The Bernina Express
Cross the Alps from north to south or vice versa in style! The Bernina Express offers breathtaking views from the beautiful first and second class panorama carriages. Experience the one-of-a-kind mountain landscape of the Swiss Alps on this spectacular train journey across viaducts and bridges and through tunnels and ancient gorges.  Â
There's a trolley service for snacks and drinks on board and you can also buy souvenirs. The Bernina Express runs daily between Chur and Tirano. On selected dates during the winter and daily during the summer the journey can be continued from Tirano to Lugano.Â
How long is the Bernina Express journey
The Bernina Express travels from glaciers to palm trees, with unforgettable scenery along the whole of this favourite route.
Details of the Bernina Express route
This spectacular train journey links Chur, Davos, Pontresina and St. Moritz with Lugano. The Bernina Express can also be enjoyed as a day trip from the mountain resorts mentioned to Tirano.Â
The Journey can be split into two parts, by rail from Chur to Tirano via the mountain resorts of Pontresina and St. Moritz and by the special Bernia Bus from Tirano to Lugano
The details below will help you plan your holiday; we will confirm exact train timings with you at the time of booking.Â
Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland, with a settlement going back around 5,000 years. It is also the main town in the canton of Graubünden. Today, Chur is a bustling town with a wealth of historical architecture. The historical quarter, with its winding alleys and tucked-away squares is an ideal setting for strolling around.
Preda has been in existence since the railway line was built in 1898. The most spectacular section of the Bernina Express line lies between Preda and Bergün. Six towering viaducts, three spiral tunnels and two helical tunnels make it possible to scale the 400m height difference. UNESCO has recognised this Albula Valley part of the line as a World Heritage Site.
At a height of 65m and length of 130m, the Landwasser Viaduct is a famous landmark on the route. The impressive construction on five walled pillars leads in a curved path with a 100m radius directly into the Landwasser tunnel.
The famous alpine town of St. Moritz offers a wonderful blend of nature with elegant shopping and bars, beautifully situated in a landscape of lakes and the stunning high Alps of the Upper Engadin. Pontresina lies just along the valley, a smaller and more tranquil resort. Both are perfect for exploring the mountains and enjoying alpine walks.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Change onto the Bernina Bus with its large panoramic windows for a 3 hour journey through picturesque country villages and along the banks of Lake Como's pretty coves and quaint fishing village. There's a 15 minute stop in Piantedo to stretch your legs. You'll travel along the narrow waterside roads of sparkling Lake Lugano and then cross back into Switzerland and arrive into Lugano itself.
This welcoming town offers spectacular lake views, lush mountains within easy reach, a historic centre and smart shops and restaurants. You can take cruises on the lake to idyllic villages and enjoy the views from the local mountain tops. A most relaxing spot for a holiday.
Bernina Express Timetables
This special train and bus journey links Chur, St. Moritz and Pontresina with Lugano. A return day trip can also be enjoyed between Chur, St. Moritz, Pontresina and Tirano.
The details below will help you plan your holiday; we will confirm exact train timings with you at the time of booking.Â
Winter timetable - 15 December 2024 to 14 May 2025 and 27 October to 13 December 2025Please note you will need to change in Filisur for Davos/Klosters and in Pontresina for St. Moritz
| Train number | | 951 |
| Chur | depart | 08:17 |
| Filisur | depart | 09:32 |
| St. Moritz | depart | - |
| Pontresina | depart | 10:25 |
| Tirano | arrive | 12:49 |
| Tirano* | depart | 14:20 |
| Lugano* | arrive | 17:30 |
| Train number | | 952 |
| Lugano* | depart | 10:00 |
| Tirano* | arrive | 13:00 |
| Tirano | depart | 14:24 |
| Pontresina | arrive | 16:23 |
| St. Moritz | arrive | - |
| Filisur | arrive | 17:25 |
| Chur | arrive | 18:31 |
* The Bernina Express Bus runs between Tirano and Lugano daily 27 March-14 May 2025 and Thurs-Sun 13 February-23 March and 30 October-23 November 2025.Planned line closure 1-3 April (bus replacement between Poschiavo and Tirano) and 7-14 May (bus replacement between Pontresina and Poschiavo).
Summer timetable - 15 May to 26 October 2025* Please note you will need to change in Filisur for Davos/Klosters
| Train number | | 971 | 951 | 973 | 955 |
| Chur | depart | - | 08.17 | - | 13:28 |
| Filisur | depart | - | 09:32 | - | 14:32 |
| St. Moritz | depart | 09:17 | - | 13:17 | - |
| Pontresina | depart | 09:28 | 10:25 | 13:28 | 15:25 |
| Tirano | arrive | 11:32 | 12:49 | 15:31 | 17:59 |
| Tirano * | depart | 14:20 | 14:20 | - | - |
| Lugano * | arrive | 17:30 | 17:30 | - | - |
| Train number | | 972
| 974 | 952 | 976 |
| Lugano * | depart | - | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Tirano * | arrive | - | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| Tirano | depart | 10:06 | 13:17 | 14:24 | 16:06 |
| Pontresina | arrive | 12:25 | 15:34 | 16:23 | 18:15 |
| St. Moritz | arrive | 12:35 | 15:45 | - | 18:25 |
| Filisur | arrive | - | - | 17:25 | - |
| Chur | arrive | - | - | 18:31 | - |
* The Bernina Express Bus runs daily between Lugano and Tirano 30 March-22 October 2023.
Bernina Express ticket prices
We will include the cost of the Bernina Express in your tailor-made holiday quotation, including the seat reservation booking fee.
Your Switzerland escape is only a few steps away. Request a customised holiday quotation today and you could be on your Swiss adventure sooner than you think. Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email info@swissholidayco.com for more information. Discover your personalised Swiss holiday package today.