Until Dec 9th 2020, the railway line between Arth-Goldau and Zug is closed for renewal, so the trains are being diverted to travel around the western shore of Lake Zug.
This has added 14 mins to the usual timings, so until then the journey time will be 3hr 40mins.
There has been no change to the stations that these trains will call at.
Another change on this route is that brand new Giruno trains are being introduced, so you may be travelling by one of these trains.
Final Destination: Zurich
These trains also call at: Arth -Goldau (change for Luzern) and Zug
Type of Scenery: Mountain, Lakes
Star Rating: ***
After departure from Bellinzona the train will enter the world's longest railway tunnel, The Gotthard Base Tunnel - so long that it takes the train around 14mins to pass through it.
Despite the fact that this train now travels through The Gotthard Base Tunnel - this is still a scenic journey through the Alps.
The first highlight of the train journey from Milano to Zurich comes when the train crosses Lake Lugano...
....though this clip and the other videos showcasing this journey, were filmed from a train travelling in the opposite direction.
Then shortly after the crossing, there are some fabulous views from the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel) over Lake Lugano .
Later, after the train has exited the tunnel and travelled through Schwyz, there are views on the left over Lake Luzern, which aren’t available when heading south on these trains.
Then shortly afterwards, before Arth-Goldau, also on the left there are views over the Lauerzersee.
On this diverted route, after departure from Arth-Goldau the views over Lake Zug will be on the right - the train will then REVERSE DIRECTION in Rotkreuz station.
Finally between Zug and Zurich, there are views over Lake Zurich from the right of the train.
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Taking the even more scenic route:
The opening of The Gotthard Base Tunnel has taken the EC trains on this route away from the most spectacular part of the older line - but you can still travel this way if you have time the time to spare.
The now more frequent trains from Milano Centrale to Erstfeld in central Switzerland, still followsthe line that twists and turns up to the original Gotthard Tunnel.
At Erstfeld station there are either easy connections into direct trains on to Zurich, or to Arth-Goldau, where you can make another easy connection on to Zurich
Rail pass users can avoid the fees charged for taking the direct trains by taking these alternative journey options.
