Bernina Express 2026: train, route and tickets explained 

This table shows prices per person: both for only a single train ride Chur-Tirano, as well as for the combination of a train ride Chur-Tirano and a bus ride Tirano-Lugano. The route is explained here. The same prices apply to these journeys in opposite direction.

The prices in this table are based on summer high-season train reservations of CHF 44 per person for the stretch Chur-Tirano, and bus reservations of CHF 16. Your train reservation costs can be CHF 4 to CHF 12 lower if you travel a shorter train stretch and/or travel in winter.

All prices and ticket options are explained in detail below.

Paying for the ride versus paying for seat reservations

Before I explain all price details, it's important to understand that you need to pay for two things:

• the Bernina Express train and/or bus ride. You can do this with a rail pass. If you don't have a pass that allows free traveling, you need normal point-to-point tickets or a Saver Day Pass. You can get your ticket or pass at any moment, even until right before boarding.
• seat reservations. These have to be paid per traveler and per section, on top of whichever pass or ticket you're using. They can sell out, so you'd best book reservations well ahead.

Bernina Express reservations: the basics

• The train and bus require separate reservations.
• Reservations have to be paid per traveler and per single journey.
• Reservations include a supplement for the extra services of the Bernina Express.
• You have to make reservations in advance. You can do so up to 365 days in advance. Reservations are usually available for travel dates up to mid-December, as that's when the Swiss timetables are updated. Reservations for the next year become available around mid-October.
• Train reservations cost the same for 1st and 2nd class.
• The bus has 2nd class seats, and thus 2nd class reservation prices only.

Bernina Express seat reservation prices 2026 in detail

Train reservation prices for the trains on the entire route Chur-Tirano

Reservation prices for a long train journey apply for any distance traveled on the trains that service the entire route from Chur to Tirano. 

• A reservation for any section on the trains Chur-Tirano costs CHF 40 when the winter timetable applies (14 December 2025 to 1 May 2026 and 26 October to 12 December 2026).
• A reservation for any section on the trains Chur-Tirano costs CHF 44 when the summer timetable applies (2 May to 25 October 2026).

The timetable train numbers indicate which trains service the entire route: trains 950, 950, 951, 952, 955.

Train reservation prices for the trains on the shorter stretch St. Moritz-Tirano

A reservation for any distance on the trains that run between St. Moritz and Tirano costs CHF 32 in any season.

The timetable train numbers indicate which trains run between St. Moritz and Tirano: 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977.

Bus reservation prices

Reservation prices for the bus Tirano-Lugano are CHF 18 in summer (2 May to 25 October 2026) and CHF 16 in winter (14 December 2025 to 1 May 2026 and 26 October to 12 December 2026).

Train reservation prices for regular trains on the Bernina route

For travel on normal regional trains, that operate on the same route, seat reservations aren't required. A limited number of seats is available for optional reservations at CHF 5 per person and journey. These normal trains don't offer the perks of the panoramic Bernina Express trains.

Bernina Express high-season prices 2026 with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, this counts as your Bernina Express ticket. You only need seat reservations. These cost CHF 44 for the train (1st and 2nd class) and CHF 18 for the bus (2nd class only), so CHF 62 for the whole journey.

Bernina Express high-season prices 2026 with a Swiss Half Fare Card

A Swiss Half Fare Card plus a 50% discounted Saver Day Pass

With the Swiss Half Fare Card, the lowest possible price for the train ride in 2026 is CHF 73 in 2nd class and CHF 93 in 1st class. If you include the bus journey, it's at least CHF 91 in 2nd class and CHF 111 in 1st class.

These prices are based on:

• a discounted Saver Day Pass for the lowest possible fare (from CHF 29 for 2nd class, and from CHF 49 for 1st class), which covers both the train and the bus segment
• seat reservations: CHF 44 for the train (1st and 2nd class) and CHF 18 for the bus (2nd class only), so CHF 62 for the whole journey

A Swiss Half Fare Card plus 50% discounted normal tickets

In case you can't find a low-priced Saver Day Pass, you should buy normal 50% discounted tickets. In that case, your Bernina Express train journey costs CHF 77 in 2nd class, and CHF 100.30 in 1st class. If you add the bus ride, it's CHF 115.50 in 2nd class and CHF 138.80 in 1st class.

These prices are based on:

• a regular discounted train ticket for Chur-Tirano (CHF 33 in 2nd class, and CHF 56.30 in 1st class)
• a regular discounted bus ticket for Tirano-Lugano (CHF 20.50, 2nd class only)
• seat reservations: CHF 44 for the train (1st and 2nd class) and CHF 18 for the bus (2nd class only), so CHF 62 for the whole journey

Bernina Express high-season prices 2026 without a rail pass

A full-fare Saver Day Pass

Without a rail pass, a single journey by Bernina Express train costs at least CHF 96 in 2nd class and CHF 132 in 1st class. If you add the bus journey, it's at least CHF 114 in 2nd class and CHF 150 in 1st class.

