Bernina Express - is a panoramic train ride worth it in 2026?

Fabienne's tips for the Bernina Express

Seat reservation in two compartments

I made the trip in 1st class. If you are also traveling in 1st class, I recommend reserving a seat in a double compartment. There are two seats opposite each other and you have much more space than in a four-seat compartment.

Savings day tickets

In order to get a cheap ticket, I can recommend you the Spartageskarten on the SBB website or SBB Mobile App. These are available with and without a Half-Fare Card and you can book them up to 60 days in advance. The earlier you book your Spartageskarte, the cheaper it is

Better view on the right side

During the journey towards Tirano, you have a better view of the sights in the direction of travel on the right. However, you cannot influence this when booking and need some luck to sit on the right side.

7 Highlights on the Bernina Express

• This scenic journey takes you over the Bernina and Albula lines, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• The trip covers everything from Swiss glaciers to palm trees in Italy.
• Along the way, you pass through different language regions, cultures, climates, and countries—all within a few hours.
• The Bernina Express crosses 196 bridges and goes through 55 tunnels.
• At Ospizio Bernina, the panoramic train reaches its highest point at 2,253 meters above sea level.
• The Bernina Express runs on the highest railway line across the Alps and features one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world.
• Onboard infotainment and announcements provide you with extra information about the Bernina Express.

Important Information About the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a scenic train running between Chur or St. Moritz and Tirano in Italy. From Tirano, the Bernina Express bus continues all the way to Lugano. If you want to travel the entire route, you will take both a train and a bus, changing in Tirano. Of course, it’s also possible to travel only parts of the route, like from St. Moritz to Tirano or from Tirano to Chur.

• Chur - Tirano - Chur (Bernina Express train without stopping at St. Moritz)
• St. Moritz - Tirano - St. Moritz (Bernina Express train)
• Tirano - Lugano - Tirano (Bernina Express bus)

You need a valid ticket and a seat reservation for both the panoramic train and the bus. We recommend booking in advance because the Bernina Express is very popular and seats often sell out early. Reservations are usually possible several months ahead.

Bernina Express Timetable

The Bernina Express timetable varies depending on the season. Trains run all year round between Chur or St. Moritz and Tirano, with separate winter and summer schedules. The Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano runs daily during the high season and on specific days in the low season.

You can make the journey in either direction, starting in Lugano, St. Moritz, or Chur.

If you want to travel the entire Bernina Express route by train and bus, these are usually your connections during the summer season:

• Starting in Chur: Bernina Express train departs at 08:17 from Chur, arrives at 12:49 in Tirano, with a connection to the Bernina Express bus at 14:20 to Lugano.
• Starting in St. Moritz: Bernina Express train departs at 09:17 from St. Moritz, arrives at 11:32 in Tirano, connecting to the Bernina Express bus at 14:20 to Lugano.
• Starting in Lugano: Bernina Express bus departs at 10:00 from Lugano, arrives at 13:00 in Tirano, connecting to the Bernina Express train at 14:24 to Chur or at 13:17 to St. Moritz.

Bernina Express Train Timetable 2026 (Main Connections)

The exact timetables might vary slightly; the main connections for 2026 typically look like this:

Route	Departure	Arrival	Season
Chur – Tirano	08:17	12:49	year-round
Chur – Tirano	13:34	18:00	2 May – 25 October 2026
St. Moritz – Tirano	09:17	11:32	2 May – 25 October 2026
St. Moritz – Tirano	13:17	15:45	2 May – 25 October 2026
Tirano – Chur	14:24	18:31	year-round
Tirano – St. Moritz	10:06	12:35	2 May – 25 October 2026
Tirano – St. Moritz	13:17	15:45	2 May – 25 October 2026

The winter/low season timetable runs from 14 December 2025 to 1 May 2026 and from 26 October to 12 December 2026. Fewer trains operate during this period, so make sure to check the latest timetable from the Rhaetian Railway or SBB before traveling.

