Bernina Express Swiss Alps Train
Discover enchantment in the fabulous landscapes of the Swiss Alps! Enjoy the ride on the scenic Bernina Express train, also known as The Red Train. Travel from Tirano in Italy to Valposchiavo / St. Moritz / Davos and Chur in Switzerland on one of the most stunning train rides in the world, crossing the magical UNESCO Heritage Route between Thusis - Valposchiavo and Tirano. Read on if you need information on the Swiss panoramic Bernina Express train and find out more about fares, timetables and onboard services.
Bernina Express route
The Bernina Express is a panoramic Swiss train operated by Ferrovie del Reno, which runs from Tirano, in the Italian province of Sondrio, to Chur in the Canton of Grisons in Switzerland.
The Bernina railway is the highest in Europe and one of the steepest in the world. Crossing the Alps by train offers a spectacular view of the well-known route between Thusis and Tirano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Red Train stops in the following cities:
Tirano (IT) - Le Prese (CH) - Poschiavo - Alp Grüm – Bernina’s Hospice - Pontresina - Saint-Moritz - Samedan - Preda - Bergün - Filisur - Davos- Tiefencastel- Thusis - Reichenau / Tamins - Chur
The route from Tirano to Chur (and in the opposite direction) is open all year round. During the summer there are extra routes from Davos Platz - Tirano and St. Moritz - Tirano. These shorter routes allow for high demand to be met in the holiday season.
Tirano is the only Italian city currently served by the Bernina Express: to get to Tirano station by train, you can either take a fast regional train (RegioExpress) or a regular regional train (Regionale) operated by Trenitalia. From Milan, you can reach Tirano in 2h and 32m.
If you’re already in Switzerland, you can get to Chur with SBB trains (the railway company that operates domestic routes in Switzerland). Need more information on the Swiss rail network? Check out our dedicated page to trains in Switzerland.
Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano
From February to November, you can continue your journey from Tirano to Lugano by bus thanks to the Bernina Express Bus. This scenic bus runs daily during peak season and from Thursday to Sunday during off-peak season. A wonderful way to discover the beauty of northern Italy and Lake Como!
Bernina Express tickets
Book in advance and save some serious money! Reservations for the Bernina Express can be made up to three months before the trip: you won’t be able to board the train without first booking a ticket. As this is a very popular train, we recommend booking your ticket well in advance.
Bernina Express reservation
Step 1: Book your panoramic train ticket on Trainline
When searching on Trainline, make sure to book the Bernina Express and not just a regional SBB train that travels the same route, or you’ll miss out on those panoramic Bernina Express windows! When you book with Trainline, choose only the express train indicated by the initials ‘D-Zug’. Avoid booking a train journey that requires changes (the Bernina Express is a direct train) or indicated as RE (regional train).
Step 2: Book your seat on the Bernina Express
Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll have to go to the Bernina Express website to reserve your seat (which will soon be possible with Trainline too!). Simply enter the ticket information, and once in the "Passengers" section, select "Available Tickets" in the "Tickets / Reductions" menu. You’ll be charged only the price of the seat reservation, not the full cost of the ticket. Remember to bring both the train ticket purchased on Trainline and the confirmation of your seat reservation with you.
How much does the Bernina Express cost?
Do you feel like travelling in First Class? Bernina Express trains provide both First and Second-Class services. Take a look at the prices below and make your choice, or check out our dedicated page to Bernina Express First Class.
| Route | Second Class | First Class |
|---|---|---|
| Tirano - Chur | €51.50 | €65 |
The difference between First and Second-Class is in the seat’s allocation. If you’re travelling in Second Class, the seats will be arranged in groups of four on each side of the corridor. In First Class, the seats are arranged in groups of 4 on one side of the corridor and in groups of 2 on the other side, ensuring a better view.
* Prices correct as of April 2021 and subject to change
Bernina Express Timetable
The Bernina Express train only runs once a day from Tirano to Chur and in the opposite direction. Find the complete timetable below.
Bernina Express Tirano - Chur
| Route | Summer and winter seasons | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tirano – Chur | 14:25 | 3 h 55m |
| Le Prese - Chur | 14:55 | 3 h 26m |
| Poschiavo - Chur | 15:08 | 3 h 12m |
| Alp Grüm - Chur | 15:44 | 2 h 36m |
| Pontresina - Chur | 16:24 | 1 h 56m |
Bernina Express Chur - Tirano
| Route | Summer and winter times | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chur – Tirano | 08:32 | 4 h 17m |
| Tiefencastel – Tirano | 09:18 | 3 h 31m |
| Filisur - Tirano | 09:33 | 3 h 16m |
| Pontresina – Tirano | 10:22 | 2 h 27m |
| Alp Grüm – Tirano | 11:16 | 1 h 33m |
| Poschiavo – Tirano | 12:10 | 39 m |
Onboard services
Audioguide
If you have a smartphone, you can get access to an audio guide that’ll provide you with information during your trip. You can also follow your route live via an interactive map.
Bar/Restaurant
The Bernina Express has no restaurant onboard, but you can buy snacks, drinks and even souvenirs from the trolley that passes through the corridors during the journey
Luggage
There are no baggage restrictions on the Bernina Express train. You can leave your luggage safely in the compartments at the entrance of each carriage.
Reduced Mobility Access
People with reduced mobility can travel on the Bernina Express at reduced rates. To book assistance for the station and obtain information on the discounts available, contact the SBB Call Center on (0) 800 007 102 or write an e-mail to mobil@sbb.ch.
FAQs