Bernina Express
A UNESCO World Heritage railway journey through the Swiss Alps, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, lakes, and iconic viaducts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snowy wonderland views
Bernina Express
Best Time
Snowy wonderland views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage railway journey through the Swiss Alps, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, lakes, and iconic viaducts.
"The most beautiful train ride I've ever been on! The train has really big windows so you get a better view."
🎯 Sit on the right side!
For the Chur to Tirano route, sitting on the right side offers the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct and glaciers.
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
Essential for securing seats, especially with panoramic windows. Mandatory for panoramic carriages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Landwasser Viaduct
Filisur
An iconic, gravity-defying six-arched limestone bridge, a marvel of engineering.
Brusio Spiral Viaduct
Brusio
A unique circular viaduct allowing the train to gain altitude on a steep slope.
Glacier Views
Bernina Pass
Witness breathtaking glaciers and alpine lakes from the panoramic windows.
Lago Bianco
Bernina Pass
The 'White Lake,' a stunning glacial lake with vibrant turquoise waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Seats
Consider Your Route & Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit on the right side!
For the Chur to Tirano route, sitting on the right side offers the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct and glaciers.
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
Essential for securing seats, especially with panoramic windows. Mandatory for panoramic carriages. +1
💰 Use Interrail/Eurail Pass
A significant cost-saver! You'll only need to pay for a seat reservation. +1
📸 Open windows for photos
Some carriages have open windows between cars for glare-free photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit on the right side!
For the Chur to Tirano route, sitting on the right side offers the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct and glaciers.
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
Essential for securing seats, especially with panoramic windows. Mandatory for panoramic carriages. +1
💰 Use Interrail/Eurail Pass
A significant cost-saver! You'll only need to pay for a seat reservation. +1
📸 Open windows for photos
Some carriages have open windows between cars for glare-free photos.
☕ Enjoy onboard treats
Complimentary tea and chocolates are sometimes offered, adding to the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently rave about the Bernina Express, calling it one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps, glaciers, and lakes are universally praised, making it a truly unforgettable experience. While booking in advance is essential due to its popularity, the comfortable ride and stunning scenery make it a highly recommended journey.
"The best train trip we’ve ever made.
It was on my bucket list for so long.
During our vacation in Europe, we were in Milan and we decided to book the trip via Get Your Guide. Costs us around CAD 190 - round-trip from Milan to St.Moritz and the Bernina Train from St.Moritz to Tirano and back to Milan. Words cannot describe the beauty of mountains, lakes, hills and many more. It was so amazing. The train ride was around 2:15 minutes, which went at a relatively slow speed so you get to take pictures and enjoy the nature. From St.Moritz to Tirano take the right side for a better view, both sides are great but have better views at the right side.
We also had a few hours to explore the beautiful town of St. Moritz, such a gorgeous and peaceful town.
Worth every penny, highly recommended."
Manish Khadka
"This was the best train journey I’ve ever experienced. I went in first class but space and seats are probably the only difference between the two classes. The views are just stunning! You go over mountains, fields, glaciers I could just keep naming things. Around the end (if you are going from Tirano to St Moritz) you can get off at the highest point for pictures and a coffee. The staff are super friendly and always try to make your journey pleasant. This exhilarating ride takes about two and a half hours (if you again are going from Tirano to St Moritz). I highly recommend going on the right side as you get more amazing panoramic views though both sides are great. It is best if you book in advance although upgrades are sometimes available on the day. 5 stars."
Maria Plewa
"Beautiful experience!
I traveled today in 1st class from Chur to Tirano — it was an absolutely wonderful experience. The landscapes were breathtaking, the train was clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere very peaceful.
However, the Wi-Fi link didn’t work, and unfortunately the toilet in 1st class was out of order, which was a bit disappointing for such a premium journey.
Other than that, everything was lovely — I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to enjoy one of the most scenic train rides in Europe."
Danijela Böhme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main starting points are Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. You can reach Chur by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich. Tirano is accessible by train from Milan, Italy. +1
Yes, you can take a regional train from Milan to Tirano (approx. 2.5 hours, ~12.50 EUR) and then board the Bernina Express from Tirano.
The full journey from Chur to Tirano takes about 4 hours, making it a substantial day trip. Shorter segments are also possible. +1
The most scenic and recommended way is the Bernina Express panoramic train. Alternatively, you can use the regional train for a more budget-friendly option.
