Fred. Holidays (Fred. Rail Journeys) · Rail journey

Bernina Express

Highest Alpine rail crossing, Chur to Tirano via St Moritz

Bernina Express, a rail journey with Fred. Holidays (Fred. Rail Journeys)

Fred. Holidays, through Fred. Rail Journeys, books travelers on the Bernina Express, the highest rail crossing in Europe. The train connects Switzerland's Graubünden region to Italian Lombardy, running between Chur and Tirano via St Moritz across 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, with gradients up to 70%. From Thusis, the route follows the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina lines, crossing the 213ft-high Landwasser Viaduct and reaching 2,328m near the Bernina Pass, before descending past the turquoise Lago Bianco and the Brusio spiral viaduct into Italy. The journey can also be done as a day trip from St Moritz. Free Wi-Fi and real-time 'infotainment' are available along the route, though meals, snacks and drinks are not included in Standard or First Class. This suits first-time rail travelers and photographers who want a dramatic Alpine crossing without committing to a longer tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals, snacks and drinks on board are not included in Standard or First Class; purchase them separately.
  • Fred. Rail Journeys does not publish a day-by-day itinerary for this route; confirm timings and connections with them directly.

Not included

  • Meals, snacks and drinks on board (purchase separately in Standard/First Class)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is food included on board?
No, meals, snacks and drinks are not included in Standard or First Class; purchase them separately.
Which route does the train follow?
Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy) via St Moritz, following the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina lines from Thusis.
Can it be done as a day trip?
Yes, it can be done as a day trip from St Moritz.
What is the highest point on the route?
The train reaches 2,328m near the Bernina Pass, the highest rail crossing in Europe.
What classes are available?
Standard and First Class.

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