Bernina Express from Milan, explained: the complete guide

The short version: the Bernina Express runs between Tirano (Italy) and St. Moritz/Chur (Switzerland), not from Milan itself. From Milan you take a regional train to Tirano and board the panoramic train there. The easiest way to do it is an organised day trip — the most-booked is the Bernina Train & St. Moritz Day Trip. It is a full-day outing and the line runs year-round.

Departs fromMilan Centrale

Change atTirano

Panoramic trainTirano → St. Moritz

Journey~2h20 on the train

Full day~10–11 hrs

Highest pointOspizio Bernina 2,253 m

What is the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express is a panoramic tourist train run by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) across the Bernina Pass. Its route — part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes — climbs from Tirano at 429 m to the Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 m and down to St. Moritz, all without a rack rail. The carriages have huge curved windows built for the scenery.

How do you get to it from Milan?

The Bernina Express does not serve Milan. You have two options: make your own way by regional train from Milano Centrale to Tirano (about 2h20) and buy the reserved panoramic ticket, or book a day tour that includes the transfers, the seat reservation and usually a coach back. For a day visitor, the organised tour is almost always simpler and often cheaper once you add everything up.

What do the tours cover?

The day trip — the classic: panoramic train one way, free time in St. Moritz, coach back. Read the day-trip review.
The red-train run — the best-value focus on the ride itself. See the red-train review.
The Lake Como combo — the Bernina Express plus a cruise on Lake Como. Read the combo review.
Guided and private options — a host throughout, or a private car door to door.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Day trips start around €100–€102 and run to about €174 for the Lake Como combo; private tours cost more. The panoramic train is 2h20; a full round-trip day is 10–11 hours. More on what it costs and the timetable.

Book a Bernina Express day trip from Milan

The simplest way to ride the Bernina Express from Milan is an organised day trip — it bundles the Milan–Tirano train, the reserved panoramic seat and the return, so all you do is turn up.

Check availability & book

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When should you go?

The line runs all year. Winter brings snow and the frozen Lago Bianco; June to October gives green valleys and the clearest glacier views. Whenever you go, book ahead — seat reservation is compulsory and popular departures sell out.

Going beyond St. Moritz

The same railway reaches deeper into Switzerland. See how to continue to Chur, Zurich or the wider Swiss Alps from Milan.

Popular Bernina Express tours from Milan

Most booked

From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

★ 4.5 · 4,893 reviews

from €134 / person

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Best value

From Milan to the Swiss Alps: Bernina Red Train & St. Moritz

★ 4.7 · 3,841 reviews

from €102 / person

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Lake Como combo

From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

★ 4.6 · 6,030 reviews

from €174 / person

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Bernina Express go to Milan?

No — it runs between Tirano and St. Moritz/Chur. From Milan you take a regional train to Tirano (about 2h20) and board there, or book a day trip that handles both legs.

Is the Bernina Express from Milan worth it?

For anyone who enjoys mountains, yes — it is one of Europe’s great rail journeys, and as a day trip someone else handles the logistics. The classic day trip rates 4.5 from 4,800+ reviews.

Do I need to book the Bernina Express in advance?

Yes. Seat reservation is compulsory and popular summer and holiday departures sell out; booking a package ahead through GetYourGuide secures your seat with free cancellation on most tours.