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railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express + Glacier Express

Two Swiss panoramic trains: Bernina Express and Glacier Express, Lugano to Zermatt

Illustration of Bernina Express + Glacier Express

railtour suisse operates this 4-day, 3-night rail journey connecting Lugano, Switzerland's Italian-speaking lake town, to Zermatt, the car-free village at the base of the Matterhorn. You travel on two celebrated panoramic trains: the Bernina Express, which crosses the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina lines and the famous Brusio Circular Viaduct between Tirano and St. Moritz; and the Glacier Express, which climbs the Oberalp Pass and crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels on its way to Zermatt. Nights are spent in 3-star hotels with breakfast, and rail travel is in 2nd class with reserved seats. Day 1 is arrival in Lugano with time to explore the lakeside promenade. Days 2 and 3 are devoted to the two trains. Day 4 offers free time in Zermatt before your individual return home. The tour suits first-time rail travellers, repeat enthusiasts, and photographers drawn to Alpine scenery and railway engineering.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of 856 CHF covers the package and rail fare on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; your actual rail cost depends on your home location and Swiss rail fares.
  • Day 1 is arrival only; the first full day of travel is Day 2.
  • Day 4 offers free time in Zermatt with suggested optional activities (Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, walking); your return journey is booked individually.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lugano

    Arrival in Lugano

    Train journey to Lugano, the charming paradise on Lake Lugano. The picturesque old town and the lake promenade invite you to take a stroll. Overnight in Lugano.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express (6h)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from Lugano with the Bernina Express bus through the idyllic Valtellina valley to Tirano (Italy). Continue on the Bernina Express over the Brusio Circular Viaduct and the Bernina Pass to St. Moritz. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express (8h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from St. Moritz to Zermatt with the Glacier Express. The train journey takes you over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass at 2'033 metres. Overnight in Zermatt.

  4. Day 4

    Zermatt and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Zermatt. We recommend a trip to the Gornergrat, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or a walk in the unspoilt, beautiful nature of Zermatt. 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 Brusio Circular Viaduct and climbs the Bernina Pass, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges between Tirano and St. Moritz.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express travels from St. Moritz to Zermatt over the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through Alpine gorges and valleys.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Bernina Express and Glacier Express
  • 1 night in Lugano, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in St. Moritz, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Zermatt, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz) and the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), both in 2nd class with seat reservations included.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
It is an individual rail journey. You travel independently on the named trains; railtour suisse includes rail bookings, hotels, and breakfast. Your return on Day 4 is self-arranged.
What hotels are included?
One night in each of Lugano, St. Moritz, and Zermatt, all 3-star hotels with standard double rooms and breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
The core itinerary involves station transfers and hotel arrivals. Day 4 offers optional hikes or cable car trips; the itinerary itself requires little walking beyond stations.
What is not included?
Lunch and dinner (except breakfast at hotels), local transport in cities, optional activities in Zermatt, and your individual return journey home.
When does it run?
railtour suisse publishes no fixed departure dates in this evidence; confirm availability and seasons directly with the operator.

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