Agree 100%. In August my wife and I caught a service as far as Lugano, and it took the old Gotthard route due to the Base tunnel closure. Absolutely superb scenery, despite the wet day - and we fell in love with the city and plan a week's visit next year (we were there under two hours). And yes, the train itself is superb. SBB is simply the best in the world in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
I went first class in these trains in November this year. Amazing trains! So smooth and quiet. UK needs to take lessons from the Swiss when railways are involved.
Amazing video, thank you very much! Just a few notes: in Chiasso the police checks are mostly customs checks as Switzerland is part of Schengen area but not of the EU and therefore they are carried by Italy's Guardia di Finanza (Italian financial military police) and Dogana (Swiss customs). The long stop in Chiasso Is due to the customs checks but also do to the staff change there. From Zurich to Milan the SBB staff leaves the train and Trenitalia's staff takes over (drivers, train manager and ticket collectors). From Italy to Switzerland it is the opposite way.
The "intriguing design feature" you mention in the Zürich train station is the "guardian angel" designed by Nicky de Saint-Phalle in 1997, a famous French-American artist. I stumbled across her sculptures in Paris and Stockholm as well.
"A Swiss train never arrives early, Frodo Baggins. It arrives either on time, or ahead of schedule!"
2 місяці тому+34
My favorite scenery from a train? Apart from the obvious candidates in Switzerland, I have to say the Rhine valley line (Cologne-)Bonn-Koblenz-Bingen(-Mainz). Unfortunately, the SBB Eurocity trains will be returning for a single year only in 2025 and without their panoramic coaches.
The main hall in Zurich used to be a platform, but due to a shortage of tracks, the tracks were later moved in front of the station hall. In 1985, work began on an underground station, which was later expanded in 2013 with an additional underground section for long-distance trains.
My favorite scenery from a train? This might be a bit obvious but the route from St Moritz to Tirano, specifically the part between 'spizio Bernina' and Cavaglia. I was lucky enough to get a ride on the famed Glacier express and loved the part from Chur to St. Moritz. I also took the Goldenpass express from Interlaken to Montreux and as the train descended striking off turn after turn with the sun setting over Lake Geneva I remember that scene still. What a place what a time what a view :)
A nice film for someone who is used to travelling virtually from the front of the train. I have seen a lot worse! Being of Swiss parents I have travelled over 75% of the network either on board or virtually and never get bored of the scenery. The Sudost Bahn is a must from Romanshorn to Luzern via Toggenburg, probably the most scenic anywhere in switzerland with a railway viaduct the highest in switzerland.
My Favorite Scenery is the Elbe Valley with its Canyon Shape and Sandstone Mountains of the Elbsandsteingebirge between Dresden and Decin at the German- Czech Border
Thank you very much for this thorough review of the Zürich HBF to Milano Centrale service. I have traversed this route by train four times over the past fifty-two years, twice each southbound and northbound. The first was overnight, while the other three were very scenic daytrips. However, the first was the most memorable as it was early Spring during a full moon. The snow-capped mountains gleamed spectacularly in the moonlight as we wound our way through the Alps. It was an experience I can never forget!! Chuck in Northern New England
My favourite scenery from a train is on the Inverness to Kyle Of Lochalsh line. Particularly the stretch from Strathcarron Station to Kyle of Lochalsh, on a clear day you can look over the turquoise sea toward the Cullin Mountains on Isle of Skye and the view over to the village of Plockton is just absolutely beautiful. Though the class 158’s used are clearly past their sell by date
Years ago, there was an Observation Car on the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh route and Fort William-Mallaig line and these were Fantastic. Oh for the good old days of steam and Observation Cars!
Favourites would have to be the Rigi Bahn up the mountain, that just gets piiped by the RhB Bernina express from Chur to Tirano especially up at Alp Grum
Thank you for this excellent review. I too find the SBB Giruno a wonderful train, and have used them several times on the Gotthard Route. I also really like the OBB RailJets and their 1st Class section is equally comfortable and spacious. As for a view, I think the Rhine Valley between Bonn/Koblenz and Mainz is hard to beat, but the Girunos don’t run there !
Few years ago, we bought a first class Swiss-Pass and we travelled throughout Switzerland for 22 days. One of my most memorable journey. My only negative point, as it was also mentioned in the video, do not expect any service on the train, even in first class. The only additional feature you get with a first class ticket is more comfort and less crowded cars. But what a beautiful country to visit (if you can afford it because it is extremely expensive.
