Bernina Express: The Ultimate Guide for 2025 with FAQ’s Answered
Ever dreamt of taking a train ride through stunning mountains and beautiful countryside of Switzerland? The Bernina Express is just the ticket! This incredible panoramic train journey takes you through some of the most breath taking scenery in the Swiss Alps- all with an affordable price tag.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or just curious about where you can travel from and how much it costs, we’ve got you covered with our ‘Ultimate Guide’ designed to answer all the questions.
So Let’s Get Started!
Routes
Where does the Bernina Express start and end?
Do I need a seat reservation on the Bernina Express?
A seat reservation on the Bernina Express is mandatory. You can reserve your seat online, by telephone on +41 81 288 65 65 or at any ticket office in Europe (by telephone or at train stations, at the earliest three months before the date of travel).
Does Everyone Have to pay a Seat Reservation Fee on the Bernina Express?
Yes, the seat reservation supplement must be paid in full for everyone including children, Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, 1-day-travelpass, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses, Eurrail and Interrail passes.
How much is the Seat Reservation Fee on the Bernina Express?
The seat reservation per direction and person is:
Bernina Express – Short-distance route 2024 (St. Moritz – Tirano / Tirano – St. Moritz)
10.12.2023 – 14.12.2024, CHF 28.00 (£24.77/31.39 USD)
Bernina Express – Long-distance route 2024 (Chur – Tirano / Tirano – Chur)
Low season: 10.12.2023 – 30.04.2024/01.11.2024 – 14.12.2024, CHF 32.00 (£28.31/35.88 USD)
Peak season: 01.05.2024 – 31.10.2024, CHF 36.00 (£31.84/40.37 USD)
What is Included in the Bernina Express Ticket Price?
The Bernina Express doesn’t have a restaurant car or an at-seat restaurant service like the Glacier Express. However, a refreshment trolley service is available if you want to buy tea, coffee, snacks, or souvenirs. You’re also free to bring your own food and even wine on board, as on other European trains.
We sat in 2nd class and were given a free carton of cold tea and a commentative Lindt Train filled with heart chocolates mid journey.
General Questions
Which one is better? Glacier Express or Bernina Express?
Both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express are scenic train rides in Switzerland, each offering a unique experience. The Bernina Express is known for its stunning views of the Swiss Alps and crosses the Bernina Pass into Italy, while the Glacier Express is a slower, more panoramic route that takes passengers through the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The choice between the two really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether you prefer more dramatic mountain scenery (Bernina Express) or a more leisurely journey with picturesque landscapes (Glacier Express).
For us we chose the Bernina Express purely because the journey was just over 4 hours and we were heading to the Milan/Lake Como region of Italy afterwards. The Glacier Express was 8 hours and would have meant a further train from Zermatt in to northern Italy. We were travelling with 4 children, and although we would have loved to do the Glacier train, I wasn’t sure if 8 hours would be too much for them plus the onward travel on top.
The Glacier is the more luxurious of the two trains offering a higher standard of travel and also dining aboard, but therefore also more costly- actually around three times the cost of the Bernina Express.
For those looking to experience a panoramic train on a budget, we most definitely recommend the Bernina Express.
Can you get on and off the train?
You can, however you’ll need reservations for each leg you plan to take.
The Bernina Express makes a stop at the peak for a 20 minute for you to get out at Ospizio Bernina, the highest point on the route and take some photographs
Does the Bernina Express run all year?
Yes the train runs all year, although, in some months there are more services than others. Please refer to the timetable above for guidance.
How do I get a seat with the large glass windows?
By reserving seats in a 1st or 2nd class carriage on the train services mentioned in the timetable above.
Are 2nd class seats as good as first class?
The Bernina Express offers different classes to suit varying preferences and budgets. Indeed, 1st class on the Bernina Express provides a more luxurious experience with more spacious seating pitches.
However, 2nd class also offers comfortable seating and a scenic journey, so it can still be a great choice for many passengers.
Ultimately, the choice between 1st and 2nd class depends on your personal preferences and priorities but both options offer the panoramic windows.
Both carriages also have a window that rolls down on the door to give you glare free photos.
What is the best time of year to ride the Bernina Express?
The best time of year to ride the Bernina Express can depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for, as each season offers unique and breath taking views
Spring (April to June)
- Highlights: This is a great time to witness the transformation of the landscape. Snow is still present at higher elevations, while lower areas begin to show lush greenery and blooming flowers.
- Crowds: This is not the peak tourist season, so you might find it less crowded.
Summer (July to September)
- Highlights: Summer offers vivid colours, clear skies, and optimal conditions for photography. The lush green meadows and glistening blue lakes make for stunning scenery.
- Activities: It’s perfect for combining a train ride with outdoor activities like hiking.
- Crowds: Summer is peak tourist season, so it can be more crowded. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Autumn (October to November)
- Highlights: Autumn brings a breath taking array of autumn colours. The changing leaves create a stunning contrast with the snow-capped mountains.
