Have you ever listened to one of those Calm app sleep stories and dreamed of gliding through the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking vistas? Well, I have. To the point that I went and booked the impressive train journey that is the Bernina Express. It’s a voyage through a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the historic Rhaetian Railway. With its large panoramic windows, the Bernina Express offers some of the best views you’ll ever experience on a train.
The train runs from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Northern Italy, covering the entire route in about four hours. But trust me, you’ll wish it lasted longer.
The journey takes you along the Bernina line, one of the most scenic routes in the world. The unbeatable highlights of your trip will be going over the famous Landwasser Viaduct, spiraling through the Brusio Circular Viaduct, and reaching the highest point at Ospizio Bernina, sitting at 2,253 meters above sea level. Whether you’re traveling in the summer months or the winter months, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. However, if you asked me when’s the best time to take the journey, I would personally recommend avoiding the peak season (July and August) and going during the off-peak fall months (September or October ideally) to experience the colorful foliage and the contrast in the changing landscape.
To be honest, I’ve had my fair share of adventures, but riding the Bernina Express Trains was truly something special. Whether you’re in 1st class or 2nd class, the views are equally spectacular. I will share a tip to get first-class tickets for Bernina Express for much cheaper later on in this article.
Pro tip: Make sure to bring your charger, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos while enjoying the most scenic train rides in the world!
Bernina Express vs The Glacier Express
Now, if you’re a fan of scenic train rides, you might have heard of the Glacier Express as well. Both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express are operated by the Rhaetian Railway and offer spectacular journeys through the Alps, but they do have their differences.
The Bernina Line is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rapid altitude changes. It’s the highest railway crossing in Europe without the use of cogwheels, which is pretty cool if you ask me! The route takes you from the icy peaks of the mountains down to the warm embrace of Northern Italy, offering a unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean climates—all in one trip.
The Glacier Express, on the other hand, is famously known as the “slowest express train in the world.” It runs between St Moritz and Zermatt, taking about eight hours to complete the journey. This train offers a leisurely ride through picturesque valleys, over the famous Landwasser Viaduct, and through the Albula Railway. It’s perfect if you want to spend a whole day soaking up the Swiss landscapes.
Personally, I chose the Bernina Express because I was intrigued by the idea of experiencing such diverse climates and landscapes in a single day.
Where does the Bernina Express start and end?
The Bernina Express journey starts in the historic town of Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, and ends in the charming Italian town of Tirano in Northern Italy. Covering a distance of approximately 144 kilometers, the train traverses some of the most breathtaking landscapes. The train winds its way through the Swiss Alps, ascending and descending through varying altitudes. It passes through St. Moritz before making its way towards the Italian border. Along the way, you’ll experience a change in climate, architecture, and even language, as you move from the German-speaking region of Switzerland to the Italian-speaking area of Tirano.
The experience on Bernina Express
The Bernina Express start is from Chur and the train two daily departures both ways from Chur to Tirano and also from Tirano to Chur. So unless you’ll have an overnight stay in Chur the night before, it will be an early start, as you’d need to take a 6am train from Zürich. I got the 8:30am train from Chur and arrived there 30 minutes earlier. There’s some little kiosks in the train station where you can get coffee and snacks from, and there’s also a bathroom (it costs 0.2 francs to enter and you can pay by card.
Pro tip: Bring your own food if you’re planning on getting off the train at a stop before Tirano, so that you can have a nice out-door lunch between the mountains.
The Bernina Express will arrive at the platform around 8:10am and you can board immediately. The carriage numbers will be on marked on little boards on the platform.
I started my journey from Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, and settled into my seat in 1st class—which offers incredible views thanks to those large panoramic windows. The seating in the first class in two by one, and as i was traveling solo, I booked myself the solo seater both ways. The first-class carriages feel super spacious and cozy, thanks to the expanded windows and less seats than in 2nd class.
There’s also wifi on board but you need to connect to the Info Trainment first and then to the wifi from there. I highly suggest you connect to the Info Trainment app and keep your earphones in – you’ll learn some awesome stuff about the small villages and viaducts you’ll be driving through and you’ll know what to look out for. The Bernina Express train ride will take you through 55 tunnels, over 196 bridges and over the highest Alpine peaks in Switzerland.
Pro tip: make sure you get a seat on the right side of the train (facing the front) from Chur and get the same seat on the opposite direction.
For the first part of the journey (approximately for an hour), you’ll be driving through little villages and forests, but still be amazed as it already looks incredible. But there’s so much even more mind-blowing scenery ahead!
