Bernina Express
UNESCO World Heritage scenic train crossing 196 bridges and 55 tunnels from glaciers to palm trees -- Chur to Tirano via the highest Alpine railway crossing at 2,253m
65 km/h
Free WiFi on all Bernina Express trains, plus digital InfoT(r)ainment companion with live route map and audio commentary
Wheelchair-accessible seats available on panoramic trains and Allegra coaches, book via RhB Railservice (+41 81 288 65 65). SBB Call Center Handicap for boarding assistance (0800 007 102)
Switzerland (Chur, St. Moritz) to Italy (Tirano), with connecting bus to Lugano
About Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of Europe's most spectacular scenic train journeys, operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Albula and Bernina lines. The route connects Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, with Tirano in northern Italy, traversing 196 bridges and 55 tunnels across some of the most dramatic Alpine landscapes in the world.
The journey takes approximately 4 hours and reaches the highest point of any railway crossing in the Alps at Ospizio Bernina (2,253m above sea level), all without the help of rack-and-pinion mechanisms. Passengers experience an extraordinary transition from glaciers and frozen lakes at the summit to Mediterranean palm trees and vineyards in Tirano -- earning the route its famous tagline 'from glaciers to palms'.
Modern panoramic coaches feature floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, free WiFi, and an onboard digital InfoT(r)ainment system with multilingual audio commentary. A trolley service offers regional specialities, Lindt chocolate, and herbal tea. Seat reservations are mandatory on the panoramic coaches, though the same route can also be travelled on regular RhB regional trains without reservation.
Train Types
Panoramic Coach
Purpose-built carriages with sealed panoramic windows extending to the roof, air conditioning, USB charging, free WiFi, and multilingual InfoT(r)ainment system. Mandatory seat reservation required.
Key features: Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, sealed for climate control
Allegra Coach
Modern coaches (introduced 2010) attached to Bernina Express trains. Available in 1st and 2nd class without reservation. Wheelchair-accessible with adapted toilets and wide doors.
Key features: No reservation required, wheelchair-accessible, 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 Panoramic
Spacious panoramic seating with 1+2 configuration, floor-to-ceiling windows, free WiFi, USB charging, InfoT(r)ainment audio guide, and trolley service with regional specialities.
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows
- ✓Spacious 1+2 seating configuration with more legroom
- ✓Free WiFi and USB charging
- ✓InfoT(r)ainment audio guide
- ✓Complimentary herbal tea and Lindt chocolate
- ✓Trolley service with regional specialities
2nd Class Panoramic
Panoramic seating with 2+2 configuration, identical views to 1st class. Includes free WiFi, USB charging, InfoT(r)ainment audio guide, and trolley service.
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows (identical views to 1st class)
- ✓2+2 seating configuration
- ✓Free WiFi and USB charging
- ✓InfoT(r)ainment audio guide
- ✓Complimentary herbal tea and Lindt chocolate
- ✓Trolley service with regional specialities
Popular Bernina Express Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Hand luggage permitted, luggage racks available but space is limited on panoramic coaches. Baggage delivery service available for large items.
- •Essential hand luggage recommended due to limited space in panoramic coaches
- •Luggage racks available but compact -- avoid oversized bags
- •Baggage delivery service available for large luggage (book through RhB)
- •Bicycles not allowed on Bernina Express (allowed on regular RhB regional trains on same route)
- •Pushchairs and strollers should be foldable
Bicycles are not permitted on the Bernina Express panoramic train. To cycle the route, use regular RhB regional trains which have bike wagons (bike reservation required).
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Book Panoramic Seats Early
Panoramic coaches sell out quickly, especially in summer (May-October). Reservations can be made up to 365 days ahead.
Allegra Coaches as Alternative
If panoramic seats are sold out, the Allegra coaches at the front of the train offer the same route without reservation -- seats are first-come, first-served.
Swiss Travel Pass Holders
Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free -- you only pay the seat reservation supplement (CHF 44 summer / CHF 40 winter).
Best Seats for Views
For the best views, sit on the right side heading south (Chur to Tirano) or left side heading north.
Tirano to Lugano Bus Extension
The Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano extends the journey through Lake Como scenery -- book as a package for the complete experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bernina Express
No, the Bernina Express is a scenic panoramic train that travels at around 30-65 km/h. The journey from Chur to Tirano takes about 4 hours. The name 'Express' refers to it being a direct service with limited stops, not speed.
Seat reservations are mandatory for the panoramic coaches (CHF 44 summer / CHF 40 winter). However, the Allegra coaches attached to the same train do not require reservations and offer the same scenic route.
Both classes have identical panoramic windows and views. 1st class offers more spacious seating (1+2 configuration vs 2+2) and quieter carriages. Both include free WiFi, USB charging, and the InfoT(r)ainment system.
Yes, Eurail and Interrail passes are valid for the Bernina Express journey. You only need to pay the mandatory seat reservation supplement. A pass valid for Switzerland covers the entire route -- an Italy pass is not required even though the train crosses into Italy.
The train runs year-round. Summer (May-October) offers green valleys and wildflowers with 2 daily services. Winter offers magical snow-covered landscapes. Early morning departures generally have fewer crowds.
Yes, the Bernina Express travels on the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina lines. Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, Brusio Circular Viaduct, Ospizio Bernina (2,253m), and Lago Bianco.
Yes, wheelchair-accessible seats are available on both the panoramic train and the bus. Book through RhB Railservice (+41 81 288 65 65 or railservice@rhb.ch). Boarding assistance can be arranged through SBB Call Center Handicap.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The train also has a trolley service offering regional specialities, Swiss pastries, cheese plates, and beverages including wine and beer.
The route crosses from Switzerland into Italy, so you should carry valid identification. For EU/EFTA citizens, a national ID card is sufficient. Other nationalities should carry a passport. There are no formal border checks on the train.
Not on the panoramic Bernina Express itself, as your seat is reserved for the full journey. However, you can travel the same route on regular RhB regional trains (included with Swiss Travel Pass) and stop at scenic locations like Alp Gruem, Pontresina, or Poschiavo.
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