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Riding the Bernina Express Train as a Day Trip from Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most legendary cities. While there are many incredible  things to do in Milan , there are also some stunning day trips within a few hours of the city. In our experience, one of the best day trips from Milan is a ride on the Bernina Express train to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Bernina Express route, complete with panoramic windows and several stops, is absolutely stunning. 

This entire European train ride is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning beauty, ingenuity, and history. On our most recent trip to Milan, we decided to spend our wedding anniversary up in the Swiss Alps on this beautiful train, and we had an absolutely fantastic time. I mean, we  love  Milan and we chose to leave for a day to take this train. 

Needless to say, we didn’t regret it! If you’re on the fence, thinking “is Bernina Express worth it?” you can hop right off of it, because the answer is a resounding yes.

Is the Bernina Express worth it? The answer is a resounding yes.

This post is not about the Bernina Express itself, but rather how to ride the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan. So, if you are wondering “Can you do Bernina Express in one day?” the answer is definitely yes! 

For more information on the Bernina Express itself, including how to book tickets, check out my  informational blog post on the Bernina Express .  If you’re asking yourself “How do I take Bernina Express from Milan?” this post was written just for you.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that may earn a commission from purchases at no additional cost to you.

Follow us along in our vlog from our amazing time on The Bernina Express and in St. Moritz!

Can You Do the Bernina Express in One Day?

The Bernina Express is about a three-hour train ride. This is pretty short, all things considered, and it can definitely be done in one day. The thing that you need to consider is where you are starting from. 

The Bernina Express train ride itself may only be three hours, but the transportation from your accommodation to the stop where you get on and then the transportation back to your accommodation from where you get off can add significant time to your day.

If you follow the steps in this post, you will absolutely be able to do the Bernina Express in one day from Milan. It just takes some coordination on your part! I think it is well worth the time, and I even included the Bernina Express on  my list of the best day trips from Milan.

How Do I Take Bernina Express from Milan?

To take the Bernina Express from Milan, you will first need to get to St. Moritz, Switzerland. While the train does run in both directions, it is best to take the train from St. Moritz, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy if you want to do it as a day trip from Milan. 

This is because the trains do not run very late in the evening or early in the morning, and taking the train from Tirano to St. Moritz doesn’t leave you much free time at all in St. Moritz. St. Moritz is a beautiful town, and you should try to maximize your time there. The most up-to-date train times can be seen directly on  the Bernina Express’ website.

How to Get to St. Moritz from Milan

Since you will be taking the train from St. Moritz to Tirano, driving to St. Moritz makes no sense. Your car would be left sitting in Switzerland! Taxis are also not a viable option, as the drive is several hours. 

The best way to get from Milan to St. Moritz is via a combination of train and bus, which takes about 4.5 hours when it is all said and done. You can take a train from Milano Centrale station to Chiavenna, and then switch onto the route 4 bus to St. Moritz Bahnhof.

I recommend taking the earliest possible train from Milano Centrale to Chiavenna, as the buses only leave once per hour and you will want to get to St. Moritz as early as possible to explore. While an early morning might not sound worth it, the latest Bernina Express train from St. Moritz to Tirano leaves at 4:14pm. 

The Earliest Possible Itinerary Arrives in St. Moritz in the Late Morning

If you take the earliest possible train and bus combination, you will get to St. Moritz around 10:45am, which leaves you approximately 5.5 hours to explore.

We took a 6:20am train from Milano Centrale to Colico, then after a 24-minute layover switched onto an 8:10am train to Chiavenna that arrived at 8:35am. We then had 30 minutes until the bus departed at 9:06am, and it arrived in St. Moritz at 10:41am. This information is all also available on Google Maps, and they do a great job of showing you timetables and routes.

Tickets for the train should be bought in advance at the station or online at  Trenitalia’s website , and tickets for the bus can either be bough  in cash  on the bus, or online in advance on  PostBus’ website . 

For more information on using the train system in Italy,  check out my post on using Trenitalia.

– R E A D –

How to Get to Milan from Tirano

The Bernina Express train will take you through the Swiss Alps and leave you in the northern Italian town of Tirano. Tirano (not the big city of  Torino , by the way) is a cute little town with some nice shops and restaurants, but not much more going on. 

This is a good thing, because you won’t really have any time here! The Bernina Express train arrives at 6:39pm, and the last train (as of current timetables) departs Tirano at 7:08pm.

This leaves you about 30 minutes to switch onto your train. If all things are running on time, this is plenty of time to switch, as the Bernina Express station is no more than a two-minute walk to the regular train station. The train from Tirano to Milan doesn’t require any switches, and after a scenic ride along the shores of Lake Como, you should arrive in Milan by 9:40pm.

Stay a Night in Tirano

If you are worried that the timing is too tight, you can plan to spend a night in Tirano. It is a charming town, and staying a night is a great idea! I recommend staying at  Hotel Bernina  if you decide to do this. 

Hotel Bernina is perfectly located near the train station, so you can easily check in when you arrive in Tirano and check out the next morning before heading back to Milan.

Other Things to Know About Riding the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a unique experience that belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. However, there are some things you should know as you plan your trip, especially if you opt not to book a guided tour.

​1. Prepare for the High Altitude

​While the Bernina Express isn’t the highest railway in Europe, it’s still way up in the Swiss Alps. The highest point of the journey is at Ospizio Bernina, which is 7,391 feet above sea level.

While you likely won’t experience any altitude sickness from such a short time at this height, you do need to prepare for the weather. Milan can get pretty hot in the summer, but temperatures are much milder in the Swiss Alps. In the winter, you can expect a lot of snow!

There are a couple of opportunities to hop off the train and soak in the views. In the colder months, you’ll want to bundle up.

2. Best Time to Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is open all year. The landscapes are drastically different between summer and winter, and both seasons are beautiful in their own right! 

Personally, I prefer the views in the summer. The mountains are still snowcapped, but the valleys are filled with bright green grass and the lakes and rivers flow a fluorescent blue. When this is all covered with snow, some of the vibrant colors get muted.

​Still, the winter season is a great time to ride the Bernina Express. If you’re a fan of the Polar Express, this is as close as you’ll get to it in real life!

​3. One Side of the Train Is Better Than the Other

If you book your Bernina Express tickets in advance, you’ll need to select a seat. For the best views, you should sit on the right side of the train if departing from St Moritz. If you’re departing from Tirano, the best experience is on the left side.

At the end of the day, this is an incredibly scenic train journey. You will have breathtaking views on either side, as long as you reserve window seats. These train tickets often sell out months in advance, and if you’re stuck choosing either an interior seat on the best side or a window seat on the other side, I’d recommend the window seat.

4. The Alps Aren’t the Only Stunning Views on the Route

Don’t get me wrong. The Engadin Valley and its snow-capped peaked are beautiful, and they’re the main highlight of the Bernina Express day trip from Milan. But they’re not the only wonders you’ll see! The Bernina Express’ scenic route passes along the steep-declining Landwasser Viaduct as well as the sharp-turning Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

Both of these bridges are incredibly unique. In addition to them, you can expect quaint, cow-filled villages, picturesque lakes and rivers, and sweeping valleys below the rails.