Bernina Express Bus Timetable 2026

Route	Departure	Arrival
Lugano – Tirano	10:00	13:00
Tirano – Lugano	14:20	17:30

The Bernina Express bus (lines 5950 and 5951) runs on the following days in 2026:

• 26. From February to 22 March 2026: Thursday to Sunday
• 23. From March to 25 October 2026: daily
• 29. From October to 22 November 2026: Thursday to Sunday

The bus takes a winter break from the end of November to the end of February.

Bernina Express Tickets

The ticket price for the Bernina Express consists of two parts. You need a ticket for the route plus a seat reservation fee.

Bernina Express Reservation Prices

A reservation is always required, even if some tickets are free for the route. Seat reservation prices vary by season and cost the same for 1st and 2nd class.

• Low season: mid-December to mid-May and late October to mid-December
• High season: mid-May to end of October

Transport	Route	Season	Price (CHF)
Bernina Express train	Short route (e.g., St. Moritz–Tirano)	year-round	28.00
Bernina Express train	Long route (e.g., Chur–Tirano)	High season	36.00
Bernina Express train	Long route (e.g., Chur–Tirano)	Low season	32.00
Bernina Express bus	All routes	High season	16.00
Bernina Express bus	All routes	Low season	14.00

The seat reservation surcharge applies to everyone in full, including children and discounted tickets.

• The Swiss Travel Pass, GA, Eurail, and Interrail include the ride except for the seat reservation fee.
• SBB day passes (Saver Day Pass, Community Day Pass, Youth Day Pass, etc.) are valid.
• Half Fare Card usually grants a 50% discount on the route ticket.
• Children aged 6 to 16 travel at half price.
• With the Junior Card, children up to 16 travelling with a parent travel free.

Stage 2: from Pontresina to Ospizio Bernina

Shortly after Pontresina, I get an incredible view of the Morteratsch Glacier. Once again, I'm reminded of how beautiful and diverse Switzerland is. The landscape overwhelms me.

More highlights keep popping up on both sides: Muottas Muragl, Piz Bernina, lakes, and many more. By the way, you'll see this part too if you begin your trip in St. Moritz. From here, the route from Chur is the same as the one from St. Moritz.

With my phone camera, I take one memory photo after another. The ride flies by, and soon the train reaches the highest point of the Bernina route: Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m above sea level).

Before the train stops at Ospizio Bernina station, we pass three lakes: Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair, and Lago Bianco. The two lakes, Lej Pitschen and Lej Nair (Black Lake), flow into the river Inn and later into the Black Sea.

Lago Bianco, on the other hand, is a reservoir with a milky white color that comes from glacier water and sand. The special thing about Lago di Bianco is that besides being a reservoir, it is also a watershed. The water east of the lake flows into the Black Sea and the water south of the lake flows into the Adriatic Sea

The milky water, the purple flowers on the lakeshore and the Cambrena glacier in the background make a beautiful panorama. Fortunately, Lago di Bianco is about three kilometers long. So I can enjoy the view for a long time, because the train line runs along the lake

The journey continues to the next stop and a restaurant that can only be reached by train or on foot: Alp Grüm.

The train stops here for about 15 min, so I can enjoy the view of a small lake, the glacier and the old mountain inn and take a photo. With a bell, the train attendant symbolizes to the passengers that it is time to board and move on

Stage 3: from Ospizio Bernina to Poschiavo

Now the train zigzags downhill towards Valposchiavo. On the descent, I notice that the train loses more than 1000 meters in altitude in just one hour. The forest immediately becomes denser and the mild climate with the warm rays of the sun can be felt through the large panoramic windows

I enjoy the last minutes in the Bernina Express before the train reaches Poschiavo station. This is the end of the line for me on the Bernina Express. The small, charming village and a delicious lunch are waiting for me.

