Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed panoramic train operated by the Rhaetian Railway, running 144 km from Chur (or St. Moritz) to Tirano in Italy. The route crosses 196 bridges and 55 tunnels along the Albula and Bernina lines, including the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct and the 2,253 m Bernina Pass. The Bernina Express operates daily throughout the year. The Bernina Express is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass , with only the seat reservation fee payable. Combine it with the Glacier Express for back-to-back UNESCO scenic railway journeys, as both routes share the Rhaetian Railway network around Chur and St. Moritz. For another spectacular Swiss-Italian crossing, consider the Gotthard Panorama Express .

Chur / St. Moritz ↔ Tirano (Italy)Chur / St. Moritz ↔ Tirano (Italy)

Route

Chur / St. Moritz ↔ Tirano (Italy)

Duration

~4-4.5 hours

Best Time to Travel

Year-round (winter for snow, summer for lush landscapes)

Frequency

2-4 trains daily

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina lines (since 2008)
  • Brusio Spiral Viaduct - circular open-air spiral in Italy
  • Bernina Pass - 2,253 m, highest crossing of the Alps without a rack
  • 196 bridges and 55 tunnels across 144 km
  • Optional onward Bernina Express bus from Tirano to Lugano

Reservation Details

  • Required (CHF 32-44 depending on season)

Travel Tip: Sit on the right side when travelling from Chur to Tirano for the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct.

Bernina Express FAQs

Why is the Bernina Express UNESCO listed?
The Albula and Bernina lines were granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 for their pioneering early-20th-century engineering, including the Landwasser Viaduct, Brusio Spiral Viaduct, and high-altitude alpine crossings without rack-and-pinion.
How long does the Bernina Express take?
About 4 hours from Chur to Tirano, or 2.5 hours from St. Moritz to Tirano. From Tirano, a connecting Bernina Express bus continues to Lugano in around 3 hours.
Is the Bernina Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes - the Swiss segment from Chur to Tirano is covered. You only pay the seat reservation fee. The onward bus to Lugano is also included.
What is the best season for the Bernina Express?
Summer (June-September) offers long daylight and clear alpine views, while winter (December-February) provides snowy landscapes and a completely different scenic experience.
Do I need a passport for the Bernina Express?
Yes - the route crosses into Italy at Tirano, so a valid passport or EU ID card is required.