Intro

This panoramic train connects the north of Europe to its south – right through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway, passing by glaciers on its way down to palm trees.

Crossing the Alps in the Bernina Express certainly is one of the most spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site. Altogether the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges on its way from Chur to Tirano. Travellers are treated to marvellous sights during their journey, like the Montebello curve with a view of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, the three lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, the Alp Grüm and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
 
The journey can be extended aboard the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano from February to November (daily in summer).

 

Facts Bernina Express (train)

Route: Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy) or vice versa
Distance: 144 km
Duration: 4 h - 4 h 30 min

Facts Bernina Express Bus

Route: Tirano (Italy) – Lugano or vice versa
Distance: 90 km
Duration: 3 h

Excursion tips

  • Arosa Railway – from Chur to Arosa within one hour. On just 26 km, the train negotiates an amazing 1000 m in altitude
  • Railway Museum Albula – over 600 exhibits from more than 100 years of railway history, e.g. one of the last «Crocodile»-Locomotives
  • Gandria – a picturesque little town at the foot of Monte Bré
  • Monte San Salvatore – one of the most beautiful scenic outposts along Lake Lugano
  • Palm Express – rich-in-contrast, roughly four-hour postbus drive from Lugano to St. Moritz
  • Mountain excursion Diavolezza

Food & Beverages

  • The Bernina Express minibar offers delicious snacks and refreshing beverages
  • The train does not feature a dining car. The guests spend their lunchtime in the Italian town of Tirano

Timetable

Ticket

This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard.
Book public transport tickets 

Reservation

Apart from a valid ticket, a seat reservation is required on both train and bus. In addition, a reservation surcharge applies:

Reservation surcharge Bernina Express (train) 

Short route: St. Moritz- Tirano / Tirano - St. Moritz
15 Dec 2024 – 13 Dec 2025
CHF 28     
Long route: Chur – Tirano / Tirano - Chur
Low season: 15 Dec 2024 – 14 May 2025 / 27 Oct – 13 Dec 2025 
CHF 32
Long route: Chur – Tirano / Tirano - Chur
Main season: 15 May – 26 Oct 2025
CHF 36

Reservation surcharge Bernina Express Bus 

Low season: 15 Dec 2024 – 14 May 2025 / 27 Oct – 13 Dec 2025  CHF 14
Main season: 15 May – 26 Oct 2025 CHF 16
 
 

Brochure

Fascinating and comprehensive information around the Bernina Express, featuring highlights and relevant facts and figures, can be downloaded here:
PDF brochure

General information

Show Technical information content
Time required
4 to 8 hours (full day)
Suitable for children with age
0 to 5 years, 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
Suitable for
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
Action / Fun factor
High
Accessible
Partially wheelchair accessible
Difficulty
Low
Weather
Indoor

Booking Information

Show Technical information content
Online reservation possible
Yes

Overview

Hint

Overview
Bernina Express
Graubünden
Show on map

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