Bernina Express Scenic Rail Journey 2025

An extraordinary route across the Alps

Alp Grüm station Bernina Express with view of Piz Palue and the glacier
Bernina Express
Bernina Express bus at Lugano
This UNESCO World Heritage Line takes you through an ancient landscape to northern Italy

Chur - St. Moritz - Tirano - Lugano

The unforgettable Bernina Express departs daily and transports you from the towering glaciers of the high Alps to the swaying palms of Italy. Crossing the Alps in style, the train climbs an impressive 2,223m to the Bernina Pass and offers breathtaking vistas as you ride over impressive viaducts and past galleries hewn from the sheer rock. There are beautiful views of rushing mountain streams, glaciers and even an alpine garden en route to the terminus in Tirano, which lies just over the Italian border. The line is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. 

Day trip  The spectacular 2 hour journey to Tirano can be enjoyed from St. Moritz or Pontresina. For those staying in Davos, Klosters and Chur you can experience the full World Heritage route, combining the Albula Line with the Bernina Line (around 4 hours to Tirano). More details here...

Connecting two resorts   On selected dates during the winter and daily from April to October, travellers are able to continue onwards from Tirano, on the comfortable Bernina Express Bus. This special bus with its large panoramic windows takes you on a 3 hour journey through picturesque country villages and along the banks of Lake Como's pretty coves and quaint fishing villages, including a 15 minute stop in Piantedo to stretch your legs. The bus reaches the narrow waterside roads of sparkling Lake Lugano and you'll cross back into Switzerland and arrive into Lugano itself for the next part of your holiday. It is also possible to enjoy the Bernina journey in the opposite direction if you prefer to visit the sunny lake before heading up to the Alps. Discover more here.

Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the Bernina Express

Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned Bernina Express

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Bernina Express suggested holidays 2025

Holidays can also be enjoyed in reverse order

Our suggested two and multi centre itineraries can be changed to fit your requirements with higher grade hotels and upgraded rooms. Other route combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.

Glacier Express on the Solis Viaduct 8 Day | Supreme Glacier Express

Classic 8 hour Glacier Express journey across the Alps with the most glorious scenery en route, and lunch served at your seat. A day trip on the famous Bernina Express is also included.

From £1613 pp More details...
Glacier Express Excellence Class 8 Day | Glacier Express With Excellence Class

Travel in the exclusive Excellence Class across the Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Includes window seats, VIP bar, 5 course lunch & wine, 4 star hotels and 1st class Bernina Express day trip.

From £2396 pp More details...
Alp Grüm station Bernina Express with view of Piz Palue and the glacier 15 Day | Four Scenic Journeys & Top Resorts

Enjoy three stunning scenic rail journeys with time to explore the diverse regions around alpine St. Moritz, Montreux on the shore of Lake Geneva, and Interlaken and Jungfrau mountains.

From £2544 pp More details...
Bernina Express at Brusio Viaduct near Tirano 8 Day | Mini Grand Tour

Scenic journeys including the Glacier, Bernina, GoldenPass and Gotthard Panorama Express trains. Enjoy the full diversity of Switzerland with overnight stays in 6 delightful lakes & mountains resorts.

From £1579 pp More details...
Glacier Express near Andermatt 15 Day | Grand Scenic Train Tour

The ultimate scenic rail holiday! Experience famous journeys across Switzerland, with the opportunity to stay in and explore the sights of some of our favourite lakes and mountains resorts.

From £2671 pp More details...
GoldenPass Express 15 Day | Winter Grand Tour

An unforgettable fortnight spent in the magical Swiss winter lakes and mountains scenery! Journeys include the Glacier and Bernina Express and stays in no less than 6 scenic resorts.

From £2322 pp More details...
Holidays with the Bernina Express


 
Your Bernina Express carriage

All panoramic viewing cars in both 1st and 2nd class are air conditioned and offer oversized windows which extend into the roof cove providing all round panoramic views. Announcements are made as you pass by the most important sights along the route and in first class you can connect to a digital travel companion on your phone or tablet.

 
On board services

We recommend timing your journey for an Italian lunch in Tirano! For smaller snacks and drinks, the train's hosts provide a trolley service, served at your seat. 

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.  

 
Bernina Express timetable

Please click here to see the latest Bernina Express timetable.

 
Bernina Express prices

We will include the cost of the Bernina Express in your tailor-made holiday quotation, including the seat reservation booking fee. This can be as a return day trip, or as a one way trip as part of a multi centre holiday.

 
Connecting with other scenic rail journeys

We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Bernina Express with other famous trains. 

From Chur or St. Moritz: travel on the Glacier Express to Zermatt

From Lugano: travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Bernina Express at Brusio Viaduct near Tirano

Highlights of the route

Route of the Bernina Express

Please click below to discover more about the beautiful sights you will see as you journey along the route of the wonderful Bernina Express

Planning your holiday 2025

Switzerland
Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote

Bernina Express video

A short video of the Bernina Express - from glaciers to palm trees

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