Traverses the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, Bernina Line, crossing the 2,253-meter high Bernina Pass. It was difficult planning where to stop & which ticket I should get before my travel. This is the note for my next trip. Listed prices & time tables is on March 7th in 2026.
- Bernina Pass Overview
- Key Sights Along The Route
- 08:58 Tirano
- 09:11 Campascio* /Viadotto di Brusio (Spiral Viaduct)
- 09:15 Brusio* / Viadotto di Brusio (Spiral Viaduct)
- 09:22 Miralago* / Lago di Poschiavo (Poschiavo lake)
- 09:27 Le Prese / Lago di Poschiavo (Poschiavo lake)
- 09:36-09:37 Poschiavo (1,014m)
- 09:58 Cavaglia* / Glacier Garden
- 10:10-10:13 Alp Grüm (2,019m)/Palu Glacier & Lake Palu
- 10:20 Ospizio Bernina (2,234m) / Lago Bianco&Lago Nero
- 10:29-10:31 Bernina Lagalb (2,099m) */Piz Alv & Piz Lagalb
- 10:33-10:34 Bernina Diavolezza (2,093m)*/Piz Bernina
- 10:36-10:40 Bernina Suot * /Piz Minor
- 11:46 Morteratsch (1,896 m)*/Glacier & Glacier Cave
- 10:56-11:01 Pontresina(1,773m) / Historic City Views
- 11:11 St.Moritz (1,856m)/ Lake St. Moritz & Piz Nair
- Key Sights Along The Route
- Know Before You Go
Bernina Pass Overview
Yellow box is the well-known Bernina Pass where as Tirano <-> St. Moritz which is a short course. Long course is Tirano <-> Chur. This article is written about a short course. Here is a basic info.
– Destination:Tirano <->St.Mortiz
– One Way Rides: 2hr 15min.
– Train comes every hour.
– Passanger Ticket*:CHF33〜/one way
– Reserved Seat Ticket*
Summer (May-Oct): CHF36〜/one way
Other Season (Nov-April): CHF20〜/one way
*Booking is available from 6 months ago.
*The price is vary by time of purchase & time table for a single ticket.
Currency:CHF1=¥201, $1.26
Key Sights Along The Route
I listed local line(R) route departing from Tirano to St. Moritz. The key station is highlighted here to get the idea what to do. The lockers and luggage storage are available at Pontresina & St.Mortiz station. You may want to load off you luggage if you have a suite case. I highlighted pink which is famous in general and light blue which I liked. For those who loves hiking like me then you may like light blue spots to checkout. Also, I’ve marked “*” which means “stop on request” where you need to press button to get off the train. URL is a route to show at Google Map or Official site for a reference.
ex) Time Stamp, Station’s Name* (attitude) / key sights
– Tirano to St.Moritz: Left seat in the direction of travel.
– St.Moritz to Tirano: Right seat in the direction of travel.
*only one spot,Lago di Poschiavo (Poschiavo lake) where you can see between Miralago & Le Prese, is better to see from the other side of listed seat above.
08:58 Tirano
Tirano is a historic town in Lombardy, Northern Italy, nestled in the Valtellina valley near the Swiss border. There are restaurants & cafe near stations or a cathedral, Santuario della Madonna di Tirano that it opens from 7am.
09:07 Campocologno: a small town where the borderline between Italy & Switzerland.
09:11 Campascio* /Viadotto di Brusio (Spiral Viaduct)
Prepare to take a photo or video of Viadotto di Brusio. This 360-degree Spiral Viaduct is located between Campascio & Brusio. It’s only 15 min. walk to get there & 35 min. walk to the next station Brusio.
09:15 Brusio* / Viadotto di Brusio (Spiral Viaduct)
The famous 360-degree Brusio Circular Viaduct engineering feat. It’s only 15 min. walk to get there. There are restaurants and wine shops on your way to Viadottto di Brusio.
09:22 Miralago* / Lago di Poschiavo (Poschiavo lake)
Poschiavo lake is calm and clear surface reflects the surrounding mountains just like a mirror. It locates right next to the station. You can stop here and take a 2-hour walk starting from the station to go around the lake. Alternatively, you can walk up along the lake for 43 minutes to the next station, Le Prese. You can also view from train. In that case, you’ll see the view on the right seat (Tirano->St.Moritz) & on the left seat(St.Moritz->Tirano). Selecting a seat can be tricky. The only seat with a better view is on the other side.
09:27 Le Prese / Lago di Poschiavo (Poschiavo lake)
You can also stop here & enjoy Lago di Pochiavo. 7 min. walk to get to the lake. Also, there is a boat ride, Sassalbo, available. It seems limited time is opened especially for winter.
