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The oldest town in Switzerland, Chur is a good starting point for your Bernina adventure. Before you hop on, check out the car-free old town decked with many shops, galleries, and restaurants.
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Bernina Express tickets
- Take a one-way ride on the Bernina Express through breath-taking Alpine landscapes from Tirano to/from Chur or St. Moritz, with seat reservations.
- Savor the views of the Swiss Alps from spacious windows as the AC train zips past peaks and valleys, plus get easy connections from all three stations.
- Enjoy free WiFi, and a minibar at your expense, plus use power supply to keep your devices all charged up, all while enjoy 2nd-class comfort!
- Download the InfoT(r)ainment app to access all your route info in one handy digital guide and keep your travel plans organized and easy!
- Take a one-way ride on the Bernina Express through breath-taking Alpine landscapes from Tirano to/from Chur or St. Moritz, with seat reservations.
- Savor the views of the Swiss Alps from spacious windows as the AC train zips past peaks and valleys, plus get easy connections from all three stations.
- Enjoy free WiFi, and a minibar at your expense, plus use power supply to keep your devices all charged up, all while enjoy 2nd-class comfort!
- Download the InfoT(r)ainment app to access all your route info in one handy digital guide and keep your travel plans organized and easy!
Inclusions
- One-way train transfers between Chur, Tirano, & St. Moritz
- 2nd class seats
- Reserved seats
- AC-coaches
- Free WiFi
- Power supply
- InfoT(r)ainment app
Exclusions
- Minibar at your expense
Please click here for a detailed timetable and here for the route map.
- Reserved seats will be attributed automatically based on availability.
- Please make sure you have the necessary documents with you for crossing the border into Italy/Switzerland.
- Passengers can pre-order boarding and alighting assistance from the SBB Call Center Handicap by calling 0800 007 102 or sending an email to mobil@sbb.ch.
- There are special seats available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchair. These seats must be booked by calling +41 81 288 65 65 or sending an e-mail to railservice@rhb.ch.
- Children aged 6 and under can travel free of charge without entitlement to their own seat.
- Immerse yourself in the Bernina Express journey with the free InfoT(r)ainment app, your digital guide to alpine wonders.
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Milan
Milan, the global capital of fashion and design and a major financial hub, makes for the perfect starting point for your Alpine adventure.
160 kms
2 hours 30 mins
1
Tirano
2 attractions
Take a walk through Tirano’s charming streets, squares, and fountains while soaking in the picturesque mountain views.
Things to do
1. Palazzo Salis
Tickets not included
A 17th-century residence turned museum showcasing beautiful frescoes, ornate furniture, and a fascinating history tied to the local aristocracy.
2. Basilica of Madonna di Tirano
Tickets not included
Built in the 16th century at the site of the Virgin Mary’s apparition, this basilica features a Latin cross layout, sculptures, carvings, and other works of art.
50 kms
2 hours 20 mins
2
St. Moritz
2 attractions
Reach St. Moritz on the Bernina Express, taking in Alpine vistas, glaciers, and lakes that make the ride unforgettable.
Things to do
1. St. Moritz Ski Resort
Hit the slopes at this luxury resort, or relax with hot chocolate in a chalet, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.
2. Lake St. Moritz
Free Admission
This sparkling lake is a hub for outdoor activities. In winter, it’s famous for hosting polo matches on the frozen surface.
50 kms
2 hours 20 mins
3
Tirano
Return to Tirano, where the Bernina Express ends. Explore local cafes or stroll along the Adda River to unwind.
160 kms
2 hours 30 mins
4
END POINT
Milan
- Enjoy a remarkable full-day guided excursion through the spectacular landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
- Board the legendary Bernina Express Train with your reserved ticket for a ride deemed “fairytale-like” by many.
- Zoom along the UNESCO Bernina Pass at 2256 meters above sea level, presenting unmatched photography opportunities.
- Enjoy sights of icy glaciers, towering bridges, wild gorges, and loop tunnels. Learn more about them from your expert guide!
- Take a stroll through the luxury resort of St. Moritz and enjoy a cup of world-famous Swiss hot chocolate.
- Enjoy a remarkable full-day guided excursion through the spectacular landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
- Board the legendary Bernina Express Train with your reserved ticket for a ride deemed “fairytale-like” by many.
- Zoom along the UNESCO Bernina Pass at 2256 meters above sea level, presenting unmatched photography opportunities.
