Wondering which panoramic Switzerland train is better out of the Bernina Express or the Glacier Express? This detailed comparison will help you decide between the Bernina Express vs. Glacier Express for your trip.
If youâre looking for the most beautiful country in the world to explore by train, Switzerland is certainly up there. With varied landscapes, a fantastic train network and a mix of charming alpine towns and bustling cities to stop at, a Switzerland train holiday should be on everyoneâs Europe bucket list.
But if youâre short on time, or need to be strict with your travel budget, you might need to decide on just one of Switzerlandâs incredible train trips to fit into your itinerary.
Switzerland has a bunch of breathtaking train routes to choose from, but two of the most popular ones are the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.
From the route to the landscapes to the cost and train experience, hereâs a detailed comparison of the Bernina Express vs. Glacier Express, so you can choose which train route is best for your Switzerland adventure.
The route & views: Bernina Express vs Glacier Express
Bernina Express route & views
The full Bernina Express journey connects Northern Italy and Switzerland, running from Tirano in Italy (right by the Swiss border) to Chur in Switzerland, a four hour 144km journey with 196 bridges and 55 tunnels.
There is also a shorter Bernina Express option that runs from Tirano to St Moritz taking about 2.5 hours, this is a different train so make sure youâre booking the right one.
The views on the Bernina Express are absolutely stunning, and theyâre super varied for a half-day trip. Some of the highlights of the journey (from Tirano going north) include the Brusio Spiral, Lake Poschiavo, a quick photo stop at Alp GrĂŒm station (2091m elevation) overlooking PalĂŒ Glacier and PalĂŒ Lake, Morteratsch Glacier, the dramatic Bernina Pass, Reichenau village and the Landwasser Viaduct.
The best side to sit on on the Bernina Express is the left side if youâre travelling north from Tirano to Chur/St Moritz, or the right side if youâre travelling south.
Glacier Express route & views
The Glacier Express journey is much longer, taking about eight hours to run 290km between St Moritz and Zermatt, which makes it the slowest express train in the world.
The first portion of the Glacier Express runs from St Moritz to Chur, sharing that leg with the Bernina Express, and passing over the Landwasser Viaduct and past the gorgeous Reichenau village. In Chur the train will move in the opposite direction and you can enjoy views of the Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass, gorgeous villages in the RhĂŽne Valley and the glacier-fed river in Mattertal Valley before reaching Zermatt.
Itâs hard to say what side of the train is best to sit on because the train changes direction in Chur, and the booking system doesnât actually state what direction the train is driving. In saying that, based on my own experience as well as friends who have taken the Glacier Express, the best side to sit on is the same side as the single column of seats in first class, which are at the âbottomâ of the image in the booking system. These seats typically start off on the right side when travelling from St Moritz to Zermatt and switch to the left after Chur, or vice versa if youâre travelling in the other direction.
TRAVEL TIP: If youâre keen to do both trains then you can either choose St Moritz or Chur as your overnight stop, because both train routes can stop at both of those destinations. I prefer St Moritz for scenery and things to do, plus thereâs an epic observatory hotel room if youâre obsessed with unique accommodation like I am!
Winner for route & views: Bernina Express
The Bernina Express takes out top spot for the best views, because the variety of landscapes is so impressive for a reasonably short train journey. The Glacier Express is still stunning of course, but if you want to get the best views for your time and money, the Bernina Express comes first!
The train experience: Bernina Express vs Glacier Express
Bernina Express train experience
The Bernina Express train is comfortable but fairly basic, though I can guarantee youâll spend most of the four hours staring out the window rather than looking around the train carriage!
Swiss trains in general are much nicer than many other countries in Europe and the Bernina Express is no different. There are two columns of two seats each in 2nd class and a 2-seat column and single seat column in 1st class. The Bernina Express carriages donât have proper tables, just a small one that can fit a few drinks and snacks, but thereâs not enough space for everyone to have a sit-down meal or to use a laptop. If you do need to get some work done on the train then book a first class seat in the single column, then you only have to share the table with one other.
The Bernina Express doesnât have a restaurant onboard but there is a roaming mini cart with refreshments like coffee, tea, soft drinks and some traditional snacks. The WiFi is average so donât count on it, download some tunes or a podcast for the journey if youâre travelling solo.
Both first and second class have panoramic windows but they donât open, which is less than ideal for photographers who want to avoid annoying glass reflections, but at the part where one carriage connects to another thereâs a window that does open slightly for reflection-free photography.