​While the Rhaetian Railway wasn’t designed to be a tourist attraction, Switzerland’s natural beauty and striking landscapes have turned it into one.

​5. You Can Ride a Cheaper Train Along the Same Route or Use a Rail Pass

The panoramic train is truly special, and I recommend ponying up for first class seats if you can afford them. However, if you’re looking to save some money, you can book a ticket on one of the regular regional trains that use this same track. These trains stop at more stations along the route, but are significantly cheaper.

While they do not offer panoramic windows, they still provide great views of the mountains and scenery. You can also use a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass to ride along this route, but if you want to use it to ride on the panoramic trains you will have to pay an additional fee.

6. For a Longer Trip, Add the Glacier Express Segment

The Bernina Express route takes about three hours from start to finish. For most travelers, this is sufficient. However, if you want more time riding through the Alps, you can book further travel on the Glacier Express. 

The Glacier Express is a sort of sister route to the Bernina Express. The Bernina Express connects St. Moritz south to Tirano, Italy, and the Glacier Express connects St. Moritz west to the resort city of Zermatt. Zermatt is located about 60 miles north of Turin, Italy, and 50 miles south of Bern, Switzerland. 

Much like St. Moritz, Zermatt is known for its great skiing and winter sports activities. Both cities are among the best skiing destinations in Europe.

Hopefully this post answered any questions you have about doing the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan. While it is undoubtedly a long day, it is worth every second of traveling and is a really stunning journey. If you have any questions about doing the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan, reach out by dropping a comment below! Otherwise, thanks for reading and have a wonderful day.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

17 Comments

Hello! Just a question, I have been tossing up booking a ‘Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail tour from Milan’ or to do the day trip on our own as you have described. Whilst a tour will be less stress on us, I’m worried that we will have very limited time in St Moritz to explore. Would love your opinion.

Hey Nicole! My answer highly depends on your situation. If you have a large group (like a family with kids) or you are less comfortable navigating around Italian/Swiss transportation, I’d recommend the tour. You will have very little time in St. Moritz this way, but at least you get the views from the train. If you are a bit more flexible and able to get around various means of transportation, I HIGHLY recommend getting there yourself. By taking the earliest possible route to St. Moritz (which includes 2-3 different trains AND a bus), you can have about 5-6 hours in the city before boarding the Bernina Express to head back to Milan. This is what we did (with a 6-month-old, I’ll add – so it is doable!) and we wouldn’t do it any other way. But we are also professional travelers, so our comfort level could be different. Please feel free to either send me an email or Instagram message if you have any more questions!

Helen Dickenson

Hi Greg, I am nearly 70 and was wanting to do the Bernina Express but was wondering if the train from Milan to Tirano and then St Moritz would be better than Train and Bus before taking the Bernina Express back from St Moritz to Tirano and then on to Milan. Bus travel is not kind to older knees and sitting for long periods whereas by train at least you can stand in the aisle and walk along the corridors kind regards Helen

I absolutely understand that concern. The timetables make this very complicated to do in one day, as you’d only have a couple of hours to actually experience St. Moritz. However, it can be doable if that is what you prefer! The bus ride isn’t very long and it is very spacious, so even with older knees, I recommend it. You can always stand if you need!

Hi, We are a couple with 3 kids. Can we park at Tirano and get on the train there? Obviously would need to return to Tirano as well. Thank you

You can absolutely park in Tirano and catch the train there. It is a lovely little town with plenty of places to park. Just try to catch the earliest possible train if you plan to return on the same day, as you probably won’t get much time in St. Moritz otherwise!

I have been trying to find trains from Milan to Tirano so that I can take the Bernina pass that way as we plan to stay some days in the St moritz area, is that possible?

Hi! Yes it is. You can take a train from Milano Centrale straight to Tirano.

Ann Marie Palumbo

Hello, This blog is very helpful. My question is when taking Bernina express to St Mortiz can we stay over night and then take Bernina express train back to Torino? Thank you.

Hi Ann Marie! You absolutely can. You can book the Bernina Express tickets as one-way trips, which gives you the opportunity to schedule as long of a stay in St. Moritz as you want. I’d definitely recommend it, too!

Thanks heaps Greg for the tips in this blog. Did this day trip a few days ago. Forgot to consider the winter sunset time when I booked months ago, so it was dark by the time we were around Poschiavo. Still, it was a fantastic trip!

Hey Leila, I’m happy you had a great time! I hope my post was helpful for you!

Hello is it possible to buy tickets directly at bernina express office in tirano train station?

This is super helpful – I was entertaining the idea of booking a guided tour, but I want to ride the Bernina Express in first class. I didn’t see that option on any of the paid tours, so I got my first-class ticket for the red train, and I’ll figure out the rest based on this great guidance. Thank you!!!

Hi Greg thanks for your blog. Just a question please. I want to do the bernina express from Tirano as we will be based in Venice. Maybe a day or 2 if need be as you mentioned overnight in Tirano. your thoughts please. from South Africa and this would be the first time. thanking you in advance.

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Milan to Bernina Express Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer here .

No offence to Milan, but one of the best things about this city is leaving it. Seriously. There are  so  many great potential day trips! Lake Como, Bergamo, Brescia… Taking a Milan to Bernina Express day trip on this historic railway wasn’t even on my radar.

Cut to January 2023 when I was skiing in the Swiss Alps . I received a message from my Mexican pal telling me that he was taking a spontaneous trip to Italy the following week. We decided to meet in Milan because it was an easy place for me to reach from Geneva.

But Carlos had never been to Switzerland before and this seemed like a great opportunity. So, he planned a day trip (I was happy to follow his lead!) on the Bernina Express train to St Moritz, Switzerland from Milan, Italy.

It’s such an impressive, scenic train journey with incredible views . I’m grateful we travelled in winter with snow glistening on the mountaintops and glühwein in our bellies. Taking a Bernina Express day trip from Milan is doable and easy, but only if you alight halfway at St Moritz in Switzerland.

If you also want to ride the UNESCO-certified train journey in one day, I’m sharing my experience travelling to St Moritz on the Bernina Express from Milan and back . This guide includes everything you need to know, and my insider tips, about taking a Milan Bernina Express day trip on this iconic red train!

What Is the Bernina Express? History of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Bernina Express is a train on the Rhaetian Railway network crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps . The route of the Bernina Express travels from the town of Tirano, Italy on the southern end to Chur, Switzerland on the northern end.

This entire journey takes about four hours to travel 144 km/90 miles. It can be part of a slower, much more scenic route between Milan and Zurich . It passes 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, several glaciers, and a few mountains calling at 25 stations along the route. 

Just looking at a Bernina Express map, you might not appreciate the twists, turns and climbs it has to face during that 144 km journey which explains the slow speed. Not that the slow speed is a problem! There are so many amazing views, you wouldn’t want to miss them.

The Bernina Express train is so noteworthy, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Construction started on the railway in 1896 and was finally completed in 1904. Not only did it succeed in connecting the remote communities high in the mountains, but it was a bloody impressive bit of engineering.

