Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express connects Switzerland with northern Italy through the breathtakingly beautiful Alps. Having been showing this spectacular country to our customers for more than two decades, we have built up award-winning expertise in curating unforgettable vacations.
One of Switzerland's most-loved trains is the Bernina Express. Winding 90 miles from historic Chur to the Italian town of Tirano, much of this stunning route is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 1904. Relax in comfort as this iconic train passes through wild gorges and pristine alpine landscapes as you admire views of ethereal glaciers and jaw-dropping manmade structures, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct and corkscrew Brusio Viaduct. While the scenery is arguably the star attraction, you can elevate your experience by upgrading to First Class. Relax in leather seats and more space as the unparalleled backdrops unfold outside the window. Join us to uncover why this spellbinding route is so popular.
Our deep-rooted knowledge of Switzerland's railway system, coupled with a passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences, makes us the go-to choice for your Bernina Express adventure. We not only offer incredible vacations; we create memories that last a lifetime.
The panoramic carriages of the Bernina Express provide unobstructed views of some of the Alps' most jaw-dropping scenery. From the snowy Swiss peaks to the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, sit back and appreciate your front-row seats to these natural wonders.
Not sure where to start? These are some of our best selling Bernina Express tours.
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(228 reviews)From Switzerland's largest city, Zürich, this round-trip unveils an unforgettable perspective on this small but stunning European country. Uncover delightful towns such as medieval St Gallen and Lucerne, lakeside Montreux, upmarket St Moritz and charming Zermatt, traveling between them on Switzerland's famed trains. Renowned railroads provide a...
(83 reviews)Discover the diverse regions of Switzerland on this 11-day vacation. This trip, which takes you on a variety of Swiss rail lines, is a train lover's dream. Filled with twists and turns along rivers and mountainsides, you can relax and enjoy stunning views only available via rail. You'll view stunning landscapes such as the Bernese Oberland...
(286 reviews)Discover the amazing scenery of Switzerland from alpine peaks to brilliant blue lakes. Experience the best of this incredible country on an escorted grand tour, exploring stunning lakes and awe-inspiring mountains. Journey on some of its most iconic trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the GoldenPass Express. Each...
(62 reviews)If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to...
Spend a week enveloped in the delights of Switzerland on this roundtrip journey, bookended by time in the lakeside city of Zürich. From well-located bases in Zürich, Zermatt and the Engadine Valley, the nation's most incredible adventures are within reach. Find yourself immersed in history while touring St. Gallen, and discover the...
(12 reviews)Snow-bound views and enchanting seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests of the Swiss Alps provide picture-postcard backdrops. On this memorable vacation, pass icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Later,...
(6 reviews)Journey through the breathtaking Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland, on this seven day escape. Discover the charming city of Lucerne, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise across its serene lake. Experience a first-class journey aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, traversing dramatic landscapes to Lugano. Your...
(23 reviews)Soaring snow-clad peaks frame charming cities steeped in history, and sprawling valleys lead to crystalline glacier-fed lakes in stunning Switzerland. Sit back and relax as these elements are brought to life aboard some of the world's most famous rail lines, including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, on this independent journey. ...
(36 reviews)Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class vacation through the Alps. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg after a tour. Enjoy a cruise in the Austrian Lake District and explore charming...
Enjoy having your head in the clouds as we stay in a selection of Switzerland's best four-star mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes. The Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel...
(7 reviews)Snow-bound views and seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the Swiss Alps' glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests provide picture-postcard backdrops. Journey through the Swiss Grand Canyon and over the Oberalp Pass on the world-renowned Glacier Express. Spend Christmas Day in historic Chur on...
Enjoy having your head in the clouds this winter as we stay in some of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels. Located on beautiful Lake Brienz, the Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach is perched above the waters and surrounded by nature, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by a cable car. Soak up Switzerland's stunning views...
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.
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.
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.
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.