- Enjoy sights of icy glaciers, towering bridges, wild gorges, and loop tunnels. Learn more about them from your expert guide!
- Take a stroll through the luxury resort of St. Moritz and enjoy a cup of world-famous Swiss hot chocolate.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour around St. Moritz
- Expert English, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Milan
- Round-trip Bernina Express train tickets from Tirano to St. Moritz
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, German & French
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Food & drinks
- Tip: Onboard the Bernina Express, open your windows and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
- This tour is available in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, German & French.
- You are required to carry along your current (valid) passport on the day of travel.
- You may not leave luggage on the coach.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hop-on Hop-off trains in Europe using one pass!
Eurail, Interrail, and Swiss Travel Passes are valid on the entire Bernina Express journey. Unlike traditional train tickets, these passes provide flexible access to most trains in 33 European countries.
- Benefit from access to tickets for regular and premium trains, buses, and boats with the cost-effective Swiss Travel Pass.
- Enjoy 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days of access to Switzerland's public transit in more than 90 cities and towns.
- Opt for 2nd tickets or exclusive 1st class tickets on panoramic trains & Swiss boat trips.
- Get unlimited travel on premium panorama trains such as the Glacier Express, Luzern Interlaken Express, and more.
- Your pass includes excursions by the Rigi, Stoosbahn, and CabriO Stanserhorn, along with discounted tickets on cable cars and mountain railways like Jungfraujoch!
- Benefit from access to tickets for regular and premium trains, buses, and boats with the cost-effective Swiss Travel Pass.
- Enjoy 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days of access to Switzerland's public transit in more than 90 cities and towns.
- Opt for 2nd tickets or exclusive 1st class tickets on panoramic trains & Swiss boat trips.
- Get unlimited travel on premium panorama trains such as the Glacier Express, Luzern Interlaken Express, and more.
- Your pass includes excursions by the Rigi, Stoosbahn, and CabriO Stanserhorn, along with discounted tickets on cable cars and mountain railways like Jungfraujoch!
Inclusions
- Swiss Travel Pass in Switzerland (route map here)
- 1st or 2nd class seats (optional)
- Unlimited access to train, bus, boat, and mountain railway tickets
- Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass MOB, Gothard Panorama Express, and Luzern Interlaken Express
- Unlimited use of public transit in more than 90 towns & cities within Switzerland
- Free admission to 500+ museums - click here to know more.
- Mountain excursions to Brunni, Klewenalp, Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
- Discounts available for mountain railways and cable cars
- Tip: Always carry your pass with you, as ticket inspectors may request to see it on trains and at attractions.
- Staff is available for guests requiring disability assistance.
- This pass is valid only for residents outside of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Cards are pre-validated at the time of purchase and can be purchased 6 months in advance.
- Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by a parent.
- This is a public transportation service, seating will be on a first-come first-serve basis.
- Travel for free on a few designated routes by simply presenting your pass and passport/proof of residence to the conductor on the train. No need to buy a separate ticket beforehand!
- While seat reservation is not necessary for most of the routes, please confirm before you travel as the seat reservation fee is not included in the pass.
- An electronic voucher will be sent to your email instantly after booking confirmation.
- Your pass will be activated on the day selected during booking.
- For example, if you picked the 3-day pass, your pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. It ends at 5am on the day following the last day.
- Note : Unused and unactivated passes are refundable up to 1 day prior to the 1st date of validity. Thereafter, fees are applied on the 1st day of validity or later, if evidence of non-use is supplied. For this, Rail Europe needs to be contacted. The claim for a refund will be refused if no proof of partial non-use is presented.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- With this flexible Swiss Travel Pass, get unrestricted access to regular and premium trains, buses, and boats for any 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days in a month.
- Get free and unlimited access to the public transport system spanning over 90 cities and towns in Switzerland.
- Take unlimited journeys on panorama trains, including the Glacier Express and Luzern Interlaken Express, and enjoy free access to over 500 museums.
- Your pass covers mountain excursions to Brunni, Stoos, and more, with up to 50% off on mountain railway and cable car fares, like those to Jungfraujoch.
- Want a quiet journey? Opt for a 1st class ticket for a 'do not disturb' experience or mingle with fellow travelers with a 2nd class ticket.
- With this flexible Swiss Travel Pass, get unrestricted access to regular and premium trains, buses, and boats for any 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days in a month.
- Get free and unlimited access to the public transport system spanning over 90 cities and towns in Switzerland.
