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railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express St. Moritz – Lugano (for international guests)

Alpine railway journey from St. Moritz to Lugano on the Bernina Express

Illustration of Bernina Express St. Moritz – Lugano (for international guests)

Railtour Suisse operates this three-day independent rail journey from St. Moritz to Lugano, featuring the Bernina Express, one of the Alps' most celebrated scenic trains. You begin in St. Moritz, a mountain resort birthplace of alpine winter sports, with time to explore its exclusive shopping district. On Day 2, you board the Bernina Express for eight hours and fifteen minutes of travel, passing through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges on the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway as it climbs the Bernina Pass and descends to Tirano in Italy. The journey continues by bus through the Valtellina valley and along the shores of Lake Como and Lake Lugano to your final destination. The itinerary allows morning exploration in Lugano before you arrange your own return. The Swiss Travel Pass, reserved seating, and two nights in three-star hotels with breakfast are included. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a manageable Alpine crossing, photographers drawn to the viaducts and glacial views, and independent explorers comfortable with self-guided days.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 2 involves 8 hours and 15 minutes of combined train and bus travel; this is the active centerpiece of the tour.
  • The price includes the Swiss Travel Pass and hotel stays but does not specify your arrival transport to St. Moritz on Day 1 or return arrangements on Day 3.
  • Hotels are three-star standard rooms; the operator lists no alternative accommodation options.

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 passes through the Brusio circular viaduct and 55 tunnels while crossing 196 bridges from St. Moritz to Tirano.
  • Day 2After Tirano, the Bernina Express bus travels through the Valtellina valley and past Lake Como to Lugano.
  • Day 3Morning in Lugano to explore the old town and lake promenade overlooking the surrounding mountains before your individual return.

Included

  • Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class
  • 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
  • 50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano in 2nd class with reserved seat. A Swiss Travel Pass for three days in 2nd class is included, covering other rail journeys in Switzerland. From Tirano to Lugano you travel by bus.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an individual rail journey. You travel on your own and depart Lugano independently on Day 3.
What is included in the price?
Swiss Travel Pass for three days in 2nd class, Bernina Express seat reservation, two nights in three-star hotels with breakfast, 50% discount on most mountain railways, and free entry to more than 500 museums.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The itinerary mentions strolls through Via Serlas in St. Moritz and walks in Lugano's old town and lake promenade, plus time in Tirano. No hiking or high-altitude challenges are described.
What scenery can I expect?
Glaciers, mountain lakes, steep mountain slopes, and Alpine views from the Bernina Express panoramic windows. From Tirano the bus route follows the Valtellina valley, Lake Como, and Lake Lugano.
Can I book this journey in the opposite direction?
Yes, the tour can be booked starting from Lugano and ending in St. Moritz.

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