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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Bernina Express

Independent Bernina Express rail trip from Zurich to Lugano

Illustration of The Bernina Express

Railbookers operates this 5-day independent, self-guided rail vacation through Switzerland, from Zurich to Lugano and back. The trip opens with a night in Zurich, free to explore the Altstadt, or Old Town, before a two-hour scenic train ride to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, set against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps. The next day brings the legendary Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano in Italy, traveling in first class from St. Moritz to Tirano, with time in Tirano for pizza and regional wine. In summer, from May 10 to October 28, the red Bernina Express Bus continues on to the lakeside town of Lugano for an overnight stay. A direct train then returns to Zurich for a final night. A Three-day Swiss Pass covers the rest of the rail travel, and there are no included guided tours, suiting travelers who want a short, self-directed introduction to one of Europe's most scenic rail routes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano only runs in the summer months, from May 10 to October 28; outside that window the evidence does not specify how this leg is completed.
  • Railbookers lists 14 accommodation options across price tiers in Zurich and Chur; the hotel used depends on which one you choose at booking.
  • This is a self-guided, independent trip with no included guided tours; you make your own way between stations and sights.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! When you arrive, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is yours to pass the hours wandering through the metropolis as you wish. Visit the district of Altstadt or Old Town, dine at a world-class restaurant, shop, relax in a charming cafe, and stroll along cobblestone-paved streets and marvel at the Renaissance-era architecture.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Zurich to Chur

    Following breakfast, take a two-hour picturesque train ride from Zurich to Switzerland's oldest city: Chur. Breathe in the fresh air of the Swiss Alps as you explore the Alpine town's courtyards, cobblestone alleys, hidden gems and popular attractions, or simply gaze at the snow-capped mountains, relax and people watch.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    The Bernina Express to Tirano

    After breakfast, take the legendary Bernina Express from Chur to the historic town of Tirano, Italy. From St. Moritz to Tirano, you will be traveling in first-class. When you arrive in Tirano, it's time to enjoy some pizza and regional wine. In the summer months (May 10 to October 28), you have the opportunity to take the red Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano in Switzerland. When the Bernina Express Bus is not running, take a train from Tirano to Milan then Milan to Lugano.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zurich

    Lugano to Zurich

    Enjoy breakfast then take a direct train from Lugano back to Zurich. There is no exact time you have to take the train, so feel free to do some more sightseeing in Lugano first.

  5. Day 5rail

    End Of Tour

    Have breakfast then check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, please contact a Rail Expert for details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An evening free to explore Zurich's Altstadt, or Old Town, with cobblestone streets and Renaissance-era architecture.
  • Day 2A two-hour scenic train ride from Zurich to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, with views of the Swiss Alps and snow-capped mountains.
  • Day 3The legendary Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, Italy, traveling in first class from St. Moritz to Tirano, followed by pizza and regional wine in Tirano.
  • Day 4A direct train from Lugano back to Zurich, with time to explore the lakeside city of Lugano beforehand.

Included

  • Onward rail travel in standard class as stated in itinerary
  • First-class on Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano
  • Three-day Swiss Pass in standard class
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Chur
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Lugano

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, with first class on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and a Three-day Swiss Pass in standard class for the rest.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers with no included guided tours.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano, first class), Swiss Railways in standard class, and Trenitalia.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 14 accommodation options across price tiers in Zurich and Chur; sample hotels include Baur Au Lac and The Dolder Grand in Zurich.
When does the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano run?
Only in the summer months, from May 10 to October 28.

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