- Take unlimited journeys on panorama trains, including the Glacier Express and Luzern Interlaken Express, and enjoy free access to over 500 museums.
- Your pass covers mountain excursions to Brunni, Stoos, and more, with up to 50% off on mountain railway and cable car fares, like those to Jungfraujoch.
- Want a quiet journey? Opt for a 1st class ticket for a 'do not disturb' experience or mingle with fellow travelers with a 2nd class ticket.
Inclusions
- 3/4/6/8/15 days flexible validity
- 1st or 2nd class seats
- Unlimited access to train, bus & boat
- Unlimited travel on panoramic trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass MOB, Gothard Panorama Express & Luzern Interlaken Express
- Unlimited access to public transport in over 90 cities in Switzerland
- Entry to 500+ museums
- Mountain excursions to Rigi, Stanserhorn & Stoos
- Discounts on mountain railways & cable cars
- Discounts on Lyria trains between France & Switzerland
- Discounts on Nightjet trains through Switzerland
- Tip: For popular scenic routes like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, consider making reservations in advance to secure your seat.
- This pass is only valid for residents outside of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Click here to view the area of validity.
- Cards are prevalidated at the time of purchase and can be purchased 6 months in advance.
- This is a public transportation service, seating will be on a first come first serve basis.
- Staff is available for guests requiring disability assistance.
- Travel for free on a few designated routes by simply presenting your pass and passport/proof of residence to the conductor on the train. No need to buy a separate ticket beforehand.
- While seat reservation is not necessary for most of the routes, please confirm before you travel as the seat reservation fee is not included in the pass.
- An electronic voucher will be sent to your email instantly after booking confirmation.
- You will need to activate your pass at www.activateyourpass.com. You will receive a valid ticket for each activated travel day. You can either print your ticket or display it on your mobile device.
- This pass gives you a selected number of travel days. For example, With a 3-day pass, you can take as many trips as you want within a calendar day – midnight to 5am on the following day.
- These 3 days (or the option of days you pick) do not need to be used continuously. It can be any 3 days within 1 month from the first date of validity.
- Activated tickets can be deactivated/changed any number of times until 1 day prior to the selected travel day. On the selected travel day, an activated ticket cannot be deactivated anymore.
- Note : Unused and unactivated passes are refundable up to 1 day prior to the 1st date of validity. Thereafter, fees are applied on the 1st day of validity or later, if evidence of non-use is supplied. For this, Rail Europe needs to be contacted. The claim for a refund will be refused if no proof of partial non-use is presented.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Bernina Express – Need to Know
- Route: Chur/St Moritz - Tirano (Italy)
- Frequency: Number of trains running per day varies with the season & route*
- Schedule: Timetable changes seasonally, check updates online
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 144 km
- Reservation: Seat reservations are mandatory
- Stops: Number of stops varies with the route
- Ticket types: First Class & Second Class tickets
- Requirements: Bernina Express tickets & seat reservation supplements; Passport & valid travel documents for Switzerland & Italy
- Facts: Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site; passes through 55 tunnels & 196 bridges
Recommended tickets: Bernina Express Round Trip Tickets , Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail Global Pass, Interrail Global Pass
*Some trains start in Chur and travel to Tirano (no stop in St Moritz), while others start in St Moritz and continue to Tirano; the number of trains running a day will vary depending on the season - a maximum of three and a minimum of one train will run every day as per season.
Choose your Bernina Express ticket
There are multiple ways to gain access to the train. You need a ticket and a seat reservation supplement. You can purchase separate Bernina Express tickets or get a travel pass like a Eurail/Interrail Pass or a Swiss Travel Pass. If you get the passes, the ticket fare is covered but you need to pay for the seat reservation separately.
