19 August 2024 (Part 2)

Train S20 25660
Operator: TiLo
Class: 1st
Departure: Tenero 15:51 (on time)
Arrival: Bellinzona 16:11 (on time)
Journey time: 20m




The bus returned me to Tenero in time for a local service to Bellinzona, where I could pick up a Zurich service. That could have been a six minute connection, but that would mean not eating for a few hours. Instead I called in at the station bistro for a huge portion of gnocchi - between the menu and the language, it really felt like I was in Italy, not Switzerland.



Train EC320
Operator: SBB
Class: 1st
Departure: Bellinzona 16:47 (on time)
Arrival: Zurich HB 19:27 (on time)
Journey time: 2h40m





I expected this to be the same type of train as I'd travelled on from Zurich, but whilst it followed the same line it was very different rolling stock. It also ran about 15 minutes faster, by virtue of only making two stops (Arth-Goldau and Zug) along the way. As usual, first class was extremely comfortable and sparsely populated.



Train IC533
Operator: SBB
Class: 1st
Departure: Zurich HB 20:03 (on time)
Arrival: St. Gallen 21:02 (scheduled) 21:03 (actual)
Journey time: 1h




Pre-race prep had focused on Zurich as a city I like and know well that also offers convenient connections to likely destinations. Once I saw the checkpoints I even considered booking a hotel here for two nights, so I could day trip to the dam.

However, Graz is a long way east and to get there in a day - probably essential to complete the race - would mean a very early start especially for my preferred route. So in the end all I saw of Zurich was the HauptBahnhof, as I spent the evening making progress towards Austria.

This first class offering was a lot less modern, but still comfortable in an old sofa kind of way.

Shockingly for SBB, we arrived a whole 10 seconds late.

Train RE3503
Operator: SBB
Class: 1st
Departure: St. Gallen 21:25 (on time)
Arrival: St. Margrethen 21:47 (scheduled) 21:49 (actual)
Journey time: 24m





I'm not sure if this was a ‘proper’ train or part of a metro, but it had a small (16 seat) first class compartment at the end of the car.

Continuing a bad night for Swiss efficiency, we arrived 2 minutes behind schedule.