Bernina Express
Overview
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Hint
Intro
This panoramic train connects the north of Europe to its south – right through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway, passing by glaciers on its way down to palm trees.
Crossing the Alps in the Bernina Express certainly is one of the most spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site. Altogether the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges on its way from Chur to Tirano. Travellers are treated to marvellous sights during their journey, like the Montebello curve with a view of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, the three lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, the Alp Grüm and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
The journey can be extended aboard the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano from February to November (daily in summer).
Facts Bernina Express (train)
| Route: | Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy) or vice versa |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 144 km |
| Duration: | 4 h - 4 h 30 min |
Facts Bernina Express Bus
| Route: | Tirano (Italy) – Lugano or vice versa |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 90 km |
| Duration: | 3 h |
Excursion tips
- Arosa Railway – from Chur to Arosa within one hour. On just 26 km, the train negotiates an amazing 1000 m in altitude
- Railway Museum Albula – over 600 exhibits from more than 100 years of railway history, e.g. one of the last «Crocodile»-Locomotives
- Gandria – a picturesque little town at the foot of Monte Bré
- Monte San Salvatore – one of the most beautiful scenic outposts along Lake Lugano
- Palm Express – rich-in-contrast, roughly four-hour postbus drive from Lugano to St. Moritz
- Mountain excursion Diavolezza
Food & Beverages
- The Bernina Express minibar offers delicious snacks and refreshing beverages
- The train does not feature a dining car. The guests spend their lunchtime in the Italian town of Tirano
Timetable
Ticket
This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard.
Book Swiss Travel System tickets
Reservation
Apart from a valid ticket, a seat reservation is required (max. 90 days in advance) on both train and bus.
Reservation surcharge Bernina Express (train)
| Short route: St. Moritz- Tirano / Tirano - St. Moritz 15 Dec 2024 – 13 Dec 2025 |
CHF 28 |
|---|---|
| Long route: Chur – Tirano / Tirano - Chur Low season: 15 Dec 2024 – 14 May 2025 / 27 Oct – 13 Dec 2025 |
CHF 32 |
| Long route: Chur – Tirano / Tirano - Chur Main season: 15 May – 26 Oct 2025 |
CHF 36 |
Reservation surcharge Bernina Express Bus
| Low season: 15 Dec 2024 – 14 May 2025 / 27 Oct – 13 Dec 2025 | CHF 14 |
|---|---|
| Main season: 15 May – 26 Oct 2025 | CHF 16 |
Brochure
Fascinating and comprehensive information around the Bernina Express, featuring highlights and relevant facts and figures, can be downloaded here:PDF brochure
General information
| Time required |
4 to 8 hours (full day)
|
|---|---|
| Suitable for children with age |
0 to 5 years, 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
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| Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
|
| Action / Fun factor |
High
|
| Accessible |
Partially wheelchair accessible
|
| Difficulty |
Low
|
| Weather |
Indoor
|
Booking Information
| Online reservation possible |
Yes
|
|---|
