1
Chur
1 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Martin’s Church
2 minutes walk
Train
2
St. Moritz
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Landwasser Viaduct
72 minutes walk
Leaning Tower
5 minutes walk
Train
3
Tirano
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Alp Grüm & Palü Glacier
48 minutes walk
Brusio Circular Viaduct
9 minutes walk
Train
4
Lugano
1 attractions
Nearby things to do
Lake Lugano
37 minutes walk
A/C Bus
5
Glide past glittering Swiss glaciers & quaint villages on this legendary panoramic train ride!
Glide past glittering Swiss glaciers & quaint villages on this legendary panoramic train ride!
Inclusions
Exclusions
From Chur to Tirano
- Train departure: 8:17am on Train 951, 1:28pm on Train 955 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025)
- Duration: Approx. 4.5 hours
From Tirano to Chur
- Train departure: 8:06am on Train 950 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025) & 2:24pm on Train 952
- Duration: Approx 4.5 hours
St. Moritz to Tirano
- Train departure: 9:17am on Train 971 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025), 1:17pm on Train 973 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025) & 4:14pm from Train 975
- Duration: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
Tirano to St. Moritz
- Train departure: 10:06am on Train 972, 1:17pm on Train 974 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025) & 4:06pm on Train 976 (from May 15 to Oct 26, 2025)
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
Please click here for the detailed map.
1
Chur
1 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Martin’s Church
2 minutes walk
Train
2
St. Moritz
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Landwasser Viaduct
72 minutes walk
Leaning Tower
5 minutes walk
Train
3
Tirano
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Alp Grüm & Palü Glacier
48 minutes walk
Brusio Circular Viaduct
9 minutes walk
Train
4
Take a Bernina regular train for stunning Alpine views, hourly rides, and budget fares.
Take a Bernina regular train for stunning Alpine views, hourly rides, and budget fares.
Inclusions
1
Chur
1 attractions
Nearby things to do
St. Martin’s Church
2 minutes walk
Train
2
St. Moritz
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Landwasser Viaduct
72 minutes walk
Leaning Tower
5 minutes walk
Train
3
Tirano
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Alp Grüm & Palü Glacier
48 minutes walk
Brusio Circular Viaduct
9 minutes walk
Train
4
Lugano
1 attractions
Nearby things to do
Lake Lugano
37 minutes walk
A/C Bus
5
Inclusions
Exclusions
From Chur to Tirano
From Tirano to Chur
St. Moritz to Tirano
Tirano to St. Moritz
Please click here for a detailed timetable and here for the detailed map.
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.
Faizan
Lo
Deborah
Megha
Elzbieta
Mark
Martin
Lily
The Bernina Express is a scenic train that runs through the Swiss Alps, beginning its journey from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. Marvel at the wild beauty of the Alpine landscape on this train ride, widely considered one of the most breathtaking experiences in the world. From your panoramic window, you’ll see icy glaciers, emerald valleys, and glittering lakes as the train passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges.
There are two types of trains running along the Albula and Bernina Lines: The Bernina Express (panoramic train) and the Bernina Red Train (regular non-panoramic train). Here are the key differences between the two trains.
Crossing the Alps in the Bernina Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The wide panoramic windows on this train offer an immersive experience, making you feel like you’re one with the landscape. You can also listen to the onboard audio guide as you ride past lush valleys, azure lakes, and high mountain passes. However, it might be harder to get tickets as these trains are in high demand and have limited availability and fewer departure times.
The Bernina Express panoramic train isn’t the only way you can cross the Swiss Alps. There are regional trains, called the Bernina Red Trains, that run on the same railway lines as the Bernina Express, offering you similar views at an increased frequency and affordable rates. If you can’t find tickets for the Bernina Express, worry not! You can always hop on a Red Train to see the alpine sights.
Both first and second class on the Bernina Express have air-conditioned coaches with sealed panoramic windows that reach the ceiling. Passengers can also access free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and the InfoT(r)ainment app which provides route information and live maps for the journey. The Bernina Express mini bar also offers snacks and beverages to passengers, provided you pay out of pocket.
However, there are a few differences between the two classes you should consider before booking tickets.
With only three seats in a row (two on one side of the aisle and one on the other), the first-class coaches offer plenty of aisle space and legroom for passengers to move about freely. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience with wide leather seats and a quieter atmosphere, first-class seats might be the ideal option for you. However, keep in mind that, on average, the Bernina Express only has about 58 seats in first class, so you will have fewer options to choose from.
Second-class coaches aboard the Bernina Express have four seats in a row (two on each side of the aisle), with 180 to 280 seats to select from on average. If you’re looking for an economical experience offering standard comfort and a vibrant atmosphere from which to enjoy the alpine scenery, then book your second-class tickets right away.
Similar to the Bernina Express panoramic trains, Bernina Red Trains also have different classes of seating with their own set of advantages. Depending on your budget, preferences for privacy & aesthetic tastes, you can select a first-class or second-class seat for your trip.
If you prefer to have more legroom and privacy on your journey, then first-class seats are the ideal option for you. You can admire the beauty of the Alps through huge windows while making yourself at home in a comfortable and roomy seat.
With compact seats and economical pricing, second-class seats on the local trains are the ideal option for budget travelers who welcome a sense of community to their sightseeing experience. Depending on the train you’re travelling on, you may find openable windows in some second-class carriages, which are a great option for photography enthusiasts looking to take glare-free pictures.
The Bernina Pass is the highest point on the Bernina Express route, connecting the Swiss Upper Engadin Valley with the Italian Val Poschiavo. Catch breathtaking views of Lago Bianco, snow-capped mountain tops, and other alpine flora along this stretch of the ride.
Since there are only a limited number of seats and a high demand for them, we recommend reserving your seats first. You can purchase your tickets much closer to your travel date.
If your children are under 6 years of age and don’t require their own seats, you don’t need to reserve seats for them or pay for their tickets. However, you will have to pay the full seat reservation charge if your children younger than 6 years of age require their own seat and if your children are aged between 6 and 15, although their ticket prices will be discounted.
Yes, both the Bernina Express train and bus are wheelchair accessible. Regional trains also have accessibility coaches for wheelchair users.
Yes, they are, provided you a pay a second-class half-fare fee for them. Please also note that larger pets will have to remain under your seat or on your lap and cannot crowd the aisles. If you’re traveling with a small pet, please ensure that they’re in carriers, baskets, or other animal-friendly containers.
It depends on the luggage. Light hand luggage carrying only essentials is all you will have space for on the train. Please do not bring multiple bags or suitcases onto the train.
No, the Bernina Express panoramic train starting from Chur does not make any official stops on its way to Tirano. If you’d like to pause your journey at St. Moritz before continuing to Tirano, consider making the journey in a regional Red train.
If your plans aren’t set in stone, try moving your travel dates around based on the availability of seat reservations. However, if you cannot alter your plans, your best bet would be to take the regional Red trains to see the sights along the Bernina Line.
The views along the Bernina Express route are gorgeous irrespective of the season. In spring and summer, you’ll get to see rolling green fields, melting glaciers, and glittering lakes. The landscape freezes over in the winter, and you get a glimpse of snow-capped mountain ranges and glaciers. During fall, the yellow-orange foliage of deciduous and coniferous trees makes for a breathtaking sight from the train.