09:32 Li Curt*
09:36-09:37 Poschiavo
It offers access to a quieter, Mediterranean-influenced alpine village surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is an immediate access to the Italian-speaking charm of the Poschiavo valley. You can enjoy local Valtellina cuisine, explore the historic village center, and admire panoramic alpine scenery.
09:58 Cavaglia* / Glacier Garden
Cavaglia is a small hamlet on the western flank of Val Poschiavo in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. The spot to highlight is Cavaglia Glacier Gardern. It features over 20 deep, sculpted holes formed by glacial meltwater. There are easy walking paths and educational insights into glacial history.
10:10-10:13 Alp Grüm (2,091m)/Palu Glacier & Lake Palu
Alp Grüm is a scenic, car-free viewpoint and railway station at 2,091 meters in the Swiss Alps. It is famous for panoramic views of the Palü Glacier and Val Poschiavo. There is a restaurant at the station to enjoy your meal with the view. You can hike up along Lago Bianco for 2hrs to the next station, Ospizio Bernina.
10:20 Ospizio Bernina (2,253m) / Lago Bianco&Lago Nero
The highest point, offering views of Lago Bianco and Lago Nero. Lago Bianco is known as milky-white glacial waters that you can see from to the station. You can hike for 2hrs 10min. to loop the lake by hike. There were a few people walking up on frozen lake here.
10:29-10:31 Bernina Lagalb*/Piz Alv & Piz Lagalb
Beautiful access to Piz Alv or Piz Lagalb for easy climbing up at about 1 hr/one way.
10:33-10:34 Bernina Diavolezza (2,082m)*/Piz Bernina
There is an observation deck at Piz Bernina (4,049m), the highest peak in the Bernina mountain range by cable car. You can see the impressive Pers Glacier and Morteratsch Glacier. You can enjoy skiing or have a meal or drinks in front of stunning view. The cable card ride is about 10 min. It generally runs from early morning until late afternoon, often at 20-minute intervals during peak. There is a variety tickets that you can buy at Corvatsch AG, Diavolezza Lagalb AG or Engadin Tourismus AG. Purchasing only ticket is available at a ticket office offline. Skiers can use the “Snow Deal” for better rates.
Adults (Return): CHF 44.00(summer) – 46.00(winter)
Adults (Single Ascent): CHF 31.00
Children (6–12 years): CHF 14.50 (Return)
Adolescents (13–17 years): CHF 29.50 (Return)
Cable car & lunch package: CHF 57.00 – 59.00
10:36-10:40 Bernina Suot * /Piz Minor
Stunning access to Piz Minor (3,049m) mountain in the Livigno Alps, located in Graubünden, Switzerland to hike for 1.5hrs.
From Bernina Suot (2045 m) go south-eastward to the bridge over the Ova da Bernina and follow the alp access road to Val da Fain until below Alp la Stretta. Now cross the Ova da la Val da Fain. If this proves to be impossible, use the bridge at Alp la Stretta. On the other side of the creek ascend southward to P. 2582 north of Piz Minor. Now turn left to ascend the north-west slope and a steep bowl to reach the saddle at P. 2832 south of Muot Arduond. Now turn right to overcome an escarpment and finally ascend to the summit from the north-west.
11:46 Morteratsch */Glacier & Glacier Cave
Stunning view to enjoy the Morteratsch Glacier. It is the largest glacier in the Bernina Range of the Bündner Alps in Switzerland. Also, There are a few naturally formed fascinating blue Morteratsch Glacier Ice Cave as you go further. Strongly recommended to take a tour for your safety, but you can go there at your own risk. It’s 1 hour hike/one way from the station. There is a restaurant next to its station.
10:52-10:53 Surovas *
It serves as a starting point for hiking trails. These trails include the one to Muottas da Puntraschigna. It is near the Taiswald forest and the Ova da Bernina adventure trail.
10:56-11:01 Pontresina/ Historic City Views
Pontresina is a historic, sunny mountain village in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. It is renowned for its 17th-century Engadine houses and Belle Époque hotels. The village is also close to the Bernina Massif. There is a nice walk for 10 min. to Wildwasserschlucht Ova da Bernina.
11:03 Punt Muragl Staz *
11:06 Celerina Staz *
11:11 St.Moritz(1,775m)/ Lake St. Moritz & Piz Nair
St. Moritz is a premier luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. It is renowned as the birthplace of winter tourism. The town is also a two-time Winter Olympic host. It offers year-round skiing and polo on a frozen lake. Visitors can enjoy upscale shopping and top-tier cultural experiences. St. Moritz basks in over 300 days of sunshine annually. You can check up on Lake St. Moritz right in front of the station or Piz Nair by cable cars for an hour for your quick stay.
