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Question

Italy to Switzerland

  • May 26, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 36 views
R

Hi everyone! 

I’m planning my first trip to Europe (14 days) in late July and would really appreciate advice—especially when it comes to train travel, since I’ve never used trains before.

Trip Overview - Flying into Naples and flying out of Zurich. Traveling north through Italy into Switzerland.

Places I would like to visit:

  • Amalfi Coast
  • Rome
  • Venice
  • Lake Como
  • Possibly Cinque Terre (still debating)
  • Then heading into Switzerland (not sure where yet)

Since I’ve never traveled by train, I’m a bit overwhelmed trying to decide:

  • Should I buy individual train tickets for each leg?
  • Or would it make more sense to get something like a rail pass? If so which one?
  • Are trains easy to navigate for first-timers with luggage?

I’m also open to suggestions on:

  • Whether this route makes sense or is too packed
  • Must-see stops I may be missing (especially in Switzerland)
  • Whether Cinque Terre is worth adding or too much

Thanks in advance for your help.

4 replies

R
Railmaster
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  • rvdborgt
  • Railmaster
  • May 26, 2026

Take as little luggage with you as possible. Wash your clothes halfway. A 40 l backpack should be big enough.

What tickets or pass duits best depends on the price of your journeys and how much flexibility you need. Long-distance ticket prices are dynamic, so you need to do the maths for your journeys on your dates. Also keep in mind that the cheapest long-distance tickets are often not refundable or exchangeable.

It may be the case that sing a pass for long journeys and regular tickets for short journeys is the cheapest.

Use trenitalia.com for planning in Italy and sbb.ch for Switzerland and for international journeys.

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
D
Full steam ahead
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  • Danhiel
  • Full steam ahead
  • May 27, 2026

​@regatravel 

From North Italy to Switzerland, I would travel via Tirano - Bernina. But note that this line suffers from overtourism, it may be advisable to reserve seats on peak periods, even on regional trains.

I would avoid the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, in my opinion too expensive and overcrowded. You can visit instead Mürren from Interlaken. Never buy mountain excursions in advance, wait to known if the weather is good.

The information I provide may contain errors and are not official responses from Eurail/Interrail.
    ralderton
    Railmaster
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    • ralderton
    • Railmaster
    • May 27, 2026

    Assuming you want to spend some time in Naples and Zurich at each end of your trip, and stop in at least one other place in Switzerland, that's 8 locations in 2 weeks.Less than 2 nights per location!

    Including travel (half a day, every other day), you'd have very limited time at each location

    Maybe drop Venice (too far off track). Drop Cinque Terre in favour of Como. Plan one or two 3 night stops (Rome & Como?) and then see what else you can fit in without overstretching yourself. 

      J
      Full steam ahead
      • joanneobrien
      • Full steam ahead
      • May 27, 2026

      Hi, 

      If you get an Interrail pass, and you use high speed trains you need to book a seat and pay a reservation fee. Local trains are free. For further detailed info also check out the website Man in seat 61 for excellent info on routes and times. 

      since you are travelling at peak times you should work out your route, the costs of individual tickets and then compare it to the cost of an Interrail pass. 
       

      Regarding the number of stops/places to visit:

      2 nights stay means you’ll only have one day to explore a place. A one night stay means: arrival, find accommodation, dinner, short walk around, bed, breakfast and depart. 

      3 nights is better ! 

      if you are on Facebook check out Interrailing groups for tips and advice.

      Have a great trip!
       

       

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