About Bernina Express Day Trip
Available: all year round.
Example travel costs
Swiss Travel Pass: FREE (except booking fee)
Half Fare Card: 2nd class return St. Moritz or Pontresina 33 Sfr, Chur 66 Sfr
Must be booked in advance with us. Bernina Express seat reservation fee: 56-72 Sfr return depending on season.Â
You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip if you are staying in the Graubünden resorts. This is the highest railway across the Alps and offers passengers unrivalled views of this beautiful mountain landscape. The journey incorporates the Albula/Bernina Line, which is recognised and protected by UNESCO World Heritage.
The train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have huge panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling. The journey can be taken all year round and drinks, snacks and souvenirs are available to purchase on board. Included in your price is an exclusive Bernina Express ice tea made with Valposchiavo herbs, as well as Lindt chocolate hearts to be enjoyed on your journey or taken home as a souvenir. Â
Read more about the Bernina Express experience in our blog.
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Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Highlights
Albula Valley
The Bernina Express travels through the Albula Valley between Thusis and St. Moritz, often following the path of the river. The train climbs 1,000 metres in altitude, via several amazing bridges and tunnels, and affords views of alpine wildlife and and the glacial landscape. The looping route between Bergün and Preda is particularly beautiful.
Landwasser Viaduct
The most famous landmark on this line is used by both the Bernina and the Glacier Express. This marvellous viaduct spans the Landwasser Valley near Filisur and leads directly into a tunnel through the mountains. The construction of the three main pillars took place at the turn of the last century, using only 2 cranes and no scaffolding.
Ospizia Bernina
After views of the Morteratsch Glacier and Bernina Diavolezza, the train climbs to the highest point on the line. Ospizio Bernina is situated an amazing 2,253 metres above sea level. From here you travel along the huge Lago Bianco reservoir.
Alp Grüm
You may decide to end your journey here, with a leisurely lunch on the sunshine terrace and simply wonderful views over the Alps. This is a restaurant which can only be reached by hiking or by rail!
Valposchiavo and the Brusio circular viaduct
On the very slow and meandering descent this valley in the southern Alps - and in particular the Lago di Poschiavo - make for scenic viewing as you journey towards the Italian border. The valley also features another famous viaduct - Brusio has a 360-degree curve to overcome the difference in altitude. Surely one of the most spectacular railway constructions in Switzerland.
Tirano
Once you have crossed into Italy, it is a short journey to the town of Tirano. This small historic town has charming narrow streets in which to stretch your legs, and a choice of local restaurants for lunch. You could spend your time here visiting the museum of the Palazzo Salis (April-October), with its frescoes and paintings from the 17th and 18th century and rare historical documents. Â
Directions
You can join the Bernina Express at Chur, Filisur, St. Moritz and Pontresina.
There are good connections to Chur from the resorts of Arosa and Flims, and to Filisur from Davos and Klosters.
We generally advise one way on the Bernina Express train and return on the standard train (or vice versa) but we can book return journeys as required. The route is the same.Â
Please note that you will need your passport for the crossing into Italy.Â
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com