Bernina Express train tickets
- Covers one-way or return Bernina Express journeys
- Includes both the ticket fare & seat reservation supplement
Ticket options:
- One-Way Tickets
- Round-Trip Tickets
Swiss Travel Pass
- Covers the Swiss Travel System including the Bernina Express
- Seat reservations need to be purchased separately
Eurail Pass
- For non-European residents
- Cover Swiss trains including Bernina Express
- Seat reservations are to be purchased separately
Interrail Pass
- For European residents
- Cover Swiss trains including Bernina Express
- Seat reservations are to be purchased separately
Bernina Express first class
- Best suited for: Travelers looking for privacy & better amenities
- Panoramic windows with more space & less crowd
- 2+1 seat composition with one entire column of just window seats
- Complimentary Lindt chocolates and tea
Bernina Express second class
- Best suited for: Budget travelers
- Panoramic windows
- 2+2 seat composition with both columns having 2 seats each
- Affordable tickets
Bernina Express Ticket
Bernina Express Ticket Type
Eligibility
Prices
Swiss Travel Pass
Non-residents of Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Starting from CHF 120
Interrail Pass
All European residents except Swiss citizens/official residents
Starting from CHF 266.54
Scenic highlights of the Bernina Express route
Chur
Plan your Bernina Express adventure
Choice of route
Seat reservations
Facilities
Good to know
- Some Bernina Express trains start or end at Chur while others start or end at St Moritz. You can opt for a route as per your base location. Please note that the trains connecting Chur do not stop at St Moritz.
- The long journey from Chur to Tirano takes 4 hours. The shorter ride from St Moritz to Tirano will take only 2.5 hours. Choose the route as per your time availability.
- The choice between first and second-class tickets will depend on your comfort needs, privacy, and budget.
- Travel season and daylight availability should also be factored in when choosing the route.
- To access Bernina Express, you need a ticket and a seat reservation.
- The Bernina Express ticket includes the ticket fare and the reservation costs.
- If you are traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass or a Eurail/Interrail Pass, your rail pass will cover the ticket fare alone. You need to purchase seat reservations from the Bernina Express website separately. Read more about seat reservations with Swiss Travel Pass
- You can also take regional trains along the Bernina Express route and avoid the seat reservation charges. However, you will have to change trains a few times.
- Panoramic windows: The first and second-class coaches of the Bernina Express have huge, panoramic windows perfect for sightseeing.
- Complimentary food: First-class coaches offer complimentary Lindt chocolates and herbal tea.
- Spacious seats: Relax in comfortable seating with ample legroom. There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Wifi: Stay connected on your journey with the free wifi available onboard.
- Luggage racks: Stow away your baggage in the spacious luggage racks.
- Temperature-controlled cabins: Maintain a comfortable climate regardless of weather.
- Snack trolley service: A mini-cart serves beverages, light eats, and souvenirs on the Bernina Express. Please note that there is no dining car or restaurant.
- Accessibility: There are spaces dedicated to wheelchair users on the Bernina Express. There is also an accessible toilet in the first class. Passengers need to pre-book assistance by dialing the SBB Call Center Handicap.
- Pet policy: Dogs can ride the Bernina Express without a reservation. However, as per the dog's size, a ticket is necessary.
- Best time to book: If you are traveling in the summer, book well in advance as there is high demand.
- Pack food: There is a mini cart serving drinks and quick bites. However, you are free to bring your food and drink.
- St Moritz: There is much to explore in St Moritz. Make it a point to spend some time here as part of your Bernina journey.
- Best views: If you are traveling south, sit on the right side of the train for the best views, and choose the left side if traveling north.
- Bernina Express InfoT(r)ainment: Use your smartphone to tune into free information about Bernina Express and the sights on the way with this digital travel guide.
- Stay camera-ready: We needn’t say this, but you will be clicking a lot of pictures as the views are amazing. Furnish your photography skills to make your pictures sparkle!
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Bernina Express start and end?
Bernina Express runs from Chur or St Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy and vice versa.
What is the schedule of the Bernina Express?
Bernina Express train timings change with the season and route. Timetables may also be subject to change yearly.
Is the Bernina Express accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Bernina Express is accessible for wheelchair users.
Are dogs allowed on the Bernina Express?
Dogs are welcome on the Bernina Express. Purchasing a dog ticket might be required as per the size of your dog. If traveling to Tirano, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents.
Can I bring my bicycle on the Bernina Express?
Unfortunately, you cannot bring your bicycles on the Bernina Express. If you are traveling with one, opt for regional trains.
Do I need to reserve seats for the Bernina Express?
Yes, seat reservations are mandatory for the Bernina Express. If you are purchasing a Bernina Express ticket, seat reservation costs are included, but if you are traveling with a pass, you need to make seat reservations separately.
How long is the Bernina Express trip from Tirano to St Moritz?
The journey from Tirano to St Moritz is 2.5 hours long. The longer journey from Tirano to Chur is 4 hours.
Is there food available on the Bernina Express?
There is a mini cart that serves light eats and drinks at the seat. Other than this there is no restaurant on board. Additionally, you can bring your own food and drinks.