I moved from Chicago to Switzerland and there is no comparison the Swiss rail network has enabled me to travel anywhere without a car. Whilst in Chicago we own 3 and hardly ever use the rail lines unless we’re going to see sports events in the city and simple don’t want to sit in traffic. ❤❤❤
L'ange protecteur har været på Zürich Hauptbahnhof siden 1997. Det er et fast inventar. Når jeg møder venner, er det et mødested. Fremragende rapport som altid min nabo fra din gamle schweiziske tante.
The "grand open space" right when you enter the station used to be the old main hall built in 1871, there used to be six platforms there, until 1930, when the main platform hall was added.
Yeah, not really sure how I mixed that up. I should have spotted it when I added the graphic correctly for Arth Goldau. Oh well, glad you enjoyed the video anyway :D
@@Simon-Andersen it was a gift from securitas to the sbb for the 150 year jubilee of swiss trains in 1997. we've had trains for a year longer than our federal state and constitution.
@@Zwangsworkaholic Actually, we've had trains even a bit longer. Though we celebrated the 150 year jubilee of the first domestic train line in Switzerland, the Spanisch Brötli Bahn, in 1997, the first train line reaching Switzerland was the Elsässerbahn from Strasbourg to Basel three years earlier, in 1844.
The reservation is mandatory only in Italy, however passengers to Italy have their place reserved right up from the departure station in Switzerland, so look if your seat is reserved for such passengers. It is also possible to reserve a seat for a national Swiss journey, however basically nobody usually does it, as trains are big and frequent. However, sometimes on peak days people do reserve seats also on national journeys.
@@MG-ff8eu, this applies only if someone buys the combined ticket. For instance, as I have a general abbonement in Switzerland I usually buy only the ticket of the Italian network starting from the border station. In my case the reservation applies only for the Italian leg.
@@andreabartsch Sure, because for the ticketing system these are considered two separate journeys. Note that buying separate tickets (even if you don't have a general abo) split in Chiasso might be cheaper than a single combined ticket. Or the other way round, on the same train you might find a Zürich-Milan discounted ticket cheaper than a Zürich-Chiasso ticket.
The upper power outlet is the Swiss type J, the lower one is the German Schuko, type F which can be used by all combined E+F plugs in Europe, exept of Denmark, the UK and Ireland. Both outlets work with the reduced two prong Euro-plug.
This is correct. Italian sockets have a middle hole which is the same size as the other two, with a third pin that obviously makes the plug a lot safer. Unfortunately, consumer electronics sold in Italy increasingly use less safe but compatible standard EU plugs.
@@wiliam74984 many low power appliances (such as chargers) use the EU two-pin standard, but beefier appliances (like power cords for PCs and standard kitchen appliances) use either the 16A three pin plug, or the Shucko one.
Small correction: there are two types of three pin electric plug in Italy, 10A (smaller pins, found in things like power cords for PCs) and 16A (in beefier appliances like fridges and dishwashers. But the latter is interchanged with the Shucko (which honestly feels safer to use)
@@gab_v250 Schuko (no C) 🙂 = SchutzKontakt (protective contact) which refers to the third contact (earth potential) added to the newly developed plug in 1925. So by the way : next year we can celebrate 100 years of safe use of electricity.
@@zeisselgaertner3212The upper outlet is the Swiss T13 outlet, not a J outlet. It is not compatible with any Schuko-type plug, including F/E. There was the very old Swiss T2 outlet/plug that was similar to F/E, but it is illegal in Switzerland since the 1970's for safety reasons. Swiss J outlets/plugs (J15, J25, J40 and J75) are industrial connectors, which unfortunately are now replaced by the clumsy CEE16, CEE32 and CEE63 examples of bad design.
Couple of corrections or specialities, great video though: - the art installation in the main hall is basically permanent and has been there for many years already. - Trains to Milan only depart from the main hall because only those tracks are connected to the northportal of the Zimmerberg base tunnel. - Reservations are only compulsory between Chiasso and Milano Centrale as in CH there usually isn't any reservation obligation while in italy in long distance services it always is. - In regular service usually max speed is 200 kph. The Gotthard base tunnel is built in a way that in case of delay trains can accelerate to 230 to catch up.
@@Simon-Andersen The funny thing is they can't as the Giruno can only run at 200 kph with Italian electrification (it doesn't have enough power). This has become a massive headache for SBB and Italian operators such as Trenitalia and NTV because the Giruno either can't find slots or is basically blocking the rest because they have to run at lower speeds and lower capacity (train has less seating and less offer than competitors)
@@user6343- The train SBB Giruno aka STADLER SMILE can run 250km/h independently of the catenary voltage system. But the Italien HighSpeedLines are set up to 300km/h serviced speed and therefore interfere with the Freccarossa timetable. Therefore the access to this tracks are limited and the Giruno has been forced to the slower tracks for example between Milano and Bologna.
This is my regular way from Zurich till Brunnen. So I know this journey really well. Also went to Locarno a lot. Love the views and I am really grateful living here 🫶🏼
2:36 To my knowledge, the seat reservation is mandatory only for the Italian part. If you have a Swiss travel pass and you stay within Switzerland, you can just hop on.
@@Simon-Andersen Correct. I usually split the ticket at Chiasso as I can travel in Switzerland with a Swiss Pass and I only purchase from Chiasso to Milan. Cheers
0:53 This is the platform hall of the second station- the actual building - from 1871 until 1930. 4:19 It’s more the timetable who’s not asking for more speed. Don’t forget ; Swiss Public Transportation is a Network ! As quick as possible as slow as necessary - integrates trains,busses,boats and ferries,cable cars, funiculars and cog railways in one timetable nationwide… Bellinzona in the north….you messed up…!
