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.
>> More details: The Bernina Express Route
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 Ticket
Official Bernina Express panoramic train tickets with mandatory seat reservations, panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, and UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery:
Bernina Express Ticket + Seat Reservation
90+ Reviews
€40.49
Headout
“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
Best Handpicked Bernina Express Tour Options
Guided Bernina route tours departing from Milan, Tirano, and St. Moritz using regional Red Bernina trains, combining scenic rail rides with sightseeing stops and free time:
From Milan: Bernina Train Guided Tour to St. Moritz
2.6K+ Reviews
€95
GetYourGuide
“Absolutely stunning train journey! Well worth the money! Lots of snow but would love to do it again in spring/summer […]” Ian, Jan. 2026
From Milan: Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Tour
5.5K+ Reviews
€175
GetYourGuide
“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. The blue sky and sun made everything more beautiful….”
Bernina Red Train: Roundtrip from Milan
60+ Reviews
€149
Tiqets
“Wonderful experience through the alps. Roberto was very polite and our driver was fantastic. It’s a long day but the views are spectacular and very much worthwhile doing.” Anonymous, Jul. 2025
From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz
250+ Reviews
€63
GetYourGuide
“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
From Saint Moritz: Bernina Train to Tirano
90+ Reviews
€63
GetYourGuide
“Excellent experience, beautiful landscapes! Insuperable”
Affordable Alternatives to Bernina Express Tickets
Regional Bernina Red Train tickets on the same UNESCO-listed route, offering flexible departures and great views; please note this is not the Bernina Express panoramic train:
Red Bernina Train Ticket
150+ Reviews
€30.50
Headout
“[…]This experience must be lived, not heard or seen in pictures. It must be seen with your own eyes, not with someone else’s…” Nicolae, Jan. 2026
Bestselling Train Pass Options
Swiss rail passes providing unlimited train travel across Switzerland, including the Bernina route, with flexible travel days and mobile access. Seat reservations are not included and must be booked separately.
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
310+ Reviews
€285.70
Headout
“Excellent option and savings! Everything works very well […]A 100!!! It has discounts and free tickets at many attractions.”
Interrail Switzerland Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train
200+ Reviews
€200.31
Headout
“[…] The Interrail Swiss pass was very easy to use. I did not have to stress about buying tickets at all. It is also a mobile pass, so that was also convenient.” Ines, Nov. 2024
Popular Products Related to Bernina Express
Useful add-ons such as airport transfers, Lake Como cruises, and Swiss attractions often paired with Bernina train journeys:
Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center
6.3K+ Reviews
€10
GetYourGuide
“We traveled by bus on Terravision. Fantastic carriers. The buses are very luxurious, clean and spacious. The staff is polite and communicative. Top professionals. […]” Ljupco, Jan. 2026
Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
9K+ Reviews
€18
GetYourGuide
“We liked everything. The audio guide was clear and informative. The company was generous with the samples they provided. Not too crowded. Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon.” Julie, Jan. 2026
Bellagio: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour
1.1K+ Reviews
€29
GetYourGuide
“Really loved this tour, super simple to book, clear directions to the meeting point & lots of language choices for the audio tour. […]“ Carly, August 2025
Other Top-Rated Swiss Train Tickets & Options
Popular Swiss scenic train experiences and mountain railways beyond the Bernina route, including Glacier Express, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat:
Top Bestseller Bernina Express Ticket
Official Bernina Express panoramic train tickets with mandatory seat reservations, panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, and UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery:
Bernina Express Ticket + Seat Reservation
Travel one way on the Bernina Express between Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano with a reserved seat in 1st or 2nd class. Ride in air-conditioned panoramic coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, and the InfoT(r)ainment audio app while enjoying UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery. An optional Bernina Express Bus connects Tirano and Lugano with advance reservation required.
“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
Best Handpicked Bernina Express Tour Options
Guided Bernina route tours departing from Milan, Tirano, and St. Moritz using regional Red Bernina trains, combining scenic rail rides with sightseeing stops and free time:
From Milan: Bernina Train Guided Tour to St. Moritz
Join a guided day tour from Milan to Tirano by coach, then travel on the regional train along the Bernina route from Tirano to St. Moritz. Experience the UNESCO-listed railway, stop at Alp Grüm for Palü Glacier views, admire alpine lakes and peaks, and enjoy free time in St. Moritz before returning to Milan.
“Absolutely stunning train journey! Well worth the money! Lots of snow but would love to do it again in spring/summer […]” Ian, Jan. 2026
From Milan: Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Tour
This 13-hour day trip from Milan includes luxury coach transport, a scenic Lake Como cruise, free time in St. Moritz, and a pre-booked Bernina Red Train ticket from St. Moritz to Tirano. Experience serene alpine lakes, high mountain views along the UNESCO-listed Bernina route, and time exploring the elegant Swiss resort town on this full-day adventure.
“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
Bernina Red Train: Roundtrip from Milan
Join a full-day roundtrip tour from Milan, traveling by coach to the Bernina route and riding the regional Bernina Red Train to St. Moritz. Cross the UNESCO-listed railway via the Brusio Viaduct and Bernina Pass, enjoy alpine scenery, visit a Swiss chocolate house, and explore St. Moritz before returning to Milan in comfort and style.