These prices are based on:

• a Saver Day Pass for the lowest possible fare (from CHF 52 in 2nd class, and from CHF 88 in 1st class), which covers both the train and the bus segment
• seat reservations: CHF 44 for the train (1st and 2nd class) and CHF 18 for the bus (2nd class only), so CHF 62 for the whole journey

Full-fare normal tickets

If you can't get an affordable Saver Day Pass, you'll have to buy regular, non-discounted tickets. With those, you'll pay CHF 110 for a 2nd class Bernina Express train ride, and CHF 157 for a 1st class train ride. If you add the bus ride, it's CHF 169 in 2nd class, and CHF 216 in 1st class.

These prices are based on:

• a regular full-fare ticket for the train between Chur and Tirano (CHF 66 in 2nd class, and CHF 113 in 1st class)
• a regular full-fare ticket for the bus between Tirano and Lugano (CHF 41, 2nd class only)
• seat reservations: CHF 44 for the train (1st and 2nd class) and CHF 18 for the bus (2nd class only), so CHF 62 for the whole journey

Complete overview of rail pass discounts

Find a full overview of rail pass discounts for the Bernina Express here. In all cases, you need to add the obligatory seat reservation costs.

Riding the Bernina Express train in 1st class with a 2nd class pass or ticket

Do you have a 2nd class pass or ticket, but would you like to enjoy the Bernina Express train ride in 1st class? That's possible: simply buy an upgrade ticket.

It costs CHF 47 for the entire train journey Chur-Tirano. You'll pay the discounted fare of CHF 23.50 if you have a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) or a Swiss Half Fare Card.

Bernina Express tours and packages

There are many tours and train packages that include the Bernina Express. If you book one of those, it usually includes everything: both the price for the ride and reservations. Always check the conditions though.

The Bernina Express route summarized

The Bernina Express is a direct 4,5-hour train between Chur in south-east Switzerland and Tirano, which is just across the border in northern Italy. It crosses the beautiful canton of Graubünden from north to south, or the other way around.

If you want, a 3-hour bus ride (not available on all days, and not connecting to all Bernina Express trains) gets you between Tirano in Italy and Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino.

The entire Bernina Express train and bus route is displayed on the below map.

Train route options: the classic long route Chur-Pontresina-Tirano, and the additional short route St. Moritz-Tirano

The Bernina Express trains service two types of routes:

• Several trains run on the "classic" long route, which is all the way from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in Italy. These trains don't stop in St. Moritz, which is a bit off the route. They do stop in Pontresina though, at just a 10-minute train ride from St. Moritz. The ride takes Chur-Tirano takes 4 to 4,5 hours.
• In addition, there are Bernina Express trains directly between St. Moritz and Tirano. These do not operate between Chur and St. Moritz/Pontresina in northern Graubünden. This section takes about 2,5 hours.

All trains cross the Bernina Pass, which in my opinion is the absolute highlight of this trip, and they end or begin in Tirano.

Railway engineering

The Bernina Express route is an impressive piece of railway engineering: the train reaches an altitude of 2253 m, even higher than the Glacier Express, and without the help of cogwheel track. It requires lots of spiral loops, 55 tunnels and 196 bridges to accomplish this.

Scenery

The landscape varies greatly, from high-alpine scenery on the Bernina Pass to Mediterranean scenery in the Poschiavo Valley and Tirano.

Section 1: Chur to Pontresina

The first section overlaps with section 4 of the Glacier Express route. The Bernina Express departs from Chur and first heads for Reichenau. There it bends to the south, towards Thusis and Tiefencastel. This Domleschg Valley is known for its many castles.

The train continues south through a mostly narrow valley, crossing the spectacular curved Landwasser viaduct just before it reaches Filisur. After Filisur, several spiral loops help it gain height until it reaches the entrance of the Albula tunnel, at 1789 m. This section of the route is very interesting to explore on foot as well.

The Albula tunnel leads to the high Upper Engadine valley, where Pontresina is one of the prominent towns. This valley is at such a high altitude that its climate is considerably different from climates in other Swiss valleys. You will not see many deciduous trees here. It's a fantastic winter sports region.

Section 2: Pontresina to Tirano

About 10 minutes after Pontresina, the Morteratsch glacier and the highest peaks of the canton of Graubünden will be reached. This is where the ascent up the Bernina Pass begins. The tree line will soon be crossed, and you can admire a rugged high-alpine landscape.

