Bernina Express
From Lugano/Bellinzona to Chur
This premium panoramic train connects the north of Europe to its south – leading right through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railways. Without a hitch, the bright red train masters every ascent, offering unrivalled views not only of mountains and glaciers but also of palm trees.
Crossing the Alps in the Bernina Express certainly is one of the most spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls Hollywood-style over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Altogether the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges on its way from Chur to Tirano. Travellers are treated to marvellous sights during their journey, like the Montebello curve with a view of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, the three lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, the Alp Grüm and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
A beautiful Bernina Express gift box filled with Lindt chocolate hearts and 100% organic ice tea awaits the customer.
In summer, the journey can be extended from Tirano to Lugano aboard the Bernina Express bus.
Bernina Express (train)
- Leg: Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy)
- Distance: 144 km
- Duration: between 4 h and 4 h 30 min
Bernina Express Bus
- Leg: Tirano (Italy) – Lugano
- Distance: 90 km
- Duration: 3 h
Website: Bernina Express
On 3 June 1973, the first Bernina Express train tackled the legendary Albula and Bernina Line. Since then, roughly 10 million guests have enjoyed the comfortable panoramic coaches. In 2023, the Rhaetian Railways are celebrating their 50th anniversary with various jubilee events.