Chur–Tirano 08:17 – Panorama Full but Ticket Available, What Does This Mean?

tesabcd

I am looking at the 08:17 Chur–Tirano service on 26 April 2026 for 2 adults, using half-fare pass. It is shown as Bernina Express (PE) and indicates “Panorama coach: reservation compulsory.” However, the system also states that there are unfortunately no seats available for the Panorama coach on this route, while still allowing me to purchase a regular 1st or 2nd class ticket. If I proceed with buying the regular ticket only, does this mean I can still board the 08:17 train and travel in the non-panoramic coaches attached to the same train, even though the Panorama section is sold out?

Ex-Bähnler

Hello tesabcd

On this train, there is only one seat available.

Regards,
Reto

RolandP

Hello tesabcd

Good day, first.

In Switzerland, regular tickets are good for a route, not for a particular train.
Therefore, the ticket you are about to purchase is good for any train serving the route that day, not only the one you are intending to take.
The Bernina Express has also coaches that do not need reservation; these are mostly used by the locals. However, due to overtourism, this line is suffering from its own success. I would not take a train without seat reservation if you want to enjoy the journey. You may end up standing between the seats.

And, finally, seat reservations must be made with the line operator which is RhB, not with SBB.

Kind regards,
Roland

Danhiel

Hello tesabcd

This information is indeed misleading. I reported this issue to the SBB, but they never corrected it. It would be better to give the link to the RhB booking system:

https://www.rhb.ch/en/tickets/

Kind regards
Danhiel

tesabcd

RolandP
Hi RolandP,

If I am not intending to take the panoramic coaches, and am flexible with either the 8.17am or 8.58am regional train from Chur-Tirano, is it safe to say I can get a seat in April 2026 (not peak season)?

RolandP

Danhiel

I will catch up.

Danhiel

RolandP

Sorry, I must correct my last post. Contrary to what I thought, it seems now to be possible to reserve seats on sbb.ch, this message could effectively mean that no seats are available after a check with the RhB booking system.

However, in this example, for the 12.03.26, no seats are available in 1st class and this message doesn’t appear. No option for reservation only is displayed.

Tafunge25

With no guarantee, I think you should be fine in the second half of april. In the first two weeks of april, both in Italy and in Switzerland are easter holidays in schools which usually means increased traffic.