The Bernina Express Train in Switzerland: Complete Guide + Tips
The Bernina Express in Switzerland has been at the very top of our travel bucket list for years and after finally experiencing it firsthand, we can confidently say it’s one of the most breathtaking train journeys in Europe.
Famous for its panoramic views, dramatic alpine scenery, and UNESCO-listed railway route, the Bernina Express connects the charming town of Tirano in Italy to the alpine city of Chur in Switzerland in 4 hours.
We recently travelled on the Bernina Express ourselves, documenting the entire journey (which you can watch below). In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know before you go – including how to book, what to expect onboard, the best time to travel, and whether it’s worth it.
🎥 Full Bernina Express video:
Why the Bernina Express Is So Famous
The Bernina Express is famous because it turns the journey itself into the highlight of the trip. It’s not just a train that gets you from one place to another. It’s an experience designed to slow you down and show you some of the most incredible scenery in Switzerland and northern Italy.
One of the biggest reasons it’s so well known is its UNESCO-listed railway route. The line climbs high into the Alps, crossing mountain passes and historic stone viaducts, all without tunnels or cogwheel sections.
As you travel, the scenery changes constantly. On our journey, we passed through quaint Swiss villages and dramatic snow-covered peaks, and it was genuinely breathtaking!
The panoramic carriages also play a huge role in the Bernina Express experience. The large windows make it feel like you’re travelling through the Alps rather than simply passing by them. Honestly, the panoramic windows have spoiled all future train travel for us. They are simply incredible for taking in the views.
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The Bernina Express Route Explained
The Bernina Express runs between Tirano in northern Italy and Chur in Switzerland, and one of the things that makes this journey so special is how much the scenery changes along the way. It really feels like travelling through several different worlds in just a few hours.
You can begin your journey at either end but we started in Tirano, on the tail-end of a trip through Italy.
Soon after departing from Tirano station, you’ll pass through the border into Switzerland. Not long after you’ll travel around the shores of Lago di Poschiavo, a beautiful blue lake that was a sight to see during our winter journey.
Depending on the time of the year, you may get a chance to enjoy a photo opportunity at the Alp Grüm stop – something we missed out on travelling in November.
The highest point on the journey is the Ospizio Bernina at 2253 meters above sea level. For us, this was a real highlight on the route. It felt like we were on top of the world! Truly spectacular.
One of the most iconic moments of the Bernina Express is crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, which happens around five minutes after leaving Filisur. It’s an incredible piece of engineering and a real bucket-list sight.
Unfortunately, because we were travelling on an afternoon departure in winter, it was already dark by the time we reached this section, so we missed seeing it properly.
If we were to do the Bernina Express again, we’d definitely aim to travel in full daylight to make the most of moments like this.
After 4 hours of spectacular travel, you’ll arrive into Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur.
After arriving in Chur, we stayed overnight before continuing our journey through Switzerland. If you’re planning to do the same, staying close to the station makes everything much easier, especially after a long but scenic day on the Bernina Express.
We stayed at Hotel Drei Könige in Chur, which was affordable, well located, and ideal for a one-night stop before travelling on.
Staying in Tirano? We enjoyed a wonderful one-night stay at Casa Armida, a cozy one bedroom apartment close to the train station.
View the full Bernina Express route map here.
How to Book the Bernina Express
Booking the Bernina Express is fairly straightforward once you understand how it works. This is one of those journeys where knowing a few details in advance can save you stress later.
The first thing to know is that the Bernina Express requires a seat reservation. This is mandatory, even if you’re travelling with a Eurail Pass. The reservation guarantees you a seat in the panoramic carriage, which is really the whole point of doing this journey in the first place.
You can book both your ticket and seat reservation together through the official railway channel. Prices vary depending on the season, carriage and booking time so it’s worth checking early if your dates are fixed.
You can purchase a ticket and select your seat via the official Bernina Express website here.
Firstly, select your route and date, the website will then show availability. If there are available seats, you will be asked to select your seats.
Make sure you are booking the correct carriage – you will be shown availability for both first and second class carriages.
If you are using a train pass (e.g Eurail, Interrail, Swiss Travel Pass) then you only need to purchase a seat reservation. For our trip, we used our first class Eurail and Interrail pass and paid the additional fee for our seat reservations in the 1st class carriage.
To book using a rail pass, fill out the details (date, seats etc.) and then select your pass from the drop down menu. This will ensure you pay for only the seat reservation.
Bookings for seat reservation generally opens 6 months in advance.
Travelling last-minute? The official website offers exclusive ‘Bernina Express – Last Minute’ tickets at a discount rate. The flat-rate price is for second class carriage only and tickets become available 6 days before departure. You can find tickets here.
Alternatively, if you prefer to travel as part of a tour, there are many options to choose from. This is also a great way of securing a ticket in advance.
P.S when booking a tour make sure it states ‘Bernina Express.’ Many tours offer the ‘Bernina red train,’ which travels the same route but does not offer the panoramic windows.