The Bernina train climbs 2,253 metres/7,391 ft above sea level when it reaches Ospizio Bernina station, the route’s highest point. It travels along circular bridges like the Brusio Spiral Viaduct  and over 65 metre-drops when crossing the Landwasser Viaduct .

How to Ride the Bernina Express from Milan to St Moritz on a Day Trip

There are two clear options when planning a day trip to travel on the Bernina Express to St Moritz. You can DIY the entire trip by booking your train tickets on the regular rail network. Or, you can book an organised tour.

Option 1: Independent Train Travel

To travel independently on the train from Milan to St Moritz, buy a regional Trenord train ticket from Milano Centrale Railway Station to Tirano . These trains leave every two hours and the journey takes around two and a half hours, so you will need to leave early.

You don’t need a seat reservation and you can buy a return ticket at the station.

Once you arrive in Tirano , you will need to leave the station where you arrived and head to the Rhätische Bahn station across the plaza. This is the Tirano Bernina Express station. If you can see lots of red trains on the platforms outside the station then you’re in the right spot.

You can either book a regular, regional train that travels along the Bernina Express route or the official Bernina Express train to St Moritz. You could also book one type of train there and a different train for your return journey. I’ll talk more about the different Bernina Express tickets further down.

Option 2: Organised Bus Tour

Carlos and I didn’t travel the whole journey by train from Milan to St Moritz , we opted for an organized bus tour instead. My friend booked this Bernina Express day trip through Get Your Guide . It was a Spanish and English tour, which as you can imagine, was essential for us!

A tour guide and coach picked us up outside Milano Centrale  at around 7:15 and drove us along the banks of  Lake Como  to  Tirano . We had roughly one hour to buy food to eat on the train (we went to El Trigo Pasta Fresca  which was like a deli and it was bloody delicious). 

Afterwards, we boarded a 2nd class carriage on a regular, regional Bernina Express train to St Moritz . The journey took just over two hours. After a couple of hours exploring St Moritz , the coach met us in St Moritz  and drove us all the way back to  Milan .

So, we didn’t ride the Bernina Express to Milan for the return journey but we didn’t need to. It was a long day and I was happy to get back on the bus and head straight to Milan. Everyone on our tour fit inside one train carriage and it was honestly such a lovely experience.

Bernina Express to St Moritz Price & Train Ticket Options

So, let’s compare a regular regional train vs the Bernina Express train. In terms of the style of the train, there’s virtually no difference except for the windows. On regional trains, the windows are not ‘panoramic’ meaning they aren’t as big. However, on a regional train, you can open them.

While this made the train quite cold since we were travelling in January (though we shut them now and again), we didn’t get any glare on our photos. On the official trains, the panoramic windows stay closed.

On a regional train, I don’t think you need seat reservations, especially if you’re not travelling 2nd class. But on the official train, you need a regular ticket and  a separate seat reservation for a particular service no matter which class you are travelling on.

Here’s a rough idea of ticket prices based on current (March 2023) information:

• Milan to Tirano Single Ticket – €11.50 in 2nd class or €17.50 in 1st class
• Tirano to St Moritz Return Single Ticket – CHF 64 (around €64.50) in 2nd class or CHF 112 (around €113) in 1st class

You can buy seat reservations up to six months in advance. Prices for a seat reservation are around CHF 20 (around €19) and CHF 26 (around €25)  depending on the season. Then , you can buy regular train tickets which are available six weeks in advance. These don’t sell out.

Find up-to-date ticket prices and timetable information on the Bernina Express website .

Things To Do in St Moritz: Switzerland’s First Resort Town

St Moritz is in the German-speaking Swiss Canton of Grisons. According to our tour guide, it was one of the first winter ski resort towns in the world. It’s an expensive, luxurious resort dotted with designer stores, upmarket restaurants, and English toffs comparing Range Rovers (in my personal experience).

We didn’t have a lot of time in St Moritz on this Milan to Bernina Express day trip, but we made the most of it. We visited the Hauser Confiserie  chocolate shop where I bought chocolate in the shape of skis. I ate them the next day waiting to board my plane home at 4:00 in the morning because I am feral.

We walked along Via Maistra , drank glühwein in one of the town squares, and wandered down a small lane to see beautiful views across St Moritzersee lake. It’s completely frozen solid in winter so they had tents set up and were preparing for an ice polo game. Rich people and their horses, eh? 

Other things to do in St Moritz include the Segantini Museum which is an art museum dedicated to an Alpine painter and the Engadiner Museum  with alpine culture exhibits. There are lots of sun symbols dotted around the town which must be an emblem of St Moritz.

Milan to Bernina Express Day Trip FAQs

What months does the bernina express run.

The Bernina Express train journey is open year-round. You’re able to experience the landscapes surrounding the train line in all seasons and weather.

How often does the Bernina Express run?

The Bernina Express train runs between Chur and Tirano twice during the summer months and once during the winter months. The summer season is from around May to October, and the winter season is the rest of the year.

There’s usually one extra service between Tirano and St Moritz in the winter season, and two extra in the summer season. This is for the official Bernina Express trains, anyway. There are probably more regional services.

When is the best time to ride the Bernina Express?

Well, what’s your favourite season? You can ride the Bernina Express year-round so take your pick!

I’m biased because there’s nothing like witnessing the Swiss Alps in their natural state, covered in snow. I’m sure spring would be beautiful with the flowers and lush green fields. Obviously, I’ve never travelled on the Bernina Express in summer but I would imagine it’s busy.

What are the Bernina Express trains like?

Bernina Express trains all have a uniform ruby-red sheen. It makes them stand out against the snowy mountainous landscapes in winter and the meadows in summer.

There are 1st and 2nd class carriages on the Bernina Express. There isn’t much difference except 1st class carriages have slightly fewer seats than in 2nd class and they are covered in leather. Both carriage classes have windows, small tables, electrical sockets, and luggage compartments.

Official Bernina Express trains and the regional services that follow the same route have very few differences. Official trains have panoramic windows that don’t open and refreshment trolleys. Regional services have windows you can open (no glare on your photos!) and you can bring your own food and drink.

Which side of the Bernina Express train is better?

Most passengers agree that if you are travelling from south to north from Tirano to St Moritz, sit on the left side. But if you are travelling from north to south from St Moritz to Tirano, sit on the right. 

Bear in mind that you can move around the cabin to take photos! You aren’t glued to your seats.

Milan to Bernina Express Day Trip: That’s a Wrap!

That’s how I travelled on a Milan to Bernina Express day trip! I hope you found it useful and feel inspired to take the train journey yourself.

Are you currently planning a trip to Milan and thinking about booking tickets on the Bernina Express? Let me know in the comments below!

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Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

10 thoughts on “ Milan to Bernina Express Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know ”

I’ve never been to Europe. One of my fascinations is to visit the Swiss Alps via Bernina Express. Do the Regional trains take the same route? Where is the best place to stay to get the Bernina Train?

Thanks for your comment, Margaret! I can only speak to my experience and I stayed in Milan, which was ideal for our day trip. Regional trains might take a similar route or part of it, I’d look into Swiss rail timetables.

