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

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

Regional train

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 for a seat in one of the panorama cars (20 CHF in winter and 24 to 26 CHF in Summer)
No reservation required for the regular cars (regular train car without panorama windows)
Limited daily services, depending on where you board the train.
This is a direct train.
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 mostly has panoramic cars, more personal space, and an overall better atmosphere. There are also several regular train cars that 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 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

March to May: (24 CHF)
June to September: (26 CHF)
October: (24 CHF)
1 November to 10 December: (20 CHF)

Bernina Express regular train car

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

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 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 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.