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Beyond Canada · Europe
Bernina Express
Chur → Tirano
A UNESCO-listed crossing of the Alps with the spiralling Brusio viaduct as a quiet finale.
Route
Chur → Tirano
Duration
4 hours
Best season
Year-round
From
From $80
Style
Scenic UNESCO route
The Bernina Express is the UNESCO-listed crossing of the Alps between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy — four hours, no rack railway, just incredible engineering. The Brusio spiral viaduct at the southern end is the train's quiet showstopper.
The journey
Day by day.
08:17
Chur departure
Leave the oldest continuously settled town in Switzerland.
09:30
Albula Line
UNESCO World Heritage stretch with the Landwasser Viaduct — the photo every Bernina passenger takes.
11:00
Ospizio Bernina · 2,253 m
The high point of the trip and the highest non-rack rail crossing of the Alps.
12:30
Brusio spiral
The train loops over itself on a circular viaduct to lose altitude into the Valposchiavo.
13:00
Tirano, Italy
Arrival at the Italian border. Connect to the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano, or stay overnight.
On board
What to expect.
- Panoramic carriages with floor-to-ceiling windows; standard regional carriages run the same route at a lower price.
- Seat reservation required May–October and on winter weekends.
- Switzerland's Rhaetian Railway (RhB) operates the service; Swiss Travel Pass and Interrail valid.
Insider tips
Call it like a local.
- 01Sit on the right side from Chur for the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral.
- 02Combine with the Glacier Express the day before from Zermatt for the full Swiss Alps crossing.
- 03The connecting bus from Tirano to Lugano is included in the Bernina Express ticket — great for a Lake Como extension.
FAQs
Bernina Express, answered.
How much does the Bernina Express cost?+
From CHF 66 in 2nd class with a CHF 26 reservation supplement; less if you use a Swiss Travel Pass.
Is it open year-round?+
Yes. Winter is arguably more spectacular — the line is the highest year-round non-rack rail crossing in the Alps.
Can I do a day return from Chur?+
Yes — Chur to Tirano and back in a long day, or stay overnight in Poschiavo or Tirano.
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