Glacier Express train experience
The Glacier Express train on the other hand feels more upmarket and luxurious, with better onboard facilities. The layout is the same as the Bernina, with 2-2, 2-2 seats in 2nd class and 2-2, 1-1 in 1st class. The tables were bigger on the Glacier Express so itâs much more laptop friendly. You can pre-order a three course lunch or smaller dishes, or thereâs a bar coach open throughout the trip that serves drinks and snacks. Both classes have WiFi which worked fine for checking emails and posting Instagram stories.
Thereâs also an ultra-luxury class called Excellence Class which has a 1-1, 1-1 layout so you get a guaranteed window seat, and this carriage also boasts its own bar and a five course meal plus snacks. Fancy!
The panoramic windows are a little different and just have a second panel tilted between the ceiling and side window. The cabin windows donât open on the Glacier Express either, same as the Bernina, but there are openable windows on the doors at the end of each cabin.
Winner for train experience: Glacier Express
The Glacier Express felt much more like an experience in itself, and I appreciated the bigger tables as an eight hour train journey is likely to involve some downtime where you might want to read, eat or do some work. I didnât have a sit down meal on the Glacier Express (too expensive, I took my own snacks) but the food looked delicious and the train is really comfortable for a full day trip.
Ticket prices: Bernina Express vs Glacier Express
Both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express prices are made up of two separate payments, one for your ticket and one for your seat reservation.
Bernina Express ticket cost
The Bernina Express ticket price for the full journey between Tirano and Chur is:
- 63CHF for 2nd class
- 111CHF for 1st class
On top of the ticket price, there is a seat reservation fee thatâs mandatory and changes depending on the time of year. The reservation fees are as follows:
- 20CHF January/February
- 24CHF March-May
- 26CHF June-September
- 24CHF October
- 20CHF November/December
If youâre paying full price, in total youâll be paying between 83-89CHF in 2nd class or 131-137CHF in 1st class for the full trip. The shorter journey from Tirano to St Moritz is about half price for the ticket but the same seat reservation cost, so between 52-58CHF for 2nd class and 76-82CHF for 1st class.
However, you can get the Bernina Express for cheaper than that if you have a travel pass, like a Eurail Pass, Interrail Pass or Swiss Travel Pass. With a rail pass, your ticket cost is covered by the pass, and you only need to pay for the seat reservation. Too easy!
Glacier Express ticket cost
The Glacier Express is more expensive, with ticket costs as follows:
- 152CHF for 2nd class
- 268CHF for 1st class
The seat reservations also depend on the season:
- 39CHF for low season (mid-December to mid-May)
- 49CHF for high season (mid-May to mid-October)
Full price for 2nd class is 191-201CHF, and for 1st class itâs 307-317CHF.
If youâre interested in travelling in the super fancy Excellence Class, youâll need to get a 1st class ticket and then pay a 470CHF seat reservation fee. Thatâs not a typo, 470CHF for a one day train trip!
Once again a Eurail Pass or Swiss Travel Pass can save you from having to pay the ticket cost, which is a decent saving for the Glacier Express.
Winner for ticket prices: Itâs a tie
If youâre travelling without a rail pass then the Bernina Express is less than half the price of the Glacier Express, for arguably better views, albeit a less comfortable train experience. You can spend the ticket difference on a nice hotel in St Moritz instead.
If you have a rail pass however, the Glacier Express is a no brainer. Youâre essentially saving 152CHF in 2nd class or 268CHF in 1st class for one of the most famous train journeys in the world! Iâm a big fan of rail passes anyway (as long as you know how to use them) but they are particularly excellent value for the panorama trains in Switzerland.
The start and end points: Bernina Express vs Glacier Express
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express runs from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland, with an optional end point of St Moritz instead of Chur.
Tirano is an underrated destination for sure, itâs got super interesting history as a border town and it offers excellent value for money compared to other places in Northern Italy or Switzerland, but itâs certainly not a common stop on an Italy tourist itinerary. To reach Tirano youâll probably need to catch a cheap regional train from Milan (2.5 hours), or if youâre travelling in summer you could book the Bernina Express Bus which extends the train journey from Tirano to Lugano with a three hour bus trip.
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland, absolutely steeped in history with a charming old town to discover. Itâs also a cheaper option than St Moritz, with more budget-friendly accommodation, takeaways and shops compared to St Moritzâ high-end retail and restaurants.
If you want to do the shorter trip that stops at St Moritz instead, thatâs a great option for anyone who wants to explore Engadine Valley and treat themselves to a resort town experience.
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express runs from St Moritz to Zermatt, though Chur is a popular stop or starting point if you donât want to do the whole trip.
