Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano in Italy, climbing to 2,253 meters at Ospizio Bernina, the highest point on the route. Part of the Rhaetian Railway’s UNESCO World Heritage line, the journey crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and the spiraling Brusio circular viaduct, passing the high Alpine lakes of Lago Bianco and Lej Nair along the way.

The route moves through Graubünden’s mountain villages, tracing a line between glaciers, forests, and turquoise lakes over the course of a single day. Lago Bianco sits near the highest point of the journey, its pale water framed by bare rock and snow for much of the year. Further along, Lago di Poschiavo appears at a lower altitude, its blue water bordered by grass and pine forest. The Brusio circular viaduct comes into view on the descent toward Italy, the train curving through a full loop to manage the drop in elevation.

Large windows run the length of each carriage, giving an open view of the mountains without needing to move seats. The route runs year-round, with the journey shifting in character between seasons, snow-covered peaks in winter and green valleys through the summer months. The pace stays gentle throughout, with no steep hikes or physical demands built into the day, making it an easy journey to follow regardless of age.

A private carriage keeps the group together for the full journey, with seating arranged around the family rather than shared with other passengers. The day can be timed around younger travelers, with stops and pacing built into the itinerary rather than fixed to a public schedule. Onboard catering is arranged in advance, so meals fall at a time that suits the group rather than a set sitting.

A private carriage keeps the group together for the full journey, with seating arranged around the family rather than shared with other passengers. The day can be timed around younger travelers, with stops and pacing built into the itinerary rather than fixed to a public schedule. Onboard catering is arranged in advance, so meals fall at a time that suits the group rather than a set sitting.

Photo stops at the Brusio circular viaduct and Ospizio Bernina can be built into the day without holding up other passengers on a shared service, and luggage moves with the group rather than needing to be managed at each change.

Which route does the Bernina Express run on?

The train runs between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy, crossing the Rhaetian Railway’s UNESCO World Heritage line.

Does the Bernina Express run all year round?

Yes, the route operates year-round, with the landscape shifting between snow-covered winter scenery and green summer valleys.

What is the highest point on the route?

Ospizio Bernina, at 2,253 meters, marks the highest point of the journey.

Is the Bernina Express suitable for children?

The journey involves no physical activity beyond sitting and moving between carriages, making it straightforward for younger travelers.

Do Not Disturb arranges the private carriage booking, timing the journey around the group’s schedule rather than a fixed public departure. Onward arrangements in Chur or Tirano are built around the same day, so the journey sits inside a wider Swiss Alps itinerary.

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