Hi, is it worth spending 1 night in St-Moritz in June? or 1-day trip back and forth is enough?

Hi JP! Personally, I’d say a one day trip back and forth is enough because it’s a very expensive town. However, if you have the cash to splash you might enjoy staying overnight for one night.

Hi Rebecca, I will be looking to do a return day trip from Milan to St Moritz via the Bernina train. There appears to be a plethora of different tours/operators all with the main attraction of the Bernina train and time at St Moritz but with slightly different routes and stops. When choosing one of these trips have you heard of any bad experiences or just choose the trip with the itinerary that suits you best and chances are it will be OK. Thanks, John

Hi John! I cannot speak to different operators but I can tell you which one I went with: (this is an affiliate link) https://www.getyourguide.com/milan-l139/bernina-express-stmoritz-day-tour-from-milan-t6401/?partner_id=3MCH8KJ&utm_medium=online_publisher

We chose this one primarily because I went with my Mexican friend and we wanted a Spanish and English tour guide. I could not fault this tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I’d recommend it to anyone! The tour guide was friendly and professional, the tour ran on time, but nothing was too rushed. When you book with Get Your Guide, every single tour has free cancellation up until 24 hours before the start time so you can always book it and then change your mind later.

I hope you have a fantastic time, John! And let me know if you have any more questions, I’d be happy to help!

How to figure out which is right side and left side when booking your seats?

Thanks for your comment, Nat! I booked a ticket on a carriage with unassigned seating, so unfortunately I won’t be able to help you with this question!

Very helpful post, thank you

You’re very welcome! 😀

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Bernina Express

From glaciers to palms.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site and pristine Alpine landscapes within reach: a trip on the Bernina Express is a travel experience in a class of its own.

On the highest railway tracks in Europe and the steepest in the world, the Bernina Express takes its passengers on a unique journey through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. From Switzerland’s oldest town through wildly romantic gorges, past spectacular man-made structures such as the Landwasser Viaduct, up to the eternal ice of the glaciers and back down to the palm trees in the Italian town of Tirano: no other Alpine crossing is so spectacular. The modern panoramic cars offer first-class travel comfort and make the impressive landscape appear almost within reach.

Due to construction work, the route between Thusis and Preda must be closed from Monday, 4 November 2024 to Saturday, 16 November 2024. The Bernina Express (PE 951 / 952) will be rerouted via Vereina during this period. The online timetable has been adjusted.

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Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge. Children aged 6 to 16 pay half the fare.

The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full for everyone. Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, 1-day-travelpass, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses, Eurrail and Interrail passes are valid. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full.

Useful information

A seat reservation on the Bernina Express is mandatory. You can reserve your seat online , by telephone on +41 81 288 65 65 or at any ticket office in Europe (by telephone or at train stations, at the earliest three months before the date of travel).

The seat reservation per direction and person is:

Bernina Express – Short-distance route 2024 (St. Moritz – Tirano / Tirano – St. Moritz) 10.12.2023 – 14.12.2024, CHF 28.00

Bernina Express – Long-distance route 2024 (Chur – Tirano / Tirano – Chur) Low season: 10.12.2023 – 30.04.2024/01.11.2024 – 14.12.2024, CHF 32.00 Peak season: 01.05.2024 – 31.10.2024, CHF 36.00

Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge. Children aged 6 to 16 pay half the fare. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full for everyone.

Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, 1-day-travelpass, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses, Eurrail and Interrail passes are valid. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full.

Groups of 10 or more people benefit from a 30% discount on regular public transport tickets. You can submit your enquiry using this contact form .

For CHF 38.00, you can also pre-order a snack bag for your trip on the Bernina Express. The offer can only be booked for a journey on the Bernina Express from Chur. The snack bag contains:

Bernina antipasti (olives, salami, mountain cheese, breadsticks)

Dried apple slices

Zweifel paprika crisps

Passugger mineral water, still 5 dl

Riesling Silvaner Graf von Spiegelberg 2 dl

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact [email protected] .

The Rhaetian Railway does everything it can to make travelling by train as pleasant an experience as possible for people with impaired mobility. And that also includes the journey on the Bernina Express. We recommend the following procedure for booking and organising your trip: 

Option 1 There are special seats available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchair. These seats must be booked using our Railservice by calling +41 81 288 65 65 or sending an e-mail to  railservice(at)rhb.ch  

Option 2 Passengers with impaired mobility who can leave their wheelchairs can book their seats themselves at a station or online. 

In both cases it is important that the passenger pre-orders the boarding and alighting assistance from the SBB Call Center Handicap by calling 0800 007 102 or sending an e-mail to  mobil(at)sbb.ch   

Further information on travelling with a disability

It is possible to take luggage on the Bernina Express. However, the space available is limited. For this reason, we ask that you only travel with hand luggage if possible to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.

Would you prefer to have your luggage delivered? We will bring your luggage from station to station or even from door to door, so you can enjoy your journey on the Bernina Express even more.

You can find more information here .

Self-service bicycle transport is not allowed on the Bernina Express. Please use the marked compartments or luggage cars on the regional (Regio) trains. 

More information on transporting bicycles

Dogs are allowed on the Bernina Express and do not require a reservation. Depending on the size of the dog, a dog ticket is required. Information can be found  here  .

Please make sure you have the necessary documents with you for crossing the border into Italy.

Bernina Express Bus

Those who want to experience even more Italian flavour can continue their panoramic journey from Tirano on the red Bernina Express Bus. Passing the expansive vineyards of the Valtellina, going through picturesque villages and along Lake Como, the journey takes you to Lugano – and from there at high speed through the Gotthard Base Tunnel back to German-speaking Switzerland.

Bernina Express Bus timetable

Route:  Lugano Stazione Nord – Tirano – Lugano Stazione Nord

15.02. - 24.03.2024 (Thu-Sun)

28.03. - 27.10.2024 (daily)

31.10 - 24.11.2024 (Thu-Sun)

Bernina Express Bus 2024 Low season: 10.12.2023 – 30.04.2024 / 01.11. – 14.12.2024, CHF 14.00 Peak season: 01.05. –- 31.10.2024, CHF 16.00

Bernina Wine Express

Alpine panorama and wine tasting, bernina herb express, journey into the valposchiavo world of herbs, bernina express - last minute, benefit from attractive prices, a fascinatingly different gift.

• [email protected]
• +39 02 3055 4059
• Via Silvio Pellico 8, 20121 MIlano, Italy

• Milan & Lake District
• Cinque Terre & Liguria
• Alba & Piedmont
• Florence & Tuscany
• Venice & Veneto
• Naples & Amalfi Coast
• Apulia & Matera
• Travel Agency
• The Vatican to Venice
• Cinque Terre & North Italy
• Puglia & the Amalfi Coast
• North Italy & The Lakes
• Milan to Florence
• Milan to Venice
• Florence to Venice
• Florence to Rome
• Rome to Naples
• Transfer Service
• Bernina Express

About the tour

Bernina Express Private Tour from Milan

The tour will begin with your private driver collecting you from your hotel in Milan (another custom location in the area can be agreed) with a luxury sedan or minivan.

