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Bernina Express: One of the World’s Most Scenic Train Journeys
The Bernina Express is widely considered one of the most spectacular panoramic train journeys in the world. Connecting Switzerland and Italy, this iconic red train offers an unforgettable experience through the heart of the Alps, combining breathtaking natural scenery with outstanding railway engineering. Unlike classic luxury trains focused on onboard extravagance, the Bernina Express puts the landscape at the centre of the experience. The combination of dramatic scenery, high-altitude railway engineering and a journey between two very different regions is what makes the route so distinctive.
The Route Through the Swiss Alps
The Bernina Express operates between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. During the journey, the train crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, reaching its highest point at around 2,253 meters (7,392 feet) near Ospizio Bernina — remarkable for a railway that makes the climb without a cogwheel system.
Passengers experience a dramatic change in landscapes:
- snow-covered mountains and glaciers
- turquoise alpine lakes
- lush valleys and Mediterranean-style scenery near Tirano
This remarkable contrast is one of the reasons the Bernina Express is so popular among international travelers.
Panoramic Carriages and Comfort
One of the defining features of the Bernina Express is its panoramic carriages. Large windows provide wide views of the surrounding mountains and valleys throughout the journey.
Important to note:
- The Bernina Express is a daytime panoramic train, not a sleeper train
- Seat reservations are mandatory
- No luxury cabins or private suites are offered
The experience is all about relaxing, slowing down, and enjoying the journey itself.
Bernina Express Highlights
Some of the most memorable sights include:
- Morteratsch Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Eastern Alps
- Lago Bianco, a striking alpine lake near the Bernina Pass
- Alp Grüm, a remote mountain stop with dramatic views
- Landwasser Viaduct, one of the most photographed railway bridges in the world
The scenery changes repeatedly along the route, so the journey never feels like a single Alpine landscape viewed for several hours.
A UNESCO World Heritage Railway
The train runs along the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This distinction highlights the exceptional harmony between engineering and nature, as the railway blends seamlessly into the rugged alpine environment.
Landmarks such as the Landwasser Viaduct, where the train crosses a curved stone bridge before disappearing into a tunnel, are engineering masterpieces and iconic symbols of Swiss rail travel.
Tickets and Seat Reservations
To travel on the Bernina Express panoramic coaches, you need a valid rail ticket as well as a separate seat reservation.
Ticket prices depend on the route and class of travel, while reservation fees can vary according to the journey and season. Swiss Travel Pass holders can use their pass for the rail fare, but the Bernina Express seat reservation still needs to be booked separately.
Because fares and reservation fees can change, we recommend checking the official Rhaetian Railway website for current prices before booking.
Booking tip: A Bernina Express reservation secures your seat in the panoramic coach, but it does not replace the train ticket itself. When comparing booking options, make sure you know whether the price shown covers only the reservation or also includes the rail fare. This distinction can be especially important when using a Swiss Travel Pass or another rail pass.
Timetable and Seasonal Services
The Bernina Express operates throughout much of the year, but the number of services and departure times vary by season. Trains connect Chur and St. Moritz with Tirano, with additional services operating during the busier summer period.
If your itinerary depends on a particular connection, check the current timetable shortly before travelling. Seasonal changes, engineering work and service adjustments can affect individual departures.
Money-saving alternative: Regional trains travel along the same spectacular Bernina Line. They do not use the Bernina Express panoramic coaches, but follow the same railway through the mountains. Seat reservations are optional, making regional trains a more flexible choice for travelers who prefer not to commit to a specific panoramic service. They also make it easier to break up the journey, stop at smaller stations along the route, and spend more time exploring the landscape.
Best Time to Travel
The Bernina Express operates year-round, and each season offers a different perspective:
- Winter: snow-covered peaks and dramatic frozen landscapes
- Spring: melting snow and emerging greenery
- Summer: clear skies and vibrant alpine meadows
- Autumn: golden forests and crisp mountain air
There is no single best season for the journey. Winter creates the strongest contrast between the high Alps and the valleys below, while summer offers longer days and greener landscapes. The choice depends largely on which side of the Alps you would most like to see.
Why This Journey Is Special Is the Journey Worth It?
The Bernina Express is a reminder that some journeys are memorable precisely because there is no need to rush. Over a few hours, the landscape changes from high Alpine passes and glaciers to lakes, valleys and the warmer scenery of northern Italy.
What makes the journey special is the combination of landscape and engineering. Viaducts, tunnels and mountain curves are not simply a way of getting through the Alps – they are part of the experience.
For travelers who enjoy discovering places through the journey itself, the Bernina Express deserves its place among Europe’s great railway journeys and our collection of iconic routes.
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