Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is one of the most breathtaking scenic Switzerland rail journeys in the world, linking Switzerland and northern Italy in an unforgettable four-hour experience. Travelling from Chur to Tirano, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway takes passengers on a mesmerising route through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Alps.

The train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, steadily climbing into glacier-dominated regions where snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and turquoise lakes come into view. With its panoramic carriages, a Bernina Express rail holiday offers uninterrupted views of Switzerland’s majestic mountains and the charming Italian countryside, making it a highlight of any European rail holiday.

One of the most famous landmarks on the journey is the Landwasser Viaduct, a 142-metre-long, six-arched stone bridge that soars 65 metres above the valley floor. Its elegant curve, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, makes it one of the most photographed sights in all of Switzerland.

Equally iconic is the Brusio Circular Viaduct, a unique spiral of stone arches that allows the train to gracefully descend while maintaining its pace. Watching the Bernina Express navigate this engineering masterpiece is a memorable moment for all passengers.

As the train continues into the Bernina region itself, passengers are rewarded with views of the mighty Bernina massif and its glittering glaciers. The route also passes the beautiful Montebello curve, three sparkling alpine lakes, Lej Pitschen, Lago Bianco, and Lej Nair, and countless mountain villages where time seems to have stood still.

A Bernina Express rail holiday concludes in Tirano, an Italian town full of charm, where Mediterranean warmth replaces alpine chill. Whether included as part of a wider Switzerland rail holiday or as a spectacular connection into Italy, the Bernina Express offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.