This UNESCO World Heritage Line takes you through an ancient landscape to northern Italy
Chur - St. Moritz - Tirano - Lugano
The unforgettable Bernina Express departs daily and transports you from the towering glaciers of the high Alps to the swaying palms of Italy. Crossing the Alps in style, the train climbs an impressive 2,223m to the Bernina Pass and offers breathtaking vistas as you ride over impressive viaducts and past galleries hewn from the sheer rock. There are beautiful views of rushing mountain streams, glaciers and even an alpine garden en route to the terminus in Tirano, which lies just over the Italian border. The line is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Day trip The spectacular 2 hour journey to Tirano can be enjoyed from St. Moritz or Pontresina. For those staying in Davos, Klosters and Chur you can experience the full World Heritage route, combining the Albula Line with the Bernina Line (around 4 hours to Tirano). More details here...
Connecting two resorts On selected dates during the winter and daily from April to October, travellers are able to continue onwards from Tirano, on the comfortable Bernina Express Bus. This special bus with its large panoramic windows takes you on a 3 hour journey through picturesque country villages and along the banks of Lake Como's pretty coves and quaint fishing villages, including a 15 minute stop in Piantedo to stretch your legs. The bus reaches the narrow waterside roads of sparkling Lake Lugano and you'll cross back into Switzerland and arrive into Lugano itself for the next part of your holiday. It is also possible to enjoy the Bernina journey in the opposite direction if you prefer to visit the sunny lake before heading up to the Alps. Discover more here.
Suggested two and multi centre holidays
Holidays can be enjoyed in reverse order and extendedOur suggested itineraries can be changed to fit your own requirements with higher grade hotels, upgraded rooms and additional centres. Other combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.
8 days Zermatt and St. Moritz
A true highlight of a holiday in Switzerland is a scenic rail journey; this itinerary offers the classic Glacier Express combination.
8 days St. Moritz, Andermatt and Lucerne
A holiday which includes some of the most beautiful scenic journeys, plus a ride on a steam train across a high alpine pass.
8 days Mini Grand Tour
Highlights of Switzerland for lovers of travel, with the Glacier, Bernina and Gotthard Panorama Express and GoldenPass Line.
12 days to Interlaken, Lugano, Pontresina and Zermatt
A scenic tour of some of the most beautiful lakes and mountains in Switzerland, with 4 unforgettable journeys.
12 days to Pontresina, Lugano and Lucerne
Experience 3 contrasting Swiss experiences including the high Alps, the Italian border region and stunning Lake Lucerne.
12 days Swiss Grand Tour
Including journeys on the Glacier, Bernina and Gotthard Panorama Express trains and stays in some of our favourite resorts.
15 Days Grand Rail Tour
An amazing holiday combining the classic scenic rail journeys showcasing the contrasting beauty of the different Swiss regions.
15 days winter Grand Tour
Enjoy winter lakes and mountains landscapes across the breadth of the country with a full complement of scenic rail journeys.
16 Day Grand Train Tour Of Switzerland
A comprehensive tour of the major lakes and mountains highlights of this beautiful country, all linked by famous journeys such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
Your Bernina Express carriage
All panoramic viewing cars in both 1st and 2nd class are air conditioned and offer oversized windows which extend into the roof cove providing all round panoramic views. Announcements are made as you pass by the most important sights along the route and in first class you can connect to a digital travel companion on your phone or tablet.
On board services
We recommend timing your journey for an Italian lunch in Tirano! For smaller snacks and drinks, the train's hosts provide a trolley service, served at your seat. You can also buy souvenirs on board.
Bernina Express costs
Seat reservations are compulsory on all trains
Day trips
St. Moritz or Pontresina to Tirano: 2nd class £28 per person or 1st class £48 per person
Davos to Tirano: 2nd class £45 per person or 1st class £79 per person
Chur to Tirano: 2nd class £52 per person or 1st class £91 per person
Booking fee: £24 per person
As part of a multi centre
St. Moritz or Pontresina to Lugano or vice versa: 2nd class £28 per person or 1st class £38 per person
Davos to Lugano or vice versa: 2nd class £49 per person or 1st class £79 per person
Chur to Lugano or vice versa: 2nd class £39 per person or 1st class £61 per person
Booking fee: £24 per person
Prices are a guide and will vary according to itinerary. They are valid only with the Half Fare Card (included with your holiday).
Express Luggage
Transfer your bags between resorts: simply register your luggage at the station before 9am and collect it at your destination on the same day any time after 6pm. There are a few stations where luggage will not be available until the following morning, so an overnight bag would be needed.
Each transfer costs £10 per item plus an additional one-off fee of £24.