Zermatt is one of my favourite places in Switzerland, a true year-round destination with loads to see, do and eat. Summertime brings hiking and sightseeing opportunities galore, catch the Gornergratbahn to the top of the mountain for epic Matterhorn views, then walk down to the famous reflecting lake. In winter it turns into an aprĂšs-ski paradise, with easy access to world-class slopes, cosy wine bars and buzzing restaurants serving up hearty dishes.
Winner for start & end points: Glacier Express
Donât get me wrong, I love, love, love Tirano, but I think the combo of Zermatt and St Moritz offer more to do and see.
Can you do the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express on the same day?
If all this blog post has done is make you want to do both trips then I donât blame you!
The good news is that this is possible, but the bad news is that itâs only possible at certain times of the year.
Both trains on the same day in winter
Glacier Express, then Bernina Express
Possible: Glacier Express 920 & Bernina Express 975
- The earliest Glacier Express train you can catch is the 920, leaving Zermatt at 7.52am and arriving in St Moritz at 3.27pm. this runs from 3 Feb to 3 May 2024
- You could then catch the Bernina Express 975 that departs St Moritz at 4.14pm and arrives in Tirano at 6.39pm, this one runs Fridays to Sundays until 31 March and then daily from 5 April until 10 May 2024
- It is possible to do the Glacier Express and then the Bernina Express in winter, but only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays until 31 March and then daily until 3 May
- The other winter Glacier Express route departs Zermatt at 8.52am, departs Chur at 2.34pm and arrives at St Moritz at 4.37pm, which means itâs too late to catch the Chur â Tirano winter train and too late to catch the 975 mentioned above
Bernina Express, then Glacier Express
Not possible
- The earliest Bernina Express train you can catch is the 972, leaving Tirano at 10.06am and arriving in St Moritz at 12.35pm
- The latest Glacier Express in winter departs St Moritz at 9.42am
- It is not possible to do the Bernina Express and then Glacier Express in winter
Both trains on the same day in summer
Glacier Express, then Bernina Express
Possible: Glacier Express 900 & Bernina Express 955
- The earliest summer Glacier Express is the 900, departing Zermatt at 7.52am and arriving in Chur at 1.25pm (it stops there and doesnât continue to St Moritz), this runs from 4 May to 12 October 2024
- You can then catch the Bernina Express 955 which departs Chur at 1.34pm (quick turnaround!) and arrives in Tirano at 5.59pm, this one runs from 11 May to 27 October
- This option is possible from 11 May to 12 October
Bernina Express, then Glacier Express
Possible: Bernina Express 950 & Glacier Express 907
- The earliest Bernina Express train in summer is the 950, departing Tirano at 8.06am and arriving in Chur at 12.22pm, this one runs from 11 May to 17 Oct 2024
- You can then catch the Glacier Express 907 which departs Chur at 2.26pm and arrives in Zermatt at 8.10pm, this runs from 4 May to 12 Oct 2024
- This option is possible from 11 May to 12 October
These are all based on the 2024 timetable, later this year Iâll keep an eye out and update the dates once the new timetable has been published.
Can you connect both trains as an easy loop?
You can combine the Glacier Express and Bernina Express with a some other panoramic trains and connecting trips to make it one simple loop (itâs really a figure eight if weâre being technical đ€) starting and ending in Zurich.
Itâs called the Grand Train Tour, and it covers a massive 1280km! Youâll be able to visit Zurich, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne and St Gallen, experiencing the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, GoldenPass Express and Luzern-Interlaken Express. How epic!
The verdict: Bernina Express vs Glacier Express
The ideal situation here would be for you to do both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express, one after the other. Start in Milan, train to Tirano, catch the Bernina to St Moritz, then the Glacier to Zermatt, and then continue your trip from there! Two incredible journeys, three wonderful stops to explore, an easy way to see loads of Switzerland in just a few days.
But if youâre searching for âBernina Express vs. Glacier Expressâ Iâm going to assume thatâs not an option, in which caseâŠ
If youâre travelling without a rail pass and are paying full price, I think the Bernina Express offers better value for money and time. The views are absolutely magical, and four hours is long enough to not feel rushed but not too long that youâll be uncomfortable spending that much time in a fairly basic train carriage.
But if you have a rail pass, the money youâll save makes the Glacier Express totally worth it (152CHF for 2nd class, 268CHF for 1st). For only 39/49CHF (low season/high season) you get to experience a full day dreamy train ride thatâs worth four times that amount. You could come back and do the Bernina Express in the future without a rail pass and only pay 63/111CHF (2nd class/1st class), so the Glacier Express is going to provide better value with a Eurail Pass or similar.