The Lago Bianco (White Lake) comes into sight, and soon after the Bernina Express reaches the small station of Ospizio Bernina. This marks the highest point of the route, at 2253 m over sea level. It's a great area to do some hiking.

The train now begins its huge descent of 1824 m, all the way to Tirano at 429 m. It passes the station of Alp Grüm, where you can get out for a photo stop. That's worth it, as Alp Grüm offers a magnificent view of the Palü glacier. The train runs through countless curves to gradually descend into the Poschiavo Valley.

Once the valley floor has been reached, you'll notice that the villages, such as Poschiavo, look more Italian than Swiss. This is still Switzerland, but people speak Italian here. The Bernina Express passes the Lago di Poschiavo (Lake of Poschiavo) and descends a bit more at the famous Brusio spiral viaduct.

In some towns the train rides on the street, blocking it completely, simply because there's not enough space for a road plus a railroad. About 15 minutes later, the train will cross the Italian border and arrive in Tirano.

Section 3: Tirano to Lugano

If you would like to see more of the southern scenery, the scenic Bernina Express bus ride to Lugano (Switzerland) is recommended. Most of the route is on Italian soil. The bus takes you through the valley "Valtellina", and along Lake Como and Lake Lugano.

The best side of the train and bus to sit on

If it's not too busy and you can move around in the Bernina Express train or bus, these are the suggested sides:

• Section 1, Chur-Pontresina: you can best sit on the right side for the best view of the Landwasser viaduct.
• Section 2, Pontresina-Tirano: the right side will get you slightly better views of the Morteratsch glacier, the Bernina mountains, and the Lago Bianco.
• Section 3, Tirano-Lugano: the left side of the bus provides the best views of the lakes.

If you make reservations, you can't always choose seats in a particular driving direction or on a specific side. You'll have great views on either side though!

Bernina Express train operation dates 2026

The trains operate on all days of the year. The schedules differ per season:

• The winter (low-season) timetable applies from 14 December 2025 to 1 May 2026, and from 26 October to 12 December 2026.
• The summer (high-season) timetable applies from 2 May to 25 October 2026.

Bernina Express bus operation dates

The bus between Lugano and Tirano operates daily from 23 March to 25 October 2026. For the other months:

• From 26 February to 22 March 2026, and from 29 October to 22 November 2026, the bus is available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
• There's an operation break from late November until late February.

Bernina Express timetable, option 1: find your train in the online Swiss timetable

It's best to always check the travel options for your date in the online Swiss timetable. That one's up-to-date and includes possible changes or construction works.

The Bernina Express trains for the second half of December 2026 and for 2027 can be found in the online timetable from mid-October 2026. That's when all Swiss schedules for 2027 are published.

How to find the Bernina Express trains between Chur and Tirano

• Enter your "From" and "To" stations along the Bernina Express route. Enter your travel date, or a date close to it if you're not sure of the exact day yet.
• You'll see a list of connections. The ones labeled "PE" (Panorama Express) are Bernina Express trains. The name "BERNINA EXPRESS" is displayed too.
• If you click on such a connection, you'll get more details such as the train number. These numbers correspond to the ones mentioned in my schedule explanation further below.

How to find the Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano

• Enter "From: Tirano, Stazione", "To: Lugano, Stazione Nord", or the other way around. 
• Enter a travel date at which the bus operates: see below.
• Select a departure time shortly before the Bernina Express bus departure time, which is 14:20 from Tirano and 10:00 from Lugano.
• You'll see a list of connections. The direct bus route labeled "BPBEX" is the Bernina Express bus. Click on this connection for details. The name "BERNINA EXPRESS" is displayed too.

If you can't find the bus, forcing the timetable to show bus connections only can help. How to select your mode of transport is explained in our timetable guide.

Bernina Express timetable, option 2: consult separate Bernina Express schedules

You can check the Bernina Express train and bus timings through the links here.

A heads-up: these schedules, and my below info about them, are subject to change. That's why you should always double-check your route in the general Swiss timetable.

Winter schedule: the Bernina Express trains on the entire route between Chur and Tirano

During the winter season, one daily train operates on the entire route between Chur and Tirano, in both directions. These trains:

• do not stop in St. Moritz.
• connect with the Bernina Express bus, although you'll have to wait in Tirano for a while.

The train numbers and departure times:

• train 951, north to south: departure from Chur at 08:17 / arrival in Tirano at 12:49 - connection to the Bernina Express bus 5951, departure from Tirano at 14:20 / arrival in Lugano at 17:30
• train 952, south to north: departure from Tirano at 14:24 / arrival in Chur at 18:31 - connection from the Bernina Express bus 5950, departure from Lugano at 10:00 / arrival in Tirano at 13:00

Winter schedule: the Bernina Express trains between St. Moritz and Tirano

There's an additional train in each direction that services only the southern part of the route (St. Moritz-Tirano) and not the northern part (Chur-St. Moritz/Pontresina).

