Travel By Train From Switzerland To Italy On The Bernina Express, Panoramic Views Included

When you think about scenic Switzerland trains, gorgeous alpine landscapes, frozen lakes and vast green fields are just some images that come to mind. Well, a ride on the panoramic Bernina Express covers all that and more!

The Bernina Express train takes you from Chur to Tirano in Italy, going through lots of spiral loops, 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. The landscapes out of your panoramic windows vary greatly from alpine scenery on the Bernina Pass to Mediterranean scenery in the Poschiavo valley nearer to Tirano. There is also an option to continue on the Bernina Express bus from Tirano to Lugano that will add on 3 hours to your journey time. Do note that the bus is seasonal and only runs from February to November.

There is even an open-air cart for you to really take in the fresh mountain air!

Duration: 4 hours

Covered by the following travel passes: Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, Eurail Global Pass, Eurial Multi-Country Pass covering Switzerland if it was purchased in 2018

Reservations: Yes. Seat reservations are compulsory only for the special panorama train and bus from Tirano to Lugano (these are 2 separate reservations)

Enjoy your ride on the Bernina Express for free with your Swiss Travel Pass! You will just need to make paid seat reservations before you can board the trains. If you’ve got a Eurail Global Pass, the entire journey is covered except the leg from Zermatt to Disentis.

The Bernina Express departs from Chur and heads towards Reichenau, passing through the Domleschg Valley which is best known for the many ruins and castles. The Domleschg region is one of Europe’s richest in castles, with the Schloss Ortenstein – the largest castle sitting on a 120 metre rock.

The train then crosses the Landwasser viaduct before reaching Filisur, where it enters the Albula tunnel at 1789 metres. Passing through the tunnel will take you to Pontresina, a popular winter sports region.

#Klooktip: Sit on the right side for the best view of the Landwasser Viaduct.

You’ll first be welcomed by the Morteratsch glacier and the highest peaks in Graubunden. As you ascend up the Bernina Pass, you’ll soon be greeted by the Lago Bianco (White Lake) and reach the highest point of the route at 2253 metres. You can choose to stop for a day to do some hiking here.

The train then passes through the Alp Grum, offering spectacular views of the Palu glacier before descending into the Poschiavo Valley. The Alp Grum is a restaurant solely accessible by train. Grab a seat on the sun terrace and enjoy views of the rugged Bernina massif with a cup of coffee or some Swiss fondue.

The train then passes the Lago di Poschiavo and off to the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The spiral viaduct is probably the most striking part of the route and is the reason the train can overcome the altitude levels.

If you decide to extend your journey with the bus ride from Tirano to Lugano, you’ll be driving past Lake Como. This is the place where George Clooney and many other celebrities got married!

The sick views in Switzerland don’t come cheap but they are 100% worth the money. Enjoy $70 off your Switzerland holiday on us when you pre-book your Switzerland activities on Klook. Simply key in the code “GOWEST2019” for $70 off min spend $500.