I hope this Bernina Express vs Glacier Express comparison has helped you decide which Switzerland train trip is best for your adventure!
I also have a detailed Bernina Express guide as well as a Glacier Express guide, but if you have any other questions, please let me know in the comments and Iâll get back to you.
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MORE SWITZERLAND TRAIN GUIDES:
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MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Flights âïž I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then Iâll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.
Trains đ If Iâm travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) Iâll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or Iâll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.
Accommodation đïž I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.
Activities đœI use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google âthings to do in [city]â! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off
Travel cards đł Iâm a Wise gal through and through, theyâve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.
Travel insurance đ©ș I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and Iâve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if youâre from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).
Luggage đŒ I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.
Camera gear đž I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, itâs lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.
This was so helpful thank you. I want to take my partner away for his 50th and he has always wanted to do a scenic train journey. I was wondering was it worth buying a pass if we are only doing one train or glacier express or Bernini express budget is very tight but Iâm wondering whether itâs better to spend the extra and do the Glacier express. If we are just doing ether train is it worth buying a pass ? Oh Iâm finding train travel so overwhelming. Wouldnât even know how to get to the trains. Which airport and from airport how to get the train. Our time is limited to 4 days max due to work commitments. January looks like the best month to ensure snow, would you agree?
Hey Leanne! Sounds like a lovely birthday present đ
If you are doing the Glacier Express then that runs between Zermatt and St Moritz. It would probably be best for you to fly into Zurich, take a train to St Moritz (this takes around 3h – 3h 45m and will have a stop in Chur) and stay there a night or two, then catch the Glacier Express the next day to Zermatt, stay in Zermatt, then catch a train from Zermatt back to Zurich (3h 30m, two changes but they are easy and directions are clear).
You would need to calculate if the pass is worth it compared to buying these train tickets separately. To do this you can go to Rail Europe or SBB’s website, or the Glacier Express website for that train, and search the prices for these trips in January:
– Zurich to St Moritz
– Glacier Express St Moritz to Zermatt
– Zermatt to St Moritz
Compare this price with the price of the Swiss Travel Pass + the Glacier Express seat reservation and then you’ll know whether it’s worth buying the pass.
I hope this helps!
Hi Alexx,
Is there any logical way to fit either of these trains or partial trains into the below itinerary?
Fly into Milan- 2 days
Train to Lake Como- 3 days
Train to Bernese oberland area – prob stay Wengen – 4 days
Train to Lucerne -2 days
Fly home out of Zurich
Thanks. Love your posts
Hey Anita! You could add in the Bernina Express but it would mean you’d double back on yourselves. From Como you could get a quick train to Lugano (35 mins), then catch the Bernina Express connecting bus to Tirano, then the Bernina Express train to Chur. Spend a night in Chur, then you could get the train to Wengen via Zurich/Lucerne/Bern.
If you wanted to do both then you could do the above but catch the Bernina Express to St Moritz (if the timing of that one aligns with the date of your trip), Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt, then train to Interlaken for your time in Wengen. If you’re doing this then you’ll need to spend a night in St Moritz for the timing to line up, and I’d recommend spending a night or two in Zermatt as well.
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for such a fabulous guide and overview! Travelling on Bernina Express in May this year and this has been invaluable for making some decisions on the trip!
Glad it’s been helpful đ Have an incredible trip!
hey!! your guide has been so helpful – im still torn bwteeen both trains or between going for it and doing both journeys
just wondering what months you travelled – were looking to travel february this year and was ideally hoping for a snowy view on the trainrides – do you have any idea if this will be the case?
thanks
freya xx
I travelled in October, in February you’ll definitely have snow in the higher segments of the journey and might be lucky enough to have snow at ground level too!
Can I ask for the detailed Bernina express guide and Glacier express guide Thank you
We only be inSwitzerland for 3 nights. Our starting point at Zurich and wanted to see most beautiful place in Swiss and wanted to experience glacier express or Bernina express for a day.Is it possible ? We are staying at crown plaza in Zurich .
Thank you for your time & help! Maybe you can give us an idea Thank you truly appreciate your infomation & tips
Hi Lai! I have detailed guides on each train, you can see them here:
Glacier Express – https://findingalexx.com/glacier-express-worth-it/
Bernina Express – https://findingalexx.com/is-the-bernina-express-worth-it/
(Just updating this comment after double checking the timetables as I missed one option before)
Whether you can do them both in one day depends on the time of the year you go and where you’re starting, e.g.:
– Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt 7.52 to St Moritz 15.37 on PE920, then take the Bernina Express from St Moritz 16.14 to Tirano 18.39 on PE975. The Bernina Express 975 has a very limited schedule, it only runs Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays between now and 31 March, then runs from 5 April to 10 May, and doesn’t run in summer.