Beautiful video. Pity for the clear mistake at min. 05:05 where it is stated “our next stop is Bellinzona, which will also be the last one before crossing under the Alps”. Of course it’s the opposite: when coming from Zurich, Bellinzona is the first stop AFTER crossing the Alps (the name itself suggests it is in the Italian-speaking Ticino, south of the Alpine range). Bellinzona will be the last stop before crossing the Alps when doing the opposite trip, for Milan to Zurich
Thank you for this, nearly two years ago I travelled Zürich to Interlaken in winter snow. The country is beautiful and nice to see the scenery in the summer as well. The best trains in Europe are in Switzerland. Thanks again. From Dubrovnik Zoltán
The reservation is only needed for the Italian part of the journey. Till Chiasso you don't need to reserve. And if you don't care to change train in Lugano to a non highspeed train to Milano you can ride the whole journey for free with an interrail (I did this about 2 months ago when heading to San Marino. The normal trains from Lugano to Milano need about the same time so its only the change of trains. Greetings from Switzerland, Benjamin
Thanks for another great video Simon. I did this journey the opposite way very recently (last thursday) on EC 320 (the turnaround from your train ;-) ) These are indeed very comfortable trains, and driving through the gotthard base tunnel is something special, although it's just 17 minutes of darkness ;-) A fair warning to everybody when boarding this train on Milano Centrale. Do NOT look at the monitors on the platform to find your coach. Wait for the numbers to be shown on the train itself. We did this mistake and ended up having to run along the platform 30 seconds before departure, becuase the incompetent station management of Milano Centrale showed the two Giruna Trainsets in the wrong order - The arrogant italien train conductor even blamed us for not looking properly. I was also a bit dissapointed with the restaurant car, as they did not have any of the hot meals on offer. Apart from that, it was a convinient, comfortable and picturesque journey. Tak for endnu en dejlig video - Jeg undrer mig over, at jeg først har taget mig sammen til at subscribe i dag ;-)
J’ai toujours du plaisir a voyager avec les Giruno. Je passe volontiers au wagon restaurant pour grignoter un petit déjeuner continental avec un jus d’orange frais et un cappuccino ou un latte macchiato. C’est un petit luxe qui embellit mon voyage et j’aime bien l’adage qui prétend que « Quand c’est bon, ce n’est pas cher » 😊 Ça permet surtout en passant par le tunnel de base du Gothard à passer le temps où il n’y a pas de paysage à admirer. Parfois pour le retour je prend une composition Stadler bronze qui va de Locarno à Zurich sans changement en passant par l’ancienne ligne du Gothard où on peut apprécier les ouvrages d’art et les tunnels hélicoïdaux qui nous proposent trois vues différentes de l’église du village de Wassen après la sortie du tunnel de faite C’est un voyage plus lent mais avec beaucoup plus de paysages à admirer ce qui est aussi une très agréable manière de voyager. Bien à vous.
I am lucky enough to travel by the shinkansen this summer. Swiss trains are excellent, but the shinkansen is just a whole new level way above. those leg rests ...
The artwork in the main hall is "L‘ange protecteur", a "Nana" from the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It's been there for like 20 years and I guess it will probably stay another 20. Tourists meet at the meeting point 20m next to it, locals meet at the "fat angel", that's just how it is :D
We went on that line last year and the southbound train broke down in the middle of the Ceneri Base Tunnel. We were eventually hauled back to Bellinzona and the passengers were decanted on to the following train, which was diverted via the classic route (much more scenic, though slower).
I have just re-watched your video of the British high speed train from Cardiff to Exeter and compared it with this video of the Swiss train. What a difference! It is a much better train in every respect, including the water taps in the toilets that work. The last time that I was in Zurich HB was during a school skiing trip in 1963 (or thereabouts). Good to see that it still has its character.
2:54 That`s an important note! I booked my tickets (first class+reservation) during on a busy weekend and it was more than full! People without reservation had to leave the train at Arth Goldau, because it could be potential danger in case of emergency in the tunnel.
Next time check out the tables in the childrens area. If you open them, you'll find a board games specially designed for the SBB/CFF/FFS. In all types of IC trains there are different games printed onto the desks. Neat detail.
In switzerland, we do not call that a ' luxury high speed train'. We call it 'train'. Its a train like every swiss train. And by the way. Its a swiss and a EU power socket. Its not a Italian power socket
Wondering - do you usually ask for the people being filmed if they agree to be filmed? They kinda look surprised haha Good filming and coverage though - even as a Swiss person (knowing this train) it's cool to see all the details
Very nice video! At Zürich HB you actually missed the two French TGVs standing there in the departure shot. Also, German ICEs regularly depart from Zürich.
Unfortunately, that is only partly true. Since the German ICE trains often have long delays, the SBB has decided not to allow them to continue crossing the border. This is because they regularly caused the entire timetable system to become disrupted. We really do have a lot of traffic on the rails and a delay of more than five minutes ultimately disrupts train traffic for the whole day.
The silent 1st class cabin is a very nice place to spend a trip, it feels quite private and being at the end of the train there's very little foot traffic. The only problem is the really annoying electrical buzz in that coach, and the seats are not very comfortable imho, they are hard and not particularly well shaped, the recline also doesn't lock in place well enough so if you shift a bit on the seat you'll likely push the seat back into the upgright position.
20 years ago the Italian railway was known to be one of the least performant and comfortable railways in Europe. But is the feeling that i have from many videos on the internet right, that they are really making good progress especially in their long distance rail?
Infrastructure aside, Trenitalia has worked hard on making better trains in its three core sectors: Regional trains, Intercity (long distance and night trains) and Frecciarossa (high speed). They launched recently the Treni Turistici Italiani section, touristic travels which can be booked as a normal train. Infrastructure is sometimes lacking, but because of the big legacy of the network (most was built in the 19th century) and of many renewal works (which slow down the speeds)
Italy has been working a lot on their high-speed railway network, which is among some of the best now, but for many regional and legacy lines its still a mixed bag of old and new stuff.