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Bernina Express: First Class vs Second Class
One of the most common questions when booking the Bernina Express is whether first class is worth it, or if second class is just as good. Having travelled on the Bernina Express ourselves, the answer really comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for.
In terms of scenery, both first class and second class offer the same views. The panoramic windows are a feature throughout the train, so you won’t miss out on the landscape if you choose second class.
Where first class stands out is in comfort and space. The seating is more spacious and there are fewer seats per carriage, which can make it feel more relaxed. We travelled in first class and found the seats very comfortable and spacious. They also felt more private, as we chose two seats opposite each other. That said, I wouldn’t describe it as particularly quiet. Our carriage was full and there were children onboard, so it still felt lively at times.
Second class is, of course, more budget-friendly and has more seats in each carriage, which means it can feel a little more compact and slightly louder. That said, as mentioned above, this doesn’t take away from the breathtaking views, which are the real highlight of the journey.
While travelling in first class, we also received a complimentary soft drink and a very cute souvenir: a small tin train filled with Swiss chocolates. We’re not entirely sure if this is exclusive to first class, but it was a lovely bonus!
If you’re trying to decide, we’d say second class is absolutely fine if you’re on a budget or mainly travelling for the views. First class is worth considering if you’re after extra comfort and a slightly more spacious experience. Either way, the Bernina Express delivers the scenery you came for, and that’s what really matters.
Best Time to Travel the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express runs year-round on both a summer and winter timetable. Each season brings its own highlights, and the time of year you choose can play a big role in your overall experience.
We personally don’t regret travelling during winter. The snowy landscape was magical and really added to the journey. However, the winter timetable meant we were on an afternoon departure from Tirano and, as mentioned earlier, we lost daylight quite quickly – oops!
If you’re planning to travel in winter, we’d recommend departing from Chur where possible, as this gives you a better chance of experiencing more of the route in daylight.
Spring and early summer offer longer days and a mix of scenery, with snow still visible at higher elevations and greener landscapes appearing in the valleys. This can be a great time to travel if you’re looking for a balance between winter and summer scenery, without the peak-season crowds.
Summer is one of the most popular times to travel on the Bernina Express, and for good reason! The days are long, the views are clear, and you’ll see alpine lakes, wildflowers, and lush mountain landscapes throughout the journey. The downside is that trains can be busier, so booking seat reservations well in advance is especially important.
Tips We Wish We Knew Before Travelling the Bernina Express
- Prioritise daylight when choosing your departure
You live and learn! The scenery is the main reason for taking the Bernina Express, and travelling in daylight makes a huge difference. We definitely won’t make this mistake twice.
2. Book your seat reservation early
Seat reservations are mandatory on the Bernina Express, and popular departures can sell out quickly, especially in summer. We were lucky and booked fairly last-minute, with a week or two notice. On the plus side, we were able to check the weather forecast and picked a clear day for views!
3. Bring snacks and drinks
We did purchase wine and sparkling water on board, but it was pricey and there is no real food service. Therefore, we’d recommend packing a mini picnic for the journey.
4. Take entertainment
The Bernina Express does promise WiFi but unfortunately it wasn’t working for us. Honestly, the majority of the time you’ll be focusing on the views but I was grateful I packed my kindle for the last hour of the ride when it became dark outside.
5. Choose your seats carefully
If you’re travelling as a pair, selecting two seats opposite each other can make the journey feel more private and comfortable. Plus, for the iconic viaducts and valley views, it’s advised to travel on the left side when travelling north (Tirano to Chur) and right when travelling south (Chur to Tirano.)
6. Use the Infotrainment
If the WiFi works, log into the on-board entertainment system. It’s actually quite interesting! You’ll be able to see a moving map of where you are, along with the relevant information of the area. If you have headphones, you can also listen to the narration.
Is the Bernina Express Worth It?
For us, the Bernina Express was absolutely worth it. It had been on our bucket list for a long time, and finally experiencing it lived up to every expectation we had. The scenery is constant, the journey feels special from start to finish, and it’s one of those trips where the travel itself becomes the highlight.
It’s also worth mentioning that, compared to some of Switzerland’s other iconic scenic trains, the Bernina Express feels relatively affordable. Trains like the Glacier Express are incredible, but they come with a much higher price tag. The Bernina Express offers just as much wow-factor, without quite the same cost, which makes it a great option if you’re trying to balance budget with unforgettable experiences.
If we had one small regret, it would be timing. Travelling in winter was magical, but we would have loved to see the entire route in full daylight. Missing a couple of famous sections after sunset definitely taught us a lesson for next time. That said, even with that small hiccup, we’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
🎥 Watch our Glacier Express experience:
Overall, if you’re travelling through Switzerland or northern Italy and love scenic journeys, the Bernina Express is a must-do. It’s one of those trips that stays with you long after you’ve stepped off the train, and one we’d happily recommend adding to your own travel bucket list.
Thank You
Hi adventurers, thanks for reading our Bernina Express Switzerland guide!
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