What the Bernina Express Luggage Rules Actually Mean for Travelers
The Bernina Express is operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and runs between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, crossing some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery on the continent. Because it runs on narrow-gauge tracks using relatively compact panoramic carriages, the luggage situation is quite different from what you might expect on a standard intercity train.
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage on board, but storage space is limited. The overhead racks are narrow and best suited for small backpacks, handbags, or day bags. There are no dedicated luggage compartments or large storage areas between carriages the way you might find on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) trains. If you show up with a large rolling suitcase or a 70-litre backpack, you will struggle to find anywhere to put it, and you risk blocking the aisle or blocking other passengers from enjoying the panoramic windows.
The practical rule most experienced travelers follow: bring only what fits comfortably in your lap or on a small overhead rack. A 20-litre daypack or a compact carry-on bag works well. Anything larger becomes a problem, especially during peak season when the train is fully booked and every seat is occupied.
If you are travelling with larger bags, the best solution is to use the Swiss luggage forwarding service called Gepäck-Express. For a fee, you can have your bags picked up from your hotel or a train station and delivered to your next destination in Switzerland, usually the same day or the next. This service lets you travel light on the Bernina Express while your luggage meets you at your next stop. It is one of the most underused travel hacks in Switzerland and makes a huge difference on scenic rail days.
Practical Tips for Packing and Planning Your Bernina Express Journey
If you are building a multi-day Swiss rail itinerary, plan your Bernina Express day as a light-luggage day. Leave your large bags at a station luggage locker in St. Moritz or Chur, or arrange forwarding in advance. Most major Swiss train stations have left-luggage facilities that are easy to use and reasonably priced.
Seats on the Bernina Express are reservation-only, and the panoramic carriages fill up fast, particularly between June and October. Book your reservation well ahead and choose a seat on the left side of the train when travelling south from St. Moritz to Tirano for the best views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the famous Brusio circular viaduct.
The journey takes about two and a half hours from St. Moritz to Tirano. You will cross the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres above sea level, making it the highest railway crossing in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage route. Even in summer, temperatures at altitude can be cool, so keep a light layer accessible in your bag rather than buried at the bottom.
For travelers coming from Italy, the Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan is a popular option that takes care of the logistics for you. If you prefer a more personalised experience, a Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz gives you flexibility around luggage, timing, and stops. And if you want to extend your Swiss rail adventure, the Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with the Glacier Express pairs beautifully with a Bernina leg for a full alpine rail experience.
The bottom line: travel as light as you can on the Bernina Express, use luggage forwarding if you need it, and spend your time looking out the window rather than worrying about where to stash your bags.
