A ride on the Bernina Express is a 4-hour, 144 km (90 mile) journey between icy Switzerland and sunny Italy, through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, with Alpine gradients as steep as 1 in 7, on a railway built in 1896-1904 and now declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Can you get on and off the Bernina Express?

Just hop on and sit anywhere, get on and off trains as much as you like. This is arguably the most spectacular train journey in the world, and travels over the Bernina Pass and is the highest mountain railway crossing in Europe.

Is Bernina Express worth it?

I found the Bernina Express from the start in Lugano to the finish in St. Moritz and Chur absolutely worth it. Breathtaking, exciting, and really the most beautiful train ride.

Where does Bernina Express start and end?

The Bernina Express is a direct train between Chur and Tirano in Italy. It crosses the beautiful canton of Graubünden from north to south. Chur to Tirano is the classic route, but there's also a train from St. Moritz.

Which is better Glacier Express or Bernina Express?

My general recommendation would be to go with Bernina Express first. I have two reasons for this: The Bernina Express journey is shorter than the Glacier Express one. It takes just half a day one way instead of a full day.

World's Most Beautiful Railway - The Bernina Express

What is the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland?

The Glacier Express - also known as the world's slowest express train – is probably the best known scenic train ride in Switzerland. It connects the two highly popular mountain destinations of St. Moritz and Zermatt.

Which is the most scenic train ride in Switzerland?

5 of the Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland

1. The Bernina Express. ...
2. The Glacier Express. ...
3. Jungfrau Railway to Jungfrau Mountain. ...
4. Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus. ...
5. Gornergrat Cog Railway.

Which side of Bernina Express is better?

Hands down, the right side of the train (from Chur to Tirano) or the left side (from Tirano to Chur) is the far superior side.

Which side is best on Bernina Express?

For the best views, you should sit on the right side of the train going north to south, and the left side in the opposite direction.

How much is a first class ticket on the Bernina Express?

The price is CHF72 (CHF118 first class) – for CHF110 (CHF181) the return journey from any Rhätische Bahn station is included. Graubünden Pass – valid for 2 days (within 7) or 5 days (within 14) – this pass cover almost all trains and buses within the canton Graubünden (or in a cheaper version for smaller regions).

Can you hop on hop off Bernina Express?

The train ticket entitles you to unlimited hop ons and hop offs at the stations. You can take breaks of any length at the stops.

Is there food on the Bernina Express?

There is food available on board but the service is quite slow and it is very expensive. You are definitely allowed to take your own food on board which I recommend. We took on board with us wine, cheese and crackers, some fruit and cookies.

Do you need passport for Bernina Express?

There may be random checks on the train so to be safe always make sure you have your passport/permit/visa on hand along with your valid ticket. But there is no immigration formality at the railway stations. However some extra measures may be in place due to the Coronavirus.

How long is Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz?

Bernina Express Route

Travelling between Chur and Tirano takes just under four and a half hours whilst the shorter Bernina Express Tirano to St. Moritz journey, (or vice versa), takes around 2.5 hours.

Does Bernina Express go to St. Moritz?

No, all Bernina Express services don't stop in St Moritz. Bernina Express services from Tirano go direct either to St Moritz, Chur (bypassing St Moritz), or Davos (only between May and October), depending on which departure time you choose.

How long does the Glacier Express take?

In fact, it is known to be the slowest express train in the world! If you travel the full length of the route between Zermatt and St. Moritz then your Glacier Express trip takes approximately 7 and a half hours, carrying you across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.

How long is the Golden Pass train ride?

The Golden Pass train route allows you to sample the many delights of Switzerland, including Central Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The GoldenPass Line map shows the journey covers 191 km and takes around 5.5 hours. You can travel on all three trains in one day or choose just one or two sectors .

How do I book tickets for Bernina Express?

Seat reservation required

Seat reservations on the Bernina Express and on the Bernina Express Bus are obligatory. Book now online, by phone on +41 81 288 65 65, or at any railway ticket office in Europe (at the earliest three months prior to travel if booking by phone or at a railway ticket office).

Is food included in Glacier Express?

Food and drink on the Glacier Express

In Excellence Class passengers are treated to a complimentary five-course regional menu with wine, along with complimentary coffee, juice, snacks and champagne. Meals are available to book in advance, but there is no need as they are the same price on the day.

What is the Glacier Express famous for?

The Glacier Express is known as the slowest express train in the world. As St. Moritz and Zermatt are home to two well-known mountains, the Glacier Express is also said to travel from Matterhorn to Piz Bernina.

Is Glacier Express free with Swiss Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all travel on trains, buses and boats – and even premium panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express. In some panoramic trains, reservations are mandatory and must be booked separately.

How fast is the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express is a direct train from Chur to Tirano in Italy. In just 4 hours, you'll see stunning variations in the landscape: from high-alpine scenery on the Bernina Pass to a Mediterranean atmosphere in the Poschiavo valley just before Tirano. You can enjoy palm trees and snow within a couple of hours.

Can you use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Bernina Express?

Are the Swiss Travel Passes valid for the Bernina Express Bus? Yes. However, you still have to pay for the seat reservation and supplement (no concessions). During the booking procedure, at the step «Travellers», choose «Swiss Travel Pass» or «Swiss Travel Pass Flex» under Ticket/reduction.

Does the Bernina Express go to Lake Como?

Take a ride on the legendary Bernina Express through unforgettable scenery and journey to the incredible Italian paradise of Lake Como on this rail vacation.