How are Swiss Customs for a very quick train change in Tirano, IT to Bernina Express?
Traveling via Trenord to Tirano and a quick (like, 8 minutes!) run across the Piazza Marinoni to the Dogana di Tirana and Ferrovia Tetica (SBB station) and onto our reserved coach on the Bernina Express to Samedan. I was scheduled for these trains on the Bernina Express website when I purchased seat reservations.
When and where do we have our passports checked going from EU to Swiss jurisdictions?
Does anyone who has gone through this recently know what we should expect?
Is such a tight transfer possible?
Best Answer
You're likely fine. Since Switzerland is part of Schengen, there are no regular border checks and no formalities at the station, although inspectors may board the train for spot checks.
The major unknown factor here is whether your Italian train will stick to the schedule, since the Swiss train will leave on time. North Italy is usually OK though.
Pictures about "How are Swiss Customs for a very quick train change in Tirano, IT to Bernina Express?"
Can I use Swiss rail pass on Bernina Express?
Are the Swiss Travel Passes valid for the Bernina Express Bus? Yes. However, you still have to pay for the seat reservation and supplement (no concessions). During the booking procedure, at the step \xabTravellers\xbb, choose \xabSwiss Travel Pass\xbb or \xabSwiss Travel Pass Flex\xbb under Ticket/reduction.Can you hop on and off the Bernina Express?
Just hop on and sit anywhere, get on and off trains as much as you like. This is arguably the most spectacular train journey in the world, and travels over the Bernina Pass and is the highest mountain railway crossing in Europe.Which side should I sit on Bernina Express?
For the best views, you should sit on the right side of the train going north to south, and the left side in the opposite direction.Is the Bernina Express one way?
A good option, when planning sightseeing along a return journey, is to enjoy the convenience of the direct Bernina Express one way and to return with sightseeing stops en route on the regional trains.The Bernina Express - World's Most Beautiful Train's Panoramic 4K Video
More answers regarding how are Swiss Customs for a very quick train change in Tirano, IT to Bernina Express?
Answer 2
When and where do we have our passports checked going from EU to Swiss jurisdictions?
Switzerland, although not part of the EU, is part of Schengen, so there are formally no border checks "by default".
In practice, Switzerland does have frequent spot checks on entry at major land crossings; on the other hand, it's unlikely on a minor local train line such as this.
In case the Swiss border guard does board the train, they do it after the border. Sometimes at the first stop, sometimes up to 3-4 stations later. However, on local trains, more often than not they'll just walk through so as to state "we do exist" and then get off the train at the next stop.
Other than at Chiasso, trains do not remain at the border during checks; instead checks take place while the train is moving.
So no need to worry - unless the train is delayed due to other factors, you will be fine.
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Images: Tim Douglas, Aleks Marinkovic, Andrea Piacquadio, Pixabay