Bernina Express Ticket Prices in 2026
The Bernina Express runs between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina lines. It is one of the most photographed railway journeys in the world, and its pricing reflects that status without being out of reach for most travelers.
For the full route from Chur to Tirano, standard second-class tickets start at around CHF 59 to CHF 75 per person, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. First-class seats run approximately CHF 95 to CHF 120 for the same journey. The shorter St. Moritz to Tirano segment, which still covers the most dramatic mountain scenery including the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral viaduct, costs roughly CHF 33 to CHF 50 in second class.
On top of the base fare, Rhaetian Railway charges a mandatory panoramic car reservation fee of CHF 14 in second class and CHF 22 in first class. This reservation is required and gets you a guaranteed seat in the signature panoramic coaches with their oversized windows. Booking early, especially for summer and autumn travel, is strongly recommended since the train sells out weeks in advance.
Swiss Travel Pass holders ride for free on the rail portion but still need to pay the reservation surcharge. Eurail and Interrail pass holders receive a discount on the base fare but are not exempt from the reservation fee either. If you are planning a broader Swiss rail adventure, it is worth comparing the pass options against point-to-point tickets before committing. A Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with the Glacier Express can sometimes bundle scenic routes at better overall value.
Ways To Ride the Bernina Express and What Affects the Cost
There are a few different ways to experience this route, and the option you choose has a significant impact on the total price.
The most straightforward approach is booking directly through the Rhaetian Railway website or the SBB app. You select your travel date, choose first or second class, add the reservation, and pay. This works well for independent travelers who want flexibility on the schedule.
Guided day trips are a popular alternative, particularly for travelers coming from Milan. A Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan typically bundles train tickets, the reservation fee, and a guided experience into a single package, removing the complexity of booking each component separately. These tours generally range from EUR 80 to EUR 130 per person depending on what is included.
For those who want a more personalized experience, a Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz offers a guided journey with a dedicated guide and greater flexibility on stops and pacing. Private options cost more but suit travelers who prefer in-depth storytelling over a standard rail ticket.
A few practical notes worth keeping in mind: prices are higher during July, August, and the foliage season in October. Traveling midweek tends to be slightly cheaper and less crowded than weekends. Children aged 6 to 15 travel at half price, and those under 6 ride free. If you hold a Half Fare Card in Switzerland, the base fare is cut in half, making independent travel considerably more affordable for those already spending time in the country.
