Bernina Express: The Most Beautiful Train Journey in Europe
Your Rosé-Tinted Journeys guide to planning the perfect ride — where to stay, how to book, and tips for making it effortless.
The Bernina Express is one of those rare travel experiences that feels both cinematic and deeply peaceful. This panoramic train glides from the Swiss Alps into northern Italy, passing glaciers, turquoise lakes, spiral viaducts, and storybook villages. It’s a seamless blend of luxury, slow travel, and breathtaking scenery — the exact kind of journey we love at Rosé-Tinted Journeys.
Why the Bernina Express Belongs on Your Bucket List
This 4-hour route between St. Moritz, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage journey. Every section reveals something new: icy peaks at the top of the Bernina Pass, shimmering lakes, tiny mountain hamlets, and the iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct.
It’s the perfect day trip to pair with stays in Lake Como, Milan, or the Engadin region — and it makes both directions feel like two completely different adventures.
How to Get There
You can start the Bernina Express from either direction:
Starting in Switzerland
Fly into Zurich or Milan, then take a connecting train to St. Moritz. From St. Moritz, the Bernina Express station is easy to access and well-marked.
Starting in Italy
Fly into Milan, then take a regional train to Tirano (about 2.5 hours). From Tirano’s station, you simply cross the platform to board the Bernina Express.
Both starting points are simple and scenic, so choose based on where you’d like to stay before or after.
Where to Stay Before and After
Your base can completely shape your experience. Here are the best options depending on the vibe you want:
St. Moritz (Luxurious Swiss Alpine Base)
A perfect choice if you want mountain air, spa hotels, and a peaceful alpine evening before your departure. Great for travelers looking for a slow, elegant start.
Pontresina or Celerina (Quieter Alternative)
Still close to St. Moritz but more relaxed and often more affordable. These villages offer the same stunning setting with fewer crowds.
Tirano (Charming and Convenient)
Ideal if you’re traveling southbound. Staying the night here means you can board the morning train without rushing.
Lake Como or Milan
If you’d like to blend Alpine glamour with Italian charm, staying in Varenna, Bellagio, or Milan before heading to Tirano is a perfect pairing. This is the most popular choice for travelers who want a little of everything.
How to Book Your Tickets and Seat Reservations
Booking the Bernina Express requires two things:
A valid train ticket or rail pass
A mandatory seat reservation for the panoramic carriage
Seat reservations sell out quickly, especially during summer, so booking 4–8 weeks ahead is ideal.
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, it covers the ticket portion — you’ll only need the seat reservation.
First Class vs. Second Class: What’s Worth It
Both classes offer stunning panoramic windows, but here’s what to know:
First Class
More spacious seating
Fewer passengers
Quieter atmosphere
Windows spanning nearly the entire wall
Better for photographers or anyone who wants an elevated experience
Second Class
Same panoramic windows
Still very comfortable
Great option if you want views at a lower price point
The scenery is identical in both, but the comfort level is what makes First Class worth the splurge for many travelers.
RTJ Travel Tips
A few small tips that make a big difference:
Book morning departures for the clearest mountain views.
Choose the right-hand side going southbound (St. Moritz → Tirano).
Choose the left-hand side going northbound (Tirano → St. Moritz).
Bring a light jacket — even in summer, the Alpine air can be crisp.
Travel with light luggage for the best comfort inside the panoramic cars.
Plan lunch or aperitivo in Tirano or St. Moritz after your journey — both towns have beautiful spots to unwind.
The RTJ Way to Ride
The Bernina Express isn’t just a transfer from Point A to Point B — it’s an experience. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and let the scenery unfold like a film reel.
Pair it with a stay in Lake Como or St. Moritz, book panoramic First Class seats, and savor every viewpoint along the way. This is European rail travel at its most romantic.
If you’d like us to help plan your Bernina Express itinerary, create a custom Switzerland–Italy route, or book your full trip, we’d love to take care of it for you.
Luxury travel, best served chilled.
