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railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express Tirano – Lugano

Alpine rail journey from Chur to Lugano on the Bernina Express

Illustration of Bernina Express Tirano – Lugano

Railtour Suisse operates a 3-day, 2-night individual journey on the Bernina Express, one of Europe's most celebrated Alpine rail lines. You travel from Chur through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway, crossing the engineering landmarks of the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio circular viaduct, before arriving in Tirano, Italy. Day 2 continues by coach through the Valtellina valley and along Lakes Como and Lugano to your final destination. Overnight stays in 3-star hotels in Tirano and Lugano include breakfast; rail travel is in 2nd class with reserved seating. The route passes 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, opening panoramic views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and steep slopes. Day 3 is unscheduled, allowing leisure time to explore Lugano's lake promenade and old town before your independent return. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, repeat train enthusiasts, and photographers drawn to Alpine scenery and historic railway engineering.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of CHF 446 (USD 556) is quoted on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; the operator advises to confirm current rail fares.
  • Day 3 is largely free time; your return journey is unguided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Tirano

    Bernina Express (4h30)

    Arrival in Chur by train. Continue with 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.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express (3h)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel with the Bernina Express bus from Tirano 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 1The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and climbs through 55 tunnels to the Brusio circular viaduct before descending to Tirano.
  • Day 2Travel by coach through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como and Lake Lugano, arriving in Lugano with views of surrounding mountains.
  • Day 3Stroll the picturesque old town and lake promenade of Lugano on Lake Lugano before your individual return journey.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Bernina Express in 2nd class from Chur to Tirano and from Tirano to Lugano (partly by coach through the Valtellina). Seat reservations are included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. You arrange your own arrival in Chur and your return journey from Lugano on Day 3; the intervening rail and coach segments are pre-booked.
What is included in the price?
Rail travel in 2nd class on the Bernina Express with seat reservations, one night in a 3-star hotel in Tirano with breakfast, one night in a 3-star hotel in Lugano with breakfast.
Are meals included beyond breakfast?
Only hotel breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are not included.
How much walking or physical activity is required?
Minimal. Most days involve train and coach travel. Day 3 includes optional strolling around Lugano's old town and lake promenade.

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