One of the first exceptional experiences to look out for is going through the Albula Tunnel – one of the highest tunnels in the Alps.
You’ll also be flying over the Landwasser Viaduct—a stunning six-arched limestone bridge that soars 65 meters above the Landwasser River. You’ll feel like you’re floating amidst the mountains. The viaduct leads directly into a tunnel carved into the cliffside.
Now from the Bregrün stop onwards, it will get INTERESTING and you will start climbing altitude fast!
The first-class passengers will also receive free herbal ice tea and some cute Lindt heart-shaped chocolates in a Bernina train-shaped box. If you take the Bernina back to Chur, you’ll get double 😉 It was these little touches that made the journey even more memorable.
Once you reach Samedan, you’ll slowly start noticing the white glaciers in the backdrop.
Pro tip: Between the carriages there’s windows that you can open, for a better photo op.
And by the time you’re in Bernina Diavolezza, the scenery has changed completely! You’re now driving in between the beautiful snowy mountain peaks.
Get your cameras ready for some panoramic Alpine lake photos at Ospizio Bernina. At 2,253m above sea level, this is the highest point of the Bernina express trip. This is the pinnacle of the Bernina Line and marks a watershed between the snow-capped Northern and Southern Alps. Even in the summer months, you might catch a glimpse of glistening snow here.
You will then shortly arrive at Alp Grüm for a short stop (15 minutes) to get out of the train, stretch your legs a bit and, of course, take some more gorgeous scenic pictures. The air feels crisper up here, and the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps are nothing short of awe-inspiring. This spot is not just the highest point on the Bernina Express route but also one of the highest railway crossings in Europe.
After the stop at Alp Grüm, you will start descending down the mountain-side into a valley. It will feel like you’re on a plane at times. These will be some of the most amazing views you will see during the entire route on the Bernina railway. As you gaze out of the large panoramic windows, you’ll see many traditional Swiss chalets and even some grazing cows with their iconic bells.
And then there’s the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct, a spiral viaduct that looks like something out of a fairy tale. As the train spirals upwards, you get a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes—it’s honestly mesmerizing!
Where to get off the Bernina Express?
You can get off at any stop on the Bernina Express and take the same train back to Chur on its way back from Tirano. Most of the stops will require you to take regular trains, hike, gondolas or a little bus journey to get to somewhere nice where there’s things to do and see.
I wanted to make my Bernina Express journey a day-trip. So I decided to pick a stop more towards the end to get off and explore for a few hours. I was looking for a quintessential little Swiss village that ideally would have some short scenic hiking trails. After Googling and researching every stop leading up to Tirano, I found the perfect one: Le Prese.
And let me tell you, this is indeed one of the best stops along the route. This charming small village is nestled beside the serene Lago di Poschiavo in the Val di Poschiavo, perfect for a leisurely lake walk or even a hike if you’re feeling adventurous.
You will have over two hours to explore Le Prese before getting back on the same Bernina Express train as it heads back to Chur.
I enjoyed a delightful lakeside lunch, soaking in the sun, tranquility, and beauty of the surroundings. The good thing is that compared to the other stops along the way, you actually have a lot of stuff to do without having to take any transportation.
After lunch, I went for a little lake-side walk. But be careful as the lake is situated right on the foot of the mountain and there might be some falling rocks.
Le Prese is also close to the village where the famous Raselli Tea brand originates. It’s the same tea brand that they serve to the first-class passengers on the Bernina Express. There’s a little corner shop at the train stop where you can stock up on Raselli tea straight from the source.
And just like that my two hours at Le Prese were up and it was time to take get back on the Bernina Express from the exact same spot I got off, as there’s only one track for the trains.
Buying the Bernina Express tickets
How much does it cost to ride the Bernina Express?
Planning a trip on the Bernina Express involves a bit of budgeting, but with some savvy tips, it doesn’t have to break the bank. The cost of the Bernina Express varies depending on factors like class, time of booking, and whether you hold any travel passes.
Prices for the train tickets: 1st class vs. 2nd class
The Bernina Express offers both 1st class and 2nd class seating options, each providing a comfortable journey with access to those large panoramic windows for the best views. However, there are some differences:
- 1st Class: Offers more spacious seating arrangements with two seats on one side and single seats on the other, providing more privacy and comfort. Depending on the travel date, the ticket price for 1st class can be upwards of 200 Swiss francs for the entire route if purchased directly, especially during peak season.
