BERNINA EXPRESS RAIL HOLIDAYS

BERNINA EXPRESS RAIL HOLIDAYS

A Bernina Express holiday is unlike any other. Traversing the majestic Swiss Alps and descending into the charming landscapes of northern Italy, the Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed route that regularly tops the lists of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Whether you’re planning a standalone Bernina Express holiday, or incorporating this route into a wider Switzerland rail trip, this iconic red train promises panoramic views, alpine highlights and unforgettable moments from start to finish.

The full four-hour Bernina Express rail journey between Chur in eastern Switzerland and Tirano in northern Italy crosses 122km of awe-inspiring landscapes. Along the way, the Bernina Express glides past glaciers, mountain lakes, viaducts and charming alpine villages, covering 55 tunnels and 196 bridges along the journey. Purpose-built panoramic carriages make this a true ‘window to the Alps’, offering spectacular views throughout every twist and turn of the journey.

Discover Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, Cross the legendary Landwasser Viaduct, a curved, six-arched stone bridge that appears to leap straight out of a mountainside tunnel. This iconic section is one of the most photographed railway sights in the world, a true highlight of any Bernina Express rail holiday.

The route passes through Filisur, Samedan and Pontresina, before entering the glacier-dominated region of the Bernina Range. The spectacular Montebello Curve offers picture-perfect views of the snow-covered Bernina Massif, while shimmering mountain lakes like Lej Pitschen and Lago Bianco reflect the peaks above. The train reaches its highest point at Ospizio Bernina, the highest railway crossing in the Alps.

Descending toward Italy, your Bernina Express trip continues to surprise. At Alp Grüm, a remote station accessible only by rail or foot, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Palü Glacier and valley below. The journey ends with a remarkable engineering feat, the Brusio Circular Viaduct. This tight spiral of stone arches allows the train to elegantly lose elevation before rolling into Tirano, where palm trees and Italian charm greet you at the border.

Our Bernina Express holiday packages can be tailored to include stops in renowned Swiss towns like St. Moritz or Interlaken, giving you the chance to explore glittering lakes, mountain viewpoints and chocolate-box villages along the way. At the southern end of the journey, Tirano connects easily with Italian cities such as Milan, Lake Como, or even Venice, offering the perfect opportunity to extend your trip across borders.

UNMISSABLE MOMENTS ON A BERNINA EXPRESS RAIL HOLIDAY

• Travel across the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct – a masterpiece of alpine rail engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Climb to 2,253 metres over the dramatic Bernina Pass, one of the highest rail crossings in Europe
• Admire the pristine beauty of Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier from the remote station at Alp Grüm
• Admire the pristine beauty of Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier from the remote station at Alp Grüm
• Combine your Bernina Express trip with the Glacier Express for a truly epic rail holiday
• Stroll through Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, and wander its charming old town streets

BERNINA EXPRESS HIGHLIGHTS

• Cross the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage engineering marvel
• Travel across the Bernina Pass, reaching heights of over 2,253m with snow-capped mountain views
• Seamless connections to other scenic rail routes including the Glacier Express or onward to Lugano via the Bernina Express bus
• Stop at the remote and breathtaking Alp Grüm, accessible only by train