From Milan day trips to guided experiences from Zurich and Lugano — compare all Bernina Express tour options and book with instant confirmation.
Browse All Tours on GetYourGuide →There are several ways to experience the Bernina Express. The right option depends on where you are departing from, how much time you have, and whether you prefer a guided experience or an independent journey on the scenic railway.
The tours below are available on GetYourGuide with instant confirmation. All include the Bernina Express panoramic rail segment — what varies is the departure city, the support included, and what is covered around the train ride itself.
| Tour | Departure | Duration | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trip Milan → St. Moritz via Bernina | Milan | Full day (~13 h) | Guided |
| Bernina Express Day Trip from Zurich | Zurich | Full day (~12 h) | Guided |
| Bernina Express from Lugano | Lugano | Full day | Guided / Semi-guided |
| Bernina Red Train — Return Day Ticket | Tirano or St. Moritz | ~8 h return | Independent |
This is the most popular Bernina Express experience on GetYourGuide. Departing early from Milan by coach, you reach Tirano in time to board the panoramic train for the full Bernina route to St. Moritz. After time in St. Moritz, the return is typically by coach to Milan.
The full day runs approximately 12–13 hours. It covers the complete Bernina route in the better direction — Tirano to St. Moritz is uphill, which some consider more dramatic. The guided format means transport logistics are handled: you do not need to manage train connections independently.
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Check Availability on GetYourGuide →Departing from Zurich, this tour typically combines rail travel to Chur, the Albula line to St. Moritz, and then the full Bernina route to Tirano — before returning to Zurich by coach or train. It covers the longest version of the Bernina experience, including the Albula line which is also a UNESCO World Heritage route.
This option is well suited for travellers staying in Zurich who want to experience the scenic rail route as a self-contained day out without needing to pre-arrange connections.
Browse available guided departures from Zurich including Albula + Bernina lines.
See Zurich Departures on GetYourGuide →If you prefer to travel independently, a return day ticket lets you ride the Bernina Express in both directions on the same day — St. Moritz to Tirano and back, or starting from Tirano. This is the most flexible option: you set your own pace, stop at intermediate stations if you choose, and do not follow a group schedule.
Note that the return journey covers the same scenery in reverse. Many independent travellers prefer a one-way ticket and return to their base by a different route (e.g., by bus via the Maloja Pass, or connecting to another train).
Point-to-point tickets and guided experiences — compare all available options for your dates.
Browse All Bernina Express Options →Guided tours from Milan, Zurich, or Lugano include the train ticket — you do not need a rail pass. If you already hold a Swiss Travel Pass, the Bernina Express seat reservation must be booked separately directly with the railway operator. Independent point-to-point tickets (without a guided tour) are also available and require no pass.
The Bernina Express runs year-round. Summer (June–September) offers the most dramatic alpine scenery with clear views and accessible hiking at stops. Winter (December–March) provides snow-covered landscapes and is particularly photogenic around the Morteratsch Glacier. Spring and autumn are quieter but can have variable weather. The Brusio Spiral Viaduct is impressive in any season.
The Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano takes approximately 4 hours. From Chur (including the Albula line) it takes approximately 4.5 hours. In a day trip context, total travel time including transfers is typically 12–13 hours.
With an independent rail ticket you can generally break your journey at intermediate stations and continue on a later Bernina Express service (a new seat reservation will be required). On a guided tour, stops are determined by the tour itinerary — check the specific tour description before booking.
Yes. The Bernina Express connects Switzerland to Italy via the Bernina Pass (2,253 m) and is operated by the Rhaetian Railway. The Glacier Express connects Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos through the heart of the Swiss Alps and is operated by MGB and RhB jointly. Both are UNESCO World Heritage routes, but they cover different regions and have distinct characters.
Our complete Bernina Express Guide covers the route section by section, the best stops, which side to sit on, and what to expect at each station.
Read the Full Bernina Express Guide →