You mention Bellinzona, but the stop on the northern side was Arth-Goldau, where the routes from Zurich and Basel/Luzern meet to continue south through the alps. Bellinzona is the first stop south of the alps...
Yup, not sure how that managed to slip in there, i see ive done the graphic as Arth-Goldau as it should be, but failed to notice i was saying Bellinzona
Stadlers been bringing out some really good trains lately. I do wonder if Switzerland might just buy exclusively from them in the future considering the recent Bombardier RaBe train problems.
Since the SBB is state owned they cannot buy trains without a "Ausschreibung". This is a process where they have to tell the public what kind of train with which features they want to buy and then the different manufacturers can send them their proposal. After that the SBB has to take the offer which fits their "Ausschreibung" the best. They can't just give the job to the company they want to.
@@thenamen935 Though sometimes such "Ausschreibungen" can be formulated in such a specific way that they already know that only one (the desired) manufacturer's products will really fit them...
I never reserve a seat while going to Milan. I just check at the seat if there’s any reservation 🤷🏻♂️ on the way back from Milan I do reserve a seat most of the time for the entire trip back to Zürich Even tho i only pay from Milano to chiasso with the GA.
Seat reservations are mandatory between Chiasso and Milano, so if you don't make one, you're technically traveling without valid travel documents on the italian part. If its enforced / checked thats another story.
@@Simon-Andersen I’ve never had a problem and if SBB ever does come to me because of a seat reservation, I’ll throw my sbb card at their face and tell them to put a sock on it 🤷🏻♂️ I get if the trains we’re always overbooked but their not. It’s a scam for sbb to make money and steal it from people. People with GA sit where they want in their classe they paid for.
@@Simon-AndersenThe solution is to buy the Milano to Chiasso ticket, or viceversa, on the Trenitalia app, and "free" ride with the GA on the Swiss network.
Did you ride the tunnel just after it opened in Sept 2024? Or is this a video from over a year ago before tunnel closed? Or did the tunnel allow trains through before the official re-opening this week? (Are are you the doctor, and you had your phone booth waiting for you in Milano and after you got off train, travelled back in time so you could post the video prior to tunnel re-opening? 🙂
@@Lolwutfordawin Thanks. Just realised they are 2 single track tunnels so derailment would only affect one. In my head, I was seeing 1 tunnel with 2 tracks for some reason.
Indeed, one bore was open, and while most trains took the trip up gottthard, a few trains like mine were still scheduled though the tunnel as explained here. 5:32 :-) I took the train in march 2024
There are some interesting TH-cam videos from SBB and from Swiss state broadcast detailed explaining the accident dynamic and the reconstruction works. If you are interested check for it. They are worth the time.
@@Simon-Andersen Just before watching yoru video I had just watched a news piece from Euro News annoucing the re-opening of the Gotthard Base tunnel and had been given impression it had been closed for a year, hence my rash/confused reaction while watching your video.
one thing i don't really get - who enjoys the single seat over the double seats. Its so much more privacy and you dont have people running next to you all time?
Im not sure if it was the Giruno or another type but I traveled once with one of these sitzerland/italian trains from germany to switzerland (the train goes further to milano). The second class seats are terrible, if you a small person with short legs than everything might be ok, but not for other people. Its terrible tight.
It's one of the shittiest trains in switzerland, no space at all... Only worse is the former Cisalpino one... If you want a decent train look at the double deckers, they have space... As a swiss I want to have storage for luggage and place for people, not a fancy, rapid box with less space for luggage and people.
Generally, double-deckers have less space for luggage due to the small overhead compartments, which means most bags have to go in the luggage racks. On these trains, at least, a lot of bags can fit overhead.
The previous models 1st class was way superior, much more comfortable seats especially. Nice ambience and less bright. Sadly it’s getting more and more rare.
Booking is (as far is I know) only required in Italy due to the abominamable "practice" of Italians (in particular, as far is a know (again), because of Trenitalia) In Switzerland usually no booking is required! Because civilized, pragmatic and sensible.
I don't know that I would call this a "high speed train". The number of stops and use of conventional tracks just give it a feel of fast train, not "high speed". However, if the train is quiet, and the interior design is good (as it seems to be), then it is a fine train.
Not sure what you're expecting from a high speed train, but I get your point though. One thing to consider is that Switzerland never built its network for top speed, but for creating a schedule that enables good connections at the main hubs (like Zurich or Bern). Being in such a tiny country, the topography to blast through the country at 300 km/h just isn't there.
@@danielberger1378 Domestic distnces in Switzerland may not be that long, but the advent of TGV style trains has made it possible to make international train trips that can compete against flight. Fo thos, being able to go 300kmh for much of the way for longer intrenational destinations makes a big difference.
The seat fabric has a bit of a velvet surface, if you run your hand over it and direct the fibre in the same direction it becomes the same colour again.
The Beijing - Zhangjiakou Highspeed Railway in China is even deeper and Badaling Greatwall station is the deepest station with high speed trains in the world
No, it's not. The Gotthard Base Tunnel is literally the world's deepest and longest railway tunnel. However, it is true that China has the deepest high-speed train station in the world, but I don't see that claim about this train. ;)
I tried the Giruno from Milan to Zürich this July in 2nd class. And honestly 2nd class isn't great in my opinion. These seats are the most uncomfortable ones of any Intercity Train I've ever taken before. Nevertheless 1st class looked very nice and the dining car I actually tried was excellent.
I'm positively surprised that SBB CFF FFS offers WiFi at last. This has been missing in most trains so far (except ICE/railjet/Lyria into Switzerland) and that was very inconvenient for EU citizens who have to pay steep roaming fees in Switzerland (depending on their contract).
no need to have a reservation for the seat. I`m swiss and i never ever would do that. Better save that money for a couple of beer`s on board the train.
