-sided valleys of the Ticino region. A major highlight is the Gotthard Base Tunnel—the world's longest railway tunnel—though some travelers prefer the older "panoramic" mountain route which climbs higher and offers more expansive views of snow-capped peaks and alpine villages. As you head north, the landscape shifts from Mediterranean-style palm trees in the south to the emerald green pastures and traditional wooden chalets of central Switzerland. For the most immersive experience, sit on the right side of the train when heading north to catch the best views of the lakes and the iconic church at Wassen, which is visible from three different angles as the train spirals through the mountains.

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While the entire length of the Bernina Express is an exceptionally scenic ride through Alpine landscape, there are a few extraordinary highlights along the way. Brusio Viaduct. From the town center of Tirano, Italy, the train quickly starts climbing and within a few minutes, crosses the border into Switzerland.

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Is there a direct train from Como to Zurich? Yes, there is a direct train from Como to Zurich. We usually find around 20 direct trains on the route from Como to Zurich every weekday.

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You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip - this is the highest railway across the Alps, yet the train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling.

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The Glacier Express - known as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World' (and arguably the most scenic) - connects the mountain resort towns of Matterhorn adjacent to Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps.

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The simplest way to get from Italy to Switzerland is by train although driving is fine too. I bought a $23 train ticket from raileurope.com to go from Lake Como to Lugano and the ride was a breeze. While my ride took exactly 39 minuets, the quickest route is 25 minutes.

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The Gotthard Tunnel runs between Erstfeld in the north and Bodio in the south, and connects rail traffic between Milan and Zurich. It's the world's longest and deepest, stretching 57 kilometres and delving 2 kilometres underground.

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Day trip from Zurich to Grindelwald and Interlaken It includes a scenic rail journey between Grindelwald and Interlaken. You'll see the peaks of the Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger, and shop for Swiss goods in the Bernese Oberland. There's also free time in Grindelwald included to spend as you wish.

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If you're looking for views then this route will most likely disappoint, especially if you're used to Swiss standards. There is some token scenery in the form of two lakes en route to take in however.

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For those who want to explore another country, but don't want to venture too far, Lugano, Switzerland is just an hour away by car or train from Lake Como.

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For those who want to explore another country, but don't want to venture too far, Lugano, Switzerland is just an hour away by car or train from Lake Como.

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The Bernina Express day tour from Milan, the Bernina Express from Lake Como is a unique experience that allows you to discover the Swiss Alps in one day.

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1. The Lake Lucerne region has without doubt the most splendid landscape of Switzerland. Only about 45 minutes drive from Zurich you find yourself inside a diverse mountain and lakeside scenery with iconic peaks, dent forests, shimmering waters and stunning alpine panoramas.

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1. The Bernina Express. Connecting Chur to Poschiavo in Switzerland, and to Tirano in Italy by crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps, the Bernina Express features breathtaking views from its panoramic, red carriages.

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