Poschiavo has a pretty village center with numerous restaurants. For a short stay and to have something to eat, Poschiavo is perfect. If you want to spend several hours or even a day in Poschiavo, you can go to Lago di Poschiavo and take a cooling dip in the lake if the weather is nice

Fabienne's 4th stage: Option Poschiavo back to Chur with a stop at the Cavaglia Glacier Garden

The train continues from Poschiavo to Tirano. For me it's after lunch with the regional trains back towards Alp Grüm. But before that I make a stop in Cavaglia, where I visit the Glacier Garden Cavaglia. The Glacier Garden is only a few minutes walk from the train station and is open to all visitors free of charge. At the exit there is the possibility to give a voluntary donation.

In the Glacier Garden you can see the glacier mills that were built about 11'000 years ago and you can even climb down some of them. You can also visit the Cavaglia gorge.

After the short but interesting visit in the Glacier Garden, I take the next regional train to Alp Grüm. On the outward journey, I liked the view and the atmosphere on Alp Grüm so much that a stop on the way back is definitely a must for me

On the terrace of the restaurant Alp Grüm I enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. A few last souvenir photos have to be taken, of course. With the view towards the Palü glacier, I discover some great hiking trails and already plan my next trips..

Official 4th stage: Poschiavo to Tirano

As already mentioned, the route of the Bernina Express does not end in Poschiavo, but continues on to Tirano. After departing from Poschiavo station, the train heads towards Lago di Poschiavo. The route passes directly by the popular bathing lake and you have an incredibly beautiful view of the lake

After Lago di Poschiavo, the next highlight of the Bernina Express train route soon follows: the circular viaduct in Brusio. Here the train makes a 360 degree turn on the viaduct to overcome the height. The viaduct is considered the most spectacular structure on the Bernina line.

After Brusio follows the final station of the train: Tirano. You immediately notice, due to the tropical climate, that the train has covered many meters in altitude and that you are now at 429 meters above sea level. But before reaching the station, the train passes through the small town and the famous church "Basilica Madonna". So you get a little sightseeing tour through Tirano at the end of your train journey.

Stage 5: From Tirano, take the bus to Lugano

After a short stop and some time for lunch, you have the option to continue on the Bernina Express bus to Lugano. The bus route takes you past the vineyards of Valtellina, Lake Como, and Lake Lugano. The journey is quite varied and lasts around three hours. Here, too, you’ll receive additional information through the InfoT(r)ainment system.

This route is the complete opposite of the train journey. Here, you’ll mainly see more Mediterranean landscapes and significantly fewer mountains.

Catering on the Bernina Express

There’s no restaurant on board the Bernina Express. The stewards come through all the carriages after the train ride with a minibar, serving you hot and cold drinks, wine, spirits, platters of cheese or salami, various pastries, and of course, souvenirs.

Fabienne’s tip:

If you have enough time in the morning while changing trains at Chur, I recommend grabbing a nice coffee and a croissant for the journey. In my opinion, it tastes better than what you get from the minibar, and you have more options.

Shortened journey to Poschiavo and use of regional trains

If the whole trip to Tirano is too long for you, I can highly recommend the trip to Poschiavo. Poschiavo is a small village and is ideal for a delicious lunch. After that you can also continue to Tirano with the regional trains of the Rhaetian Railway. The other option is to take the regional trains back towards St. Moritz or Chur

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

Of course, an overnight stay in St. Moritz is also worthwhile. The region is a perfect starting point for numerous activities and hikes. So you can split your trip with the Bernina Express and enjoy the towns along the way.

InfoT(r)ainment

At every table on the Bernina Express you will find a flyer about InfoT(r)ainment on board. With your Bernina Express reservation, you benefit from discounts in restaurants or bakeries in some towns such as St. Moritz or Poschiavo

Early reservation

Are you planning a trip with the Bernina Express? Then I recommend you to reserve your seat as early as possible. Seats on the Bernina Express train and bus are limited and can be booked up quickly, especially in high season. You will receive your reservation up to 90 days in advance

FAQs about the Bernina Express

When is the best season to travel with the Bernina Express?

• You can travel the Bernina Express all year round. The view is very impressive at any time of the year. However, if you want to travel from Tirano to Lugano by Bernina Express bus, you should travel between the end of April and the end of November.

Is a trip with the Bernina Express worthwhile?