Quite interesting how Stadler developed from a streetcar repair shop to one of the leading railway manufacturers in Europe. Who would have thought this was possible after the end of SLM whose last product was the modern locomotive Re 460 - you probably already travelled in trains pulled by that locomotive or its variants in Finland (Sr2) or Norway (El18) or have at least seen them.
What? Milano massive train Station? Coming from Zurich? You know Zurich HB (Mainstation) has 1 main hall with the main platforms, but additionally there are 3 underground station, 5 tram/bus stations interconnected and even has 4 shoulder stations. Milano in the other hand has 1 big main station and an interconnected metro/bus station and maybe 1 shoulder station. Zurich is bigger in any way; be of platforms, trains and passengers. I think between Zurich and Milan, the massive train station is the one in Zurich. 😉
I think the use of different boarding heights is clever but I wonder why they don't simply raise and lower the train using the suspension airbags, this technology has existed for buses for nearly 50 years.
The problem is the room for machines, motors, the wheels, toilets water tanks and other electrical systems, they are all mostly under the floor, and needs room, so it is todays not so easy to get the floor at the door 55cm or 22 inch high, especially for trains which goes higher than 200 km/h or 124 mph without a separate Lokomotive, nowadays you can sit everywhere, there is no Lokomotive anymore, it gives a few driven axles, they are small motors at axles, which put the power direct on the wheels of the cars, I think there are 8 of these for each train. So these more techniques under the floor, needs space, so sometimes the floor must be 76 cm or higher over the traintrack, the standard high of the platform is in Switzerland 55cm, sometimes 38 cm. In the Neverland it is 76 cm for example. But in general it becomes a lot easier since the last 3 decades to build cars especially double with the entrance at 55 cm, as in the past.
Not gonna lie, but while the train looks beautiful, its shit in a practical side, because the train gets overfilled with people so easily. You are so lucky for getting a chill train 😢
I moved from Chicago to Switzerland and there is no comparison the Swiss rail network has enabled me to travel anywhere without a car. Whilst in Chicago we own 3 and hardly ever use the rail lines unless we’re going to see sports events in the city and simple don’t want to sit in traffic. ❤❤❤
I live in Denmark, sold my car 20 years ago, and I don't miss all the bills it generated.
Trust you will love Switzerland!!! I was born and raised in Aarau a town near Zurich. Swiss Public transport are the best🇨🇭 ❤❤
L'ange protecteur har været på Zürich Hauptbahnhof siden 1997. Det er et fast inventar. Når jeg møder venner, er det et mødested.
Fremragende rapport som altid min nabo fra din gamle schweiziske tante.
@@immanuelsammy2966so en Chabis - gang mal uf Japan
@@bernhardheiniger6719 nei mir gots guet da danke
The "grand open space" right when you enter the station used to be the old main hall built in 1871, there used to be six platforms there, until 1930, when the main platform hall was added.
Something similar happened in Torino Porta Nuova station
Bellinzona? Arth Goldau. Doesn't hurt the otherwise excellent clip - well done \m/
Yeah, not really sure how I mixed that up. I should have spotted it when I added the graphic correctly for Arth Goldau. Oh well, glad you enjoyed the video anyway :D
@@Simon-Andersen it's all good - it's like your mind was running even faster than the train 🤣 \m/
The cool art piece at the Zürich HB is permanently installed by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
A cool! Thanks for sharing
@@Simon-Andersen It has been there for a LONG, LONG TIME. 🙂
@@Simon-Andersen it was a gift from securitas to the sbb for the 150 year jubilee of swiss trains in 1997. we've had trains for a year longer than our federal state and constitution.
Das mit de securitas han ich nöd gwüsst
@@Zwangsworkaholic Actually, we've had trains even a bit longer. Though we celebrated the 150 year jubilee of the first domestic train line in Switzerland, the Spanisch Brötli Bahn, in 1997, the first train line reaching Switzerland was the Elsässerbahn from Strasbourg to Basel three years earlier, in 1844.
This STADLER Giruno is an excellent high speed train.
The reservation is actually only required on the Italian part of the journey, so until chiasso you‘d have been fine without one
The reservation is mandatory only in Italy, however passengers to Italy have their place reserved right up from the departure station in Switzerland, so look if your seat is reserved for such passengers. It is also possible to reserve a seat for a national Swiss journey, however basically nobody usually does it, as trains are big and frequent. However, sometimes on peak days people do reserve seats also on national journeys.
@@MG-ff8eu, this applies only if someone buys the combined ticket.
For instance, as I have a general abbonement in Switzerland I usually buy only the ticket of the Italian network starting from the border station. In my case the reservation applies only for the Italian leg.
@@andreabartsch Sure, because for the ticketing system these are considered two separate journeys. Note that buying separate tickets (even if you don't have a general abo) split in Chiasso might be cheaper than a single combined ticket. Or the other way round, on the same train you might find a Zürich-Milan discounted ticket cheaper than a Zürich-Chiasso ticket.
Prettiest train so far in your channel. It definitely showed Swiss quality and efficiency ❤ thank you Simon
Lovely review! as a swiss guy im happy with your pronunciation of swiss location names :D
Knew id find you here
The upper power outlet is the Swiss type J, the lower one is the German Schuko, type F which can be used by all combined E+F plugs in Europe, exept of Denmark, the UK and Ireland.
Both outlets work with the reduced two prong Euro-plug.
This is correct. Italian sockets have a middle hole which is the same size as the other two, with a third pin that obviously makes the plug a lot safer. Unfortunately, consumer electronics sold in Italy increasingly use less safe but compatible standard EU plugs.
