The Bernina Express Route: About the Bernina Railway 2024

Bernina Express Route

The Bernina Express Route offers a journey through unparalleled natural beauty and engineering marvels. This panoramic narrow-gauge railway route is widely considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

The train travels from Chur in eastern Switzerland to Tirano in northern Italy, traversing the majestic Swiss Alps. The route is part of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its engineering marvel and breathtaking alpine beauty.

Join us as we explore the Bernina Express Route in detail, with a special focus on the path taken by the Bernina Railway.

About the Bernina Express Route

The Bernina Express route is actually a combination of two separate railway lines. Highlight follows highlight on board the “red trains”, which travel over the highest railway lines in Europe and the steepest in the world, offering passengers a unique journey through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges.

Albulabahn (Albula Railway): This section runs from Chur in eastern Switzerland to St. Moritz, a famous ski resort town. The Albula Railway is known for its engineering marvels as it navigates the Albula Alps. Passengers can marvel at the impressive structure of the Landwasser Viaduct.
Berninabahn (Bernina Railway): This section takes over from St. Moritz and continues the journey to Tirano in northern Italy. The Bernina Railway tackles the Bernina Pass, the highest railway station in Europe, offering breathtaking alpine scenery with glaciers, lakes, and charming villages.

Passengers can choose to travel the entire route from Chur to Tirano or take shorter segments on either the Albulabahn or Berninabahn. This flexibility allows travelers to customize their journey based on their time and interests.

In our articles, we put the focus on the Berninabahn (Bernina Railway), the section from St. Moritz to Tirano. This leg of the journey is nothing short of spectacular, offering a continuous display of alpine beauty and impressive feats of railway engineering.

Bernina Express: Route of the Berninabahn (Bernina Railway)

Being the southern section of Bernina Express, the Berninabahn is a crown jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway. It’s more than just a train route; it’s an unforgettable adventure! Prepare to be captivated by this iconic journey as we delve into its path, winding from the chic ski resort of St. Moritz to the vibrant Italian town of Tirano.

Brace yourself for breathtaking alpine vistas, engineering marvels, and a glimpse into the changing landscapes and cultures of Switzerland and Italy. From serene lakes to charming villages, the Bernina Express Route offers a tapestry of experiences year-round. Whether surrounded by lush greenery or snow-capped peaks, this “red train” promises a spectacular adventure.

So, sit back, relax, as we show you the highlights of the Bernina Railway route, as well as the top attractions along the way.

Note: For the most important sights, we have stated in brackets whether they are on the left or right in the direction of travel. Tip: Almost all of them are on the right side. Book your seats accordingly. However, if you start the route in Italy, book seats on the left side of the train.

