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Question

Basel to Como San Giovanni July 2026

  • April 11, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 37 views
M

Hi everyone, we’re in the process of planning our first Interrail trip this July. We plan to travel from Basel to Como on July 29th. Currently, on direct trains, I’m getting the following message on Rail Planner - 

No price results were found. Pass holder reservations may be sold out for this connection, but there are other ways to check for available seats—more info below our timetable.

On Rail Europe, a lot of the connections are stating that the pass doesn’t apply, or applies for only part of the journey. 

Would it be easier to travel via regional trains which don’t require reservations, assuming these direct options are fully booked? I think we can travel via via Lugano or Chiasso without mandatory reservations.

Any advice much appreciated. Thank you 

5 replies

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Full steam ahead
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  • Danhiel
  • Full steam ahead
  • April 11, 2026

​@Mycle_B 

Yes, it is easier to travel with regional trains from Lugano or Chiasso. Reservations are not necessary in Switzerland, You can drink an apreritivo in Como instead.

The information I provide may contain errors and are not official responses from Eurail/Interrail.
    R
    Railmaster
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    • rvdborgt
    • Railmaster
    • April 11, 2026

    There's an ongoing problem with reservations between Italy and Switzerland. For Como though, I wouldn't waste €10 for a reservation that's only needed for a few km (only in Italy). There are plenty of regional trains to get from Lugano or Chiasso to Como.

    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.
      M
      • Mycle_B
      • Author
      • Rail rookie
      • April 11, 2026

      Thank you for the replies. So, if I understand correctly, we can just take a regional train from Basel to either Lugano or Chiasso, then a regional train to Como? And it’s really not necessary to reserve a seat on either? There’s a 0904 Basel to Lugano, then 1236 Lugano to Como - this looks perfect. Thanks again for the advice. 

      Our onward journey from Como is on 3rd August - Como to Innsbruck. Would you recommend regional trains for this journey too? We can go via Milan and Verona leaving Como at 0703 or 0805. Looks like the Verona Innsbruck leg recommends reservations. 

      R
      Railmaster
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      • rvdborgt
      • Railmaster
      • April 11, 2026

      Thank you for the replies. So, if I understand correctly, we can just take a regional train from Basel to either Lugano or Chiasso, then a regional train to Como? And it’s really not necessary to reserve a seat on either? There’s a 0904 Basel to Lugano, then 1236 Lugano to Como - this looks perfect. 

      Correct.

      Our onward journey from Como is on 3rd August - Como to Innsbruck. Would you recommend regional trains for this journey too? We can go via Milan and Verona leaving Como at 0703 or 0805. Looks like the Verona Innsbruck leg recommends reservations. 

      I think I'd also do it that way. The regional trains are really regional express trains.

      You can also get to Innsbruck via Zurich.

      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.
        M
        • Mycle_B
        • Author
        • Rail rookie
        • April 11, 2026

        Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated. Have a lovely day 

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