How can I set a specific departure time for an open ticket?

Gabriel1984

Hello, I’m Gabriel. I’m from Chile, and this is my first time in Zurich. I purchased a ticket from Zürich HB to Chur intending to take the Bernina Express. Although I selected specific departure times, I was charged for an open ticket valid from 00:00 on July 22, 2025, until 05:00 on July 23, 2025. My Chur–Tirano train departs at 08:17 on July 22, and I’m concerned I might miss it. How can I book a train for a definite departure time that aligns with my Chur–Tirano connection? Thank you very much.

Krist

In Switzerland are by default for a route. You can take any train on the Zürich - Chur route on the day you bought the ticket for. Note that if your intention is to ride the Bernina Express you should have bought a Zurich - Tirano ticket, as that is the route you intend to travel. (And if you wanted the BE you then would have added a reservation to that ticket).

The only thing you need to do to avoid missing your train is be at the station on time, say 10 minutes before departure. You do not need to book a specific train.

Trains in Switzerland are mass transit. Thing of it as a nationwide metro system…

Gabriel1984

Krist Hi! Thank you for your answer and clarification. I’ve already bought a ticket from Zurich to Chur, just as the Bernina Express website suggests. I didn’t realize I could take the Bernina Express directly from Zurich—I hope that won’t be a problem. Thank you very much.

Krist

Tickets are for a route, not a train. That is the concept you need to keep in mind.
That the Bernina Express does not start in Zurich is immaterial. You can just buy a ticket Zurich - Tirano, and add a reservation for the Bernina Express Chur - Tirano to that.

In Switzerland for a trip from A to B you only ever need one ticket, and it does not matter how many trains, busses, trams, cable cars, boats or even a helicopter you need to take to get from A to B.

Gabriel1984

Krist Thank you so much! Now I understand better. I hope there’s a helicopter available, haha (that part made me laugh). Thank you very much Krist!

RedBaron

Gabriel1984
I think @Krist referred to this story from 2023 which went viral here:
https://aviation.direct/en/Braunwaldbahn-renovation-rail-replacement-flights-with-helicopters-for-720-francs
As Braunwald is a car-free permanently populated village, the funicular up there is part of the public transit network. There’s no (restricted) road access like in Zermatt, only a pretty steep hiking path.
Just don’t expect such situations to occur regularly. 😉