The Berninabahn starts in the chic ski resort town of St. Moritz, nestled at an altitude of 6089 feet (1856 meters). As the train departs, keep an eye out for the iconic Church of St. Moritz with its leaning tower, a landmark you might recognize from winter sports events.
The train heads eastward, crossing the Inn River on a viaduct measuring 210 feet (64 meters) in length. It then passes through the Charnadüra Tunnel II, spanning 2260 feet (689 meters) and representing the longest tunnel along the entire route.
Next is the station of Celerina Staz, situated at an altitude of 5630 feet (1716 meters) above sea level, marking the lowest point on the north side of the Bernina Pass.
From here, the route ascends steadily, weaving through pristine valleys and offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks until reaching Ospizio Bernina.
After the train passes the Pontresina, the route turns southeast to head Surovas and then Morteratsch station below the Morteratsch glacier (on the right side of the direction of travel), a giant ribbon of ice that has shortened by around 8200 feet (2500 meters) over the last 125 years due to global warming.
This is soon followed by the world-famous Montebello curve, where the run makes a 180-degree turn, all in front of the Morteratsch glacier with its crown of mountains! This point is a very popular photo spot and has been photographed many times.
Then, the railway merges with the road that ascends over the pass, and they continue their way through the Bernina Alps side by side until reaching Ospizio Bernina. The tree line is reached at Bernina Suot. The next stations are Bernina Diavolezza and Bernina Lagalb.
In the subsequent segment, arguably the most captivating along the northern side of the pass, the route becomes markedly winding, navigating from one side of the valley to the other.
Initially, the railway traverses the creeks Berninabach and Arlasbach. To the southwest, the imposing peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü (on the right side of the direction of travel) command attention with their majestic presence.
This is followed by the 49-feet (15-meter) high and 929 feet-feet (283-meter) long dam of Lago Bianco, the White Lake (on the right side of the direction of travel), which also marks the watershed between the Danube and the Po. The watershed, in turn, forms the language border. From here on, Italian applies.
The railway follows the eastern bank of Lago Bianco and ascends to its apex at Ospizio Bernina (on the right side of the direction of travel), a historic mountain hospice that now serves as a hotel and restaurant, offering stunning views from its vantage point situated at an altitude of 7392 feet (2253 meters) above sea level. This elevation marks the pinnacle of the Bernina Railway, making it the loftiest railway passage in the Alps.
The climb to the Bernina Pass, which gave the “red train” its name, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the route. You’ll be surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Piz Bernina in a distance (on the right side of the direction of travel), the only eastern 4000-meter (13123-feet) peak in the Alps.
After traversing the 459-feet (140-meter) long Scala Gallery, the journey continues through the 630-feet (192-meter) long Scala Tunnel, followed by the even lengthier 1142-feet (348-meter) Sassal Mason Gallery and the 177-feet (54-meter) Drago Tunnel. Upon exiting the Grüm Gallery, travelers arrive at the Alp Grüm station, where the landscape transitions beyond the tree line.
Descending into Puschlav, the route winds down with gradients of up to 70%, navigating through numerous hairpin bends. Remarkably, this descent is achieved without the aid of a rack system, making the Bernina Railway one of the steepest adhesion railways in operation.
Right after the station, the railway takes a sharp 180° turn known as the “sky curve” and passes beneath Alp Grüm through the Upper Palü Gallery. Continuing on, it negotiates another 180° turn through the Palü Tunnel and then traverses the Lower Palü Gallery.
The route then winds through four more bends, some carved out of solid rock, a testament to the dedication and skill of the engineers who built this remarkable railway, before reaching the Cavaglia station.
From Cavaglia, the railway descends in a zigzag pattern further down the valley through Cadera to Privilasco. Continuing on, the route leaves the hairpin bends behind and enters the Puschlav region, still maintaining a steep gradient.
As you descend towards Italy, the scenery changes dramatically. The lush green meadows and forests of the Swiss Alps give way to the sun-drenched Poschiavo Valley with its distinctive Italian character. Here, the railway meets the pass road once again.
After the Li Curt stop, the route reaches the town of Le Prese. On the way to Miralago, look out for charming villages with traditional stone houses and the turquoise waters of Lago di Poschiavo (Lake Poschiavo) (on the left side of the direction of travel) at 965 m above sea level.
Following the Brusio train station is the steepest section, where the slope descends at 7.2% over 656 feet (200 meters). Shortly after, the route traverses the renowned Brusio circular viaduct at 705 meters above sea level.
This architectural marvel spans almost 466 feet (143 meters) in length, with a bridge width of 16 feet (almost 5 meters). Each of its nine arches has a span of 10 meters. With a track radius of 230 feet (70 meters) and an incline of 70%, the valley floor is crossed at a height ranging from 23 to 56 feet (7 to 17 meters).
After the Campocologno border station, the route reaches Italy. The final leg of the journey takes you through vineyards and orchards before arriving at the final destination, the vibrant Italian town of Tirano with the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano at an altitude of 1447 feet (441 meters).

Bernina Express Tickets

Explore below our curated selection of Bernina Express tickets and guided tours:

From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

4.6

3288 Reviews

From €155

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Reserve Now & Pay Later
Duration 13 Hours
Live Tour Guide
Free Cancellation

“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. The blue sky and sun made everything more beautiful….”

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From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour

4.5

1112 Reviews

From €148

GetYourGuide

Reserve Now & Pay Later
Day Trip With Live Guide
Duration 13 Hours
Bernina Express Tickets For 2nd Class
Free Cancellation

“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…”

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From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express

4.4

246 Reviews

From €155

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Reserve Now & Pay Later
Bernina Express Tickets For 2nd-class
Duration 13 Hours
Live Tour Guide
Free cancellation

“We had an amazing day. Everything was perfectly organized. Not only we enjoyed the Bernina Express….”

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From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz

4.2

61 Reviews

From €63

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Bernina Roundtrip Or 1-way Ticket
Valid 1 Day
24/7 Assistance
Free Cancellation

“Very tasty! Do it without fear!!! I loved it so much. Beautiful views. I don’t regret it and it’s totally worth it…”

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From Saint Moritz: Bernina Train to Tirano

4.2

30 Reviews

From €63

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Bernina Roundtrip Or 1-way Ticket
Valid 1 Day
24/7 Assistance
Free Cancellation

“Excellent experience, beautiful landscapes! Insuperable”

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From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

3288 Reviews

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.

Cristina – Portugal, March 27, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide] “Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. The blue sky and sun made everything more beautiful. 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.”

From €155

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Reserve Now & Pay Later
Duration 13 Hours
Live Tour Guide
Free Cancellation

From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour

1112 Reviews

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.

Suzana – Italy, March 17, 2024 [Source: 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. It was the highlight of our trip. […] I can not thank and recommend this company enough”

From €148

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GetYourGuide

Reserve Now & Pay Later
Day Trip With Live Guide
Duration 13 Hours
Bernina Express Tickets For 2nd Class
Free Cancellation

From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express

246 Reviews

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.

GetYourGuide traveler – Italy, March 9, 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide] “We had an amazing day. 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 which were very helpful and resourceful in guiding us throughout this journey. Super recommended”

From €155

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Reserve Now & Pay Later
Bernina Express Tickets For 2nd-class
Duration 13 Hours
Live Tour Guide
Free cancellation

From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz

61 Reviews

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.

Maryane – UK, Feb 2024 [Source: 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. We came with my grandmother who is in a wheelchair and it was super simple!!👏🏻👏🏻 I loved it so much”

From €63

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