The Operator Behind the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is operated by the Rhaetian Railway, known in German as Rhätische Bahn, or simply RhB. This Swiss narrow-gauge railway company has been running trains through the Swiss Alps since 1889, and today it manages one of the most celebrated rail routes in the world. The Bernina Express itself runs between Chur or Davos in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass at an elevation of 2,253 metres — the highest railway crossing in the Alps that operates year-round.
The Rhaetian Railway is a state-supported company, largely owned by the Canton of Graubünden and the Swiss Confederation. That public backing is part of what allows RhB to maintain such an extraordinary piece of infrastructure across steep mountain terrain, through tunnels, over stone viaducts, and along switchback spiral loops. The Albula and Bernina lines that form the backbone of this journey were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 — a recognition of their engineering brilliance as much as their natural beauty.
Tickets can be booked directly through the Rhaetian Railway website, through Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), or via third-party travel operators who bundle the journey with guides and accommodation. A seat reservation is mandatory on the Bernina Express panoramic cars, even if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass. In 2026, reservations typically cost a modest fee on top of your rail pass or ticket — always book ahead during peak summer and winter seasons, as the train fills up fast.
If you are planning a full day trip from northern Italy, a Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan is a practical option that handles ticketing and logistics in one package, saving you the back-and-forth of booking across two different national rail systems.
Practical Tips for Riding the Bernina Express in 2026
The full journey from Chur to Tirano takes around four hours, while the Davos to Tirano route runs slightly shorter. Most travellers opt to board at St. Moritz, which cuts the journey to about two and a half hours and still covers the most dramatic section of the route — the descent from the Bernina Pass through the Poschiavo Valley and down into the Italian town of Tirano.
Sit on the right side of the train when travelling south from St. Moritz toward Tirano for the best views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the Palü peaks. The panoramic cars have extra-large windows that extend into the roof, so even window-adjacent seats give good sightlines. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens — the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio circular viaduct are highlights that go by quickly.
For a more tailored experience, a Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz lets you travel with a dedicated guide who can explain the engineering history and point out landmarks you might otherwise miss. This works especially well for first-time visitors who want context alongside the scenery.
The Bernina Express runs daily throughout the year, though the winter schedule between November and April has fewer departures. Snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes make the winter journey spectacular in its own right, but always check the RhB timetable before you travel, as weather can occasionally affect high-altitude services. And if you want to extend your Swiss rail adventure beyond the Bernina line, a Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with the Glacier Express pairs beautifully as a multi-day itinerary through the heart of the Alps.
