The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, running from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. The route winds through alpine passes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and architectural marvels like the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage route, it offers stunning views year-round – lush valleys in summer and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Panoramic coaches ensure you won’t miss a single moment.
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What is this place
The Bernina Express is RhB’s named panoramic train from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing the Bernina Pass. It runs on the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina lines.
Key features
- High point at Ospizio Bernina 2,253 m; pure adhesion railway with gradients up to 7%.
- UNESCO since 2008: Thusis–Tirano core 122 km with 196 bridges and 55 tunnels.
- Engineering icons: Landwasser Viaduct – 65 m high, 136 m long; Brusio spiral – 9 arches, 70 m radius.
- Travel time: Chur–Tirano ~4 h, St. Moritz–Tirano ~2 h 15 min; panoramic cars with onboard Wi-Fi.
- Mandatory paid seat reservation – typically CHF 28–36 depending on season/route; Swiss Travel Pass/Interrail cover the base fare in Switzerland, reservation still required.
What to see
- Albula section with the Landwasser Viaduct and spiral tunnels.
- Bernina Pass: Lago Bianco, Ospizio Bernina and the Alp Grüm vista to Palü Glacier.
- The descent into Val Poschiavo with the Brusio spiral and the finish in Tirano.
History
The Albula line was built 1898–1904, and the Bernina line 1906–1910 opened fully on 5 July 1910, electrified from day one.
Winter operation started in 1913/1914 but required heavy avalanche protection; the struggling private Berninabahn was taken over by RhB in 1943.
The named Bernina Express launched in 1973; in 2008 the Albula/Bernina ensemble became UNESCO World Heritage. Today the train runs year-round with panoramic stock.
Practical information
Location: Canton Grisons, Switzerland – route Chur/St. Moritz – Bernina Pass – Tirano (Italy).
Getting there: Board in Chur or St. Moritz; arrival in Tirano, with a seasonal Bernina Express Bus to Lugano.
Access: Seat reservation mandatory; wheelchair spaces bookable via RhB Railservice; no bikes on the Bernina Express.
Visiting hours: Year-round with seasonal timetables; St. Moritz–Tirano ~2 h 15 min, Chur–Tirano ~4 h.
Visit duration: ~4 h for the full run; ~2–2.5 h for the short St. Moritz–Tirano leg, with extra time for photo stops if using regional trains.
Best time: May–October for long daylight and the Tirano–Lugano bus; in winter pick daylight departures to avoid darkness on part of the route.
Notes: Reservation typically CHF 28–36; Tirano–Lugano bus reservation ~CHF 10–16 by season. Swiss Travel Pass/Interrail cover the Swiss fare but not the reservation; carry ID for the border.