Our Bernina Express private tour from Milan will take you to the infinite beauty of the Swiss Alps, ride along one of the most beautiful railway routes of the planet and discover the charming alpine village of Sankt Moritz. In 3h30m, after a scenic road on Lake Como, you will reach the town of Tirano close to Swiss border.

In Tirano, you will board the Bernina Express railway service, the famous historic Swiss Red Train that travels through the UNESCO-listed site Bernina Pass, finally reaching the wonderful town of Sankt Moritz, after a 2h breathtaking journey. Watch the landscape change from windswept canyons and snow-clad glaciers to the chic chalets of St Moritz.

In Sankt Moritz, you will have some free time, to enjoy the elegance and chicness of one of them most famous Swiss Alpine towns, to do some shopping and enjoy a typical lunch.  Your private day trip will end back in Milan  (or other preferred location) after a 3h drive.

Please note that this tour is subject to availability of the Red Train tickets and that this experience includes second class train tickets. If you wish, it is possible to upgrade to first class. We usually purchase window seats whenever possible but if window seats are sold-out at the time of your booking we will book isle seats.

Optional for the tour, we can organize a private guide that will stay with you during the trip by train and the visit of St. Moritz.

• DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Your hotel in Milan (a different location may be agreed)
• DEPARTURE TIME: Suggested departure from 6:45am to 7:15am
• DURATION: 12 hrs
• INCLUDED: English speaking driver, Fully equipped Mercedes Benz vehicle, WI-FI on board, Bernina Express train tickets
• NOT INCLUDED: Food & Drinks, Private Guide, Upgrade to 1st Class tickets
• LANGUAGES: English – Italian

You can customize your tour according to your needs and preferences, our staff would be happy to inform you about different options, alternative routes and sites. Please note that the Bernina Express train tickets are subject to limited availability. Please  contact us  prior to your booking so that we can check train tickets availability.

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Full Day Tour to St. Moritz with Bernina Express ride, departing from Milan

A remarkable and enjoyable trip for all six of us.

Excursion to st.moritz with bernina express from milan.

You're staying in Milan and you would like to spend your day in a different way? Then the tour of St. Moritz is the best choice for you. Departing from Milan , you will visit  the lovely St. Moritz  and you will take a ride on the panoramic Bernina Express .

Day Trip to St. Moritz with Bernina Express ride, departing from Milan highlights: 

• Travel on the characteristic Bernina Express train
• Live the eXPerience of taking a ride on the steepest rail route in the world
• Visit the renowned St. Moritz, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland
• Be enchanted by the breathtaking panoramic views of Alpine landscape
• Enjoy some pleasant shopping in the most exclusive streets of St. Moritz

Day Trip to St. Moritz with Bernina Express ride, departing from Milan

Through this exciting day trip from Milan you will have the opportunity to visit two beautiful towns, such as Tirano and St. Moritz , also taking a ride on a characteristic train that will allow you to admire the splendid mountains and take terrific photographs.

Enjoy a walk in the beautiful city of St. Moritz

You will depart from Milan by bus, to reach St. Moritz , world-known as a ski resort in winter and leisure tourist destination in the summer, you will have free time to stroll through the picturesque narrow streets with boutiques and stores of all kinds. Also, do not miss the chance to visit the famous chocolate shops or cozy cake shops where you can sample and purchase products of local tradition. You will have some free time for lunch (NOT included) and, after that, you will take the characteristic Bernina Express to reach the beautiful city of Tirano.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps

Once at the station (423 meters above sea level) you will go aboard the characteristic Bernina Express , a comfortable red train that will allow you to admire the breathtaking scenery. You will eXPerience a journey surrounded by crevasses, green valleys and glaciers, passing across high bridges and dark tunnels on the highest railway in Europe. You will pass through the heart of the Engadine Valley , with the opportunity to take terrific photos, including viaducts sinuous spiral and narrow curves up to the Bernina Pass (2253 meters above sea level), to finally arrive in Tirano

A great experience from Milan

The Bernina Express journeyh will end in the lively city of Tirano, It is famous for the beautiful Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano , the Oratory of St. Peter and the majestic Palazzo Salis with its imposing door of the late 16th century. From here, you will return to  Milan by bus, after this incredible experience of  full day tour on Bernina Express.  

Other eXPeriences from Milan

Join also the  Full day tour to Lake Como and Bellagio, departing from Milan and the  Day tour to the Cinque Terre and minicruise, from Milan .

• Departure from Milan by bus
• Train ride on the Bernina Express
• Return to Milan by bus
• Transfer by bus from Milan
• Bernina Train ticket (2nd class), NO panoramic coach
• Professional English speaking tour leader
• Tips (optional)
• Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel
• Meals and beverages

Meeting point information and local telephone numbers at your destination are included on your Confirmation Voucher.

  We recommend comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.   This tour requires a valid identity card or a passport (for some nationalities a visa might be necessary - check it with the Swiss consulate).   Please note that times are subjected to organization and/or traffic problem and train itinerary could be change from/to St.Moritz.   Be informed that panoramic coaches are NOT guaranteed.  

Reviews of Full Day Tour to St. Moritz with Bernina Express ride, departing from Milan

The awesome scenery and natural beauty, it was a fantastic day, loved the scenery.

1 DAY TOUR TO ST. MORITZ & BERNINA EXPRESS

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The Bernina Express train route takes you through incredible alpine landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it's that amazing. Think of all the clichés about the beauty of scenic train travel and multiply them by 1000. You'll end up on this journey through Switzerland.  

Find out about the Bernina Express route and how you can experience it yourself.  

Bernina Express routes

How to get to the Bernina Express route

The route in numbers.

Journey time: 4 hours from start to finish

Distance: 76 miles (122 km) of track

Top elevation:  7392 feet above sea level

Highlights: 55 tunnels; 196 bridges & viaducts

Where does it start and end?

Trains run in both directions, from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. There are 25 stops along the route. To enjoy all the thrilling twists, turns, and views, we recommend riding from start to finish.

Train types

Two types of train.

It's good to know that the Bernina Express is the name of the unique panoramic train that runs on this particular route. Standard regional trains also operate on the same route, through the same beautiful scenery!  

See how the trains compare

Should i take a normal train or the bernina express train.

If you're only traveling this route once in your lifetime, you should make the most of it! The reservation for the Bernina Express train is worth the extra fee. The Bernina Express train mostly has panoramic cars, more personal space, and an overall better atmosphere. There are also several regular train cars that don't require a reservation. The Bernina Express is a direct train, wheras on a regional train you'll have to change trains and transfer your luggage.

However, the regional train journey is still an amazing trip. You'll see the same incredible views for free! You'll also be able to stop in one of the small towns along the way for a closer look. The choice is yours.

When is the best time to go?

The Bernina Express route runs all year round. Visit in spring to see green fields and farming villages in all their colorful beauty.

Visit during winter, and frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and local skiers are the main sights. In short, any time is a good time to take this ride!

Regional train insider tips

Stop along the route to enjoy the small villages you encounter. Simply take another regional train later to continue your journey.

In winter, it gets dark quickly. If you want to experience the wonderful scenery on the Bernina Express route by regional train, be sure to board a train earlier in the day.