“Wonderful experience through the alps. Roberto was very polite and our driver was fantastic. It’s a long day but the views are spectacular and very much worthwhile doing.” Anonymous, Jul. 2025
From Tirano: Bernina Red Train Ticket to St. Moritz
Experience the regional Bernina Red Train with a one-way or roundtrip train ticket from Tirano to St. Moritz, available in first or second class depending on your selection. 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
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
Affordable Alternatives to Bernina Express Tickets
Regional Bernina Red Train tickets on the same UNESCO-listed route, offering flexible departures and great views; please note this is not the Bernina Express panoramic train:
Red Bernina Train Ticket
Travel on regular regional trains between Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano, following the same UNESCO-listed Bernina Line as the Bernina Express. Enjoy frequent departures, flexible travel, and large opening windows ideal for photography. Please note this ticket is not valid on the Bernina Express panoramic train, which requires a separate booking and mandatory seat reservation.
“[…]This experience must be lived, not heard or seen in pictures. It must be seen with your own eyes, not with someone else’s…” Nicolae, Jan. 2026
Bestselling Train Pass Options
Swiss rail passes providing unlimited train travel across Switzerland, including the Bernina route, with flexible travel days and mobile access. Seat reservations are not included and must be booked separately.
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
This all-in-one travel pass gives you unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transport, including the breathtaking Bernina Express route (seat reservation not included). It covers scenic train rides, lake cruises, city transport, and 500+ museums. Travelers also enjoy up to 50% discounts on popular mountain excursions like Titlis and Pilatus.
Important: Only valid for residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
“Excellent option and savings! Everything works very well […]A 100!!! It has discounts and free tickets at many attractions.“ Mariana, May 2025
Interrail Switzerland Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train
Designed for European residents, the Interrail Switzerland Pass offers unlimited train travel across Switzerland for any 3 to 8 selected days within one month. Travel freely on the national rail network in 1st or 2nd class without fixed dates, enjoying flexible itineraries and seamless mobile access. Seat reservations are required on selected trains.
“[…] The Interrail Swiss pass was very easy to use. I did not have to stress about buying tickets at all. It is also a mobile pass, so that was also convenient.” Ines, Nov. 2024
Popular Products Related to Bernina Express
Useful add-ons such as airport transfers, Lake Como cruises, and Swiss attractions often paired with Bernina train journeys:
Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center
Travel comfortably between Malpensa Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) and Milan city center with a direct shared bus transfer. Enjoy air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi, generous luggage allowance, and flexible tickets valid all day. Skip costly taxis and relax knowing you can catch the next available bus if you miss your departure.
“We traveled by bus on Terravision. Fantastic carriers. The buses are very luxurious, clean and spacious. The staff is polite and communicative. Top professionals. […]” Ljupco, Jan. 2026
Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
Discover the world of Swiss chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum with an interactive, audio-guided visit. Learn about cocoa’s journey from bean to bar, admire the iconic 9-meter chocolate fountain, explore modern production exhibits, and enjoy unlimited tastings of Lindt’s finest creations inside this immersive chocolate experience.
“We liked everything. The audio guide was clear and informative. The company was generous with the samples they provided. Not too crowded. Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon.” Julie, Jan. 2026
Bellagio: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour
Cruise Lake Como on a shared boat tour departing from Bellagio and admire iconic villas from the water. Sail past Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Isola Comacina while enjoying panoramic views of lakeside gardens and historic estates. An onboard audio guide app brings the scenery to life during this relaxed sightseeing cruise.
“Really loved this tour, super simple to book, clear directions to the meeting point & lots of language choices for the audio tour. […]“ Carly, August 2025
Other Top-Rated Swiss Train Tickets & Options
Popular Swiss scenic train experiences and mountain railways beyond the Bernina route, including Glacier Express, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat:
Glacier Express (Ticket with Seat Reservation): Zermatt to/from Chur/St. Moritz
Travel one way on the Glacier Express between Zermatt and Chur or St. Moritz with a guaranteed seat reservation in 1st or 2nd class. Ride aboard panoramic, air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, and access to the InfoT(r)ainment audio app. Enjoy a slow, scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, passing highlights like the Rhine Gorge and Landwasser Viaduct.
Round-Trip Train Tickets to Mount Gornergrat from Zermatt
Ride the iconic Gornergrat cogwheel train on a round-trip journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3,089 meters. Enjoy priority boarding for the best views toward the Matterhorn as you travel through alpine landscapes. At the summit, take in panoramic views of 29 peaks, including the Matterhorn and Dufourspitze, and explore Europe’s highest-altitude shopping and viewing areas.
“Surreal. The beauty is beyond human imagination. Any word used to describe the beauty of Swiss Alps is an understatement. The train ride was very comfortable.” Sujoy, Sep. 2025
From Interlaken: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Train Tickets
Travel round trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe by train, choosing the Eiger Express gondola via Grindelwald or the historic rack railway via Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy access to the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation, and snow-covered Plateau, with a scheduled descent seat time and optional seat reservations available to reduce waiting during peak periods.
“It is the best family travel experience we had. All the staff are amazing. Very accommodating and very friendly. The view is SPECTACULAR! […]” Sheryl, Nov. 2025
>> 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.