@@wiliam74984 many low power appliances (such as chargers) use the EU two-pin standard, but beefier appliances (like power cords for PCs and standard kitchen appliances) use either the 16A three pin plug, or the Shucko one.
Small correction: there are two types of three pin electric plug in Italy, 10A (smaller pins, found in things like power cords for PCs) and 16A (in beefier appliances like fridges and dishwashers. But the latter is interchanged with the Shucko (which honestly feels safer to use)
@@gab_v250 Schuko (no C) 🙂 = SchutzKontakt (protective contact) which refers to the third contact (earth potential) added to the newly developed plug in 1925.
So by the way : next year we can celebrate 100 years of safe use of electricity.
@@zeisselgaertner3212The upper outlet is the Swiss T13 outlet, not a J outlet. It is not compatible with any Schuko-type plug, including F/E. There was the very old Swiss T2 outlet/plug that was similar to F/E, but it is illegal in Switzerland since the 1970's for safety reasons. Swiss J outlets/plugs (J15, J25, J40 and J75) are industrial connectors, which unfortunately are now replaced by the clumsy CEE16, CEE32 and CEE63 examples of bad design.
Such a beautiful train 😍
2:05 And it's RABe 501, 511 is Stadler KISS
Whoops, not sure how that happened, i could swear i looked it up before adding the graphic :P
Couple of corrections or specialities, great video though:
- the art installation in the main hall is basically permanent and has been there for many years already.
- Trains to Milan only depart from the main hall because only those tracks are connected to the northportal of the Zimmerberg base tunnel.
- Reservations are only compulsory between Chiasso and Milano Centrale as in CH there usually isn't any reservation obligation while in italy in long distance services it always is.
- In regular service usually max speed is 200 kph. The Gotthard base tunnel is built in a way that in case of delay trains can accelerate to 230 to catch up.
I'm pretty sure they can get up to 250 km/h when they extend along the italian HSR lines on the limited services to Bolonga and Venice?
@@Simon-Andersen The funny thing is they can't as the Giruno can only run at 200 kph with Italian electrification (it doesn't have enough power).
This has become a massive headache for SBB and Italian operators such as Trenitalia and NTV because the Giruno either can't find slots or is basically blocking the rest because they have to run at lower speeds and lower capacity (train has less seating and less offer than competitors)
@@user6343- The train SBB Giruno aka STADLER SMILE can run 250km/h independently of the catenary voltage system. But the Italien HighSpeedLines are set up to 300km/h serviced speed and therefore interfere with the Freccarossa timetable. Therefore the access to this tracks are limited and the Giruno has been forced to the slower tracks for example between Milano and Bologna.
This is my regular way from Zurich till Brunnen. So I know this journey really well. Also went to Locarno a lot. Love the views and I am really grateful living here 🫶🏼
Wow! Nice video I never been to Milan.
2:36 To my knowledge, the seat reservation is mandatory only for the Italian part. If you have a Swiss travel pass and you stay within Switzerland, you can just hop on.
Yes, but you do need it if you go to milan at least officially
@@Simon-Andersen Correct. I usually split the ticket at Chiasso as I can travel in Switzerland with a Swiss Pass and I only purchase from Chiasso to Milan.
Cheers
btw: the angel by Niki de Saint Phalle in the Zurich Main Station is a permanent art piece, it will always be there ;)
rode one myself from Peschiera to milan a few months ago - very comfy, rode the italo train back after probably the shortest trip to Milan ever!
0:53 This is the platform hall of the second station- the actual building - from 1871 until 1930.
4:19 It’s more the timetable who’s not asking for more speed. Don’t forget ; Swiss Public Transportation is a Network ! As quick as possible as slow as necessary - integrates trains,busses,boats and ferries,cable cars, funiculars and cog railways in one timetable nationwide…
Bellinzona in the north….you messed up…!
Yeah i'm not really sure what went wrong with Bellinzona, as the graphic i do after the voiceover for Arth-Goldau is correct but i say bellinzona haha
Beautiful video. Pity for the clear mistake at min. 05:05 where it is stated “our next stop is Bellinzona, which will also be the last one before crossing under the Alps”. Of course it’s the opposite: when coming from Zurich, Bellinzona is the first stop AFTER crossing the Alps (the name itself suggests it is in the Italian-speaking Ticino, south of the Alpine range). Bellinzona will be the last stop before crossing the Alps when doing the opposite trip, for Milan to Zurich
5:18 You mean Arth-Goldau, Bellinzona is on the other side of the Alps.
Thank you for this, nearly two years ago I travelled Zürich to Interlaken in winter snow. The country is beautiful and nice to see the scenery in the summer as well. The best trains in Europe are in Switzerland. Thanks again. From Dubrovnik Zoltán
Glad you enjoyed it! I agree! Thanks for watching
Kind of funny that you release this Video on the day the F1 Grandprix is in Monza :-)
I don't have any interest in F1, so it's just a happy coincidence. :P
The reservation is only needed for the Italian part of the journey. Till Chiasso you don't need to reserve. And if you don't care to change train in Lugano to a non highspeed train to Milano you can ride the whole journey for free with an interrail (I did this about 2 months ago when heading to San Marino. The normal trains from Lugano to Milano need about the same time so its only the change of trains. Greetings from Switzerland, Benjamin
Great tip! Thanks Benjamin, greetings from Denmark :-)
PKP Intercity should honestly buy these units.
Thanks for another great video Simon. I did this journey the opposite way very recently (last thursday) on EC 320 (the turnaround from your train ;-) )
These are indeed very comfortable trains, and driving through the gotthard base tunnel is something special, although it's just 17 minutes of darkness ;-)
A fair warning to everybody when boarding this train on Milano Centrale. Do NOT look at the monitors on the platform to find your coach. Wait for the numbers to be shown on the train itself. We did this mistake and ended up having to run along the platform 30 seconds before departure, becuase the incompetent station management of Milano Centrale showed the two Giruna Trainsets in the wrong order - The arrogant italien train conductor even blamed us for not looking properly.