Reservations information

Reservation costs, bernina express panorama observation car.

Seat reservations are mandatory .

Prices for 2023-2024:  

• December 12 to April 30: 32 CHF 
• May 1 to October 31: 36 CHF
• November 1 to December 14: 32 CHF

Bernina Express regular train car

No reservations needed

Additional bus route

You can also take an additional Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano. The bus rides through beautiful landscapes and past Lake Como. The following reservation costs apply:

• June to September: 16 CHF
• October: 14 CHF
• 1 November to 10 December: 10 CHF

You can find more information about the Bernina Express on the official website .

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

How to make reservations

With railway carriers

• Go to the Bernina Express website .
• For a seat on the observation car, choose a route with the Bernina Express symbol.
• When filling in your passenger details, you'll see a drop-down box called "Reductions". Simply select "Eurail Pass" from the options.
• You only have to pay for your seat reservation(s) and you can print your reservation(s) at home.

Other platforms

• Rail Europe

Locally at the train station in Switzerland

Additional information

Conditions for eurail pass holders.

Eurail Passes are valid on the entire Bernina Express journey. Seat reservations are compulsory only for the special panorama train and bus from Tirano to Lugano (these are 2 separate reservations). The price for a train reservation depends on the season. The regional train that operates on this route is included in your Pass. Eurail Pass holders must have a Pass valid for Switzerland. Although the Bernina Express partly runs through Italy, a Pass for Italy is not required.

You can find more information about summer and winter schedules and fares at the Bernina Express website .

Special features

The Bernina Express offers breathtaking views from the beautiful 1 st and 2 nd class panorama cars. The train climbs up to the 2253 m high Bernina pass without the help of a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The entire trip is narrated. An optional bus connects Tirano (Italy) to Lugano.

Facilities and services

• Audio system
• Snack trolley

Facilities may differ per train and route.

Operated by:

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You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

The Bernina Express Train in Switzerland: Everything You Must Know

Last Updated: September 2, 2020

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Whether you’re an avid lover of train travel or simply a frequent snooper on Instagram , odds are you’ve heard of the world-famous Bernina Express train in Switzerland, frequently hailed as one of the most scenic train rides in the entire country.

And guys, let me tell you…

This. ride. is. the. bomb. diggity.

I have a jar of happy tears and full SD cards to prove it!

What’s so special about the mystical Bernina Express?

Well, if timed properly, this one single train ride brings you on a whirlwind journey through the most incredible variety of landscapes that Switzerland has to offer, from snowy mountains, adorable villages and hilltop castles to bright blue lakes and the rustic charm of northern Italy.

I recently got to check this ride off my bucket list not just once, but twice in March: once from Chur to Tirano on board the official “Bernina Express”, and then back again from Tirano to Chur in a DIY fashion, using regional trains which travelled the same route.

While the experience was fantastic, prior to my trip, I found it comically difficult to find all the right information consolidated in one place, so here’s a guide on all the important must-knows before you ride the world-famous Bernina Express, including the route, the cost, whether or not it’s right for you, how to buy tickets, and a secret trick for doing the trip cheaper/with better photography opportunities!

Choo choo! Let’s go.

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First – A Quick Intro to the Bernina Express

So, as I mentioned earlier, the Bernina Express is a legendary train ride that is often hailed as one of the most scenic in the world.

Having done it, I can assure you that it’s akin to getting throatpunched with natural beauty.

With a relatively short 4 hour  journey time from start to finish, it takes half the time of the much lengthier Glacier Express , and covers just as many scenic landscapes, from fairytale castles and mystical viaducts to mountain-top lakes and and quaint Italian towns.

Along the way, you traverse 55 tunnels and 196 bridges/viaducts, which means plenty of action to keep your eyeballs busy. Taken end to end, you’ll get from Switzerland to Italy (or vice versa) in style, making it one of the most badass ways to country hop, certainly if you indulge in some on-board vino.

… All in all, the Bernina Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and well worth a try on your next Swiss adventure!

The Bernina Express Route

So, if you’re curious about where the Bernina Express goes, here’s a detailed breakdown of the route:

The Bernina Express route runs between Chur and Tirano. You can start at either end, but I did it from Chur to Tirano.

If you leave from Chur as I did, you pass through Thusis and Tiefencastel, going through the Domleschg valley which is dotted with countless mountain-top castles and pretty ruins.

The journey continues for an hour until one of the key moments of the trip: crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, about 5 minutes before you arrive at Filisur.

The train crosses the viaduct extremely quickly though, so blink and you might miss it. Have those cameras at the ready!

After Filisur, you go through the Albula tunnel and head onwards to the Upper Engadine valley, passing Pontresina along the way.

Then, upwards you go!

In March, this meant we were soon face to face with snowy mountains and and an endless snowy landscape.

Seeing the Lago Bianco was a highlight, because even though it was frozen over, part had began to melt which meant we got a glimpse at the intense colour of the lake. I’d love to see it again in the summer!

Soon, you reach the Ospizio Bernina, the route’s highest point (2253m above the sea).

From here, you begin a descent and the landscapes quickly begin to change. After a 20 minute photo stop at the Alp Grüm stop, the Bernina Express curves into the Poschiavo valley, and you’ll soon see how quickly those snowy mountains have been replaced by picturesque villages and a distinctly Mediterranean vibe.

You then pass the beautifully blue Lago di Poschiavo before taking on the Brusio spiral viaduct, which is a real treat to ride. Your journey wraps up in Tirano, but along the way you weave through tiny towns, at times occupying the entire road and being so close to houses you could probably knock on their doors if you tried. Such a cool experience!

Once in Tirano, you can disembark and check out the city, take the Bernina Express bus onwards to Lugano (summer only) or take it the way back to enjoy a nice roundtrip.

If you are looking for a Bernina Express route map, here’s one.

How Much Is It? An Explanation of Bernina Express Costs

First-time customers might have a little trouble understanding how much the Bernina Express actually costs.

I know I stumbled around for this info much longer than I’d like to admit, so here’s a simple explanation.

Buying a ticket to the Bernina Express comes in two parts: first you need to buy a base ticket which covers your fare from Point A to Point B, then you need to pay a mandatory reservation fee of 14CHF to hold your seat.

As such, the cost of the Bernina Express depends on where you’re starting, where you’re getting off, and of course, what class you pick.

Here’s a table summarizing the costs for 2020.

A Quick Review: Is the Bernina Express Worth It?

There are a lot of amazing things you can do in Switzerland, so you might be wondering, as a full-day activity that costs quite a bit of money, is the Bernina Express worth it?

My annoying answer: it depends!

If you love train travel and are looking for a relaxing way to enjoy some stunning landscapes, then the Bernina Express is 100% worth the money.

If you don’t love organized “touristy” things, and feel restless being trapped on a train for 4 hours (8 hours roundtrip), then you might be better off exploring other Swiss activities.

I’ll be honest: my preferred way of doing the Bernina Express is actually the DIY route that utilizes regional trains instead of the panoramic Bernina Express tourist train.

