Bernina Express
One of the worlds most beautiful epic rail journeys. We experienced a full blown mountain Swiss winter wonderland to Italian wild landscapes. We wanted to travel sustainable and what a great way to do it with The Bernina Express.
This red train is a masterpiece with it's breathtaking views. Find out how we got there!
HOW TO BOOK THE BERNINA EXPRESS
The mountains were calling us and we had to go!
The Bernina Express is truly an epic train journey! From Gletiers to palm trees! This red train will take you on a 4 hour of cinematic journey through snowy mountains, over 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. Along the way you will pass by impressive sights such as the Montebello bend overlooking The Bernina massif or the Morteratsch Glacier. The three lakes LEj Pitchen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm and teh circular viaduct of Brusio.
We highly recommend taking this trip in Winter because of the snowy peaks, but in summer there is the possibility to extend the trip with the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano. We chose the oldest city oldest city of Switzerland called Chur to depart our Bernina Express trip to Tirano.
We booked tickets for the car with the panoramic view, but there are also cheaper tickets available. Have a look at their website.
Book your tickets here
HOW TO PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Rhaetian Railway has an modern booking system to make it easier for you. Up to 10 languages is available on their website. All you need to do is choose your destinations, arrival, date and time.
CHOOSE DESTINATION OF DEPARTURE - CHUR
From our early flight in Amsterdam, Netherlands we flew to Zurich, Switzerland for 1hr 25 mins then after a quick train ride from Zurich airport to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (12 minutes, €7 one way). You can purchase your train ticket in advance or on the spot to Chur for €21.50 pp, estimated travel time 1hr 30 mins.
CURRENCY:
Wherever you are located in the world and in any seasons you can book with Rhaetian Railway. Book your seat in advance to get the amazing panaromic views at 2, 253 metres above sea level. Fascinating gift cards are also available for your special one. Once ordered you can pay with credit card, Postfinance card, Reka and Twint.
Upon your arrival in Switzerland you can use Swiss cash, Maestro, V Pay, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and much more.
Onboard service on The Bernina Express you can purchase your drinks with Swiss cash and other cards mentioned.
SOME HELPFUL TIPS:
Don’t miss your train! Be on time. We booked our first class panoramic seat in advance CHF111.00. Second class is also available if you prefer it CHF 63.00. If you come across any delay during your travels 24hr-48hrs example like a natural storm and our flight got cancelled and we had to rebook everything. Contact Rhaetian Railway to get a refund and rebook your tickets, the customer service were helpful and spoke good English Tel +41 812886565.
Pack your lunch as there is no restaurant on board only a roving minibar. The journey takes about 4 hours make sure you have enough food to fill you up. Order a processco to celebrate!
HOW TO BOOK YOUR SEATS:
Very easy! Choose your destinations departure to arrival, select your desired seats if available. For us it was from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. We highly recommend to book in advance. Once purchased your tickets will be sent to your email account.
Book it here
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO . . .
All year round the Bernina Express is open to international and local guests. From November to February winter season offers beautiful snowy landscapes, the late spring and summer verdant hillside (if the weather is sunny in July and August there is even an open top carriage!), and the autumn colours in October and November are simply spectacular. We went in February to get the full dream winter wonderland and we weren’t disappointed.
EXTRA TIPS STAYING OVERNIGHT IN CHUR, SWITZERLAND
We booked an overnight simple stay at Central Post Hotel as the earliest departure for the Bernina Express was at 8.32 am the next morning. We had half a day to discover Chur and to our surprise what a magical picturesque old town surrounded by alpine mountains. Chur is also an ideal starting point for discovery tours in the canton of Grisons. There is a wide range cultural and gastronomic offerings, a cableway from the city center directly into the mountain experience as well as train journeys with the Rhaetian Railway make a stay in Chur unique and unforgettable.
If you have some extra time, definitely make sure you explore some of the nearby lakes, mountains, and more. The Rhine Gorge (AKA the Swiss Grand Canyon) is especially spectacular.