I was also a bit dissapointed with the restaurant car, as they did not have any of the hot meals on offer.
Apart from that, it was a convinient, comfortable and picturesque journey.
Tak for endnu en dejlig video - Jeg undrer mig over, at jeg først har taget mig sammen til at subscribe i dag ;-)
Tak Mikkel, lyder som du havde en super tur ligesom jeg, trods lidt udfordringer med italienerne :P
J’ai toujours du plaisir a voyager avec les Giruno. Je passe volontiers au wagon restaurant pour grignoter un petit déjeuner continental avec un jus d’orange frais et un cappuccino ou un latte macchiato. C’est un petit luxe qui embellit mon voyage et j’aime bien l’adage qui prétend que « Quand c’est bon, ce n’est pas cher » 😊 Ça permet surtout en passant par le tunnel de base du Gothard à passer le temps où il n’y a pas de paysage à admirer. Parfois pour le retour je prend une composition Stadler bronze qui va de Locarno à Zurich sans changement en passant par l’ancienne ligne du Gothard où on peut apprécier les ouvrages d’art et les tunnels hélicoïdaux qui nous proposent trois vues différentes de l’église du village de Wassen après la sortie du tunnel de faite C’est un voyage plus lent mais avec beaucoup plus de paysages à admirer ce qui est aussi une très agréable manière de voyager. Bien à vous.
I am lucky enough to travel by the shinkansen this summer. Swiss trains are excellent, but the shinkansen is just a whole new level way above. those leg rests ...
The artwork in the main hall is "L‘ange protecteur", a "Nana" from the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It's been there for like 20 years and I guess it will probably stay another 20. Tourists meet at the meeting point 20m next to it, locals meet at the "fat angel", that's just how it is :D
We went on that line last year and the southbound train broke down in the middle of the Ceneri Base Tunnel. We were eventually hauled back to Bellinzona and the passengers were decanted on to the following train, which was diverted via the classic route (much more scenic, though slower).
I have just re-watched your video of the British high speed train from Cardiff to Exeter and compared it with this video of the Swiss train. What a difference! It is a much better train in every respect, including the water taps in the toilets that work.
The last time that I was in Zurich HB was during a school skiing trip in 1963 (or thereabouts). Good to see that it still has its character.
Glad you enjoyed it! Indeed the new swiss trains are much better than the UK 800s
That protecting angel "Nana" is from Niki de Saint Phalle and it is hanging there since 1997. It's my meeting point since ever hanging there..
the train is so good because it is made by Stadler rail.
2:54 That`s an important note! I booked my tickets (first class+reservation) during on a busy weekend and it was more than full!
People without reservation had to leave the train at Arth Goldau, because it could be potential danger in case of emergency in the tunnel.
there are over 4000 trains departing and arriving in Zürich-HB every day. That makes it the most busy (in terms of train frequencies) in the world
Next time check out the tables in the childrens area. If you open them, you'll find a board games specially designed for the SBB/CFF/FFS. In all types of IC trains there are different games printed onto the desks. Neat detail.
The thing is i ride on the giruno every week as they drive on wendsdays in the morning really early to zurich from olten.
In switzerland, we do not call that a ' luxury high speed train'. We call it 'train'. Its a train like every swiss train. And by the way. Its a swiss and a EU power socket. Its not a Italian power socket
The prices in the restaurant are not just swiss prices. Even for swiss standards, they are quite high. 😅
1:05 thats a Nana, we have some of them in Hannover:
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanas_(Hannover)
Ahhh cool! I did not know it was part of a larger thing!
Just a tip: a polarizer filter on your lens can cut through window reflections.
I'll have to look into that and see if they make it for my camera (Dji Osmo Action 3) Thanks for sharing!
Wondering - do you usually ask for the people being filmed if they agree to be filmed?
They kinda look surprised haha
Good filming and coverage though - even as a Swiss person (knowing this train) it's cool to see all the details
Very nice video! At Zürich HB you actually missed the two French TGVs standing there in the departure shot. Also, German ICEs regularly depart from Zürich.
Unfortunately, that is only partly true. Since the German ICE trains often have long delays, the SBB has decided not to allow them to continue crossing the border. This is because they regularly caused the entire timetable system to become disrupted. We really do have a lot of traffic on the rails and a delay of more than five minutes ultimately disrupts train traffic for the whole day.
Probably did! I only arrived about 20 min before depature, so it was hard to manage to film everything :P
The silent 1st class cabin is a very nice place to spend a trip, it feels quite private and being at the end of the train there's very little foot traffic. The only problem is the really annoying electrical buzz in that coach, and the seats are not very comfortable imho, they are hard and not particularly well shaped, the recline also doesn't lock in place well enough so if you shift a bit on the seat you'll likely push the seat back into the upgright position.
I am surprised that the Eurocity at 1:14 went to Munich cause normaly 6 of 10 trains don't go!
Actually it arrived from there, i was on it :P
Great video mate cheers from Australia our rail system here is sh it
SBB has also Pendolinos ETR 600
Interesting video, but did you ask all the people in the video whether you can record them without blurring their faces?
no one cares
I bet you asked them in your videos of the rammstein concert and the air show. You are soo swiss😂
Great train!
It sure is!
I would rather have seen the food than the toilet !
I work for the company that designed the livery and interior of this train. Madlads.
SBB trains look great!
Definitely an improvement over the Cessoalpino
I live not too far away from Stadler where they build trains.
what fps and shutter speed did you use to film ? it might be the reason for the electric lights flickering
Interesting history on the name of the town Zug.