These trains:

• run on all days of the week except for Tuesdays.
• run from St. Moritz to Tirano in the afternoon, and from Tirano to St. Moritz in the morning.
• do not connect with the Bernina Express bus.

The train numbers and departure times:

• train 975 (in 2026: train 977), north to south: departure from St. Moritz at 16:14 (in 2026: at 15:30) / arrival in Tirano at 18:39 (in 2026: at 18:00)
• train 972, south to north: departure from Tirano at 10:06 / arrival in St. Moritz at 12:35 

Winter schedule: the Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano

The bus between Tirano and Lugano runs on these days in 2026:

• from 26 February to 22 March 2026: on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• from 23 March to 25 October 2026: daily
• from 29 October to 22 November 2026: on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

It connects to trains 951 (from Chur to Tirano) and 952 (from Tirano to Chur). 

The bus timings are as follows:

• bus 5951, east to west: departure from Tirano at 14:20 / arrival in Lugano at 17:30 
• bus 5950, west to east: departure from Lugano at 10:00 / arrival in Tirano at 13:00

Summer schedule: the Bernina Express trains on the entire route between Chur and Tirano

In the summer season, two Bernina Express trains a day run in both directions: from Chur to Tirano and the other way around. Note:

• They service the entire "classic" route, which does not contain a stop in St. Moritz.
• Only one of these trains in each direction connects to the Bernina Express bus.

Details for the trains from Chur to Tirano (north to south):

• train 951, departure from Chur at 08:17 / arrival in Tirano at 12:49 (connection to the Bernina Express bus 5951, departure from Tirano at 14:20 / arrival in Lugano at 17:30)
• train 955: departure from Chur 13:28 (in 2026: 13:34) / arrival in Tirano at 17:59 (in 2026: 18:00)

Details for the trains from Tirano to Chur (south to north):

• train 952, departure from Tirano at 14:24 / arrival in Chur at 18:31 (connection with the Bernina Express bus 5950, departure from Lugano at 10:00 / arrival in Tirano at 13:00)
• train 950: departure from Tirano at 08:06 / arrival in Chur at 12:31

Summer schedule: the Bernina Express trains between St. Moritz and Tirano

In addition, some trains run on the southern part of the train route between St. Moritz and Tirano only: three in each direction. Some provide a connection to the Bernina Express bus.

Specifics for these additional trains from St. Moritz to Tirano (north to south):

• train 971: departure from St. Moritz at 09:17 / arrival in Tirano at 11:32 (connection with a long break in Tirano with the Bernina Express bus 5951, departure from Tirano at 14:20 / arrival in Lugano at 17:30)
• train 973: departure from St. Moritz at 13:17 / arrival in Tirano at 15:31
• train 975: departure from St. Moritz at 16:14 / arrival in Tirano at 18:39

Specifics for these additional trains from Tirano to St. Moritz (south to north):

• train 972: departure from Tirano at 10:06 / arrival in St. Moritz at 12:35
• train 974: departure from Tirano at 13:17 / arrival in St. Moritz at 15:45 (connection with the Bernina Express bus 5950, departure from Lugano at 10:00 / arrival in Tirano at 13:00)
• train 976: departure from Tirano at 16:06 / arrival in St. Moritz at 18:25

Summer schedule: the Bernina Express bus between Lugano and Tirano

The bus operates daily from 23 March until 25 October 2026, according to this schedule:

• bus 5951, east to west: departure from Tirano at 14:20 / arrival in Lugano at 17:30
• bus 5950, west to east: departure from Lugano at 10:00 / arrival in Tirano at 13:00

Maintenance closures in 2026

Parts of the Bernina Express route are closed for maintenance during a few periods. If your Bernina Express train doesn't run on a certain leg, there will be replacement buses, or the trains are being redirected.

No worries: with such planned closures, the buses will be ready and you can still count on a smooth journey. Closer to the concerning dates, replacement buses and re-routings will also be visible in the Swiss timetable. Always check this timetable: unexpected closures can occur at any time.

It concerns this stretch and these dates:

• 2 to 12 November 2026: the Bernina Express trains 951 and 952 don't take the original route between Chur and Pontresina. They're diverted via Landquart, Klosters, and Saigliains. This is a different yet very scenic route, in which you'll get a good impression of the beautiful Lower Engadine valley. The route between St. Moritz/Pontresina and Tirano remains the same.