Bernina Express Panoramic Train, Chur / St Moritz to Tirano

The Bernina Express is a panoramic train that links Chur and St Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in northern Italy, crossing high Alpine passes, glaciers and viaducts on the UNESCO listed Albula and Bernina railway lines. Large windows, slow speeds and detailed commentary turn this into one of Europe's classic scenic rail journeys rather than just a way to travel from A to B.

• Reserved seat in a panoramic carriage on the Bernina Express train in the class you book (1st or 2nd), on a chosen sector such as Chur—Tirano or St Moritz—Tirano.
• Use of the train's large panoramic windows, on board information screens and InfoT(r)ainment style commentary that explains the landscape, engineering and history along the way.
• Travel across highlights of the Albula and Bernina lines, including deep valleys, spiral tunnels, high mountain lakes and famous viaducts such as the Landwasser and Brusio circular viaducts.
• Access to basic facilities on board such as toilets, luggage racks, overhead lockers and at seat catering for drinks and snacks on most departures.
• NOT included: separate bus extensions such as the Bernina Express bus to Lugano, full meals, hotel stays, local transport to and from your starting and ending stations, or any rail pass that you may need to hold in addition to a seat reservation.

• Ideal for travellers who value scenery and relaxed travel: couples, friends, solo travellers and families who want a full day of views and photos with minimal physical effort.
• Good fit if you are already travelling in Switzerland and Italy and want a memorable, one off panoramic train day rather than a fast point to point transfer.
• Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, as you remain seated for most of the journey with short walks only at stations before and after the train ride.
• Less suitable if you prefer adrenaline activities, cannot sit for several hours at a time, or are looking for the very cheapest possible way to cross the border rather than a scenic experience.

• Start at a major Swiss station such as Chur or St Moritz, arrive early, find your platform and board the Bernina Express, taking your reserved seat in the panoramic coach.
• Settle in as the train leaves town and begins to climb through valleys and forests, passing villages, stone bridges and tunnels while on board commentary and maps highlight key points.
• Ride across the Albula or Bernina sections where the line curves over viaducts, loops through spiral tunnels and reaches high points near Lago Bianco and the Bernina Pass with close views of glaciers and rocky peaks.
• Descend through the Italian side of the route towards Poschiavo and Tirano, watching the scenery change from high Alpine landscapes to lower valleys with vineyards and palm trees.
• Arrive in Tirano, where you have time to walk through the town, visit a church or café and eat lunch before either heading onward by regular train or bus, or returning to Switzerland later in the day.
• Throughout the journey, move to the small vestibule windows or designated photo points between cars if you want reflections free photos, then return to your seat to relax and enjoy the views.

• Tickets / price (starts from): a realistic starting point for a standard 2nd class one way Bernina Express journey including the mandatory seat reservation is about 100 CHF per adult, with prices varying by route, season and how early you book. Holding a Swiss Travel Pass or other rail pass can reduce the ticket component so that you mainly pay the reservation fee.
• Seat reservations: a seat reservation is compulsory on the Bernina Express panoramic train in addition to any rail ticket or pass you hold, and costs an extra fixed fee per sector and season; without a reservation you cannot use the dedicated panoramic coaches.
• Duration: plan about 4 hours for the full Chur—Tirano route on the train itself, or about 2 to 2.5 hours for the shorter St Moritz—Tirano sector, plus extra time to reach and leave the start and end stations.
• Documents: the train crosses the Swiss—Italian border, so you must carry a valid passport or national identity card that meets current entry rules for both countries.
• Luggage and comfort: normal sized suitcases and bags can be brought on board and stored in racks or above seats; wear comfortable clothes, bring water, snacks and anything you like for a long train ride such as a book or downloaded music.

• Location and route: the Bernina Express connects Chur and St Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy, travelling on narrow gauge lines that are part of the Rhaetian Railway's Albula and Bernina sections, which are UNESCO World Heritage listed.
• Best timing: the journey is impressive year round. Winter brings snow covered peaks and frozen lakes, while summer brings green valleys and bright blue water; shoulder seasons have a mix of snow on top and spring or autumn colours lower down.
• Classes: 1st class has more space, a 2 plus 1 seating layout and a quieter atmosphere, while 2nd class has 2 plus 2 seating and is slightly busier; both enjoy the same panoramic windows and views.
• Alternatives: regional trains run over the same route without mandatory seat reservations and with opening windows in some cars, which can be attractive if you want more flexibility or a lower price, though without the dedicated panoramic coach feel.
• Connections: many travellers link the Bernina Express with other famous Swiss routes such as the Glacier Express, or combine it with stays in Zurich, Lucerne, Milan, Lake Como or Lugano using regular trains and buses.

Budget around 100 CHF per adult and half a day on board plus extra transfer time for the Bernina Express — a slow, scenic panoramic train between Switzerland and Italy that crosses high passes, glaciers and UNESCO listed rail lines, with compulsory seat reservations and big windows that turn the whole trip into a rolling Alpine viewpoint.