Fun how SBB turns into FFS within 3 hours
20 years ago the Italian railway was known to be one of the least performant and comfortable railways in Europe. But is the feeling that i have from many videos on the internet right, that they are really making good progress especially in their long distance rail?
Infrastructure aside, Trenitalia has worked hard on making better trains in its three core sectors: Regional trains, Intercity (long distance and night trains) and Frecciarossa (high speed).
They launched recently the Treni Turistici Italiani section, touristic travels which can be booked as a normal train.
Infrastructure is sometimes lacking, but because of the big legacy of the network (most was built in the 19th century) and of many renewal works (which slow down the speeds)
Italy has been working a lot on their high-speed railway network, which is among some of the best now, but for many regional and legacy lines its still a mixed bag of old and new stuff.
Enjoyed,well ,)
Glad you enjoyed it
You mention Bellinzona, but the stop on the northern side was Arth-Goldau, where the routes from Zurich and Basel/Luzern meet to continue south through the alps. Bellinzona is the first stop south of the alps...
Yup, not sure how that managed to slip in there, i see ive done the graphic as Arth-Goldau as it should be, but failed to notice i was saying Bellinzona
Nice one
There is not train "up to the old Gotthard pass". The old tunnel built 140 years ago is at 1'150 m altitude, the pass [road] 2'106 m.
I'm obviously talking about the railway pass, no need for this pedantry, no one was confused.
@@Simon-Andersen But the railway is not going over the pass, it's going through a tunnel instead. It's up to the old Gotthard tunnel.
Stadlers been bringing out some really good trains lately. I do wonder if Switzerland might just buy exclusively from them in the future considering the recent Bombardier RaBe train problems.
Since the SBB is state owned they cannot buy trains without a "Ausschreibung". This is a process where they have to tell the public what kind of train with which features they want to buy and then the different manufacturers can send them their proposal. After that the SBB has to take the offer which fits their "Ausschreibung" the best. They can't just give the job to the company they want to.
@@thenamen935 Though sometimes such "Ausschreibungen" can be formulated in such a specific way that they already know that only one (the desired) manufacturer's products will really fit them...
When was this taken it looks a lot colder than it is now
I never reserve a seat while going to Milan. I just check at the seat if there’s any reservation 🤷🏻♂️ on the way back from Milan I do reserve a seat most of the time for the entire trip back to Zürich Even tho i only pay from Milano to chiasso with the GA.
Seat reservations are mandatory between Chiasso and Milano, so if you don't make one, you're technically traveling without valid travel documents on the italian part. If its enforced / checked thats another story.
@@Simon-Andersen I’ve never had a problem and if SBB ever does come to me because of a seat reservation, I’ll throw my sbb card at their face and tell them to put a sock on it 🤷🏻♂️ I get if the trains we’re always overbooked but their not. It’s a scam for sbb to make money and steal it from people. People with GA sit where they want in their classe they paid for.
@@Simon-AndersenThe solution is to buy the Milano to Chiasso ticket, or viceversa, on the Trenitalia app, and "free" ride with the GA on the Swiss network.
Hi Simon, how do you show your journey on a map? Do you use a specific app or a TH-cam tool? Thanks
I make them using Google Earth Studio and then animate in After Effects.
@@Simon-Andersen thanks what do you use mac of windows?
Great Video
Just a typo at 2:12 SBB RABe 501 not 511
Whoops
i belive that there are more than 10 underground tracks...
There are exactly 10: 21+22 (SZU), 31..34, 41..44
Good review, as usual. When can we expect you in Lithuania?
Not sure! I'd like to revisit at some point
Did you ride the tunnel just after it opened in Sept 2024? Or is this a video from over a year ago before tunnel closed? Or did the tunnel allow trains through before the official re-opening this week? (Are are you the doctor, and you had your phone booth waiting for you in Milano and after you got off train, travelled back in time so you could post the video prior to tunnel re-opening? 🙂
Only one of the two tracks was closed, so trains could still use the other one, though at far lower capacity.
@@Lolwutfordawin Thanks. Just realised they are 2 single track tunnels so derailment would only affect one. In my head, I was seeing 1 tunnel with 2 tracks for some reason.
Indeed, one bore was open, and while most trains took the trip up gottthard, a few trains like mine were still scheduled though the tunnel as explained here. 5:32 :-) I took the train in march 2024
There are some interesting TH-cam videos from SBB and from Swiss state broadcast detailed explaining the accident dynamic and the reconstruction works.
If you are interested check for it. They are worth the time.
@@Simon-Andersen Just before watching yoru video I had just watched a news piece from Euro News annoucing the re-opening of the Gotthard Base tunnel and had been given impression it had been closed for a year, hence my rash/confused reaction while watching your video.
What about a train report from Holland? It seems they are happy with their Coradia Stream. Are they better than IC3?
I'm off to Holland this week to film excatly that!
@@Simon-Andersen Brilliant, I look forward to your report.
one thing i don't really get - who enjoys the single seat over the double seats. Its so much more privacy and you dont have people running next to you all time?
No folding Table,no water melon Tine,no senseless destruction,no scars and a Scott only half the Width...strange...
Im not sure if it was the Giruno or another type but I traveled once with one of these sitzerland/italian trains from germany to switzerland (the train goes further to milano). The second class seats are terrible, if you a small person with short legs than everything might be ok, but not for other people. Its terrible tight.
I think you got a new Pendolino they are known for awful legroom in second
It's one of the shittiest trains in switzerland, no space at all... Only worse is the former Cisalpino one...
If you want a decent train look at the double deckers, they have space...
As a swiss I want to have storage for luggage and place for people, not a fancy, rapid box with less space for luggage and people.
Generally, double-deckers have less space for luggage due to the small overhead compartments, which means most bags have to go in the luggage racks. On these trains, at least, a lot of bags can fit overhead.