3:56 The doors have a different hight due to the higher platforms in germany. This makes step free access possible in multiple countries withe the same train. The door on the right will remain closed whilst in germany. Unfortunately this solution resulta in a step to access most doors in switzerland.
Haven't been on a lot of trains as I live in Canada. I had great views on Amtrak Cascades between Vancouver and Seattle, and on my recent Europe vacation, I enjoyed particularly the view along the Elbe while travelling on ČD between Dresden and Prague. Second would be Wien - Frankfurt close to the German border. Though, I would like to do more Amtrak - there are quite a few long distance sleeper routes in the US that can't be beat for views, like the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr through the Rocky Mountains...
I must say after the old gotthard route and all the rhb routes i also really like the SOB st gallen to luzern route on the Voralpenexpress nice train and pretty route
Interestingly enough if u travel in first class u get serviced directly at ur seat at least around lunch and dinner time they walk around and take orders
Milano Centrale (see last few minutes of the film) is much improved since my travelling days on FS around 2007. Compare decline of Euston and crowded Paddington.
Agree, they are fantastic - in complete contrast to the Bombardier Twindex units that are incredibly uncomfortable. And, to be honest, compared to many first class fares in the UK, the fare is pretty reasonable. A travel on the day 1st class from London to Edinburgh can be upwards of £300 which is scandalous.
I think the Giruno Train is a very good train, but my favorites are the IC2000 and ICN. They feel more comfortable and like they have better suspension. But again, it is a good train. The first Class interior looks awesome and feels open and airy. Haven't been on second class yet.
Second class is good. But I think they have some build quality issues to figure out and the urinal in the train I took was already in a bad state even though the train is so new. For some reason they decided plastic was a good choice of material, hopefully they change this in the future
Why show the details of Zurich railway station and not do the same to Milano Centrale? Built in 1931 and designed by architect Ulisse Stacchini, it is worth mentioning.
Too bad the TEE Rheingold train doesn't run anymore from the Netherlands to Switzerland via Germany's scenic Rhine Valley loaded with castles and ruins.
It is from Zurich to Chiasso. But you need an additional ticket for the rest of the trip (that will be around 17 Francs one way, so a pretty okay price).
I travelled this journey on the TEE train about 70 years ago, and I bet I saw more of the beautiful scenery than these guys. can one still do it at 100km/h?
@@peterwhyte-zl1kv the interregio line IR26 and IR46 are alternate running every 2 hours from Basel resp. from Zurich to Locarno. This gives an hourly treno gottardo between Arth-Goldau and Locarno. Train sets are the stadler „Traverso“, run by the train company Südostbahn SOB running the old Gotthard route to mediterranean Locarno. Of course times have changed, but this train with 2 bistro cars with good coffee, snacks and even beer and wine is nice.
It's funny to see the V250 driving, seemingly without any problems, in Italy. All in all, they cost NS €800 million, which comes down to €20 million a day.
I don’t understand the hype around this train. I did this exact journey both ways approximately 2 months ago. Yes, the train is technically nice. But the interior? Honestly, the seats (I was in 2nd class) really resemble more a regional service and are hard and uncomfortable, no reclining, etc. Narrow, only 4 seat configuration, no proper tables for working. Compare that to the ICE interior - let alone the new amazing redesign - and I know which one I’m choosing any single day.
I wouldn't book 2nd class for long journeys and most journeys within Switzerland are so short it is almost better to have something simple and sturdy than extravagant and defective.
While the Giruno is a massive upgrade compared to whatever else SBB is running, it still leaves a lot to be desired. The seats, especially in second class are clearly not designed for longer journeys and even first class seating is quite a lot behind what DB, SNCF, IT/NTV and ÖBB have to offer. Not that it would matter with the way too heavy emphasis on vis à vis seating, which is a total show-stopper. The layout offers absolutely no privacy whatsoever apart from the odd one or two seats per car.
On this train you find many „airplane“ seats, too. Well i guess its because we like the vis-à-vis in Switzerland that most train still come with that interiour layout. In Italy also.
It’s funny. I hear so many from outside of Switzerland complain about the vis-à-vis seating, meanwhile in Switzerland I’m pretty sure the vis-à-vis seating is the more popular one. As, if you go on a train in Switzerland, these are usually the seats occupied first. I personally do also prefer them over the airplane-style seatings
@@konni6694 People who prefer an airplane seat can do what in many other high speed trains is mandatory: make a seat reservation for an airline style seat. For Milano - Como its mandatory anyways. And no: no way the TGV is more comfortable than the Giruno. Neigther in First nor in Second Class.
