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railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express Chur – Tirano

Alpine rail journey on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano

Illustration of Bernina Express Chur – Tirano

Railtour Suisse operates a three-day independent rail journey on the Bernina Express, one of Europe's most celebrated alpine train routes. You travel from Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, through the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway landscape to Tirano in northern Italy. The route crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the circular viaduct at Brusio. Day 1 brings you to Chur with an overnight in a three-star hotel. Day 2 is the four-and-a-half-hour Bernina Express journey itself, with panoramic windows framing glaciers, mountain lakes and steep Alpine slopes. Day 3 allows time to explore Tirano's museums and historic centre before your return to Chur by regional train. This trip suits first-time rail travellers and repeat rail enthusiasts alike, couples seeking a short Alpine escape, and photographers drawn to one of the world's most scenic rail lines.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of 432 CHF assumes you hold a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard; if you don't, your train costs from home will be higher.
  • Day 3 includes your return journey by regional trains; confirm the departure times and any connections with Railtour Suisse before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Arrival in Chur

    Train journey to Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. The car-free old town with its countless boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés and bars is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Overnight in Chur.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Tirano

    Bernina Express (4h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from Chur on the Bernina Express over the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Pass and the circular viaduct at Brusio to Tirano (Italy), the south end of the Bernina Line. Overnight in Tirano.

  3. Day 3

    Tirano and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the centre of Tirano with museums, historic buildings and churches on a stroll. Return to Chur by regional trains. From Chur individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and the circular viaduct at Brusio, climbing the Bernina Pass with views of glaciers and mountain lakes.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Bernina Express
  • 1 night in Chur, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Tirano, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Railtour Suisse includes train fare from your home on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, seat reservation on the Bernina Express, and your return by regional train to Chur.
Which train is this?
The Bernina Express, operating in 2nd class from Chur to Tirano, a journey of 4 hours 30 minutes crossing 196 bridges and 55 tunnels.
What hotels are included?
One night in a three-star hotel in Chur and one night in a three-star hotel in Tirano, each with breakfast and a standard double room.
How much walking is involved?
Day 1 is arrival. Day 2 is the train journey. Day 3 includes a stroll through Tirano's centre to explore its museums, historic buildings and churches.
When does this trip run?
Railtour Suisse publishes no specific departures for this package; contact them to confirm availability and book your dates.

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