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The Bernina Express: One of Switzerland’s Most Scenic Trains

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Bernina Express Train Tours - Information & Tours

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express connects Switzerland with northern Italy through the breathtakingly beautiful Alps. Having been showing this spectacular country to our customers for more than two decades, we have built up award-winning expertise in curating unforgettable vacations.

One of Switzerland's most-loved trains is the Bernina Express. Winding 90 miles from historic Chur to the Italian town of Tirano, much of this stunning route is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 1904. Relax in comfort as this iconic train passes through wild gorges and pristine alpine landscapes as you admire views of ethereal glaciers and jaw-dropping manmade structures, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct and corkscrew Brusio Viaduct. While the scenery is arguably the star attraction, you can elevate your experience by upgrading to First Class. Relax in leather seats and more space as the unparalleled backdrops unfold outside the window. Join us to uncover why this spellbinding route is so popular.

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Why Choose Us

Our deep-rooted knowledge of Switzerland's railway system, coupled with a passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences, makes us the go-to choice for your Bernina Express adventure. We not only offer incredible vacations; we create memories that last a lifetime.

About the Bernina Express

The panoramic carriages of the Bernina Express provide unobstructed views of some of the Alps' most jaw-dropping scenery. From the snowy Swiss peaks to the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, sit back and appreciate your front-row seats to these natural wonders.

Customer Favorites on the Bernina Express

Not sure where to start? These are some of our best selling Bernina Express tours.

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Experience the Iconic Bernina Express on a vacation by rail

Vacations By Rail is now Great Rail Journeys. We continue to offer the same trusted vacations, and expert customer support you've come to expect.
Join thousands of travellers who have trusted us to plan unforgettable vacations by rail around the world.

Our customers love our Bernina Express tours

First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer

30/Jun

John

“Fantastic holiday. Especially the tour guide Graeme Shearer who went over and beyond expectation.

Collected by Trustpilot

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: An Escorted Experience

22/Jun

customer

“We were able to experience much of Switzerland as we rode the different trains and spend time exploring different cities. Our tour manager Alan worked hard to make sure we all had an exceptional experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

Essential Switzerland: Glacier Express & Zermatt

18/Jun

Ulrike Long

“Excellent and interesting. Hotel Glockenhof in Zurich would be preferred over Hotel Mercure because of location only. It would be more convenient.

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Classic Glacier Express in Winter

16/Apr

Latoya Richmond

“This vacation was the most exceptional experience that my husband and I have ever had. Initially, I was concerned that, being in our early to mid-fifties, this trip might not be suitable for us, but I decided to join AARP and utilize the discount offered, giving it a chance. This...

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Best of Switzerland by Rail

23/Jun

Stephen Way

“it was very nice. left a review earlier and rated our tour director

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Highlights

The Alpine passage that the Bernina Express makes from Switzerland to Italy has been acclaimed as Switzerland's most scenic journey, and passengers have much to admire from the train's panoramic windows.

The first part of the route from Chur passes through the area of Switzerland most populated with castles. As the train ascends into the glacier-dominated region of Bernina itself, the scenery becomes increasingly breath-taking. However, the views are at their most magnificent at the mountain-ringed Lake Bianco, whose placid waters mirror the sky above.

Of the 55 tunnels and 196 bridges that help the train negotiate the trickier natural elements of the route, Solis Viaduct and famous Landwasser Viaduct are particularly spectacular.

Onboard the Train

Bernina Express trains typically comprise two or three First and Second class carriages separated by a bar and services carriage at the train's centre. The carriages in both classes are spacious and offer air conditioning, panoramic windows, comfortable seating and an at-seat trolley service providing light refreshments.

Second Class carriages are designed to carry more passengers and are configured with two rows of tables, one each side of the carriage, each of which provides seating for four people.

First Class carriages comprise one row of four-seater tables and one row of double seats. Carrying fewer passengers than Second Class carriages means that First Class passengers enjoy more space and greater legroom and larger, leather-upholstered seats. Fewer seats in First Class also mean that the views from the carriages' larger panoramic windows are less obstructed.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The section of the Bernina Express's route that passes through the Albula and Bernina regions between the Swiss Town of Thusis and the Italian town of Tirano became a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008.

This prestigious status recognises the supreme feats of engineering that were achieved by railway builders in the early twentieth century in overcoming natural obstacles to connect remote Alpine settlements whilst simultaneously minimising the impact upon the stunning landscape.

Passengers can learn more about the route, its history and its highlights courtesy of an on-board commentary during the journey.

From the train's terminus in Tirano, the connecting Bernina Express allows passengers to continue their journey by road along a route that follows the shores of Lake Como and Lake Lugano to the city of Lugano itself on the Swiss/Italian border.

Ride the Bernina Express

Steeped in history and showcasing Switzerland's insanely beautiful landscapes at every turn, the Bernina Express is easily one of the most scenic rail journeys in Switzerland, if not the world. Each stretch of the 76-mile route presents a new perspective on the country, from the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps to sparkling lakes and charming alpine villages. The train passes by quaint old buildings and crosses impressive engineering feats, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. Fifty-five tunnels burrow through the mountainsides, and 196 bridges and viaducts offer an elevated view over the fantastic scenery. From Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, this route is what dreams are made of.

From the carefully carved mountain tunnels to the towering viaducts and a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape, the Albula and Bernina portions of the Rhaetian Railway's Bernina Express route are endlessly impressive. In fact, the artful architecture and immense history even earned these spectacular lines UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008. One ride aboard the train makes it easy to see why. Sizable panoramic windows present all the grandeur that surrounds the Bernina Express. Passengers may select from either First or Second Class for the journey. Each option unlocks the ever-changing scenery of southeastern Switzerland and northern Italy from plush seats in climate-controlled cabins.

The train departs in every season, so these memorable sights are available no matter the season. A journey of extraordinary heights and even more impressive landscapes lies ahead on the Bernina Express.

Bernina Express Train Tours - Information & Tours

Browse all tours

Why Choose Us

About the Bernina Express

Customer Favorites on the Bernina Express

Experience the Iconic Bernina Express on a vacation by rail

19 results matching: Bernina Express

Highlights

Onboard the Train

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ride the Bernina Express