Access: Funicular from St. Moritz Dorf to Corviglia, then cable car to Piz Nair.
Pedestrian Tickets: Options for 2300m, 2500m, or 3000m (includes Piz Nair) are available.
Winter Rates (approx): Adult pedestrian tickets (up to 3000m) are required for access without skis.
Summer Rates (approx): Adult pedestrian day tickets are CHF 96, and biker tickets are CHF 111.
Piz Nair Sunrise:
Special winter/summer events allow early access to the peak, with prices ranging from ~CHF 30–45 for the experience (excluding lift pass).
Online Tickets: Engadin St. Moritz Mountains
Know Before You Go
2 Railways Offer Bernina Line
There are 2 railways, Rhaetian Railway & SBB Railway. The ticket prices & lines are the same.
Download SBB app
It’s a very useful app to check your destinations, timetables, real-time tracking, ticket price & offers. You can buy QR code tickets & save here for your travel.
4 Types of Carriages To Select
Choose by your purpose. Each carriage has own its advantage. Due to the combinations of carriage type & train type, it’s confusing. So here are basic labels.
| 1st class(1st cl.) | Spacious. Comfortable seats & Big window |
| 2nd class(2nd cl.) | Smaller space & Smaller windows |
| Express(PE) | Reserve the seat. Panoramic view |
| Region(R,RE) | Unreserved seats. Openable window. |
1st class in Bernina Express (PE/Panoramic Express)
This is the most luxury & expensive panoramic view carriage. You need to reserve the seat. The booking runs fast.
2nd class in Bernina Express (PE/Panoramic Express)
This is less luxury panoramic view carriage compared to 1st. You need to reserve the seat.
Benefits
-No Hassle getting better seat.
-Luxury atmosphere in panoramic view.
-Warm, Clean & Comfy in space wise.
Disadvantages
-Unavailable to open the window.
-Not video&photogenic by shadow reflections on window.
-Ticket is the most expensive.
1st class in Region(R)/Region Express(RE)
It is for those who loves to capture video or photogenic view & have large luggage. It’s less people, bigger windows & space, nicer seat compared to 2nd class, and you can open the window. You may get both side of view if there are no travelers on the other side.
-You can open windows to capture real view.
-Less people compared to 2nd class.
-Enough space to locate your suitcase.
Disadvantages
-Seats cannot be reserved.
-Expensive compared to 2nd class.
2nd class in Region(R)/Region Express(RE)
2nd class has a smaller space and window compared to 1st class. However, the experience of the view is the same as 1st class. It’s difficult locating a big luggage like a suitcase.
-You can open windows to capture real view.
-The cheapest ticket.
Disadvantages
-Hassle getting best view seats.
-Not enough space to locate your suitcase.
Ticket Types
There are many ways to buy. These are basic price tables to get ideas between Tirano-St.Moritz. UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway covers Tirano – St.Mortiz – Chur in general. The price differs by destinations, time of your departures & when you buy a ticket. Plan early to get your best deal. The earliest of ticket buying is 6 months before your travel. Yellow highlighted offers the most decent unlimited rides. This is an ideal for short-term travelers like staying a day or two in Switzerland. It’s perfect for travelers who do not need a panorama view.
Passanger Ticket (R, RE, PE)
| 2nd cl. (oneway) | 1st cl. (oneway) | 2nd cl. (roundtrip) | 1st. (roundtrip) | |
| 6 months before | CHF 33 | CHF 57 | CHF 66 | CHF 114 |
| Supersaver Tickets* | CHF 26.50 | CHF45.60 | n/a | n/a |
*Supersaver Tickets: Early bird discount tickets for designated trains. It’s fixed & no refunds available.
Seat reservation (PE)
Bernina Express costs a sum of “Passanger Ticket” + “Seat Reservation”.
| All year round: 14.12.2025 – 12.12.2026 | CHF 32.00/own way |
Unlimited Ride Offers *PE is not included.
| 2nd cl. | 1st cl. | |
| World Heritage Pass(2days) *Thusis <-> Tirano | CHF75 | CHF120 |
| Saver Day Pass (6months before) *Anywhere in Switzerland + Tirano & Konstanz. | CHF52 | CHF88 |
| Saver Day Pass (1day before) *Anywhere in Switzerland + Tirano & Konstanz. | CHF106 | CHF178 |
Saver Day Pass includes activities discounts too. >>>See offers here
Half Fare Travel card Ride
It’s decent to buy if you are spending more than CHF190 in a day. Every transportations & snow activities are 50% off. You can buy Hal Fare Travel Card at CHF190. It’s good for those who travel long distances in Switzerland. >>>More info.
