Bernina Express Rail Holidays

The Bernina Express is a renowned scenic train journey that stretches 76 miles from Chur to Tirano. It's famous for its panoramic cars that offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps and is part of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train passes through dramatic landscapes including deep gorges, soaring bridges, and picturesque viaducts, making it a premier choice for tourists seeking a unique travel experience in Switzerland.

The journey from Chur to Tirano takes about 4 hours. This route allows passengers to enjoy the Alpine scenery through panoramic windows, traversing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct and the Bernina Pass.

Key features of the Bernina Express include:

• Panoramic windows for an unobstructed view of the Swiss Alps.
• Comfortable seating designed specifically for long scenic journeys.
• Passing iconic structures like the Landwasser Viaduct and spiral viaducts.
• The route includes a passage through the Bernina Pass, which is one of the highest railway crossings in Europe.

Seat reservations on the Bernina Express are mandatory and are part of our tours that that in the Bernina Express. It is advisable to book your seat in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

While regular trains also travel along parts of the same tracks as the Bernina Express, the Express is specifically tailored for a panoramic experience. Regular trains might not have panoramic windows, and the comfort and services offered are more basic. The Bernina Express also includes audio commentary in multiple languages, detailing the historical and cultural significance of the sights along the route.

The Bernina Express makes several key stops including Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano. The train also passes through picturesque towns and villages where passengers can see traditional Swiss architecture and landscapes. Some itineraries might allow for stopovers where passengers can explore more of the surrounding areas.

First and Second Class carriages both offer air-conditioning, panoramic windows and a trolley service for light refreshments. First Class has fewer seats and more space, meaning the carriages' larger panoramic windows are less obstructed. The seats in Second Class are fabric-covered, while those in First Class are leather-upholstered and have more legroom.

The Bernina Express operates year-round, with each season providing different views. Winter promises magical snow scenes and icy lakes. As the weather warms up, cascading waterfalls can be seen, while the summer months offer lush landscapes and wildflower meadows.