– In the GE summer months (4 May to 12 Oct) you could take the Glacier Express PE900 from Zermatt 7.52 to Chur 13.25, then make a very quick switch to the Bernina Express PE955 departing Chur at 13.34 and arriving in Tirano at 17.59.
– If you’re travelling the other direction, in the summer months (11 May-12 Oct as these are the dates both GE and BE are running their summer schedule) you could take the Bernina Express PE950 from Tirano 8.06 to Chur 12.22, then have time for lunch and catch the Glacier Express 907 from Chur 14.26 to Zermatt 20.10
With both of these options you’ll need to find your way from Zurich to either Tirano or Zermatt first with an overnight stop.
I hope this helps!
Thank you for such descriptive information. I know now I would like to take the Bernia express train. I would love to stay at St Moritz for a night or two. Would it be better for me to fly to Zurich or Milan to get on that train?
Either option is pretty simple so it probably depends on the flight cost and cost of accommodation! From Zurich it’s easy to get to Chur (1h 15m-2h) or go all the way to St Moritz (3h 30m), and from Milan it’s easy to get to Tirano (2h 30m) so it’s really up to you.
Thank you for sharing your travels and creating a great guide! In planning for our Honeymoon trip first time in Switzerland, we are actually flying into MXP Milan. We were considering:
1 Night in Milan
1 Night in Lake Como Area
1 Day Como to Tirano and Bernina Express and Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt
2 Nights in Zermatt (or nearby)
4 Nights in Grindelwald
2 Nights in Lucern, and Fly Out of ZRH
But it looks like from previous comments this would not be possible? Maybe would even need to stay in Tirano instead of Como, and then split the Bernina and Glacier days?
Hey Patrick! What an epic honeymoon đ super cool. It wouldn’t be possible to do Como > Tirano > Chur > Zermatt in one day, you wouldn’t get to Chur in time to catch the latest Glacier Express. Here’s a quick explanation:
– The earliest train from Como to Tirano would leave at 5.19am and you’d arrive in Tirano at 8.52am
– You’d miss the first Bernina Express (leaves Tirano at 8.06am and arrives in Chur at 12.22pm, only runs from 11 May to 27 Oct)
– You’d have to catch the afternoon train 952 which leaves Tirano at 2.24pm and gets to Chur at 6.22pm, or one of the trains to St Moritz (depends on the time of year you go as to what time these run)
– The earliest you’d get to St Moritz is 12.35pm, well after the last Glacier Express leaves St Moritz at 9.52am
You can only do the Bernina and Glacier in the same day in that order during summer, 11 May to 27 Oct, and you’d have to catch the 8.06am departure from Tirano arriving in Chur at 12.22pm (PE950), then the Glacier Express PE907 departing Chur at 2.26pm and arriving in Zermatt at 8.10pm. To get to the Bernina Express by 8.06am you’d need to spend a night in Tirano beforehand, from what I can see online the regional trains from Milan don’t run early enough to get you there in time (double check this yourself though!). The earliest I can see departs Milan at 6.20am and arrives in Tirano at 8.52am.
Alternatively you could travel from Como to Tirano and take the later Bernina Express, spend a night in St Moritz or Chur, and take the Glacier Express the next morning.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for sharing your travels and creating a great guide! I will plan 17 days trip to fly in Zurich and fly out from Geneva on Mid August thru September. However, I have a non-refundable hotel booking in zurich from 8/25 thru 8/30. What is the best route to ride Bernina and Glacier Express on the first four days ? I will plan to purchase Swiss Travel pass.
Thank you so much in advance for your gudie information.
Jason
Hey Jason. If you want to do the full route for both trains and leave from/return to Zurich then you will need to double back on yourself a bit, but you could do:
Day one: Zurich to Zermatt (3.5 hours), explore Zermatt
Day two: Glacier Express to St Moritz (full day)
Day three: Bernina Express to Tirano (2h 15m), onward train to Milan (2.5h)
Day four: Milan to Zurich (4h 15m)
You could also get the Bernina Express bus connection to Lugano and get back to Zurich from there. Hope that helps đ
Thank you so much again for such a fabulous guided Info.!
Hi Alexx,
I have a few questions. If I go from Lugano to Milan and stay at Milan for a couple of days, which train station it arrives to? Should I fly out from Milan (MXP) or (Lin) airport? What is the best place to stay Milan?