• Yes, a trip with the Bernina Express is definitely worth it. Throughout the trip you will have a very nice view of valleys, mountains, gorges, glaciers and much more through the large panoramic windows. Since the landscape is very diverse, you can expect one highlight after another.

From where to where is the Bernina Express?

• The routes can vary depending on the season. The Bernina Express train runs between Chur and Tirano or between St. Moritz and Tirano. The Bernina Express bus runs in summer between Tirano and Lugano.

How long does the trip with the Bernina Express take?

• The entire journey between Chur and Lugano via Tirano takes nine hours. The trip between St. Moritz and Lugano takes eight hours. You can also travel only between Chur and Tirano (4:20 h) or St. Moritz and Tirano (2:15 h).

Is the Bernina Express included in the GA?

• Yes, with the GA the trip with the Bernina Express is free of charge. In addition, there is a surcharge for the obligatory seat reservation. The price for seat reservation varies depending on the season.

Is there enough space for luggage on the Bernina Express?

• There is one luggage rack per carriage for larger pieces of luggage. There is room for approx. 10 - 12 pieces of luggage on the rack. Please note that this number may vary depending on the size of your luggage. Small hand luggage can also be stored under the seats.

Is there WLAN on the Bernina Express?

• Yes, you can use free WLAN on the Bernina Express. To do so, connect to the "InfoTrainment" WLAN network, open the infotrainment website in your browser and accept the terms and conditions. You are already connected to the Internet and can chat during your trip, send photos or spontaneously book your activity on Swiss Activities.

Do I receive information on the way about the places the Bernina Express passes?

• Yes, via the loudspeaker you will be informed about what you are seeing on the way. In addition, you can log into the on-board information system "InfoT(r)ainment" to find out even more. Your personal audio guide, which you use via your cell phone, tells you everything about the highlights on the Bernina Express route. You'll get exciting information about Domleschg, the Landwasser Viaduct, the Albula Line, Ospizio Bernina, the Circular Viaduct in Bivio and much more. In addition, you can always see where you are on the map.

Are dogs allowed on the Bernina Express?

• Yes, dogs are allowed on the Bernina Express. When entering Tirano (Italy), you must carry the necessary documents. You don’t need to book a ticket for your dog. If your dog is smaller than 30 cm at the shoulder, it doesn’t need a ticket as long as it travels in a basket, bag, or carrier. However, if your dog is larger, you need to purchase a half-price ticket in 2nd class for it, even if you’re travelling in 1st class. If you’re travelling a longer route, a dog day pass for 25 CHF might be worth it, which is valid throughout Switzerland.

Can bikes be transported on the Bernina Express?

• No, bikes are not allowed on the Bernina Express. If you're travelling by bike, you’ll have to use the regional trains that have designated compartments or luggage cars.

Is the Bernina Express wheelchair accessible?

• The Bernina Express is only partially wheelchair accessible. There are some stairs to enter the panoramic coaches.
• If passengers can leave their wheelchair, they can book independently at a ticket counter or online.
• If passengers cannot leave their wheelchair, bookings can be made through the Rhaetian Railway rail service. Special seats are available. For both options, it’s important that the passenger registers for boarding and assistance with the SBB Handicap Centre.

Can the windows on the Bernina Express be opened to take photos?

• No, the large panoramic windows cannot be opened. Some train car doors have a window that can be opened for photography.

Who is the Bernina Express suitable for?

• The Bernina Express is great for both tourists and locals. It offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes. The journey is a fantastic idea for all nature lovers, train fans, families with older kids, and many others looking for a day out.

Who is the Bernina Express not suitable for?

• I wouldn’t recommend the Bernina Express if you’re travelling with small children, short on time, or don’t enjoy long train journeys. The full route from Chur to Tirano, or even to Lugano, takes nearly the whole day. However, you can choose to travel only certain sections of the Bernina Express to shorten your trip.

What else should I keep in mind when travelling on the Bernina Express?

• Since your trip to Tirano passes through Italy, you’ll need your passport or ID. Make sure to check the entry requirements valid for your nationality to avoid any issues at the border.