I’ll explain how to use this method below, but overall, doing it by regional train was only minorly less convenient, with amazing perks like windows you could open, substantially less crowds and of course, all the same landscapes as you would get on the regular Bernina Express.

I would recommend this route if you are more of an independent traveler.

Regardless though, the Bernina Express is a wonderful bucket list activity, and definitely one that I’m glad I did. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to book tickets, along with important tips to keep in mind.

How to Buy Bernina Express Tickets: Step by Step

Buying tickets for the Bernina Express can be a bit confusing, so here’s a foolproof guide to help you through the process.

OPTION A: From the official website

Step One: Go onto the official Bernina Express website here .

Step Two: Enter your Departure Point, Arrival Point and date of travel, bearing in mind you can only buy actual tickets 2 months in advance, but you can make a reservation (the most important part!) earlier than that, up to 6 months before (based on my own tests, as I’m able to make reservations for October at the time of writing this article, which was April).

Step Three: Choose your desired journey time and scroll down to choose your reserved seat, which will be highlighted in green. When you’re happy with your choice, press ‘Next’.

Step Four: Enter your details, press Next and pay up! Then you’re all done 🙂

OPTION B: Book a tour

If you’re looking for someone to take care of everything for you, or perhaps if you want to do the Bernina Express trip starting from another city you’re travelling in, then maybe booking a tour is a good idea.

There are many companies that offer tour packages which include transport from main cities (e.g. Zurich, Bern, Basel) to a Glacier Express stop, and also take care of your reservations and tickets. Of course, this will be more expensive than organizing everything yourself, but you do get a lot more ease of mind.

Booking a tour is ALSO a great trick for ensuring you get tickets, even more than 3 months in advance. This is important if you’re travelling from far away to do this ride!

So, if you’re interested in booking a tour, here are a few options:

How to Make a Bernina Express Seat Reservation

If you are travelling with a pass that covers the cost of your base ticket (e.g. Eurail, Interrail, Swiss Travel Pass ), then you won’t need to purchase a ticket, only a seat reservation.

Step by step, here’s how you do that.

Step Three: Click on your desired journey/departure time, then scroll down to the seating chart to select your seat. Your selected seat will be in green.

Step Four: Enter your information (first/last name and birthdate), then click on the Reduction menu and find your specific discount. If you’re using a Eurail pass for instance, select that. After you do so, the ticket price should be taken away from your cart and you’ll only need to pay the reservation fee. After that’s done, press Next, pay, and you’re all set! The details will be sent to you by email.

How to Get the Best Deal on Bernina Express Tickets

Bernina Express train tickets are a lot more affordable than the Glacier Express, but they’re still on the pricey side (you are travelling in Switzerland after all!).

That said, there are still a variety of ways that you can scheme your way into cheaper fares.

Here are some of those methods!

1. Use a rail pass

Listen up: this is how I managed to scheme my way into only paying 30 euros for my 1st class ticket!

Here’s how: When you use a Eurail/Interrail pass, that covers your base ticket fee which means you only need to pay for a reservation.

As such, I paid 306 euros for a Eurail global 10 day pass, (I got a free 1st class upgrade thanks to a sale they were running). I

then used 1 travel day on the Bernina Express, which evens out to only about 30 euros spent for this gorgeous ride (plus the 14 CHF reservation fee). Still an incredible deal, and by far the cheapest way to do it.

If you are travelling around Europe, getting a Eurail pass might be a good idea, because Switzerland is certainly where you get the best bang for your buck! Click here to browse the different passes and deals.

2. Consider a Swiss Travel Pass

This would be perfect for you if you plan to travel extensively around Switzerland.

A Swiss Travel Pass is similar to the Eurail/Interrail passes except it gives you unlimited transportation on trains, buses, boats and free public transport + museums).

I know that sounds like a total dream, but the obvious caveat is that it is still very expensive, so make sure to do the math and see if getting one would really be worth it. Click here for more info.

3. Consider getting a discount card

The Half Fare Travelcard is a very popular card that you can buy which (true to its name) gets you half price tickets.

In 2020, this card is 120 CHF for one month.

This sounds like a lot, but it could be worth it if you are spending an extended amount of time in Switzerland and plan to take multiple trains.

Click here for more details on pricing.

4. Do the “DIY” Bernina Express using regional trains

Last but not least, you can take regional trains instead of the official “Bernina Express”, which can work out to be cheaper as you don’t need to pay a reservation fee.

On my way back to Chur from Tirano, I decided to experiment and take regional trains along the Bernina Express route, just to compare the experience.

And honestly? I LOVED IT!

Having just endured four hours on a crowded train across from a judgey older couple, it was such a joy to hop on a regional train and have the first class car all to myself.

Best of all? You could open the windows on the leg from Tirano to Pontresina, and there is a special photography carriage available on many trains from Samedan to Chur, so if you’re a shutterbug like me, using regional trains is a perfect way to take excellent photos without ugly window reflections.

The main downside to this DIY route is you have to transfer a few times. I didn’t find this to be a problem. Basically this is the route:

• Tirano to Pontresina
• Pontresina to Samedan (only a quick 6 minute ride)
• Samedan to Chur

Because I didn’t have tons of heavy bags, I could easily hop onto these transfers, and the peace/quiet along with the excellent photo opportunities made it worth it.

NOTE: The Man in Seat 61 has an excellent hack for securing this trip for as low as 29.90! This involves booking the trip to depart from a German city and taking advantage of Deutsche Bahn’s super cheap Sparpreis ticket deals. Click here for more information on that special trick.

Last-Minute Bernina Express Tickets

Oftentimes, the Bernina Express sells out in peak season. If you find yourself in a situation where seats are completely sold out for your travel dates, don’t despair! Here are some solutions:

OPTION A: Check travel agencies/websites for organized tours

There are many companies that offer tour packages which include transport from main cities (e.g. Zurich, Bern, Basel) to a Bernina Express stop, and also take care of your reservations, tickets, lunch all for one package price.

Again, this will be more expensive than organizing everything yourself, but booking one these might help you score a spot even on a “sold out” train.

OPTION B: Do a DIY route with regional trains

Again, don’t panic if Bernina Express tickets are sold out.

Regional trains operate on the same railways as the Bernina Express, which means you can get the same views if you just take regional trains instead. The main inconvenience is you’d have to stop/transfer multiple times, but if you only want to do a portion of the ride, or don’t mind the switching, then this is a great way to still “do” the Bernina Express even when tickets are sold out.

And honestly, you know what? I actually preferred the DIY route! It was so much quieter, I had an entire carriage pretty much to myself, I could open the windows for two of the main rides and the few changes were super easy and non-disruptive.

This is the route you would have to take. More info on this later!

What to Pack for Your Bernina Express Trip

Passport: Don’t forget, if you start in Tirano, you WILL be taking the train from Italy to Switzerland (or the train from Switzerland to Italy if you start in Chur), so make sure you valid travel documents with you.

Headphones: The Infotrainment includes free audio stories that you can listen to, but you would need to bring your own headphones to listen to them (and not awkwardly press play at full volume in a full carriage like I did).