@Wisteria__Lane trenitalia is ranked first in europe, the only thing swiss railway is better is punctuality, which is understandable with such a small railway network.
@@bonaz11 now compare cleanliness, density, number of trains per day etc.. overall Swiss railways are better but for high speed trains there's no comparison
Agree 100%. In August my wife and I caught a service as far as Lugano, and it took the old Gotthard route due to the Base tunnel closure. Absolutely superb scenery, despite the wet day - and we fell in love with the city and plan a week's visit next year (we were there under two hours). And yes, the train itself is superb. SBB is simply the best in the world in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
ua-cam.com/video/E1FQfxIszGY/v-deo.html
I went first class in these trains in November this year. Amazing trains! So smooth and quiet. UK needs to take lessons from the Swiss when railways are involved.
We have a good transport system in Switzerland. I appreciate what we have.
Amazing video, thank you very much!
Just a few notes: in Chiasso the police checks are mostly customs checks as Switzerland is part of Schengen area but not of the EU and therefore they are carried by Italy's Guardia di Finanza (Italian financial military police) and Dogana (Swiss customs).
The long stop in Chiasso Is due to the customs checks but also do to the staff change there. From Zurich to Milan the SBB staff leaves the train and Trenitalia's staff takes over (drivers, train manager and ticket collectors). From Italy to Switzerland it is the opposite way.
The "intriguing design feature" you mention in the Zürich train station is the "guardian angel" designed by Nicky de Saint-Phalle in 1997, a famous French-American artist. I stumbled across her sculptures in Paris and Stockholm as well.
"A Swiss train never arrives early, Frodo Baggins. It arrives either on time, or ahead of schedule!"
My favorite scenery from a train? Apart from the obvious candidates in Switzerland, I have to say the Rhine valley line (Cologne-)Bonn-Koblenz-Bingen(-Mainz). Unfortunately, the SBB Eurocity trains will be returning for a single year only in 2025 and without their panoramic coaches.
ua-cam.com/video/E1FQfxIszGY/v-deo.html
Fantastic video and really great commentary - love all the facts which are super interesting, especially about Züg!
I can enjoy this train every week, as it is used on a local service once a week on wednesday morning, that i am taking.
The main hall in Zurich used to be a platform, but due to a shortage of tracks, the tracks were later moved in front of the station hall. In 1985, work began on an underground station, which was later expanded in 2013 with an additional underground section for long-distance trains.
My favorite scenery from a train? This might be a bit obvious but the route from St Moritz to Tirano, specifically the part between 'spizio Bernina' and Cavaglia. I was lucky enough to get a ride on the famed Glacier express and loved the part from Chur to St. Moritz. I also took the Goldenpass express from Interlaken to Montreux and as the train descended striking off turn after turn with the sun setting over Lake Geneva I remember that scene still. What a place what a time what a view :)
I've been on all of those as well - a wonderful selection!
A nice film for someone who is used to travelling virtually from the front of the train. I have seen a lot worse! Being of Swiss parents I have travelled over 75% of the network either on board or virtually and never get bored of the scenery. The Sudost Bahn is a must from Romanshorn to Luzern via Toggenburg, probably the most scenic anywhere in switzerland with a railway viaduct the highest in switzerland.
My Favorite Scenery is the Elbe Valley with its Canyon Shape and Sandstone Mountains of the Elbsandsteingebirge between Dresden and Decin at the German- Czech Border
Thank you very much for this thorough review of the Zürich HBF to Milano Centrale service. I have traversed this route by train four times over the past fifty-two years, twice each southbound and northbound. The first was overnight, while the other three were very scenic daytrips. However, the first was the most memorable as it was early Spring during a full moon. The snow-capped mountains gleamed spectacularly in the moonlight as we wound our way through the Alps. It was an experience I can never forget!!
Chuck in Northern New England
Very good and very excellent presentation for the Switzerland railway is watching from India.
My favourite scenery from a train is on the Inverness to Kyle Of Lochalsh line. Particularly the stretch from Strathcarron Station to Kyle of Lochalsh, on a clear day you can look over the turquoise sea toward the Cullin Mountains on Isle of Skye and the view over to the village of Plockton is just absolutely beautiful. Though the class 158’s used are clearly past their sell by date
Years ago, there was an Observation Car on the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh route and Fort William-Mallaig line and these were Fantastic. Oh for the good old days of steam and Observation Cars!
