CarolWhat Is the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most scenic train trips, linking Tirano, Italy, to St. Moritz, Switzerland. A day trip on the Bernina Express from Milan offers amazing experiences. Operated by the Rhaetian Railway (Rhätische Bahn), this UNESCO-listed route winds through the Albula and Bernina lines, renowned for their stunning mountain views and impressive engineering.
You’ll cross 196 bridges, pass through 55 tunnels, and climb to over 2,000 meters above sea level — all without a cogwheel system. It’s officially Europe’s highest railway and one of the steepest in the world.
I first found out about the Bernina Express on Instagram — one of those dreamy travel reels that instantly makes you want to go. When I realized we lived just two hours away in northern Italy, I knew this was one of those “someday” moments I couldn’t put off.
📱 Pro Tip: Download the free InfoT(r)ainment app once onboard. It connects to the train’s Wi-Fi and shares fun facts, stories, and history about each area you pass through.
Route Map & Highlights
There are two main routes:
- Short route: St. Moritz ↔ Tirano — perfect for a scenic day trip.
- Long route: Chur ↔ Tirano — great if you want a full-day alpine journey.
You’ll journey through breathtaking scenery — glaciers, lakes, and picture-perfect villages.
Top highlights include:
- Landwasser Viaduct – a six-arched bridge that feels straight out of a movie.
- Ospizio Bernina – the highest point of the route, surrounded by glaciers and snowy peaks.
- Alp Grüm – a great photo stop with panoramic views and a small café.
- Morteratsch Glacier – one of the most breathtaking moments of the ride.
📸 Tip: Sit on the right side when heading toward Switzerland for the best views (and the left side on the way back).
How to Book & Best Seats
You can book directly on the official site: tickets.rhb.ch.
According to their website, seat reservations are mandatory for the Bernina Express. Still, if tickets are sold out, regular regional trains follow the same route — just without the panoramic windows.
💶 Ticket Prices (2024–2025)
- Short route (St. Moritz–Tirano): CHF 28.00
- Long route (Chur–Tirano): CHF 32.00–36.00 depending on season
- Children under 6: Free
- Children 6–16: Half fare
🎫 Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, and Interrail passes are valid, but you still need to pay the seat reservation fee.
Best seats: For panoramic views, sit on the right-hand side heading north to Switzerland and the left-hand side heading back to Italy. If possible, reserve seats toward the front of the carriage for fewer reflections in photos.
Photo Stops & Must-See Views
Don’t spend the entire trip behind your camera — but do keep it ready!
Favorite photo moments:
- The train curving along the Landwasser Viaduct
- The icy blue waters of Lago Bianco near Ospizio Bernina
- Snow-capped peaks around Morteratsch Glacier
- The charming town of Poschiavo
📸 My Tip: If you’re traveling in winter, try to take a morning departure. The low golden light makes the snowy peaks shine. In summer, the vivid greens and wildflowers stand out beautifully against the turquoise lakes.
Packing List & Travel Essentials
Even though it’s a short trip, pack for changing mountain weather:
- Lightweight jacket or fleece
- Water and snacks
- Sunglasses (snow glare can be strong!)
- Camera or phone charger
- Headphones for music or the InfoT(r)ainment app
If you’re traveling with lots of luggage, the Rhaetian Railway offers luggage transfer services for groups or long-distance passengers.
Accessibility & Sensory Notes
The Bernina Express is accessible and inclusive, with wheelchair spaces available (book through Railservice at +41 81 288 65 65 or railservice@rhb.ch). You can also request boarding help from the SBB Call Center Handicap (+41 800 007 102).
From a neurodivergent traveler’s perspective, this trip felt calm and manageable:
- The train’s rhythmic motion was soothing.
- The windows are huge, so you don’t feel closed in.
- You can quietly enjoy the scenery without sensory overload from crowds or announcements.
If you get overstimulated, bringing noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, or a small snack helps ground you during long stretches.
How to Make It a Day Trip from Milan
It’s surprisingly easy to visit the Bernina Express from Milan — even in one day!
- Take the regional train from Milan Centrale to Tirano.
- Duration: About 2.5 hours
- Cost: Around €12–15 each way
- Trains run frequently through the day.
- Walk to the Rhaetian Railway station in Tirano.
- It’s right next to the Italian station — you’ll see signs for the Bernina Express platform.
- Hop on the Bernina Express to St. Moritz!
- Duration: Around 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Enjoy panoramic windows, glacier views, and fresh mountain air.
- Return the same day or stay overnight in St. Moritz.
- Most travelers catch the morning train from Milan (around 7–8 AM) and return in the evening.
🍽 Bonus tip: Have lunch in St. Moritz or grab a snack at Alp Grüm Station Café overlooking the mountains — it’s unforgettable.
Tips for First-Timers
✅ Book your tickets early, especially during summer and holidays.
✅ Bring snacks and water — food options are limited onboard.
✅ The right-hand side offers the best views heading north.
✅ If you miss your train, regional alternatives follow the same route.
✅ The journey is stunning year-round, but autumn and winter are magical for photographers.
Final Thoughts
The Bernina Express isn’t just a train ride — it’s a reminder of why slow travel matters. Watching glaciers, valleys, and tiny alpine villages pass by makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.
This experience reminded me that “someday” doesn’t have to wait. If you ever find yourself near Milan, take the trip — you’ll never forget it.
🌟 Planning your Italy–Switzerland adventure? Save this guide for later!
