The Tirano Station: Where the Bernina Express Begins and Ends
Tirano is the Italian terminus of the Bernina Express, one of the most dramatic mountain railway journeys in the world. The train station in Tirano sits right in the heart of the town, at Piazza Stazione, and is remarkably easy to find. If you are arriving by car or bus, the station is well signposted from the main roads leading into town. From Milan by regional train, Tirano is about two and a half hours away, making it a very practical starting point for a full alpine crossing.
What surprises many first-time visitors is that the Bernina Express does not use the main Tirano railway station operated by Trenitalia. Instead, the RhB (Rhaetian Railway) platform is located just a short walk across the piazza, effectively on the street level of the town. The narrow-gauge red train actually shares the road with regular traffic for a brief stretch as it pulls out of Tirano, which is one of those only-in-Europe moments that catches passengers completely off guard. This street-running section through Tirano is itself a highlight before the train even begins its climb into the Swiss Alps.
If you are planning a Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan, arriving at Tirano with some extra time is a good idea. The town has a relaxed northern Italian atmosphere, a beautiful Renaissance basilica worth a quick visit, and several cafes around the piazza where you can grab a coffee before boarding. Getting there at least 30 to 40 minutes early gives you time to collect tickets, find your carriage, and secure a good window seat, which matters enormously on this route.
Practical Tips for Using Tirano as Your Bernina Express Base
The RhB ticket office in Tirano is located inside the small station building on the piazza. Staff there speak Italian and German, with basic English available. Seat reservations for the Bernina Express are mandatory and separate from the basic rail ticket, so make sure you have both confirmed before travel. In 2026, the panoramic carriages remain the most popular option, and they book out quickly in summer, so sorting tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
Luggage storage is available at the Trenitalia station nearby, which is useful if you want to explore Tirano before or after your train journey without hauling bags around. The two stations are close enough that you can move between them on foot in under five minutes.
For travellers coming from Switzerland, the Bernina Express runs from Chur or St. Moritz down to Tirano, crossing the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina Lines. The journey from St. Moritz to Tirano alone takes roughly two hours and twenty minutes, passing through some of the most extraordinary high-alpine scenery in Europe, including the famous Brusio spiral viaduct just before arriving in Tirano. Those looking for a more personalised experience might consider a Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz to make the most of the route. And if you want to extend your Swiss rail adventure beyond the Bernina Line, the Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with the Glacier Express pairs beautifully with this journey for a longer alpine itinerary.
Tirano itself is a small town, so accommodation options are limited. Most travellers either day-trip from Milan or continue overnight into Switzerland. Either way, the logistics are straightforward once you know exactly where the Bernina Express platform is located.