Favourites would have to be the Rigi Bahn up the mountain, that just gets piiped by the RhB Bernina express from Chur to Tirano especially up at Alp Grum
Switzerlands weather is really fabulous ❤
Not at all. This year the whole summer we had masses of rain.
@hiw9528 the global warming 💀
As an American I'm super jealous
Thank you for this excellent review. I too find the SBB Giruno a wonderful train, and have used them several times on the Gotthard Route. I also really like the OBB RailJets and their 1st Class section is equally comfortable and spacious. As for a view, I think the Rhine Valley between Bonn/Koblenz and Mainz is hard to beat, but the Girunos don’t run there !
my favorite view from a train is the schwarzwaldbahn in Germany, its like chitty chitty bang bang
To English-speaking people. Zug, Zürich, Zermatt start not with a sounding "s" but "Ts" like with the Russian Tsar.
Favourite scenery from a train? Everything you see from the Albula line on the Rhätische Bahn!
Really nice review!
Few years ago, we bought a first class Swiss-Pass and we travelled throughout Switzerland for 22 days. One of my most memorable journey. My only negative point, as it was also mentioned in the video, do not expect any service on the train, even in first class. The only additional feature you get with a first class ticket is more comfort and less crowded cars. But what a beautiful country to visit (if you can afford it because it is extremely expensive.
3:56 The doors have a different hight due to the higher platforms in germany. This makes step free access possible in multiple countries withe the same train. The door on the right will remain closed whilst in germany. Unfortunately this solution resulta in a step to access most doors in switzerland.
0:36 "Come on dad, move!" says No 11 to No 4.
Haven't been on a lot of trains as I live in Canada. I had great views on Amtrak Cascades between Vancouver and Seattle, and on my recent Europe vacation, I enjoyed particularly the view along the Elbe while travelling on ČD between Dresden and Prague. Second would be Wien - Frankfurt close to the German border.
Though, I would like to do more Amtrak - there are quite a few long distance sleeper routes in the US that can't be beat for views, like the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr through the Rocky Mountains...
I must say after the old gotthard route and all the rhb routes i also really like the SOB st gallen to luzern route on the Voralpenexpress nice train and pretty route
Easy way to travel to Milano from Switzerland (with Interrail): take the IC to Lugano, change to the RE. No reservation fee.
Interestingly enough if u travel in first class u get serviced directly at ur seat at least around lunch and dinner time they walk around and take orders
Milano Centrale (see last few minutes of the film) is much improved since my travelling days on FS around 2007. Compare decline of Euston and crowded Paddington.
I spent 3 years in Germany and didn’t know it was spoken in Switzerland 😊
About 65% speak german. The german we speak is different but writing is more or less the same.
Outside of the souther portal is the RCC for South operation of sbb
Only one bicycle per passenger ! Yet to meet anyone that can ride more than one bike at the same time.
Agree, they are fantastic - in complete contrast to the Bombardier Twindex units that are incredibly uncomfortable. And, to be honest, compared to many first class fares in the UK, the fare is pretty reasonable. A travel on the day 1st class from London to Edinburgh can be upwards of £300 which is scandalous.
You stupid assholes voted Thatcher and the other assholes that followed into power. So please, spare me the moaning.!
❤️ from 🇨🇭
I think the Giruno Train is a very good train, but my favorites are the IC2000 and ICN. They feel more comfortable and like they have better suspension.
But again, it is a good train. The first Class interior looks awesome and feels open and airy. Haven't been on second class yet.
Second class is good. But I think they have some build quality issues to figure out and the urinal in the train I took was already in a bad state even though the train is so new. For some reason they decided plastic was a good choice of material, hopefully they change this in the future
2:52 of course absolutely no delay (but a railway replacement in germany)
Wait, isn't the original (not through the tunnel) route through Airolo even more amazing?
Have you been on the Greater Anglia version of these units? Apparently they're very good as well.
Can you talk about how you booked this ticket?
Why show the details of Zurich railway station and not do the same to Milano Centrale? Built in 1931 and designed by architect Ulisse Stacchini, it is worth mentioning.
Too bad the TEE Rheingold train doesn't run anymore from the Netherlands to Switzerland via Germany's scenic Rhine Valley loaded with castles and ruins.
The giruno train would be the perfect train for a revival of this TEE.😊
Is this train covered in the Swiss pass?
It is from Zurich to Chiasso. But you need an additional ticket for the rest of the trip (that will be around 17 Francs one way, so a pretty okay price).
