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railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express St. Moritz – Lugano

Alpine train and coach journey St. Moritz to Lugano via Bernina Express

Illustration of Bernina Express St. Moritz – Lugano

railtour suisse offers a 3-day, 2-night rail and coach journey from St. Moritz to Lugano featuring the celebrated Bernina Express. On Day 2, you board the Bernina Express for an 8-hour 15-minute journey over the Bernina Pass through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, crossing 196 bridges and passing through 55 tunnels with panoramic views of glaciers and mountain lakes. The route climbs the famous circular viaduct at Brusio before descending to Tirano in Italy. From Tirano, a coach carries you through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano, where the scenery shifts from alpine to Mediterranean. Days 1 and 3 allow unguided time to explore St. Moritz, an exclusive Alpine resort town with upscale shopping, and Lugano, a lakeside town with a charming old town and mountain views. This journey suits first-time rail travellers seeking a manageable, celebrated train experience, repeat rail enthusiasts familiar with the Bernina Line's reputation, photographers drawn to dramatic Alpine and lake scenery, and independent explorers who enjoy free time between guided rail segments.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of 518 CHF (approximately 645 USD) assumes you travel to St. Moritz on a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard basis; confirm rail costs from your home before booking.
  • Day 3 is unguided; you arrange your own return journey from Lugano.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Arrival in St. Moritz

    Train journey to St. Moritz, the birthplace of alpine winter sports. Enjoy the mountain landscape with its fantastic views or stroll through Via Serlas, one of Switzerland's most exclusive shopping streets. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express (8h15)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel with the Bernina Express from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass and the circular viaduct at Brusio to Tirano (Italy), the south end of the Bernina Line. After lunch or a stroll through the romantic old town, you travel with the Bernina Express bus through the idyllic Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano. Overnight in Lugano.

  3. Day 3

    Lugano and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in this charming paradise on Lake Lugano and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. The picturesque old town and the lake promenade invite you to take a stroll. 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 circular viaduct at Brusio and travels through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges as it descends from St. Moritz to Tirano, passing glaciers and mountain lakes through panoramic windows.
  • Day 2After Tirano, a coach carries you through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano, transitioning from alpine to Mediterranean scenery.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. railtour suisse includes 2nd class rail from your home to St. Moritz and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano on a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard basis. From Tirano to Lugano is by coach.
What is the Bernina Express?
A scenic train that runs from St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. The route includes the circular viaduct at Brusio and views of glaciers and mountain lakes.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in St. Moritz and one night in a 3-star hotel in Lugano, both with breakfast included.
Is this tour escorted?
No, it is an individual journey. You travel independently, with unguided time in St. Moritz, Tirano, and Lugano.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. The itinerary includes strolling through shopping streets in St. Moritz and the old town and lake promenade in Lugano; no strenuous hikes are described.

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