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Bernina Express Scenic Train Route

The Bernina Express train route takes you through incredible alpine landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it's that amazing. Think of all the clichés about the beauty of scenic train travel and multiply them by 1000. You'll end up on this journey through Switzerland.
 

Find out about the Bernina Express route and how you can experience it yourself.
 

Bernina Express routes

bernina express_new map

How to get to the Bernina Express route

From Train information
Zurich  You can take the direct Intercity to Chur (1hr 15min), as well as direct regional trains.
Milan You can take a direct regional train to Tirano, which are operated by Trenord and covered by the Eurail Pass.
Austria From Vienna or Salzburg, you can take a train to Sargans (Switzerland). Switch trains here and you'll arrive in Chur in only 30 minutes.
France/Germany From Paris, Munich or Cologne, take a train to Karlsruhe (Germany) or Zurich (Switzerland). There you can switch to a direct train to Chur.
Get train times using our timetable

The route in numbers

  • Journey time: 4 hours from start to finish

  • Distance: 76 miles (122 km) of track

  • Top elevation: 7392 feet above sea level

  • Highlights: 55 tunnels; 196 bridges & viaducts

Where does it start and end?

Trains run in both directions, from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. There are 25 stops along the route.

To enjoy all the thrilling twists, turns, and views, we recommend riding from start to finish.

 

Train types

Two types of train

It's good to know that the Bernina Express is the name of the unique panoramic train that runs on this particular route. Standard regional trains also operate on the same route, through the same beautiful scenery!
 

See how the trains compare

Train type What's included
Regional train (TRN) (RE)
  • Indicated as ‘TRN’ and ‘RE’ in our Rail Planner
  • No reservations
  • Runs every hour
  • Flexible option
  • Sometimes change trains along the route
  • No panoramic windows
  • No refreshments on board
  • No on-board commentary
Bernina Express
  • Indicated as ‘PE’ in our Rail Planner
  • 32 CHF in winter and 36 CHF in summer
  • Reservation required in a panorama car
  • Runs a couple of times a day on different routes
  • Direct trains
  • Refreshments on board
  • On-board commentary

 

Should I take a normal train or the Bernina Express train?

If you're only traveling this route once in your lifetime, you should make the most of it! The reservation for the Bernina Express train is worth the extra fee.

The Bernina Express train has panoramic cars, more personal space, and refreshments on board. There are also regular train cars that run frequently and don't require a reservation. The Bernina Express is a direct train, wheras on a regional train you'll have to change trains and transfer with your luggage.

 

However, the regional train journey is still an amazing trip. You'll see the same incredible views for free! You'll also be able to stop in one of the small towns along the way for a closer look. The choice is yours.

When is the best time to go?

  • The Bernina Express route runs all year round. Visit in spring to see green fields and farming villages in all their colorful beauty.

  • Visit during winter, and frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and local skiers are the main sights. In short, any time is a good time to take this ride!

Regional train insider tips

  • Stop along the route to enjoy the small villages you encounter. Simply take another regional train later to continue your journey.

  • In winter, it gets dark quickly. If you want to experience the wonderful scenery on the Bernina Express route by regional train, be sure to board a train earlier in the day.

 

Reservations information

Reservation costs

 

Bernina Express panorama observation car (PE)

  • Seat reservations are mandatory.
  • Prices for 2023-2024 on all routes: 
    • December 12 to April 30: 32 CHF
    • May 1 to October 31: 36 CHF
    • November 1 to December 14: 32 CHF

 

Regional trains (TRN) (RE)

No reservations needed


Additional bus route

You can also take an additional Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano. The bus rides through beautiful landscapes and past Lake Como. The following reservation costs apply:

  • June to September: 16 CHF
  • October: 14 CHF
  • 1 November to 10 December: 10 CHF


You can find more information about the Bernina Express on the official website.

 

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

How to make reservations

 

With railway carriers

  • Bernina Express (Rhatische Bahn): Only Bernina express scenic trains
    • Go to the Bernina Express website.
    • For a seat on the observation car, choose a route with the Bernina Express symbol.
    • When filling in your passenger details, you'll see a drop-down box called "Reductions". Simply select "Eurail Pass" from the options.
    • You only have to pay for your seat reservation(s) and you can print your reservation(s) at home.

Other platforms

Locally at the train station in Switzerland

 

Additional information

Conditions for Eurail Pass holders

Eurail Passes are valid on the entire Bernina Express journey. Seat reservations are compulsory only for the special panorama train and bus from Tirano to Lugano (these are 2 separate reservations). The price for a train reservation depends on the season. The regional train that operates on this route is included in your Pass. Eurail Pass holders must have a Pass valid for Switzerland. Although the Bernina Express partly runs through Italy, a Pass for Italy is not required.

 

You can find more information about summer and winter schedules and fares at the Bernina Express website.

 

Special features

The Bernina Express offers breathtaking views from the beautiful 1st and 2nd class panorama cars. The train climbs up to the 2253 m high Bernina pass without the help of a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The entire trip is narrated. An optional bus connects Tirano (Italy) to Lugano.

 

Facilities and services

  • Audio system
  • Shops
  • Shower/WC
  • Snack trolley

Facilities may differ per train and route.

Operated by:


RhB logo
The Bernina Express route begins in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland.
The Bernina Express route begins in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland.
Trains run along the Albula Railway, one of the most spectacular narrow gauge railways in the world.
Trains run along the Albula Railway, one of the most spectacular narrow gauge railways in the world.
You'll pass over the 213 feet high (65m) Landwasser Viaduct, surrounded by high trees and mountains.
You'll pass over the 213 feet high (65m) Landwasser Viaduct, surrounded by high trees and mountains.
At the highest part of the route, you'll travel beside 3 lakes within the Bernina Mountain pass.
At the highest part of the route, you'll travel beside 3 lakes within the Bernina Mountain pass.
The Brusio loop is a unique part of the Bernina Express route - a circular viaduct, with 360° views.
The Brusio loop is a unique part of the Bernina Express route - a circular viaduct, with 360° views.
The Bernina Express ends its journey in Tirano, Italy. It passes through the town before reaching the station.
The Bernina Express ends its journey in Tirano, Italy. It passes through the town before reaching the station.

Change of currency

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