Bernina Route journey

suresh_bhat

Hello
I am trying to book a journey from Chur to Tirano and had the following questions on a route on sbb which has
Train IR 38 from Chur to Samedan (codes FW, GR)
xfer to Train R15 from Samedan to Pontresina (codes GR)
xfer to Train R19 from Pontresina to Tirano (code GR)
We like this because it allows us more flexibility in terms of train timings (we can leave at a more relaxed time in the morning unlike the Bernina which only has two timings 8:18 am and 1:30 pm or thereabouts)

a) The codes indicate reservations needed. Do we (2 passengers) need to make seat reservations on this like you would on the Bernina Express considering this seems to be the normal train.
b) Can I hop on/hop off along the way between Pontresina and Tirano or is that not allowed?
c) Are the windows openable on these trains?

Alternately if I instead go with the Bernina Express:
a) is hop on/off allowed on the Bernina Express?

RedBaron

suresh_bhat
Check the legend of those symbols and acronyms:
GR means reservations mandatory for groups, not for individual travelers.

If your ticket is not a Supersaver ticket, it is valid all day so you can hop on/off as you like.

Sliding windows are only available on older coaches without AC. For a reliable answer regarding your travel date, you might want to contact the railway operator Rhaetian Railways on rhb.ch

On the Bernina Express, hopping on again is possible only on the few non-panorama coaches.

Krist

The IR trains have an observation lounge at the locomotive end where the windows do open.

A normal ticket is also valid via St. Moritz, so you could even lay in a break there.

suresh_bhat

Never mind. I forgot we will have carry on luggage with us. Makes it harder to do hop on/hop offs with that in tow. Speaking of which, will we be allowed a carry on and a medium size suitcase on the Bernina Express?