Thanks,
Jason
Hi Jason. Most trains coming into Milan will go to Milano Centrale but you’ll need to check the specific train. Flying out will depend on where you want to fly to, MXP is the main airport, Bergamo is serviced by low-cost carriers like Ryanair, and Linate is more for domestic flights or short-haul within Europe.
I have a blog post on Milan with suggestions on where to stay: https://findingalexx.com/2-days-in-milan-itinerary/
Hope this helps!
Hi Alex
Aussie girl Leonie here.
My husband and I will be in Como (close to San Giovanni Station) in May 2024 and would like your advice on travelling on the Bernini Express from there to our next destination, Treviso.
I understand it doesn’t go there but if we can connect with regional trains, is this possible?
Hey Leonie đ Hmm the Bernina Express would require a pretty big detour from you, but it is possible. Checking the current timetables, here is the best option:
– Como to Bellinzona by train, switch to a bus to reach Chur
– Chur to Tirano on the Bernina Express
– Tirano to Milan, switch to another train to reach Treviso
Check the routes on sbb.ch for your exact dates though!
Hi, hi… Alex,
First and foremost, thanks for sharing your detailed and fabulous guide and your information helps me decided which express train to go for while we were having a hard time to choose between Glacier Express or Bernina Express.
I would like to ask you for an advice if our starting point and ending point is Zurich, and we hand 1 day or 2 and we would like to do the Bernina Express, how do we go about it? Thank you…
Hi, Alexx,
Thank you for sharing your detail and informative guide. It has been very helpful for me to decide if Glarcier Express or Bernina Express. Now that I have read your article, I have decided to do the Bernina Express.
But our starting point and ending point is Zurich and we have 2 days for this trip. May I know how do I go about it?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Lee! Coming to and from Zurich you have a few easy options:
1) Simple option: Zurich to Chur, catch the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, return from Tirano to Chur on the Bernina again and then back to Zurich
2) Probably cheapest option: Zurich to Chur, catch the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, use regional trains to get from Tirano back to Zurich (2 or 3 changes, about 5h 45m-6h 15m)
3) Another simple option: Zurich to Chur, catch the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, one train to Milan and then switch to a direct train to Zurich (7h-7.5h but only one change)
4) Extra scenic option: Zurich to Chur, catch the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, catch the Bernina Express connecting bus to Lugano and then train from Lugano to Zurich (or do the Gotthard Panorama Express train/boat combo from Lugano to Lucerne and then train to Zurich)
Safe travels!
Hi, Alexx,
Thank you for your prompt reply… Really appreciate your advices. One more question, is it advisable to use the apps “SBB”? Hope you have a great weekend.
Yep, the SBB app is the official app of the Swiss railway system so you can use them for booking tickets and checking timetables.
Hi, Alexx,
Thank you for your prompt reply. It is very informative and helpful.
On the other hand, we are also looking for these routes:
Day 1
– from Zurich – Luzern – Interlaken (approx 3 hrs)
– GoldenPass Express (3 1/4 hrs)
– Montreux – Visp – Zermatt (2 1/2 hrs)
(Stay 2 nights in Zermatt)
Day 3
– Glacier Express (approx 8 hrs) to Chur
– From Chur back to Zurich? How to go back to Zurich if we don’t intend to stay over at Chur?
Please kindly advise on these routes. Thank you in advance.
Wishing you a great weekend.
If you’re doing the Zurich – Interlaken – Montreux – Zermatt trip all in one day then you’ll just need to check the timetables and make sure you’ve got enough time to switch trains, and have back up options in case of train delays. There is currently construction on a few major lines which have caused delays and bus replacements, so you’ll need to check the SBB app or website to find specific times and plan your itinerary.
To get from Chur to Zurich it’s an easy direct train that takes only 1.5 hours so that part is super easy.
This guide has been very helpful and because of how you described it, we decided we would love to experience both Bernina and Glacier Express! We are set to go to the Dolomites in June 2024 and add this wonderful journey to Switzerland.
My question is, is it possible to do this in just one day? Catch the earliest Bernina express from Tirano to St. Moritz then Glacier express, St. Moritz to Zermatt?
I would really love to hear your opinion on this routes. Thank you in advance.
You can do both in one day in June as long as you’re happy for it to be a long day haha.
You’d need to take the Bernina Express 950, departs Tirano 8.06am and arrives in Chur at 12.22pm, then you can take the Glacier Express 907 departing Chur at 2.26pm and arriving in Zermatt at 8.10pm. Hope this helps!