How To Buy A Ticket
Highly recommended to buy at SBB app. Everything you need is there on app. Also, you can buy at Rhätische Bahn Site or SBB site too. Here is a single ticket to buy as a sample after you enter your destinations, date & time.
1:Select carriage type & time
| Carriage type | Riding time |
| R(region) | about 2h 30min |
| RE(region express) | about 2h 13min |
| PE(panoramic carriage) | about 2hr 29 min |
2:Select your conditions
“Point-to-Point ticket“or”Point-to-point class upgrades” is that you can take any train at any time on the specified day. You can take the next one even if you miss your reserved train.
3&4: Check stops & carriage conditions.
5: Buy & Get a QR code ticket.
You can also add to your wallet. You just need to show to a station staff when they check on train.
Lists of departure time
A detailed timetable will be included alongside the tickets. It’s nice to know when from & end to.
– From Tirano to St. Moritz: 07:41, 08:58, 09:41, 11:00, 11:41, 13:00, 13:41, 15:00, 15:41, 17:00, 17:41
– From St.Moritz to Tirano: 08:48, 09:48, 10:48, 11:48, 12:48, 13:48, 14:48, 15:48, 16:48
– From Chur to St. Moritz: 07:58, 08:58, 09:58, 10:58, 11:58,12:58. 13:58, 14:58, 16:58, 17:58
– From St. Moritz to Chur: 07:05, 08:05, 09:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 13:05, 14:05, 15:05, 16:05, 17:05.
Find Your Train Car
You can see 1 or 2 on the train. You can check on SBB app or at the electronic bulletin board too.
How To Open The Door
To open the door is manual. Press the button, (<>). The button locates on your left from outside and on your right from inside.
Stop on request
There will be announcement for next station. The button designs differently by carriage, but the button locates at the wall next to the door of the carriage.
Departing from Milan or Konstanz
You can leave from Milan, Italy & Konstanz, Germany. You can also return to enjoy a UNESCO World Heritage railway trip in a day. From Konstanz, you can take either Glacier Express or Bernina Express or both to enjoy. It’s more reasonable staying compared to Switzerland. Here I listed from Milan.
Milan to Tirano (2hr 32min)
06:20 Milan Central
This is the earliest time table. Milan->St. Moritz is 4.5 hours/one way. You can check time & price of your ticket at Trenord. Strongly recommended to buy on Trenord app for the same reason as SBB. I bought a IVOL ticket, which is an unlimited ride ticket in the Lombardy region in selected days. You can enjoy viewing Lago di Como (Lake Como) on your way to Tirano. Sit on the left seat towards the direction of travel. It’s good to know if you’re getting on the train in Italy for your first time. The Italian lines are not on time. You need to check the station platform number at the electronic bulletin board 10 – 15 min. before your departure at the station. The platform # won’t be shown beforehand and you can’t check on app either. Arrive at the station early. Check the departure time and platform. This will also help you save a better seat. There are a few cafes, VyTA Milano Centrale, Bistrot & Starbucks, opens early like 5 or 6 am. You can grab a cup of coffee or pastries while waiting for a platform # to show. Additionally, you can buy your ticket at ticket vending machines at station. Make sure you get a stamp before you get into train. You may need to pay for a penalty fee if you don’t get a stamp for a paper ticket.
– Download an app, “Trenord”.
– Check time & get your ticket on app
– Single Ticket price:1st cl. €19, 2nd cl. €12.50
-IVOL Ticket(only 2nd cl.):1 day (€17.50)
*IVOL is cheaper for a round trip.You can purchase from app.
– Check platform# at an electronic bulletin board 10min. before your departure.
– Entrance is at 2nd fl.
– Left side seat for Como lake view.
08:52 Tirano / Transfer Trenord Line To Bernina Line
You need to transfer from a Trenord line (Yellow station) to a Berlina line(White station) at Tirano stations. It takes 2-3 min. walk to catch Berlina line. You just need to walk through the station to get into your carriage if you have a QR code ticket. This really saved me to shorten my time to transfer. Any tickets, QR or paper, will be checked on the train by a station staff. The tricky part is that Switzerland Railway is on time while Italian Railway isn’t. There is not enough time to transfer less than 15min. if you’re buying offline tickets since there is a long line to get tickets there. In that case, you can enjoy brunch at El Trigo. Or try a cafe at Caffè San Martino, which opens after 7am. You can also take a city walk like visiting Santuario della Madonna di Tirano. It opens at 7am and is a 15 min walk from the station in Tirano.
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