- 2nd Class: Features standard seating with two seats on either side of the aisle. It’s still very comfortable and offers the same stunning views. Prices for 2nd class tickets are generally lower, around 150 Swiss francs for the entire route when booked directly.
Keep in mind these prices are approximate and can vary based on the travel date and departure time.
Seat reservation and mandatory reservation fee
One important thing to note is that the Bernina Express requires a seat reservation, which is a mandatory reservation fee on top of your train ticket. The reservation fee ensures you have a specific seat on the train, which is crucial during peak season when the train can be fully booked.
- Reservation fees: the reservation fee is approximately 26 Swiss francs in summer and 14 Swiss francs in winter for 2nd class, and slightly higher for 1st class. This fee is the same regardless of whether you have a travel pass or a regular ticket.
You can make your seat reservation through the official website of the Rhaetian Railway or at Swiss train stations. Remember, without this reservation, you won’t be able to board the Bernina Express panoramic trains.
PS, make sure to book early! Seats can fill up quickly, especially in 1st class where there are fewer seats.
Saver Day Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Options
Now, here’s where you can save some money. The Swiss Travel Pass and the Saver Day Pass are excellent options for tourists planning to use public transport extensively in Switzerland.
- Swiss Travel Pass: This pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland for a set number of days. The Bernina Express is included in this pass, but you still need to pay the seat reservation fee.
- Saver Day Pass: If you book early, you can get the Saver Day Pass for as low as 52 Swiss francs in 2nd class. This pass allows unlimited travel on the selected day on almost all Swiss public transport, including the Bernina Express. Again, the seat reservation fee is extra.
My hack for buying Bernina Express tickets cheaper
Let me share my personal experience and a little hack that saved me quite a bit. Instead of purchasing the Bernina Express ticket directly from their site, which can be quite expensive (especially for 1st class), I opted for the Saver Day Pass.
- How it works: By purchasing the Saver Day Pass in advance (to be honest, I could have saved more if I had booked it even earlier, but I booked it three weeks prior), I got it for just 88 Swiss francs. This pass covered my travel from Pfäffikon SZ to Chur to catch the Bernina Express, the journey on the Bernina Express itself, and any other public transport I needed that day.
- Additional costs: I only had to pay the seat reservation fee for my first-class ticket.
- Benefits: Not only did I save money on the Bernina Express, but I also had the flexibility to hop on and off local trains and explore places like Le Prese without worrying about additional costs.
How to do it
- Firstly, purchase a Saver Day Pass on the SBB site.
- Then go on the Rhaetian Railway site and start buying the tickets as normal adding the selected dates into your cart.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Bernina Express start and end?
The Bernina Express starts in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, and ends in Tirano, a charming town in Northern Italy. The journey takes you through the breathtaking Swiss Alps, offering some of the best views you’ll ever see from a train. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque small villages, traverse the famous Landwasser Viaduct, and climb to the highest point at Ospizio Bernina. If you’re like me and starting from elsewhere in Switzerland, your Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass will cover your trip to Chur on public transport, including local trains and buses.
How much does it cost to ride the Bernina Express?
The cost of the Bernina Express can vary depending on several factors like class, season, and whether you have a travel pass. A standard ticket in 1st class can be quite pricey, often exceeding 200 Swiss francs for the entire route when booked directly, especially during the peak season. 2nd class tickets are more affordable, generally starting around 150 Swiss francs.
However, here’s my personal hack to save money: instead of buying a direct ticket, purchase a Saver Day Pass or use your Swiss Travel Pass. I got my Saver Day Pass for just 88 Swiss francs by booking early. This pass covers all public transport in Switzerland for the day, including the Bernina Express. You’ll still need to pay the mandatory reservation fee, which ranges from 14 to 26 Swiss francs depending on the class and season. So, my total cost was significantly less than buying a ticket outright.
How long is the Bernina Express train ride?
The journey time on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano is approximately four hours. While that might sound lengthy, the time flies as you’re captivated by the stunning scenery. The train moves at a leisurely pace to allow you to fully enjoy the scenic route. You’ll cross the highest point at Ospizio Bernina (2,253 meters above sea level), pass by the shimmering waters of Lago Bianco, and experience the engineering marvel of the Brusio Circular Viaduct. Trust me, you’ll wish the ride was even longer!
Can you the Bernina Express in one day?
Absolutely, you can do the Bernina Express journey in one day. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to experience the Swiss Alps if you’re short on time. I started my day early in Chur, making a memorable stop at Le Prese along the way.
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