I’m so glad I found your post. I’ve been reading all your advice, but torn on determining final plans for May 2024. It is my “retirement” trip, though decided I’ll work part-time still. My husband is more hesitant. We don’t travel light- usually two 23 kg bags and 1-2 carry ons too. For this reason, I’m considering renting a car for part of the trip, though want to take the Bernina Express for a portion. All hotel and car reservations can be cancelled. Itinerary thus far.
1. Arriving in Basel after a river cruise May 23; pick up car and tour Basel
2. Drive to Bern- stay for 2 nights at Swissotel Kursaal
3. Drive to Gsteigwiler and stay for 2 nights in a small apartment May 25-27
4. Drive to Cannero Riviera and stay for 3 nights at Hotel Cannero May 27-May 30;
5. This is where I need your help the most. The thought is possibly to do the Bernina Express on May 28th or return rental car in Locarno May 30th, take the Bernina Express Bus followed by Bernina Express and spend the night in St. Moritz on May 30th.
6. Depending on #5, or instead of staying in St. Moritz, return to Varnerro, stay one night May 30th.
7. From Varnerro or St. Moritz or other recommendation, take train to MXP and stay at hotel near airport on May 31st. We have an early 8:15 am flight from MXP to California.
Any recommendations gladly taken. It’s our first time in Switzerland, but also want to relax and enjoy the beauty this region has to offer
Hey Rose đ I haven’t been to most of those places unfortunately (Bern, Gsteigwiler, Cannero Riviera) but I might be able to help with your Bernina Express plans.
Some ideas from my side:
– You won’t be able to do a day trip on the Bernina Express if you’re coming all the way from Cannero Riviera, the only day trip available from Tirano would leave at 8.06am, arrive in Chur at 12.22pm, then leave Chur at 1.34pm and arrive back in Tirano at 5.59pm. It’s a 3-ish hour drive from Cannero Riviera to Tirano so it would be a very very long day! There isn’t a way to do a Bernina Express day trip from Tirano to St Moritz in back in summer unfortunately, the timetables don’t align.
– With this in mind I think it would be best to enjoy your time in Cannero Riviera from 27-30 May, then spend a day reaching St Moritz or Chur by Bernina Express on 30 May, spend that night in St Moritz or Chur, and then come back to Milan on the 31st before flying out early on June 1.
So to break that down in detail:
– On the 30th you could return your rental car to Lugano (or if Locarno is the only option then return it there and get a direct train to Lugano, 35 minutes and runs hourly)
– Catch the 10am bus (only one per day) to arrive in Tirano at 1pm
– Catch the 1.17pm Bernina Express to St Moritz, or the 2.24pm Bernina Express to Chur if you want to do the whole route
– Stay the night in either Chur or St Moritz
– On the 31st you could catch the Bernina Express back to Tirano, train to Milan, stay out at the airport (about 3h 45m from Tirano to MXP by train)
I hope that helps but let me know if you have any further questions!
Hi there. As everyone else mentioned, the guide was super helpful I am wanting to do both trains and am not super crunched for time. I am traveling in August and any going to be in Switzerland before going to northern Italy. With that in min, it would seemingly make most sense to do your “Ideal” solution of “both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express, one after the other. Start in Milan, train to Tirano, catch the Bernina to St Moritz, then the Glacier to Zermatt, and then continue your trip from there!” but in reverse order. Is this possible? Is it possible to take a normal train and to Zermatt a day prior and then start the journey there and end in Milan? Any insight would be super helpful!
Hey Trent, thanks for your feedback đ
That route is possible in reverse order for sure. You can catch regional trains to get to Zermatt, from Zurich it’s about 3h 10m – 3h 30m, or from Milan it’s between 3h 45m – 4h 30m.
I also have a Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary which you might find useful: https://findingalexx.com/northern-italy-switzerland-itinerary/
I read your article with a lot of excitement. My wife and I along with 3 other couples are planning a Europe vacation in October 2024. We are arriving in London on 10/11 and flying back home from Rome on 10/26. On the way south, we are doing a couple of nights in Paris and then another 2-3 nights in Switzerland (we still have to figure out our Italy stops). I’ve been racking my brain how to make the most of our stop in Switzerland when I landed on your page. Doing both the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express seems to be the ideal grand tour in Switzerland. So, the short question is, how do we do that on one trip, and what stops would you recommend? We are not very experienced travelers, so some detail on how to achieve our goals would help us great deal!
Hi Julio! I have some blog posts that will definitely be able to help you.
