What's the difference between the Bernina Express and the regular train?

They run on the same spectacular line. The Bernina Express has panoramic carriages and requires a paid reservation; the ordinary Rhaetian Railway (RhB) regional trains on the route have normal windows you can open, no reservation, and are covered by a rail pass. Budget travelers often ride the regional train for the same views at a fraction of the cost.

Does the Bernina Express cross into Italy?

Yes — it starts in Switzerland (Chur or St. Moritz) and ends in Tirano, Italy, making it a genuine cross-border journey. Tirano connects onward to the Italian rail network and Lake Como, so it's a popular way to link Switzerland with northern Italy by rail.

Scenic Train

Bernina Express

Over the highest rail crossing in the Alps, Switzerland to Italy.

🇨🇭 Switzerland🇮🇹 ItalyReservation required

Route

Chur / St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy)

Duration

~4 hrs

High point

2,253 m

Reservation

Required (paid)

Pass coverage

Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and regional passes (reservation separate)

Best months

June, July, August, September

The Bernina Express is the most scenery-per-hour of all the Alpine trains — a four-hour run from the Swiss canton of Graubünden over the Bernina Pass and down to Tirano in Italy. It crosses the highest rail pass in the Alps without a rack railway, spirals down the famous Brusio circular viaduct, and travels a UNESCO World Heritage line. If you only ride one panoramic train, this is the efficient choice.

Is it worth it?

The best value of the panoramic trains — UNESCO scenery, a border crossing, and the Brusio viaduct, all in an afternoon. A standout even for people who don't think they like trains.

Insider tips

Heading south to Tirano, the open Brusio circular viaduct loops below you near the end — a highlight
You can ride the same line on ordinary RhB regional trains, covered by a pass with no reservation, for a fraction of the cost
Pair it with a night in Tirano, or connect to the Bernina Express bus down to Lugano

Good to know

Questions, answered

What's the difference between the Bernina Express and the regular train?: They run on the same spectacular line. The Bernina Express has panoramic carriages and requires a paid reservation; the ordinary Rhaetian Railway (RhB) regional trains on the route have normal windows you can open, no reservation, and are covered by a rail pass. Budget travelers often ride the regional train for the same views at a fraction of the cost.
Does the Bernina Express cross into Italy?: Yes — it starts in Switzerland (Chur or St. Moritz) and ends in Tirano, Italy, making it a genuine cross-border journey. Tirano connects onward to the Italian rail network and Lake Como, so it's a popular way to link Switzerland with northern Italy by rail.

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