Sunglasses: Even in the wintertime, the sun gets blindingly bright, certainly when it reflects off the snow. Make sure you have sunglasses!

Polarizing filters: If you’re a keen photographer, know that reflections will probably get in the way of your shot. One way to get around this is to buy some polarizing filters. While they won’t get rid of the reflection 100%, it will be much better than not using a filter of any kind.

Layers: When the sun is out, the panorama cars get super hot. I would advise dressing in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.

Drinks/snacks: The food/drink selection is super limited on board and honestly, not the best quality. I would bring your own if possible.

How to DIY the Bernina Express on Regional Trains

Alright, now let’s dig into the really juicy stuff: how to do your own DIY Bernina Express.

I mentioned this a few times throughout the article, but basically, there are two ways you can see the landscapes of the Bernina Express:

• You can take the official ‘Bernina Express’ train that is marketed to tourists as a sightseeing experience
• You can take regional trains that go along the same route, which gives you the same landscapes but without touristy add-ons like the panoramic sightseeing car, souvenirs, Infotrainment, etc.

Having tested both methods, I actually preferred recreating the route by myself on regional trains for a few different reasons: less crowds, windows you could open and an overall more “independent” experience away from the giant tourist mobs you would encounter on the Bernina Express.

So, in my opinion, doing it this DIY way is perfect if…

• Tickets for the regular Bernina Express are sold out, and you still want to see all the pretty landscapes
• You are an avid photographer and would like the ability to roll the window down partway for photos
• You are more of an independent explorer and want to get away from the “packaged tour” feeling of the Bernina Express

To do the Bernina Express is a DIY way, you will need to split your journey into the following three rides (assuming you are leaving from Tirano).

And that’s it! The exact same landscapes as the actual Bernina Express, without being on it ; )

I personally used my Eurail pass for all these rides, but  if you want the easiest way to check prices/times of point to point tickets, check out the official SBB website .

See the “how to get the best deals” section above for ideas on how to get these tickets the cheapest possible way.

11 Final Tips for Riding the Bernina Express

Alright, so now that I’ve talked your ear off about the many ways to get tickets and make the most of your experience, I have some final words of wisdom to chuck at you. In no particular order, they are…

1. Sit on the right side!

Hands down, the right side of the train (from Chur to Tirano) or the left side (from Tirano to Chur) is the far superior side.

Unlike the Glacier Express , which I would argue had pretty equal views on both sides, the Bernina Express definitely has a “better side” especially if you want a nice view of the Landwasser Viaduct.

While reserving is tricky because you don’t actually know which way the carriage will end up facing, just remember this for photos and if you see a free spot!

2. Reserve your seat ASAP

The Bernina Express is an incredibly popular train.

Even when I looked again in April, many of the window seats for 1st class in mid-June were mostly taken. I would recommend you get your seat reserved as soon as you know you’ll be doing the Bernina Express because ideally you’re going to want a window seat, and if travelling with others, you’ll want to sit together!

While they don’t have an official policy on how far in advance you can reserve seats, my tests with the online system seem to indicate the limit is about 6 months in advance.

3. If you’re not sitting on the right side, loiter by the luggage racks during key landscapes

If you have the unfortunate luck of being sat on the wrong side (in my opinion, the left side from Chur to Tirano, or the right side from Tirano to Chur), don’t despair.

First of all – the windows are huge so you’ll be able to see the landscapes no matter what.

BUT, secondly, if you are interested in capturing key moments of the journey with a photo (e.g. going over the Landwasser Viaduct), prepare yourself well and nab a spot on the right side of the train near the luggage rack!

This way you can have a good view of the right side, without disturbing anybody. You can also go to the middle connecting area between carriages.

I’ve heard the windows there can open halfway for good photos.

4. Remember your passport

Again, you’ll be crossing the border if you are taking the Bernina Express the entire way, so remember to bring some valid travel documents with you.

5. Get to the train early

Assuming you are boarding the Bernina Express on the first stop, I would advise getting to the train about 20-30 minutes before departure time.

This extra buffer time will make a world of difference in terms of keeping stress levels down, and at least based on my own experience, there’s always awkward seating misunderstandings when the train gets close to departure (e.g. one person sits in the wrong seat, displaces the next person, etc) and it all gets very confusing.

If you fear confrontation like me, getting there early is an easy way to ensure you get in your seat without having to fight with anybody!

Additionally, if you have luggage, getting on board early will mean you have first pick at the limited spots for storing luggage.

6. Know where to put your luggage

The Bernina Express has some luggage racks, but there are also slots in between the backs of seats (you’ll see what I mean) where you can slide in smaller suitcases.

If you can’t find a place, the staff are more than willing to help you out.

7. Take advantage of the free Infotrainment

The Infotrainment available on board the Bernina Express is actually a really fun and interesting addition to the ride – one that I noticed nobody was using!

So, take this tip now and run with it: if you have a smartphone during your Bernina Express ride, you can log onto a special WiFi network on board that connects you to the Bernina Express Infotrainment system, which shows you a moving map of where you are, along with a feed of fun facts/historical tidbits as you pass through different stops on the Bernina Express route.

If you bring headphones (see the tip below), you can even listen to narration, commentary and stories related to each stop. Details on how to access this network should be available on a pamphlet on the table.

8. Bring headphones

Again, if you want to make the most of the Infotrainment experience described above, make sure you have headphones so you can plug in and listen!

9. Bring sun protection

Oh my gosh, some of the landscapes along the Bernina Express route are so bright, you’ll feel your eyeballs burning ever so slightly.

To avoid this tingly sensation, be sure to bring sunglasses and sun protection if you have sensitive skin.

10. Don’t forget water and snacks for your Bernina Express trip!

To my permanently hungry hungry hippos, you need to know that there is no Dining Car available on the Bernina Express.

Instead, there is a staff member that comes around with a little trolly selling a limited selection of drinks and snacks. 

To be honest with you, the food/drink options are kind of overpriced and underwhelming. With coffee for instance, you can only order black coffee or cafe au lait (not even a cappuccino! my diva self was shocked).

Experience-wise, it pales in comparison to the Glacier Express , where you are served hot meals at your seat with proper cutlery and glasses. So, to avoid disappointment, be sure to bring your own refreshments.

11. Be mindful that the Bernina Express is not a super baby-friendly experience

Last but not least, I have to add this because I sat next to a young couple with a baby, and saw their struggle first-hand.

Sadly, the Bernina Express isn’t an ideal ride for a little baby, here’s why: the train can make some very random and sudden noises that startle babies, and there aren’t any change tables available in the train bathrooms.

All of this makes bringing your newborn spawn onto the train a bit more difficult.

So, in case you are considering doing this journey with a baby, keep those limitations in mind.

Do you have any more questions about the Bernina Express?

Phew! That was a long post, but I hope you found this guide helpful in planning your Bernina Express trip. Safe travels, and have an amazing time!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Bernina Express Train in Switzerland: Everything You Must Know”

Thank you so much for this comprehensive post! It has made my planning for my solo trip to Switzerland a lot less stressful. Cheers 🙂

Fantastic report!!!

THIS IS SO HELPFUL! thank you!

You’re welcome!!!

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