Bernina Express
UNESCO World Heritage panoramic train crossing the Alps from Swiss glaciers to Italian palm trees -- 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, 2,253 metres
Scenic pace (~40 km/h average)
Free WiFi on board. Multilingual audio guide available in 6 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese).
ALLEGRA carriages offer wheelchair access, wide doors, and accessible toilets. Panoramic carriages have limited accessibility -- contact RhB Railservice at +41 81 288 65 65.
Switzerland to Italy: Chur/St. Moritz (CH) to Tirano (IT). Bus extension to Lugano available.
About Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of Europe's most celebrated panoramic train journeys, crossing the Alps from Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, to Tirano in northern Italy. The route traverses the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina railway lines, climbing from 585 metres at Chur to 2,253 metres at Ospizio Bernina -- the highest railway crossing in Europe -- before descending to 430 metres at Tirano. Along the way, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges in approximately 4 hours.
Operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), the Bernina Express runs in modern panoramic carriages with windows extending to the roof, offering unobstructed views of glaciers, alpine lakes, deep gorges, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Highlights include the spiral tunnels between Berguen and Preda, the Morteratsch Glacier, the turquoise Lago Bianco at the summit, and the unique Brusio Spiral Viaduct where the train makes a full 360-degree turn.
A shorter journey from St. Moritz to Tirano takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Tirano, the Bernina Express Bus continues to Lugano (seasonal, approximately 3 hours). The Bernina Express connects with the Glacier Express at both Chur and St. Moritz, making it easy to combine both panoramic journeys into one trip.
Bernina Express tickets are available on EuroTrain. Search Chur to Tirano or St. Moritz to Tirano to find panoramic departures alongside regular regional trains on the same route -- a more affordable alternative without panoramic windows.
Elevation Profile
Train Types
Bernina Express Panoramic
Modern panoramic carriages with windows extending to the roof for unobstructed Alpine views. Air-conditioned, with free WiFi and a multilingual audio guide in 6 languages. Catering trolley serves drinks, snacks, and souvenirs at your seat. Seat reservation is mandatory.
Key features: Panoramic ceiling windows, free WiFi, audio guide in 6 languages, UNESCO World Heritage route
ALLEGRA Regional (Same Route)
Modern ALLEGRA carriages that run on the same route as the Bernina Express without panoramic windows. No reservation required, standard RhB tickets valid. Available in 1st and 2nd class with wheelchair accessibility, wide doors, and accessible toilets. A budget-friendly way to experience the Bernina line.
Key features: No reservation needed, wheelchair accessible, budget alternative on the same scenic route
Cabrio Coach (Summer)
Open-air panoramic wagons available July to September (weather permitting). 360-degree unobstructed views with wooden seating. No reservation required, 2nd class ticket valid.
Key features: Open-air 360-degree views, summer only (Jul-Sep)
Travel Classes
1st Class
2+1 configuration
- ✓Panoramic windows extending to the roof
- ✓2+1 seat configuration (more space per passenger)
- ✓Leather seats with generous legroom
- ✓Tables at every seat
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Multilingual audio guide (6 languages)
- ✓Catering trolley service at your seat
- ✓Quieter, less crowded carriage
2nd Class
2+2 configuration
- ✓Panoramic windows extending to the roof (same as 1st class)
- ✓2+2 seat configuration in groups of four
- ✓Tables at every seat group
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Multilingual audio guide (6 languages)
- ✓Catering trolley service at your seat
Popular Bernina Express Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Luggage racks at the end of each carriage for medium and large suitcases. No overhead racks -- they would obstruct the panoramic views. A baggage delivery service is available for large items.
- •Small dogs (up to 30cm shoulder height) travel free in transport box. Larger dogs require a valid dog ticket -- EU pet passport needed for CH-IT border.
Self-service bicycle transport is not allowed on the Bernina Express. However, bicycles can be transported on regular regional RhB trains running the same route. Bicycles are also not permitted on the Bernina Express Bus.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
How to Search on EuroTrain
Search Chur to Tirano (full route, ~4 hours) or St. Moritz to Tirano (shorter, ~2.5 hours) on EuroTrain. Bernina Express panoramic trains appear alongside regular RhB regional trains. Look for services labelled 'PE' (Panorama Express) or 'Bernina Express' in the results.
Seat Reservation Is Mandatory
You cannot board the Bernina Express without a reservation. Reservations cost CHF 32-44 depending on route and season, and can be booked up to 365 days in advance. Book early -- window seats in summer sell out weeks ahead.
