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 journey highlights

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.

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.

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 route in numbers

Where does it start and end?

Bernina Express map and directions

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

Which trains run along this route?

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
Regional tra in	Passes through the UNESCO site and mountains Inc luded in the Eurail Pass. Reservation not required. Runs every hour. You'll have to change trains along the way. No panoramic windows. No refreshments on board. No on-board commentary.
Bernina Express	Passes through the UNESCO site and mountains. Included in the Eurail Pass. Reservation required (10 Swiss Francs in winter and 14 Swiss Francs in Summer) Limited daily services, depending on where you board the train. This is a direct train. Panoramic windows. 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 an overall better atmosphere. It's also a direct trip, wheras on a regional train you'll have to change trains and transfer 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?

Regional train insider tips

Reservation costs

Bernina Express observation car

Winter (November - December):

9 Euros (10 CHF)

Spring/Fall (January - May and October):

12.5 Euros (14 CHF)

Summer:(June - September):
14 Euros (16 CHF)

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 same reservation costs apply for this bus.

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

How to make reservations

Online

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 "Tickets / Reductions". Simply select "Eurail Pass" from the options.

You only have to pay for your seat reservation(s). You'll receive the reservations by email.

At the train station

Keep in mind that trains can become full during busy times.

Additional information

Conditions for Interrail 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 1^st and 2^ndclass 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.

Bernina Express Scenic Train Route

Bernina Express journey highlights

The route in numbers

Where does it start and end?