Bernina Express

A journey along the highest railway line in the Alps and steepest in the world

The Bernina Express panoramic train rides on the highest railway line in the Alps, following a stunning route through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. Departing from Chur or St. Moritz, the train ascends to the summit of the Bernina Pass, reaching its highest point culminating at 2,253 metres, before descending into Tirano, Italy. Along the way, it navigates rugged terrain and steep gradients, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the segment from Thusis through Val Poschiavo to Tirano is a masterpiece of engineering, featuring remarkable structures such as the curved Landwasser Viaduct and the spiralling Brusio Viaduct. From Tirano, you can continue your adventure aboard the Bernina Express bus, travelling through the Valtellina region and past the beautiful Lakes Como and Lugano before reaching the Swiss city of Lugano. This journey takes you from the icy grandeur of Alpine glaciers to the Mediterranean charm of palm-fringed lakes, offering an experience unlike any other.

A voyage aboard the Bernina Express is truly unforgettable with unique views through its expansive panoramic windows. Over the course of four hours, passengers travel through 55 tunnels and cross 196 bridges while encountering three Alpine lakes, majestic mountain ranges, valleys and villages. This gentle train journey is packed with scenic wonders that will enthrall you from start to finish.

Highlights

These two unique railway lines blend harmoniously into the landscape with spectacular feats of engineering including structures, tunnels and spiral viaducts.
The Landwasser Viaduct is one of the most iconic landmarks in Graubünden. This 142-metre-long, 65-metre-high bridge carries the railway in a sharp curve over the rugged Landwasser Valley, leading directly into a tunnel at the other end.
An engineering marvel on the Bernina Railway, designed to overcome steep gradients by allowing trains to gain elevation in a circular loop. This unique stone structure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features nine arches and is a key highlight of the Bernina Express journey. Its dramatic spiral design not only showcases ingenious railway construction but also offers passengers a moving 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape.
Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland and capital of canton Graubünden.
Lugano, a picturesque Italian-speaking city in southern Switzerland, blends Swiss charm with Mediterranean flair and lakeside beauty.