😎👍🏼
5:11 same seats for the last decade, so nothing new. Just faster.
I travelled this journey on the TEE train about 70 years ago, and I bet I saw more of the beautiful scenery than these guys. can one still do it at 100km/h?
Yes, on the Treno Gottardo of SOB. Fantastic Interregio Train from Basel/Zürich to Locarno via the old route.
@@JorgBerlinger I am glad to hear that, though I might battle to raise the SF now.
@@peterwhyte-zl1kv the interregio line IR26 and IR46 are alternate running every 2 hours from Basel resp. from Zurich to Locarno. This gives an hourly treno gottardo between Arth-Goldau and Locarno. Train sets are the stadler „Traverso“, run by the train company Südostbahn SOB running the old Gotthard route to mediterranean Locarno. Of course times have changed, but this train with 2 bistro cars with good coffee, snacks and even beer and wine is nice.
Always "supplimento" in Italy ... Supplimento 1
Does Switzerland allow fertiliers and pesticides that pollute waterways and lakes?
For Bikes they could do a much better Job. In the summer time there are way too much bikers going to warm southern part of the alps.
7:00 ZUG, synoyme for the very tax paradise in Switzerland, where rich, very rich and upper rich people are living especially theres enterprises.
I am not Yeti travel bd Giruno but, ich will treten wi5h the EC Service from Frankfurt to Milano in Summer
It's funny to see the V250 driving, seemingly without any problems, in Italy. All in all, they cost NS €800 million, which comes down to €20 million a day.
I don’t understand the hype around this train. I did this exact journey both ways approximately 2 months ago. Yes, the train is technically nice. But the interior? Honestly, the seats (I was in 2nd class) really resemble more a regional service and are hard and uncomfortable, no reclining, etc. Narrow, only 4 seat configuration, no proper tables for working. Compare that to the ICE interior - let alone the new amazing redesign - and I know which one I’m choosing any single day.
I wouldn't book 2nd class for long journeys and most journeys within Switzerland are so short it is almost better to have something simple and sturdy than extravagant and defective.
Well, that's Stadler for you
@@Elibuwu ok? what's that supposed to mean?
@@Stromschlag The Girunos suck
ua-cam.com/video/E1FQfxIszGY/v-deo.html
Taken this train last week. Poor seats in first class. My back still hurts.
While the Giruno is a massive upgrade compared to whatever else SBB is running, it still leaves a lot to be desired. The seats, especially in second class are clearly not designed for longer journeys and even first class seating is quite a lot behind what DB, SNCF, IT/NTV and ÖBB have to offer. Not that it would matter with the way too heavy emphasis on vis à vis seating, which is a total show-stopper. The layout offers absolutely no privacy whatsoever apart from the odd one or two seats per car.
ua-cam.com/video/E1FQfxIszGY/v-deo.html
On this train you find many „airplane“ seats, too. Well i guess its because we like the vis-à-vis in Switzerland that most train still come with that interiour layout. In Italy also.
It’s funny. I hear so many from outside of Switzerland complain about the vis-à-vis seating, meanwhile in Switzerland I’m pretty sure the vis-à-vis seating is the more popular one. As, if you go on a train in Switzerland, these are usually the seats occupied first.
I personally do also prefer them over the airplane-style seatings
@@konni6694 People who prefer an airplane seat can do what in many other high speed trains is mandatory: make a seat reservation for an airline style seat. For Milano - Como its mandatory anyways.
And no: no way the TGV is more comfortable than the Giruno. Neigther in First nor in Second Class.
Speed of speech a tad too quick and script sounds convoluted (a, b, the latter, the former) and so on. Slower and less could be good
Wow ! Saubere Toiletten ? Und sie funktionieren auch noch !? Ganz neu bei der SBB !!!!!!
buenzli
@Wisteria__Lane zürich-münchen,6 wagen mit toilette,alle defekt....
Der ETR610 war berühmt dafür, dass die WCs schnell blockierten.
It looks like it was built in the 90s, ugly design inside and out, typical of the Nor-European taste!
Swiss rail > Italian rail
ua-cam.com/video/E1FQfxIszGY/v-deo.html
@Wisteria__Lane trenitalia is ranked first in europe, the only thing swiss railway is better is punctuality, which is understandable with such a small railway network.
@@bonaz11 now compare cleanliness, density, number of trains per day etc.. overall Swiss railways are better but for high speed trains there's no comparison