Bernina Express: Highlights, Facts & Traveler Tips
Bernina Express: Highlights, Facts & Traveler Tips
Discover the wonders of the Bernina Express, a scenic train journey weaving through the Swiss and Italian Alps. Uncover its fame, fascinating facts, and essential traveler tips for an unforgettable adventure amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. Find handpicked ticket selection for Bernina Express guided tours and day trips at the end for a seamless travel experience.
Quick Facts about Bernina Express
What is the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that travels through the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the Italian Alps. It runs between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, passing through stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, and over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct.
Where does the Bernina Express start and end?
The Bernina Express operates between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, offering travelers a picturesque journey in both directions. Passengers can choose to travel the entire route from Chur to Tirano (4 to 4.5 hours) or take shorter segments on either the Albulabahn or Berninabahn.
What is the Bernina Express famous for?
Its scenic Route
The Bernina Express is renowned for its scenic route through the Swiss Alps, offering passengers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and picturesque alpine villages.
Being UNESCO World Heritage
The Bernina Express route includes sections of the Albula and Bernina Railway lines, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their engineering ingenuity and breathtaking landscapes.
Its High Altitude
The Bernina Railway reaches impressive altitudes, with the highest point on the route being Ospizio Bernina at 7392 feet (2253 meters) above sea level, providing passengers with unforgettable panoramic views.
The Iconic Landmarks
Along the journey, passengers can admire iconic landmarks such as the Morteratsch glacier, a giant ribbon of ice, or the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a remarkable feat of railway engineering.
The Glacier Express Connection
The Bernina Express is part of the renowned Glacier Express network, offering travelers seamless connections between Switzerland’s most scenic regions, including Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Davos.
Its All-Weather Comfort
Passengers can enjoy the journey in all weather conditions thanks to the Bernina Express’s modern panoramic coaches, equipped with large windows for optimal viewing and climate control for comfort.
Its Year-Round Operation
The Bernina Express operates year-round, allowing travelers to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps in every season, from snow-covered winter wonderlands to lush green valleys in the summer.
Its International Connection
The Bernina Railway crosses the border between Switzerland and Italy, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore both countries in a single scenic journey.
6 Fun Facts about the Bernina Express
Forget the usual tourist fodder! Here are some jaw-dropping facts about the Bernina Express that will leave you speechless!
11 Bernina Express Traveler Tips
To make the most of your Bernina Express adventure, consider following recommendations.
1. Purchase your tickets online in advance: Purchase your tickets online in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season (summer and winter) to secure your seats.
2. Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents for crossing the border into Italy and back to Switzerland.
3. Currency: The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF) and that of Italy is the euro (EUR). Although credit cards are convenient, it is always advisable to carry enough cash for emergencies, small purchases, or situations where cards may not be accepted.
4. Packing Tips:
- Pack layers of clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.
- Sturdy hiking boots are essential for exploring the mountains.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a raincoat.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your activities.
5. Take advantage of the on-board audio guide: During your journey aboard the Bernina Railway, stay entertained and informed with the digital travel companion, the “InfoT(r)ainment.” This innovative service offers fascinating insights into the Bernina Express and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, all accessible for free on your smartphone.
6. Photography & Video Recording: The majestic scenery of the journey provides fantastic opportunities to capture stunning photos and videos. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best shots:
- Early mornings and evenings: The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers the best lighting for capturing landscapes with warm hues and dramatic shadows.
- Flat midday light: Can create harsh shadows and washed-out colors. Consider using a tripod and adjusting exposure settings for better results.
- Overcast days: Can create a diffused light that works well for capturing waterfalls, forests, and other scenes with a moody atmosphere.
7. Onboard WIFI: Passengers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the Bernina Express, enabling them to chat, send photos, and spontaneously book hotel rooms while traveling.
8. Food & Drinks: If you would like to eat or drink during your trip, the Bernina Express’ movable minibar offers delicacies for every taste. Try the beech wood plate with cheese from the mountains, traditional Swiss pastries and snacks, beer, wine and spirits, refreshing beverages and warm drinks. >> Onboard service menu
9. Luggage: While luggage is permitted on the Bernina Express, please be mindful that space is limited. To ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers, we kindly request that you only bring essential hand luggage whenever feasible.
10. Bikes: Self-service bicycle transport is not allowed on the Bernina Express.
11. Dogs: Dogs of any size traveling in passenger carriages or luggage vans must always pay second-class half fare or the stipulated minimum fare (Day Pass Dogs, Dog Pass) if applicable. Dogs should be placed under your seat to ensure passage is not blocked for other passengers. Small dogs with a wither height of up to 30cm can travel for free as hand luggage if they are in a transport box, basket, or other animal-friendly container placed under your seat. However, once the dog is no longer in its container, a separate ticket for the dog is required.