Switzerland & Italy itinerary (you can see a few different options depending on your travel preferences): https://findingalexx.com/northern-italy-switzerland-itinerary/
5 day Switzerland itinerary (includes both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express and you can easily continue onto Milan and then down to Rome): https://findingalexx.com/5-day-switzerland-itinerary/
Hope these help đ
Hi Alexx,
These are constructive reviews. I plan to come to Switzerland for the first time with my family, which includes three children aged 8 to 18, at the end of May. I am flying into Zurich and planning to stay in Switzerland for 5 nights and then six nights in Rome, Venice, and Florence. What is the best town for me to stay and explore the train in Switzerland? Like both the glacier and the Bernina express. Thought of doing some adventure activities like Titlis cable ride, paragliding, and some nature spots.
Can you suggest me a plan? Thanks in advance
Hey Mohan! I’ve got a five day Switzerland itinerary that includes both the Bernina and the Glacier Express: https://findingalexx.com/5-day-switzerland-itinerary/
And you might also find my Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary useful: https://findingalexx.com/northern-italy-switzerland-itinerary/
Hope these help!
Thank you for your fast reply Alex.
Thanks for the quick reply, Alexx. I enjoyed reading the article; it was very informative and helped me a lot after going through so many YouTube videos, Viator, and Trip Advisor, I think your guide helped me a lot. I printed it for my trip. Thanks again
I really appreciate the feedback Mohan, and so glad to hear it has helped you! I hope you have a brilliant trip đ
Hola Ălex..queremos viajar a Norte Italia y ZERMATT a primeros de Octubre…
Nuestra idea es llegar a BĂ©rgamo o MilĂĄn, desplazarnos en coche de alquiler a visitar pueblos Lago Garda, acercarnos a parque natural Stelvio y de allĂ ir a Tirano a coger el Bernina Express y luego el Glacier express hasta ZERMATT. AllĂ quedarnos dos noches o tres y visitar lo mĂĄs imprescindible….
Mi pregunta a tu experiencia es la siguiente….:
Me compensa comprar alguna tarjeta de transporte para que nos salga mejor el precio? Con presupuesto lo mas ajustado posible….
Hola Marian! If you’re taking the Glacier Express and Bernina Express then it is almost always worth getting the Swiss Travel Pass, these trains are expensive (especially the Glacier) so the savings provided by the STP will almost certainly save you money.
Hi Alex. We are planning to take the Bernina Express from Tirano in early May 2025. We then intend taking the Glacier Express to Zermatt. We are trying to work out whether to overnight in St Moritz or Chur. If Chur then the village is more to our taste but we would miss out on the Glacier Express between St Moritz and Chur.
Both trains do this section of the journey but would you recommend the Glacier Express over the Bernina Express?
Hey Michael! That part of the journey is exactly the same and the Bernina Express is cheaper, not to mention that staying in Chur is quite a bit cheaper than St Moritz too. I’d say go for the whole Bernina Express route to Chur, enjoy your stay there, and then book the shorter Glacier Express trip from Chur to Zermatt.
Hey Alexx,
we’re a couple from Portugal and we’re planning to spend our X-mas holidays in Switzerland. We’ve decided to go on both the Bernina and Glacier Express. Thing is we’d like to spend a couple of days in Chur and in St Moritz. How can we do that? Can we take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur, stay there and then take the Bernina Express to Tirano and make a stop in St Moritz? Thanks for your help.
Hey Luis! Sounds like a fantastic trip, but you’ll need to check your dates for the St Moritz-Tirano route as I think it only runs from 7-10 December and 13-14 December. The Chur-Tirano route doesn’t go via St Moritz but it does get close.
You could do the Glacier Express, spend time in Chur, then catch the Chur-Tirano route but stop at Pontresina. From Pontresina it’s a quick local train to St Moritz. From St Moritz you could get the Bernina Express if it’s running that day, or just go back to Pontresina and jump back on the Chur-Tirano route.
Thanks Alexx, you’ve been very helpful. I’ll check the dates and routes for both the Glacier & Bernina Express. We’re looking forward to this adventure!
Hi Alex. I’m Nurul from Jakarta, Indonesia. I want to ask. Is it true that there is a train called the Bernina Railway and that train is different from the Bernina Express? I wanted to try riding this Bernina but encountered confusion about the Bernina Railway vs Bernina Express train. can you explain? Thank You.
Hi Nurul! The Bernina Railway is just the name of a specific part of the railway journey that the Bernina Express takes. The Bernina Express travels between Chur and St Moritz to Tirano, and part of that track is known as the Bernina Railway. I hope this helps!