Swiss Travel Pass Saves Money
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire Bernina Express ticket -- you only pay the mandatory reservation (CHF 44 for the full route in summer). Without a pass, a full-price 2nd class ticket from Chur to Tirano is CHF 96. The pass pays for itself if you take multiple Swiss trains.
Budget Alternative: Regular Trains
Regional RhB trains run the same route hourly without reservation and at a lower price. You lose the panoramic ceiling windows and audio guide, but the views through standard windows are still spectacular. You may need to change trains at Samedan or Pontresina.
Combine with Glacier Express
The Bernina Express and Glacier Express both stop at Chur and St. Moritz. Spend a night in either town and ride both trains for the ultimate Swiss panoramic experience. The Glacier Express continues from St. Moritz to Zermatt (~8 hours).
Continue to Milan from Tirano
At Tirano, Trenitalia regional trains connect to Milan in approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, the seasonal Bernina Express Bus runs from Tirano to Lugano (~3 hours). Both create natural onward routes into Italy.
Greener Than Flying
Rail travel in Switzerland produces a fraction of the CO2 emissions of a comparable flight. The Bernina Express runs on hydroelectric power, making it one of the most sustainable ways to cross the Alps.
Border Crossing: Bring Your Passport
The Bernina Express crosses from Switzerland into Italy. While both are Schengen countries and border checks are rare, carry your passport or ID. If travelling with a pet, an EU pet passport is required.
Combine with the Glacier Express
The Bernina Express and Glacier Express both stop at Chur and St. Moritz. Ride both panoramic trains for the ultimate Swiss Alps experience — from Tirano to Zermatt via the highest railway crossings in Europe.
View Glacier Express →Frequently Asked Questions about Bernina Express
The full route runs from Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy), taking approximately 4 to 4.5 hours and covering 144 km. A shorter option from St. Moritz to Tirano takes approximately 2.5 hours. The train crosses the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres -- the highest railway crossing in Europe -- passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. The route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yes, a seat reservation is mandatory on the Bernina Express and must be booked in advance. Reservations cost CHF 32-44 depending on the route length and season. Without a reservation, you cannot board the panoramic carriages. Reservations can be made up to 365 days ahead.
Both classes have the same panoramic windows extending to the roof. The main difference is space: 1st class has a 2+1 seat configuration with leather seats and more legroom, while 2nd class has a 2+2 configuration. Both include free WiFi, an audio guide in 6 languages, and catering trolley service. The reservation fee is the same for both classes.
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full ticket on the Bernina Express -- you only need to pay the mandatory seat reservation (CHF 44 for the full route in summer, CHF 40 in winter). Interrail and Eurail passes are also valid with a reservation supplement.
Yes. Regular RhB regional trains run the same route hourly. They do not have panoramic ceiling windows or audio guides, and you may need to change trains at Samedan or Pontresina. No reservation is required and fares are lower. The scenery through standard windows is still excellent.
Yes. Both trains stop at Chur and St. Moritz. A popular itinerary is to take the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano one day, and the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt the next day (or vice versa). Book accommodation in St. Moritz or Chur between the two journeys.
Key highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct (65m high, 6 arches), the spiral tunnels between Berguen and Preda, the Morteratsch Glacier, Lago Bianco at the Ospizio Bernina summit (2,253m), the Alp Grüm viewpoint over Lago Palü and Piz Palü glacier, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct where the train makes a 360-degree turn.
No. Self-service bicycle transport is not allowed on the Bernina Express or the Bernina Express Bus. However, you can transport bicycles on regular RhB regional trains running the same route.
Yes. Small dogs (up to 30cm shoulder height) travel free in a transport box. Larger dogs require a valid dog ticket. Since the train crosses from Switzerland into Italy, an EU pet passport is required for the border crossing.
From Tirano, Trenitalia regional trains connect to Milan Centrale in approximately 2.5 hours. The seasonal Bernina Express Bus runs from Tirano to Lugano in approximately 3 hours (operates roughly May to October). Check the bus schedule as it runs once daily in each direction.
The Bernina Express runs year-round. In summer (May to October), there are 2 daily services on the full Chur-Tirano route and 3 on the shorter St. Moritz-Tirano route. In winter, service is reduced to 1 daily on each. The Bernina Express Bus between Tirano and Lugano operates seasonally, roughly May to October.
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