Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps aboard the Bernina Express, also known as the 'Red Train'. This iconic journey takes you from Tirano, Italy, through the stunning landscapes of Valposchiavo, St. Moritz, Davos, and Chur in Switzerland. As you traverse the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage route between Thusis, Valposchiavo, and Tirano, you'll experience one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Read on to find out more about the Swiss panoramic Bernina Express train, including fares, timetables, and onboard services.
Bernina Express route
The Bernina Express is a panoramic Swiss train operated by Ferrovie del Reno, which runs from Tirano, in the Italian province of Sondrio, to Chur in the Canton of Grisons in Switzerland.
The Bernina railway is the highest in Europe and one of the steepest in the world. Crossing the Alps by train offers a spectacular view of the well-known route between Thusis and Tirano, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Bernina Express stops in the following cities: Tirano, Le Prese, Poschiavo, Alp Grüm, Bernina Hospice, Pontresina, St. Moritz, Samedan, Preda, Bergün, Filisur, Davos, Tiefencastel, Thusis, Reichenau, Tamins and Chur.
Tirano is the only Italian city currently served by the Bernina Express: to get to Tirano station by train, you can either take a fast regional train (RegioExpress) or a regular regional train (Regionale) operated by Trenitalia. From Milan, you can reach Tirano in 2 hours and 32 minutes.
If you’re already in Switzerland, you can get to Chur with SBB trains (the railway company that operates domestic routes in Switzerland). Need more information on the Swiss rail network? Check out our dedicated page to trains in Switzerland.
Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano
From February to November, you can continue your journey from Tirano to Lugano by bus thanks to the Bernina Express Bus. This scenic bus runs daily during peak season and from Thursday to Sunday during off-peak season. A wonderful way to discover the beauty of northern Italy and Lake Como!
How to buy Bernina Express tickets
Book in advance and save some serious money! Reservations for the Bernina Express can be made up to three months before the trip: you won’t be able to board the train without first booking a ticket. As this is a very popular train, we recommend booking your ticket well in advance.
When searching on Trainline, make sure you book the Bernina Express and not just a regional SBB train that travels the same route, or you’ll miss out on those panoramic Bernina Express windows!
When you book with Trainline, choose only the express train indicated by the initials ‘PE BEX’. Avoid booking a train journey that requires changes (the Bernina Express is a direct train) or is indicated as RE (regional train).
How much does the Bernina Express cost?
Do you feel like travelling in First Class? Bernina Express trains provide both First and Second Class services. Take a look at the prices below and make your choice, or check out our dedicated page to Bernina Express First Class.
| Route | Second Class prices in Swiss Francs (CHF)* | First Class prices in Swiss Francs (CHF)* |
|---|---|---|
| Tirano to Chur | CHF 66.00 | CHF 113.00 |
| Chur to Poschiavo | CHF 59.00 | CHF 101.00 |
| St. Moritz to Tirano | CHF 33.00 | CHF 57.00 |
| St. Moritz to Poschiavo | CHF 25.00 | CHF 42.60 |
The difference between First and Second Class is in the seat allocation:
- Standard Class seating on the Bernina Express is arranged two-by-two across the aisle, all seats are configured as part of a table for four people.
- First Class seats are configured in a two-by-one arrangement across the aisle. This means that opposite every table for four is a table for two, allowing for more seating options. There are fewer seats, so they are slightly larger, with more leg and elbow room and more space for luggage storage.
*1 CHF = approx. €0.89. Prices correct as of August 2024 and subject to change.
Bernina Express timetable
The Bernina Express train only runs once a day from Tirano to Chur and in the opposite direction. Find the complete timetable below.
Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur
| Station |
Train 950 Operating from 05/11/2024 to 10/27/2024 |
Train 952 Operating all year round |
|---|---|---|
| Tirano | 08:06 am | 02:24 pm |
| Le Prese | 08:35 am | 02:55 pm |
| Poschiavo | 08:47 am | 03:10 pm |
| Alp Grüm | 09:48 am | 03:45 pm |
| Bernina Hospice | 09:58 am | - |
| Pontresina | 10:25 am | 04:22 pm |
| Bergün | 11:01 am | 05:04 pm |
| Filisur | 11:17 am | 05:17 pm |
| Tiefencastel | 11:32 am | 05:32 pm |
| Chur | 12:22 pm | 06:22 pm |
Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano
| Route |
Train 951 Operating all year round |
Train 955 Operating from 05/11/2024 to 10/27/2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Chur | 08:28 am | 01:34 pm |
| Thusis | 08:59 am | 02:11 pm |
| Tiefencastel | 09:18 am | 02:28 pm |
| Filisur | 09:33 am | - |
| Bergün | 09:47 am | 02:57 pm |
| Pontresina | 10:25 am | 03:41 pm |
| Bernina Diavolezza | 10:42 am | 04:06 pm |
| Bernina Hospice | - | 04:19 pm |
| Alp Grüm | 11:01 am | 04:28 pm |
| Poschiavo | 12:01 pm | 05:15 pm |
| Le Prese | 12:21 pm | 05:32 pm |
| Tirano | 12:49 pm | 05:59 pm |
Onboard services
Audioguide
If you have a smartphone, you can get access to an audioguide that will provide you with information during your trip. You can also follow your route live via an interactive map.
Bar/Restaurant
The Bernina Express has no restaurant onboard, but you can buy snacks, drinks and even souvenirs from the trolley that passes through the aisles during the journey.
Luggage
There are no luggage restrictions on the Bernina Express train. However, as the space available is limited, we recommend you only travel with hand luggage to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers. You can leave your luggage safely in the compartments at the entrance of each car.
Reduced Mobility Access
Special seats are available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchairs. These seats must be booked by calling +41 81 288 65 65 or sending an e-mail to railservice@rhb.ch.
The boarding and alighting assistance must be booked in advance from the SBB Call Center Handicap by calling +41 (0)800 007 102 or completing this form.
FAQs