- Crowds: Generally less crowded than summer, offering a more serene experience.
Winter (December to March)
- Highlights: Winter transforms the route into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes. The sight of the white, frosty scenery against the blue sky is truly enchanting.
- Activities: Ideal for combining the journey with winter sports like skiing.
- Crowds: Winter can also be a busy time but remains popular for those seeking a classic winter experience in the Swiss Alps.
Do I need to show my passport?
No, there is no boarder control between Switzerland and Italy, although, its always advisable to carry your passport on your person.
I’ve heard there’s a regional train that’s much cheaper than the Bernina Express, would you recommend this train instead?
There are multiple regional trains throughout the day that take the exact same route as the Bernina Express but with the need to change trains along the way. A regional train will set you back £48 (USD 61). No additional seat reservation is payable, but this also means that you haven’t got a reserved seat and these carriages do not have the panoramic windows.
A 2nd class seat on the Bernina Express in low season with the seat reservation fee is £87 in total (110 USD)
Personally for us the difference in price is marginal, we would always choose to have the guaranteed large seats with panoramic windows for £39 (49 USD) extra, after all most people usually only do this trip once. But its purely down to personal preference.
Accessibility
Can I take my bicycle on the Bernina Express?
No, unfortunately not. You will need to travel on the regional trains where they have luggage cars or marked compartments for bikes.
Can I take my dog on the Bernina Express?
Yes you can. Dogs are allowed on the Bernina Express but will need a ticket if your dog is over 30cm in height. You can purchase a half fare ticket but do not require a seat reservation for them. Don’t forget to carry your documents for your dog at all times as you will be crossing the border.
Can I bring luggage on board the Bernina Express?
Yes you can, but please be mindful that space on these trains for luggage is very limited. If you have suitcases we would recommend getting there as early as possible otherwise, you may need to keep your suitcase in your leg space.
I use a wheelchair, will I be able to take the Bernina Express?
Yes, the Bernina Express has wheelchair spaces. There is an accessible toilet in 1st Class. The Bernina Express bus also has space for wheelchairs and a lift.
There are special seats available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchair. These seats must be booked using the Rail Service by calling +41 81 288 65 65 or sending an e-mail to railservice@rhb.ch
Passengers with impaired mobility who can leave their wheelchairs can book their seats themselves at a station or online.
In both cases it is important that the passenger pre-orders the boarding and alighting assistance by calling 0800 007 102 or sending an e-mail to mobil@sbb.ch
Onward Travel
How do I get to Milan after taking this train?
During the Summer months a bus service runs from Tirano to Colico, from here you can then take a train to Milano Centrale. The cost for a combined one way ticket is £11.08. This jouney takes around 3hr 10 mins.
However, in winter there is a direct train from Tirano to Milano Centrale which takes 2hrs 32 mins and costs just £11.08 for a one way adult ticket.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the station or booked in advance with Trenitalia
Can I get to Rome after taking the Bernina Express?
Follow the instructions above to get to Milano Centrale. From there you can get another train which will take you directly to Rome. The journey from Tirano to Rome takes around 6 hours depending on the season and connection times.
The cost of the journey ranges from approximately £45 to £68 depending on the service selected.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the station or booked in advance with Trenitalia
How do I get from Tirano to Lake Como?
From Tirano take the bus or train (depending on the season). You can exit the train or bus at Colico, Bellano-Tartavalle-Terme, Varenna-Esino, Mandello del Lario or Lecco.
The journey takes 2hrs 5 mins to Varenna-Esino and costs £7.09 for a one way adult ticket.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the station or booked in advance with Trenitalia
Which is the nearest airport to Tirano?
The nearest airport is Milan Linate (44 miles), however, if using public transport, Milan Milpensa is easier to reach. Make your way to Milano Centrale as mentioned above, then you can take a train an onward train to Milpensa airport. The cost of the journey is £22.60 (28.76 USD) and take around 4hrs.
Which is the nearest airport to Chur?
The nearest airport to Chur is Zurich. You can get a direct train from Zurich airport (Zurich Flughafen) to Chur which takes 2hrs 25 mins and costs £30.28 (38.42 USD). There is a quicker and cheaper train if you connect trains at Zurich HB.
Which is the nearest airport to St. Moritz?
The nearest airport to St. Moritz is Zurich. You can take a train in around 3hrs 40 mins, changing trains Landquart and Zurich HB. The cost ranges from £55-£75 (70-95 USD) depending on the service selected.
Bernina Express Updates for 2025
- Upgrade of the Interior Design: The carriages will have a new, modern look with film-coated walls and new carpets in both classes. In first class, the current leather seats will be replaced with new, padded seats.
- More comfort and functionality: Power outlets will be installed at each seat for charging electronic devices. Additional luggage racks and coat hooks will create more storage space. New toilet units with film-coated walls will provide better hygiene and comfort.
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