The Bernina Express: A UNESCO-Listed Train Route Through the Alps
The Bernina Express is a panoramic train service operated by the Rhaetian Railway, running between Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in northern Italy. The route covers roughly 145 kilometres and crosses the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres above sea level, making it the highest railway crossing in the Alps that does not use a tunnel. In 2008, the line was granted UNESCO World Heritage status alongside the Albula Railway, recognising its extraordinary feat of 19th-century engineering built almost entirely without rack-and-pinion technology.
The journey takes around two and a half hours from St. Moritz to Tirano, though many travellers choose to board at Chur for the full four-hour experience. Along the way the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the sweeping Brusio spiral viaduct, a circular stone bridge that slows the train as it descends a steep gradient. Glaciers, frozen lakes, alpine meadows and terraced vineyards all appear within the same journey, which is genuinely rare for a single train ride anywhere in the world.
The red panoramic carriages have oversized windows that curve up toward the roof, giving passengers unobstructed views without needing to crane their necks. Seats are assigned, so booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially between June and October when demand peaks. If you are planning a Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan, note that Tirano is about two hours from Milan by regional train, making it a very manageable starting point for a full day out.
What to Expect On Board and Practical Tips for 2026
The Bernina Express runs daily year-round, though the winter schedule between November and April operates with fewer departures. In 2026, tickets can be purchased through the Rhaetian Railway website or via Swiss travel pass holders, who ride free of charge though still need a seat reservation. Standard panoramic seats are comfortable for the full journey, but if you want a more tailored experience, a Bernina Train private tour from Milan or St. Moritz gives you flexibility over stops and a guided commentary that adds real context to what you are seeing outside the window.
The most photographed section of the route is between Ospizio Bernina and Alp Grum, where the Palü Glacier sits just above the tracks and the descent into Italian-speaking Valposchiavo begins. Sit on the left side of the train travelling southbound from St. Moritz to get the best views of the glacier. Travelling northbound, the right side is preferable for the Brusio spiral. Either direction works well, but arriving in Tirano for a late lunch of local risotto and wine before the return leg is a solid plan.
For travellers who want to pair the Bernina with a broader Alpine rail adventure, the route connects well with other scenic Swiss services. A Swiss Alps train tour from Zurich with the Glacier Express is a popular multi-day combination that lets you cover a significant sweep of the Alps by rail without repeating scenery. The two routes complement each other well, with the Glacier Express offering a longer, slower journey through the Valais and Graubünden regions.
One practical note: the Bernina Express does not have a full dining car on most services, so bring snacks or a packed lunch, especially in the quieter months when the station at Ospizio Bernina may be closed. The journey is short enough that it is not a hardship, but being prepared means you can focus entirely on the view rather than hunting for a snack bar.