The previous models 1st class was way superior, much more comfortable seats especially. Nice ambience and less bright. Sadly it’s getting more and more rare.
Hope this Giruno will be included in the route Munich-Zurich. Don't love the long nose in that trains
I don't think that is planned for now at least.
That will not happen because they need tilting trains for that route. If not, travel time will be longer.
Nice! Which day?
I filmed this in March 2024
@@Simon-Andersen Cool
Did you see that the seats in 2nd class are already worn? That is very embarrassing for a new train.
What do you meen by embarrassing? Should a perfectly fine seat be replaced all two years? Where are you from?
Lol what
Booking is (as far is I know) only required in Italy due to the abominamable "practice" of Italians (in particular, as far is a know (again), because of Trenitalia) In Switzerland usually no booking is required! Because civilized, pragmatic and sensible.
Yes thats correct, could have made it a little more clear in the video that it only applies on journeys that cross the border :D
I don't know that I would call this a "high speed train". The number of stops and use of conventional tracks just give it a feel of fast train, not "high speed". However, if the train is quiet, and the interior design is good (as it seems to be), then it is a fine train.
Yeah i get what youre saying, they can do 250 but it just not what its used for in reality
Not sure what you're expecting from a high speed train, but I get your point though. One thing to consider is that Switzerland never built its network for top speed, but for creating a schedule that enables good connections at the main hubs (like Zurich or Bern). Being in such a tiny country, the topography to blast through the country at 300 km/h just isn't there.
@@danielberger1378 Domestic distnces in Switzerland may not be that long, but the advent of TGV style trains has made it possible to make international train trips that can compete against flight. Fo thos, being able to go 300kmh for much of the way for longer intrenational destinations makes a big difference.
The seat pattern seems to be worn out in the second class section.
The seat fabric has a bit of a velvet surface, if you run your hand over it and direct the fibre in the same direction it becomes the same colour again.
Sometimes kids sections even have playgrounds
Do the seats recline?
only a little
@@GerryMeyer thanks!
A small bit, with the base sliding forward.
why deepest?
Because it goes through the world deepest tunnel?
The Beijing - Zhangjiakou Highspeed Railway in China is even deeper
and Badaling Greatwall station is the deepest station with high speed trains in the world
No, it's not. The Gotthard Base Tunnel is literally the world's deepest and longest railway tunnel. However, it is true that China has the deepest high-speed train station in the world, but I don't see that claim about this train. ;)
@@Simon-Andersen got it mate
I tried the Giruno from Milan to Zürich this July in 2nd class. And honestly 2nd class isn't great in my opinion. These seats are the most uncomfortable ones of any Intercity Train I've ever taken before. Nevertheless 1st class looked very nice and the dining car I actually tried was excellent.
Shame about the 2nd class seats, they looked fine to me, but i did not really try them out! Glad you enjoyed the food :D
I thought second class was very good
I'm positively surprised that SBB CFF FFS offers WiFi at last. This has been missing in most trains so far (except ICE/railjet/Lyria into Switzerland) and that was very inconvenient for EU citizens who have to pay steep roaming fees in Switzerland (depending on their contract).
🆒
The front of the train really look like a snake, it even has a tongue out!
Yes indeed! Would be fun if they painted a tongue on one
There is no train reservation nessesary
There is because its mandatory in the section Chiasso-Milano
no need to have a reservation for the seat. I`m swiss and i never ever would do that. Better save that money for a couple of beer`s on board the train.
There is because its mandatory in the section Chiasso-Milano
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Quite interesting how Stadler developed from a streetcar repair shop to one of the leading railway manufacturers in Europe. Who would have thought this was possible after the end of SLM whose last product was the modern locomotive Re 460 - you probably already travelled in trains pulled by that locomotive or its variants in Finland (Sr2) or Norway (El18) or have at least seen them.
The Re 460 is such a cool locomotive, i have traveled lots on them in Finland as i lived there for a bit
first🤩
I wish our Gov here brought instead of junk from Spain....
What? Milano massive train Station? Coming from Zurich? You know Zurich HB (Mainstation) has 1 main hall with the main platforms, but additionally there are 3 underground station, 5 tram/bus stations interconnected and even has 4 shoulder stations. Milano in the other hand has 1 big main station and an interconnected metro/bus station and maybe 1 shoulder station. Zurich is bigger in any way; be of platforms, trains and passengers. I think between Zurich and Milan, the massive train station is the one in Zurich. 😉
L 1st Class
I think the use of different boarding heights is clever but I wonder why they don't simply raise and lower the train using the suspension airbags, this technology has existed for buses for nearly 50 years.
The problem is the room for machines, motors, the wheels, toilets water tanks and other electrical systems, they are all mostly under the floor, and needs room, so it is todays not so easy to get the floor at the door 55cm or 22 inch high, especially for trains which goes higher than 200 km/h or 124 mph without a separate Lokomotive, nowadays you can sit everywhere, there is no Lokomotive anymore, it gives a few driven axles, they are small motors at axles, which put the power direct on the wheels of the cars, I think there are 8 of these for each train. So these more techniques under the floor, needs space, so sometimes the floor must be 76 cm or higher over the traintrack, the standard high of the platform is in Switzerland 55cm, sometimes 38 cm. In the Neverland it is 76 cm for example. But in general it becomes a lot easier since the last 3 decades to build cars especially double with the entrance at 55 cm, as in the past.
i hate this train :). The seats are not really better than 2nd class. imo one of the worse 1 classes sbb has to offer. but you have A LOT of space.
Pixelate faces, it's nobody's business who sits on the train!
🫡
Not gonna lie, but while the train looks beautiful, its shit in a practical side, because the train gets overfilled with people so easily. You are so lucky for getting a chill train 😢