A Journey Through the Swiss Alps: Bernina Express Fares and Seat Reservations
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The Swiss Alps are world-famous for their jaw-dropping beauty. It’s no wonder they’ve been featured in everything, from The Sound of Music to the iconic Toblerone logo. Now, imagine gazing at gorgeous views of glaciers and picture-perfect landscapes while sipping hot cocoa in the comfort of a luxury train. That’s where Switzerland‘s Bernina Express comes in.
The Bernina Express is an epic train ride that winds through the heart of the Alps. No need for hiking boots or ski gear—you’ll be snug as a bug inside a train with massive panoramic windows.
Before adding this to your travel bucket list, check out our complete guide. Here, we reveal everything you need to know about Bernina Express, from tickets and stops to insider tips. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
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The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride run by the Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland, and it’s one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in Europe. It takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps, traveling from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. Along the way, you’ll pass through 55 tunnels, cross 196 bridges, and reach an impressive height of 2,253 meters (7,391 feet) at the Bernina Pass.
This UNESCO World Heritage route offers stunning views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and alpine villages that almost seem too fairytale-like to be real!
You can board the Bernina Express from two primary stations:
- Chur, Switzerland (the starting point for the full journey)
- Tirano, Italy (if you’re traveling in reverse).
From Zurich:
Take a train to Chur (about 1.5–2 hours), then board the Bernina Express from Chur.
From Milan:
Take a regional train to Tirano, which is covered by the Eurail Pass.
From Austria:
Catch a train to Sargans in Switzerland. It’s a quick and easy transfer, and you’ll be in Chur in no time—about 30 minutes.
From France/Germany:
If you’re coming from Paris, Munich, or Cologne, head to Karlsruhe in Germany or Zurich in Switzerland. From there, it’s a straight shot to Chur on a direct train.