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Panoramic train · St. Moritz, Grisões
Bernina Express
Panoramic train from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy, on the Bernina line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and its highest point at the Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 m.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bernina Express
The Bernina Express links Chur to Tirano in Italy in about 4 hours, via the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhätische Bahn. There are also departures from St. Moritz and Davos. On the route there are 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, and the train negotiates gradients of up to 70 per mille without rack, relying only on wheel adhesion.
From St. Moritz the train passes Pontresina and the Montebello curve, with the Morteratsch glacier in the background, and climbs to the Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 m, beside the Lago Bianco, the highest point on the line. The lake dam marks the watershed divide between the Danube and the Po.
Next comes Alp Grüm at 2,091 m, above Lago Palü and below Piz Palü, followed by a winding descent to Poschiavo, already in the Italian-speaking region. Near Brusio the train makes a full loop over the 1908 circular viaduct, with nine stone arches and 110 m, passing over its own track.
The Albula and Bernina lines, from Thusis to Tirano, and the surrounding landscape are a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the European summer a dedicated panoramic train runs; the rest of the year panoramic cars are attached to regional trains. Seat reservations are mandatory and paid separately.
Tirano is in Italy: carry your passport. From Tirano, in spring and summer, the Bernina Express Bus continues to Lugano in Ticino in a trip of about 3 h 20 min.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 h 30 min from St. Moritz to Tirano and about 4 h from Chur to Tirano, one-way.
Best time
On clear days, in any season. In the European summer, from June to September, the dedicated panoramic train runs; in winter, from December to March, the Bernina landscape is often covered in snow and the Lago Bianco frozen.
How to get there
In St. Moritz the train departs from the station on the lakeshore. The point on the map marks the Ospizio Bernina, about 22 km from St. Moritz along the line.
Tip
Tourist rail passes cover the fare, but seat reservations are paid separately. The regional trains on the Bernina line cover the same route without mandatory reservations and stop at Alp Grüm and the Ospizio Bernina for those who want to get off en route. From Tirano, Italian trains continue to Milan.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bernina Express
How long does the Bernina Express take?
About 4 hours from Chur to Tirano and about 2 h 30 min from St. Moritz to Tirano.
Do you need to reserve the Bernina Express?
Yes. Seat reservation is mandatory and paid separately, even with a rail pass.
Can you go to Tirano and back in the same day?
Yes. From St. Moritz, a round trip fits into a day, with time for lunch in Tirano.
Does the Bernina Express operate in winter?
Yes, year-round. Outside summer, the panoramic cars are attached to regional trains.