The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps. Along with its counterpart, the Glacier Express, it is widely regarded as one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world. This journey is part of the Abula/Bernina line of the Rhaetian Railway, a scenic route renowned for its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and incredible engineering, earning a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation since 2008.

Beginning—or ending, depending on your direction—in Tirano, Italy, the train ascends into the Alps, passing glimmering lakes, charming villages, snow-capped mountains, and magnificent glaciers during its two-hour journey to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The route’s tunnels, viaducts, and architectural marvels enhance the thrill of traveling aboard this panoramic train.

History of the Bernina Express

As tourism to the Swiss Alps surged in the late 1800s, the Bernina line was developed to transport more tourists to the Engadine Valley. This stunning alpine region includes notable areas such as St. Moritz, Pontresina, the Morteratsch Glacier, and the Bernina Pass, which stands at a remarkable altitude of 2,253 meters (7,392 feet). Construction of the line commenced in 1906 and was completed in 1910.

The complexities of constructing the Bernina line arose due to elevation changes, narrow ridges, and the vast distances between mountain faces. Consequently, this project posed unprecedented engineering challenges that required bold and innovative solutions. Over time, the route gained fame for its steep grades and high-elevation crossings, featuring tunnels carved through mountain ranges and stunning viaducts traversing deep valleys.

Initially designed for summer travel, by 1913, the Bernina line expanded its services into the winter months, catering to the growing interest in wintertime travel to the Alps. The line joined Rhaetian Railways in 1943. Although standard trains operate on this line, the cheerful red Bernina Express trains are the most iconic, extending all the way to Chur, nearly 90 miles (140 km) from Tirano. UNESCO’s designation of the Albula/Bernina lines as a World Heritage Site highlights its extraordinary technical, architectural, and environmental significance harmonized with the majestic landscapes it traverses.

Highlights of the Bernina Express

The entire journey of the Bernina Express showcases spectacular Alpine scenery. However, several particular highlights stand out:

• Brusio Viaduct: Shortly after departing Tirano, the train swiftly climbs and soon crosses into Switzerland, reaching the remarkable Brusio Viaduct, a spiral bridge that accommodates altitude transitions that would otherwise demand steep gradients.
• Miralago: The breathtaking views intensify as the train traverses the glassy Miralago, where the serene lake reflects the surrounding mountains.
• Poschiavo Valley: The ascent above this valley provides the quintessential Alpine vistas that define the Bernina Express. The village of Poschiavo diminishes in size as the train winds through the region, navigating the Cavagliasco viaducts toward higher elevations.
• Alp Grüm: This charming mountain hamlet, accessible solely by train during winter, marks the Bernina Express’ sole stop on its journey to the Engadine Valley. Positioned just south of the Bernina Pass, Alp Grüm sits at 2,091 meters (nearly 6,900 feet), offering spectacular views of the Palù Glacier and the Poschiavo Valley.
• Lago Bianco: The train glides past this high-altitude reservoir, which freezes completely in winter, before reaching Ospizio Bernina, the highest point on the line at 2,250 meters (7,380 feet).
• Morteratsch Glacier: While impacted by climate change, this glacier remains a striking spectacle. In winter, it serves as part of the Diavolezza ski area, and in summer, it offers fantastic hiking opportunities.

As the train descends into the Engadine Valley, it first stops in the charming village of Pontresina and concludes in the renowned ski and spa destination of St. Moritz.

Bernina Express Essentials

Tickets for the Bernina Express are available through the Rhaetian Railways website. One-way second-class tickets from Tirano to St. Moritz start at approximately 32 euros, while first-class tickets begin around 56 euros.

Here are some additional tips for enjoying the Bernina Express:

• You can catch a morning train in Tirano, enjoy a few hours in St. Moritz, and return on a later train.
• If the Bernina Express is unavailable, regular RhB trains follow the same route, making more frequent stops. Request panoramic seats for an additional surcharge of 4 euros per passenger.
• For the best views, sit on the right side of the train.
• Onboard food service is limited, so plan accordingly or bring snacks, though first-class passengers have access to coffee and tea service.
• If staying overnight in Tirano, the friendly three-star Hotel Bernina is conveniently located across from the station. For luxury accommodations, consider the historic Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina, or the prestigious Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, known for promoting winter tourism in the late 1800s.