Bernina Express &
Swiss Travel Pass –
FAQs 2025
Bernina Express FAQs: Your Guide to Alpine Adventures
The Swiss Travel Pass fully covers the train fare on the Bernina Express, with only a seat reservation required—CHF 36 for the full route from Chur to Tirano, or CHF 32 for St Moritz to Tirano. The panoramic ride takes about 4 hours or 2 hours 20 minutes, with both morning and afternoon departures available year-round.
This guide aims to answer all your questions, including those covered in our Bernina Express FAQs, from Swiss Travel Pass coverage and seat reservations to ticket prices, route details, and travel timing for 2025.
Booking & Reservations:
🇨🇭 Q: Is the Bernina Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
A: Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass fully covers the Bernina Express train fare within Switzerland. A mandatory seat reservation costs CHF 36 (Chur–Tirano) or CHF 32 (St Moritz–Tirano).
🇨🇭 Q: How much is the Bernina Express ticket without the Swiss Travel Pass?
A: The full Bernina Express tickets price 2025 from Chur to Tirano is around CHF 125 (2nd class) or CHF 218 (1st class). From St Moritz to Tirano, it’s about CHF 66 (2nd class). With the Swiss Travel Pass, the fare is covered—you only pay the reservation fee.
🇨🇭 Q: Do I need to book the Bernina Express in advance?
A: Yes. Seats are limited and reservations often sell out weeks ahead, especially May–October. Book as soon as your travel dates are set.
🇨🇭 Q: How often does the Bernina Express run?
A: From St Moritz to Tirano, there’s one train daily in winter and two in summer. Regular regional trains on the same route depart hourly. Check the official Bernina Express schedule 2025.
🇨🇭 Q: Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass Flex on the Bernina Express?
A: Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex also covers the Bernina Express on your chosen active travel day. Simply show your valid pass day with the seat reservation confirmation.
🇨🇭 Q: Do I need to book the Bernina Express in advance?
A: Yes. Many travelers start from St Moritz, especially when combining with the Glacier Express. The St Moritz–Tirano route (about 2 hrs 20 min) offers identical scenery in a shorter journey.
🇨🇭 Q: How can I check the Bernina Express schedule for 2025?
A: View the official Bernina Express schedule 2025 on Rhätische Bahn or SwissASAP.com. Both morning and afternoon departures run daily between St Moritz and Tirano.
Travel Experience:
🇨🇭 Q: When is the best season to ride the Bernina Express?
A: The Bernina Express runs year-round, but the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. From May to October, you’ll see green valleys and clear alpine lakes; in winter, the route transforms into a snow-covered landscape. Each season offers a distinct experience.
🇨🇭 Q: Which side of the train has the best views?
A: Sit on the right side when traveling south from Switzerland to Tirano for the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral bridge. On the return northbound to Switzerland, choose the left side for panoramic mountain vistas.
🇨🇭 Q: Which section of the Bernina Express is the most scenic?
A: The most impressive stretch is between the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Viaduct, passing Tiefencastel, Ospizio Bernina, and Alp Grüm, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of glaciers and high mountain passes.
🇨🇭 Q: What is the most beautiful viewpoint on the Bernina Express route?
A: Alp Grüm, at an elevation of 2 091 m, offers one of the most stunning outlooks over Palü Glacier and Lake Poschiavo.
🇨🇭 Q: Does the Bernina Express run daily?
A: Yes. The train operates daily between Chur and Tirano, with both morning and afternoon departures. Service frequency varies by season.
🇨🇭 Q: Does the Bernina Express have panoramic windows?
A: Yes. All Bernina Express carriages feature large panoramic windows for uninterrupted alpine views. Regional trains follow the same route but use standard carriages.
🇨🇭 Q: What stations does the Bernina Express stop at?
A: Major stops include Pontresina, Ospizio Bernina, Alp Grüm, Poschiavo, and Tirano.
🇨🇭 Q: Is Tirano worth visiting after the journey?
A: Yes. Tirano, located in Lombardy, Italy, features charming cafés, historic squares, and the Basilica di Madonna di Tirano—a pleasant stop before continuing to Milan or Lugano.
🇨🇭 Q: Can I stop along the Bernina Express route?
A: Yes. You can hop off at scenic stops like Alp Grüm, Pontresina, or Poschiavo and continue later on regional RhB trains—fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Q: Is the Bernina Express wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. Selected carriages have wheelchair spaces and step-free entry. Contact RhB or your booking provider in advance for assistance.
Q: Can I bring pets on the Bernina Express?
A: Small dogs travel free in a carrier. Larger dogs need a half-fare ticket and must stay on a leash. Pets are welcome in designated carriages.
Amenities & Services:
🇨🇭 Q: Can I take luggage on the Bernina Express?
A: Yes. There’s no strict limit on luggage. Large suitcases can be placed on dedicated racks, and smaller bags can be kept with you at your seat. For added convenience, consider using same-day door-to-door delivery with Switzerland Luggage Transfer.
🇨🇭 Q: Is food available on board?
A: There’s no restaurant car, but a refreshment trolley service is available. You can also bring your own food and wine.
🇨🇭 Q: What’s the difference between 1st and 2nd class?
A: Both classes have panoramic windows and Wi-Fi. 1st class offers more space and quieter carriages; 2nd class is busier with standard fabric seats.
Comparisons & Additional Info:
🇨🇭Q: Is Bernina Express non stop?
A: The Bernina Express is a direct train, though it makes short stops for boarding and scenic viewpoints. Regional trains on the same line require transfers but follow the identical route and views. For onward connections beyond Tirano, see Switzerland to Italy by Train
🇨🇭 Q: What’s the difference between the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express?
A: The Bernina Express connects Switzerland and Italy, crossing the Alps via the Bernina Pass between St Moritz and Tirano. The Glacier Express runs entirely within Switzerland, linking Zermatt and St Moritz. Both are part of Switzerland’s Premium Panoramic Trains and are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, with a seat reservation required.
If you’d like an itinerary that includes both trains, explore the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland — it’s the easiest way to experience them in one trip.
🇨🇭Q: Which is better to visit Chur or St Moritz?
A: Chur is a small town, while St. Moritz is a resort town in the Alps. Consider scenic villages like Sils Maria, Pontresina, or Silvaplana Surlej.
🇨🇭Q: Is it worth staying overnight in Chur before the Bernina Express?
A: Yes. Spending a night in Chur lets you explore its old town and start the train journey fresh in the morning. It’s a common choice for travelers boarding the Bernina Express early.
