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The Bernina Express: One of Switzerland’s Most Scenic Trains

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Bernina Express Train Tours

Running from Switzerland to Italy, the Bernina Express is regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. This route is full of natural scenery, from snowy glacier mountaintops to palm tree lined beaches.

What to Expect Onboard: Bernina Express trains contain first and second class carriages that provide panoramic views and comfortable seating. There are bar and service carriages located in the center of the train, as well as at-seat trolley services.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The unique construction and routing makes this railway a masterpiece of engineering since 2008.
Landwasser Viaduct: Standing at 65 meters (over 200 feet) high and supported by five stone pillars, this architectural feat will amaze and inspire.

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Customer Favorites on the Bernina Express

Not sure where to start? These are some of our best selling Bernina Express tours.

Best of Switzerland by Rail

(226 reviews)

2026MarAprMayJunJul...

10 days from

$3,695 pp

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

(83 reviews)

2026AprMayJunJulAug...

11 days from

$3,995 pp

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - An Escorted Experience

(285 reviews)

2026MarAprMayJunJul...

11 days from

$3,995 pp

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First Class Grand Alpine Explorer

(36 reviews)

2026JunJulAugSep

14 days from

$5,695 pp

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Our customers love our Bernina Express tours

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - An Escorted Experience

24/Oct

Libby

“Excellent experience on iconic panoramic train journeys. Each train trip had unique & amazing features. Alpine excursions were well organised and spectacular. Tour manager, Aga was gave clear and useful directions for each day. She was very reliable and helpful when needed. Accomodation was terrific , in many cases better...

Collected by Trustpilot

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

23/Oct

CHRISTOPHER PAUL TICE

“Amazing opportunity to see almost all of what Switzerland has to offer. Take the excursions, explore the cities, great experiences, but be prepared to walk a lot. Also, do your research to understand the SBB train system.

Collected by Trustpilot

Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express

20/Oct

HERBERT BUNT

“Beautiful train, comfortable and beautiful scenery.

Collected by Trustpilot

First Class Grand Alpine Explorer

5/Oct

Debbie Williams

“This was our first European trip and it was even better than we could have imagined!

Collected by Trustpilot

Classic Glacier Express in Winter

5/Apr

Jack Irwin Lesser

“This was one of the most amazing trips that we’ve taken since we started traveling in 2022. Our Tour Manager Debbie Perkin was amazing, and extremely helpful during our incredible journey!

Collected by Trustpilot

Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland

14/Jan

JOSEPH JONES

“Magnificent

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter

30 Apr 2024

Chris M

“For context, we live in New Zealand and booked to do this trip in March 2020, but Covid got in the way. We thought that was it, we'd never get to go. We were given a credit by Vacations By Rail (VBR) as many other companies did. Then,...

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Best of Switzerland by Rail

9/Oct

Rita

“Great trip thru the Alps and Switzerland

Collected by Trustpilot

Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express

12/Jul

GEOFFREY JAMES HACKMAN

“We found the use of the rail pass very easy, especially after getting advice from an SBB (Swiss Rail) agent to download the SBB App--something I would advise strongly for any others doing this trip without a guide! It made planning much easier than it might have been with...

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Highlights

The Alpine passage that the Bernina Express makes from Switzerland to Italy has been acclaimed as Switzerland's most scenic journey, and passengers have much to admire from the train's panoramic windows.

The first part of the route from Chur passes through the area of Switzerland most populated with castles. As the train ascends into the glacier-dominated region of Bernina itself, the scenery becomes increasingly breath-taking. However, the views are at their most magnificent at the mountain-ringed Lake Bianco, whose placid waters mirror the sky above.

Of the 55 tunnels and 196 bridges that help the train negotiate the trickier natural elements of the route, Solis Viaduct and famous Landwasser Viaduct are particularly spectacular.

Onboard the Train

Bernina Express trains typically comprise two or three First and Second class carriages separated by a bar and services carriage at the train's centre. The carriages in both classes are spacious and offer air conditioning, panoramic windows, comfortable seating and an at-seat trolley service providing light refreshments.

Second Class carriages are designed to carry more passengers and are configured with two rows of tables, one each side of the carriage, each of which provides seating for four people.

First Class carriages comprise one row of four-seater tables and one row of double seats. Carrying fewer passengers than Second Class carriages means that First Class passengers enjoy more space and greater legroom and larger, leather-upholstered seats. Fewer seats in First Class also mean that the views from the carriages' larger panoramic windows are less obstructed.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The section of the Bernina Express's route that passes through the Albula and Bernina regions between the Swiss Town of Thusis and the Italian town of Tirano became a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008.

This prestigious status recognises the supreme feats of engineering that were achieved by railway builders in the early twentieth century in overcoming natural obstacles to connect remote Alpine settlements whilst simultaneously minimising the impact upon the stunning landscape.

Passengers can learn more about the route, its history and its highlights courtesy of an on-board commentary during the journey.

From the train's terminus in Tirano, the connecting Bernina Express allows passengers to continue their journey by road along a route that follows the shores of Lake Como and Lake Lugano to the city of Lugano itself on the Swiss/Italian border.

Ride the Bernina Express

Steeped in history and showcasing Switzerland's insanely beautiful landscapes at every turn, the Bernina Express is easily one of the most scenic rail journeys in Switzerland, if not the world. Each stretch of the 76-mile route presents a new perspective on the country, from the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps to sparkling lakes and charming alpine villages. The train passes by quaint old buildings and crosses impressive engineering feats, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. Fifty-five tunnels burrow through the mountainsides, and 196 bridges and viaducts offer an elevated view over the fantastic scenery. From Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, this route is what dreams are made of.

From the carefully carved mountain tunnels to the towering viaducts and a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape, the Albula and Bernina portions of the Rhaetian Railway's Bernina Express route are endlessly impressive. In fact, the artful architecture and immense history even earned these spectacular lines UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008. One ride aboard the train makes it easy to see why. Sizable panoramic windows present all the grandeur that surrounds the Bernina Express. Passengers may select from either First or Second Class for the journey. Each option unlocks the ever-changing scenery of southeastern Switzerland and northern Italy from plush seats in climate-controlled cabins.

The train departs in every season, so these memorable sights are available no matter the season. A journey of extraordinary heights and even more impressive landscapes lies ahead on the Bernina Express.

Bernina Express Train Tours

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Customer Favorites on the Bernina Express

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Highlights

Onboard the Train

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ride the Bernina Express