St. Moritz is a popular stop on the Bernina Express route. You can reach it by train from Zurich or other Swiss cities. Many travelers combine a visit to St. Moritz with the train journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but a one-way first-class ticket can be around 120 EUR. Booking segments or using passes like Interrail/Eurail can significantly reduce costs. +3
Yes, seat reservations are mandatory for the panoramic carriages and highly recommended for all seats to ensure you get a good spot.
Yes, holders of Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail, or Eurail passes can get discounts. You'll typically only need to pay for the seat reservation. 
Tickets can be purchased through the official Rhaetian Railway (RhB) website, or via online travel agencies like GetYourGuide. Booking in advance is strongly advised. +1
The Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages for enhanced views, while the regional train offers a more basic experience but is cheaper and may allow more flexibility.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For the Chur to Tirano route, the right side offers iconic views of the Landwasser Viaduct and glaciers. Panoramic carriages provide the best overall views.
Expect breathtaking scenery including snow-capped Alps, glaciers, turquoise lakes, charming villages, and impressive viaducts like Landwasser and Brusio.
The full journey from Chur to Tirano takes approximately 4 hours. Shorter segments are also available. +1
Yes, the large panoramic windows offer great photo opportunities. Some carriages may have open sections between cars for unobstructed shots.
The Bernina Express is generally accessible, but it's advisable to check with Rhaetian Railway for specific accessibility details and to book assistance in advance if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a dining car service available on the Bernina Express, offering meals and drinks. You can also bring your own snacks.
The dining car typically offers a selection of Swiss and Italian-inspired dishes, as well as beverages.
Absolutely! Many travelers opt to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking in the scenery.
It's best to inquire directly with the Rhaetian Railway or check their onboard menu in advance for specific dietary options.
Onboard dining can be pricier than outside options. Bringing your own food is a good way to save money.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the snowy peaks, while afternoon light can offer warmer tones for the landscapes. Consider the direction of the sun relative to your seat.
Try to position yourself perpendicular to the window. Some travelers suggest sitting between carriages where windows might be open for unobstructed shots.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and enhance colors.
The Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct are iconic photo opportunities. Many stops offer chances to capture charming villages and alpine scenery.
Yes, video recording is allowed. The slow pace of the train is ideal for capturing smooth, scenic video footage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The train's relatively slow pace allows kids to comfortably observe glaciers, lakes, and charming villages without feeling rushed. Consider packing snacks and entertainment to keep them engaged during the approximately 4-hour journey. 💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is also a great way to cut down on onboard expenses. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels: Bridges and Tunnels
+1 Another engineering marvel is the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, an open-air circular viaduct that allows the train to descend a steep gradient without compromising speed. +1 These structures are not just functional but are iconic landmarks that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty of the journey.The construction of the Bernina Railway, completed in 1910, was a monumental undertaking. It was designed to connect the Engadin valley with Italy, providing a vital link across the Alps. The route reaches an impressive altitude of 2,253 meters (7,392 feet) at the Bernina Pass, making it the highest adhesion railway in Europe.
The experience of crossing these bridges and passing through tunnels is an integral part of the Bernina Express journey. Passengers often marvel at the scale and design of these structures, which are seamlessly integrated into the stunning natural surroundings. The panoramic windows offer unobstructed views, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the engineering prowess and the breathtaking Alpine vistas simultaneously.
Seating Strategy for Optimal Views
While the panoramic carriages offer the best overall viewing experience with their large, floor-to-ceiling windows, they are also the most sought-after. If you're not in a panoramic carriage, don't despair! Some travelers have noted that certain standard carriages have sections with open windows between cars, which can be excellent for taking glare-free photos and videos.
Ultimately, the 'best' seat can also depend on the direction of travel and your personal preferences. If traveling from Tirano to Chur, the left side might offer different, equally stunning perspectives. Regardless of your choice, booking your tickets and seat reservations well in advance is crucial, as the Bernina Express is a very popular attraction and seats fill up quickly.
Budget-Friendly Bernina Express Travel
Another approach is to book specific segments of the journey rather than the entire route from Chur to Tirano. For instance, traveling from Tirano to St. Moritz or a shorter segment like Tirano to Poschiavo can offer a taste of the Bernina Express experience at a lower cost.
Bringing your own food and drinks onboard is also a smart way to manage expenses. While there is a dining car service, purchasing snacks and beverages beforehand can be considerably cheaper.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit