Finding the Bernina Express Departure Point in Chur
The Bernina Express departs from Chur Bahnhof, the main railway station in the city of Chur, which sits in the canton of Graubunden in eastern Switzerland. The station is centrally located and easy to reach whether you are arriving from Zurich, Basel, or other major Swiss cities by standard SBB rail services. You do not need to search for a separate, dedicated Bernina Express terminal. The panoramic red train simply boards from one of the platforms within the main station building.
Once inside Chur Bahnhof, follow the signs for Rhaetian Railway (RhB) departures. The Bernina Express operates under the RhB network, so look for the distinctive RhB platform indicators rather than the standard SBB ones. In 2026, the station layout remains well signposted, and staff at the information desk speak English and can point you in the right direction if you feel unsure.
Arriving at least 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure is strongly recommended. Seat reservations are mandatory on the Bernina Express, and your reserved seat number corresponds to a specific carriage. Conductors check reservations before boarding, so having your ticket and reservation printed or saved on your phone will save you time on the platform.
Chur itself is worth a short wander before you board. As the oldest city in Switzerland, its cobblestone old town is just a 10-minute walk from the station. If your train departs mid-morning, there is time to grab a coffee and explore the historic lanes before returning to catch your connection.
What to Know About the Journey From Chur to Tirano
The full Bernina Express route runs from Chur through St. Moritz and over the Bernina Pass before arriving at Tirano in Italy. The Chur to St. Moritz leg alone takes around two hours and passes through dramatic Alpine scenery, deep gorges, and the Landwasser Viaduct, one of the most photographed railway structures in the world. This section is reason enough to start your journey from Chur rather than joining the train at St. Moritz.
The panoramic carriages feature large windows angled upward to frame the mountain views above the treeline. Window seats are allocated through your reservation, and choosing the correct side of the train matters. Traveling from Chur toward St. Moritz, the left side of the carriage generally offers better views of the valley and the dramatic gorges in the early part of the route.
If you are planning a trip that combines multiple scenic Swiss rail experiences, the Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with Glacier Express pairs beautifully with the Bernina route for a multi-day Alpine rail adventure. For travelers coming from Italy, the Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan is a popular alternative that allows you to board at Tirano and ride northward through the pass. Those who prefer a more personal experience may want to look at the Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz for a tailored journey with a guide.
Food and drinks are available in the dining car during the journey, though options are limited. Packing a few snacks and a reusable water bottle is a practical idea, especially on the longer full-route trip to Tirano. The ride from Chur to the Italian border takes approximately four hours total, giving you plenty of time to settle in and absorb one of the most spectacular train journeys in the Alps.