Accessibility
The Rhaetian Railway strives to ensure that traveling on the Bernina Express is as comfortable as possible for passengers with mobility impairments. To facilitate this, two options are available for booking and organizing your journey:
In both cases, it is essential for passengers to arrange boarding and alighting assistance in advance through the SBB Call Center Handicap. This service can be accessed by calling 0800 007 102 or emailing mobil@sbb.ch.
Bernina Express Tickets
Find below our handpicked selection of Bernina Express tickets and guided tours:
Top Bestseller Bernina Express Tickets
Bernina Express (Ticket with Seat Reservation): Tirano to/from St. Moritz/Chur
30+ Reviews
€64.07
Headout
Be the first to leave a review!
Top 2 Bernina Express Tours from Milan
From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train
4.8K+ Reviews
€175
GetYourGuide
“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. The blue sky and sun made everything more beautiful….”
From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour
1.8K+ Reviews
€138
GetYourGuide
“It has been the best experience ever. If I could give a 10 star I would. Our guide Francesca went above and beyond to make sure my friend and I had a great view of the mountains…”
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Como
From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express
370+ Reviews
€186
GetYourGuide
“We had an amazing day. Everything was perfectly organized. Not only we enjoyed the Bernina Express….”
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Tirano
From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz
150+ Reviews
€63
GetYourGuide
“Very tasty! Do it without fear!!! I loved it so much. Beautiful views. I don’t regret it and it’s totally worth it…”
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Saint Moritz
Top Bestseller Bernina Express Tickets
Bernina Express (Ticket with Seat Reservation): Tirano to/from St. Moritz/Chur
This Bernina Express ticket offers a one-way journey between Tirano, St. Moritz, or Chur with reserved 2nd-class seating for guaranteed comfort, free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and air-conditioned coaches for a relaxing ride. Revel in uninterrupted panoramic views of the stunning Swiss Alps as you traverse Europe’s highest railway in ultimate convenience and style.
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb up to the Bernina Pass is unforgettable. Booked early on Headout and everything was seamless.” – Mark, April 2025
Top 2 Bernina Express Tours from Milan
From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train
Experience a 13-hour day trip from Milan, including luxury coach transport, a Lake Como cruise, a St. Moritz walking tour, and pre-booked Bernina Express ticket from St. Moritz to Tirano. Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alps aboard the Bernina Red Train, Lake Como’s serenity, and St. Moritz’s charm.
“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. […] We just wish we had more time for lunch in St Moritz, but we understand considering the train schedule. Otherwise, excellent crew, visit locations and transportation.” Cristina, March 27, 2024
From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour
Experience the wonders of St. Moritz on a 13-hour day trip from Milan, featuring a scenic ride aboard the panoramic Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano in second class. Enjoy hassle-free transportation by bus from Milan, accompanied by a tour leader, and ample time to explore St. Moritz at your leisure.
“It has been the best experience ever. If I could give a 10 star I would. […] It was the highlight of our trip. […] I can not thank and recommend this company enough” Suzana, March 2024
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Como
From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express
This 13-hour trip to St. Moritz and Tirano, featuring a ride on the Bernina Express, departs from Como. Enjoy free time to explore both St. Moritz and Tirano at your leisure. Your second-class Bernina Express ticket ensures guaranteed seats in the panoramic carriages for the journey from St. Moritz to Tirano.
“Everything was perfectly organized. Not only we enjoyed the Bernina Express, the city of Saint Moritz and the picturesque landscapes from the train but we also were more than happy with our super guide Monica and all the drivers […]Super recommended” GetYourGuide traveler, March 2024
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Tirano
From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz
Experience the Bernina Red Train with a roundtrip train ticket from Tirano to St. Moritz, available in second or first class. Enjoy leisure time to explore the beauty of St. Moritz at your own pace during the breaks between transfers. Please note that you’ll need to arrange your own transportation for both arrival to Tirano and return.
“Do it without fear!!! I loved it so much. Beautiful views. I don’t regret it and it’s totally worth it. We came with my grandmother who is in a wheelchair and it was super simple!!👏🏻👏🏻 I loved it so much” Maryane, Feb 2024
Top-Rated Bernina Express Tours from Saint Moritz
From Saint Moritz: Bernina Train to Tirano
Experience the Bernina Red Train with a roundtrip ticket from St. Moritz to Tirano, offering second or first-class options. Take your time exploring the charming Tirano during the transfer. Keep in mind, you’ll be responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from St. Moritz.
“Excellent experience, beautiful landscapes! Insuperable” GetYourGuide traveler, Dec 2023
>> Take a look at our complete guides to discover the posh allure of St. Moritz, the charm of Tirano, and the beauty of Lake Como.
