Bernina Express Travel Guide : Complete Route, Tickets & Tips

The Bernina Express stands as Switzerland’s premier scenic train route, connecting Chur and St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, through UNESCO-protected alpine landscapes. This Rhaetian Railway journey crosses 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, reaching 2,253 meters at Bernina Pass. Whether using a Swiss Travel Pass or booking independently, this guide covers reservation requirements, ticket prices, and optimal travel timing for this alpine panoramic train experience featuring the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

Bernina Express Route : Chur & St. Moritz to Tirano Train Journey

• Route: Chur/St. Moritz (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
• Duration:  4 hours (Chur-Tirano) | 2.5 hours (St. Moritz-Tirano)
• Highest Point: Bernina Pass (2,253m elevation)
• UNESCO Status: Albula/Bernina lines (inscribed 2008)

Iconic Bernina Express Landmarks & Photography Tips

Engineering Landmarks

• Landwasser Viaduct: The 65-meter curved bridge entering a mountain tunnel represents Swiss rail engineering excellence. Best photographed from the Filisur hiking trail.

• Brusio Spiral Viaduct: Complete circular viaduct for steep descents. Shoot from an elevated walkway with a telephoto lens for a full spiral effect.

• Albula Pass Spirals: Helical tunnels conquering 1,000-meter elevation changes demonstrate mountain railway innovation.

Scenic Viewpoints

• Lago Bianco (White Lake): Glacial turquoise lake at Bernina Pass. Morning departures offer the best reflections.

• Morteratsch Glacier: Visible between Pontresina and Bernina Pass, showcasing alpine glacier landscapes.

• Val Poschiavo: Dramatic climate shift from alpine to Mediterranean zones with chestnut forests.

Optimal Seating:

• Switzerland to Italy: Right side (Landwasser Viaduct, Lago Bianco)
• Italy to Switzerland: Left side (ascending views)

Bernina Express vs Regular RhB Trains: Which is Worth It in ?

Feature	Bernina Express	Regional Train
Panoramic Windows	Floor-to-ceiling	Standard windows
Reservation	Mandatory (CHF 26-42)	Optional
Frequency	3-5 daily	Hourly
Swiss Travel Pass	Reservation fee only	Fully covered
Route	Identical tracks	Identical tracks

Budget Tip: Regular RhB trains offer identical views without reservation fees—only panoramic carriages differentiate services.

Bernina Express Ticket Prices & Reservation Guide

Ticket Type	Cost (CHF)	Details
2nd Class Reservation	26-32	Peak season: CHF 32
1st Class Reservation	42	Wider seats, less crowding
Full Fare (No Pass)	62-138	Varies by route segment
Swiss Travel Pass	Reservation only	Base fare covered
Eurail/Interrail	Reservation only	Verify RhB validity
Children Under 16	Free + reservation fee	Requires Family Card

Where to Book Bernina Express Tickets: Online & On-Station Options

• Train Stations: In-person, English support
• Tour Operators: Bundled packages
• Booking Window:  Opens 6 months in advance. Summer weekends sell out 3-4 months early

Bernina Express Best Time to Travel : Seasonal Guide for Scenic Views

Summer (June-September):

Maximum daylight, green meadows, wildflowers, all trails open. Peak pricing requires a 4-6 month booking.

Autumn (October-November):

Golden larch forests, fewer crowds, shoulder pricing. Earlier sunsets affect afternoon returns.

Winter (December-March):

Snow landscapes, frozen Lago Bianco, Christmas markets. Reduced frequency (2-3 daily), short daylight.

Spring (April-May):

Waterfall season from snowmelt, lower prices. Unpredictable weather, high passes are snow-covered.

Essential Bernina Express Travel Tips

Pre-Departure Checklist

• Book 4-6 months early for peak season
• Verify Swiss Travel Pass RhB coverage
• Request window seat numbers
• Check seasonal timetables on the RhB website
• Bring a passport (Italian border at Tirano)

Day-of-Travel Preparation

• Arrive 20-30 minutes early
• Dress in layers (15°C temperature drop at altitude)
• Pack snacks (limited onboard service)
• Download offline maps

Luggage: Standard suitcases (75cm) fit overhead. No weight limits. Ski equipment needs advance notice.

Common Bernina Express Travel Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Regular Trains: Paying CHF 32 when regional trains offer the same views
• Wrong-Side Seating: Missing Landwasser Viaduct from the left side southbound
• Tight Connections: Weather delays are common; allow 30+ minute buffers
• Overlooking Alp Grüm: Mid-route stop with glacier platform
• Late Summer Booking: Seats sold out 2+ months before travel

Conclusion: Planning Your Alpine Train Journey

The Bernina Express showcases Swiss engineering and alpine beauty across a 4-hour UNESCO-protected journey. Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season, consider regular RhB trains for budget flexibility, and prioritise morning departures for photography. Whether combining this scenic train route with the Glacier Express or extending to Lake Como, the Chur-to-Tirano railway delivers Switzerland’s most accessible mountain scenery. Verify current schedules at the RhB official website, pack layers for altitude changes, and secure window seats early for iconic viaduct views. Discover Pickyourtrail’s Switzerland Tour Packages for a convenient journey in 2026. 

FAQ’s

Q: Is the Bernina Express worth it compared to regular trains?

A: The panoramic windows enhance comfort, but standard RhB regional trains follow identical routes with the same scenery at no reservation cost. Worth it for first-time visitors prioritising photography.

Q: Can I use my Swiss Travel Pass on the Bernina Express?

A: Yes, the pass covers the base fare. You pay only the mandatory reservation fee (CHF 26-42). Verify pass includes Rhaetian Railway routes.

Q: What’s the best time of day to ride the Bernina Express?

A: Morning departures (8-10 AM) southbound provide optimal lighting at Bernina Pass and Lago Bianco. Afternoon returns face the sun glare for photography.

Q: Do I need to book both directions separately?

A: Yes, each journey requires separate reservations. Many travellers book the outbound Bernina Express, return via regular train to save fees.

Q: Can I break the journey and continue later?

A: Yes, with separate segment bookings. Popular stops: Alp Grüm (glacier viewing), Poschiavo (historic town), Brusio (spiral viaduct). Verify return availability.