The Bernina Express travels along one of Europe’s most spectacular railway routes. From Chur in Switzerland, it travels through Davos and St. Moritz to Tirano in northern Italy, crossing the Alps, passing through 55 tunnels, and over nearly 200 bridges! It’s no wonder the railway routes have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As with most things in Switzerland, a trip on the panorama train isn’t cheap. Normally, RhB charges CHF 132 (~€142) for the round trip, plus an additional 2x CHF 32 (~€34) for the required seat reservation (in the off-season). Per person, that is.
However, this winter, Rhätische Bahn is again offering a special deal. You pay only CHF 199 (~€214) for two people or CHF 99.50 (~€106.91) per person. This price includes the round trip and seat reservation. Plus, it includes a free lunch along the route, which you can enjoy in Poschiavo, Le Prese, or Tirano.
You can choose to return after a few hours in Tirano or to wait until the next day. I recommend the 2-day option with an overnight stay at a hotel in Tirano (from around €100 per night). This way, you can enjoy a relaxed return the next day rather than spending an entire day on the train for 2x 4-hour rides.
About the Bernina Express
The journey from Chur to Tirano takes a little over four hours. You can also board in Tiefencastel, Filisur, Bergün/Bravuogn, or Pontresina, or travel only as far as Poschiavo or Le Prese.
The long journey offers numerous highlights. The most famous is the 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct. Equally impressive are the circular viaduct at Brusio and the scenic Lago Bianco. This route is less about speed and more about enjoying breathtaking views along (almost) the entire journey.
In winter, the Bernina Express runs only once daily. If you return the same day, you’ll have about 2 hours in Tirano. By extending the trip by a day, you can enjoy a 26-hour stopover. This opens up possibilities for a short trip to Lake Como or even to Milan.
Offer Details
The lunch consists of a starter salad and Pizzoccheri with Mortadella (pasta). Beverages are not included. The offer is bookable for trips until January 31, 2025. You must choose a specific date when purchasing your ticket. In theory, availability is limited, but experience shows that tickets are often available at this special price even shortly before departure.
Alternatives
The RhB deal can be worthwhile, especially due to the included seat reservation. However, here are some other ways to experience the Bernina route affordably:
With the Deutsche Bahn Saver Fare
If you’re coming from Germany, you could book a suitable saver fare to Chur with Deutsche Bahn. It may not necessarily be cheaper. While there are no saver fares to Tirano, there are some to Poschiavo, just before the border, starting at €34:
With this, you can’t use the Bernina Express panorama trains, and you’ll need to change trains twice: in Landquart or Chur, and in St. Moritz. But the route is still beautiful. An advantage is the option for stopovers, allowing you to see e.g. the Landwasser Viaduct up close.
The only remaining stretch is from Poschiavo to Chur (approx. 40 minutes). This can be purchased through SBB or Rhätische Bahn for CHF 10.20 (~€10.96), and you can stay on the same train. With a specific train reservation, it’s even possible for CHF 8 (~€9), though this is risky as you might miss a connection due to a delay.
With the Special Day Pass
Coop, InterDiscount, and sometimes other retailers regularly offer special tickets for public transportation in Switzerland. The day pass usually costs around CHF 49 (~€53), and such an offer will likely be available this winter.
The ticket is also valid on the Bernina Express, but the panorama car will cost about €30 extra. Without the extra cost, you can take any of the RhB’s regional trains or the Bernina Express railcar.
This option is ideal if:
- You can forgo the panorama car and its costly seat reservation
- You’re travelling from other parts of Switzerland, not just Chur
- You’d like to make stops along the way
- You prefer flexibility instead of committing to a single daily train
With the Saver Day Pass
Do you like to plan in advance? SBB also offers discounted day passes for travel throughout Switzerland.
The tickets are cheaper the earlier you book, often starting from CHF 39 (~€42) with a Half Fare Card, or CHF 52 (~€56) for others. Unlike the special day pass, you’re bound to the chosen date.
With the RhB Heritage Pass
RhB offers another worthwhile option. For CHF 75 (~€81) (CHF 59 (~€63) with a Half Fare Card), the Heritage Pass allows unlimited travel for two days between Thusis (30 minutes south of Chur), St. Moritz, and Tirano.
Additionally, this offer includes a free RhB travel guide worth CHF 15 (~€16). Note, however, that, like with the DB tickets, the Bernina Express is excluded, so only regional trains are available.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: Sara Groblechner