from RhB Redaktion in In a nutshell
The trip on the Bernina Line between St. Moritz and Tirano is world-famous. There are two options on this spectacular route: the Bernina Express and the regional trains. Both take you through the UNESCO World Heritage site, but the on-board experience and booking are different.
There are two questions that will help you make a quick decision:
Take a look at this brief overview to ensure you’re not guessing where to board and, above all, you know what to book: which travel experience suits you best, how can you identify your train at the platform and what do you need to consider when booking?
1. Would you like an experience-oriented panoramic journey with a specific seat and additional services on board?
Then the Bernina Express is the right choice. You travel in a unique panoramic car with large viewing windows. In addition to a valid ticket, you will need a seat reservation (subject to a charge). This secures your journey on the selected train and allows you to enjoy impressive views, InfoT(r)ainment, Wi-Fi and on-board service along the way. On the platform, you will recognise the Bernina Express by the panoramic windows that curve right the way up to the roof and the striking white “Bernina Express” lettering.
Pullman Class
The Bernina Express offers the Pullman Class for a particularly stylish experience. Here you will travel in nostalgic 1930s-style coaches with personal service and selected cuisine. The offer is limited to 32 passengers per journey; it’s worth booking early.
2. Would you like to travel the same route but with the regular timetable?
Then regional trains are a good option. They operate on the same line as the Bernina Express, but offer a more frequent service throughout the day. Instead of travelling in the panoramic car, you travel in regular coaches with classic windows that can be opened and feature sun protection. Before boarding, you will recognise the regional coaches by the standard RhB lettering. This is particularly helpful when the regional train and the panoramic car are travelling together. Seats on the regional train can only be reserved on the Bernina Line between St. Moritz and Tirano. Due to the high demand, we particularly recommend this voluntary reservation. It costs CHF 5.00 per person and route and is available in 1st or 2nd class.
The right booking: what you should bear in mind
On the Bernina Express:
To travel in the panoramic car of the Bernina Express, you need two things: a valid ticket and a mandatory seat reservation. Practical: you can book both together in the online shop. If you already have a ticket (e.g. GA travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass, 1-day travelpass), select the seat reservation only.
As seats on the Bernina Express are often fully booked well in advance, it is advisable to make a reservation early, especially if you want to travel on a specific date. The regular ticket can easily be purchased later if required. The only important thing is that you have both with you at the latest when you board the train.
On the Bernina Express:
The regional train allows you to travel on the Bernina Line with regular timetable service. You will need a valid ticket to travel. Seats on the regional train can only be reserved on the Bernina Line between St. Moritz and Tirano. For this section, which is in high demand, we particularly recommend making a voluntary reservation. It costs CHF 5.00 per person and route, is valid in 1st and 2nd class and ensures greater planning certainty, especially on popular travel days.
Simply select your departure and arrival station as well as your desired travel date in the booking screen. As only a limited number of reservable seats are available per connection, it is worth making an early reservation, especially in good weather, at weekends and during holiday periods.
Good to know:
If you buy your ticket from one of our sales partners or a private ticket provider, it’s worth taking a closer look at the details. In translations in particular, regional trains on the Bernina Line may be referred to as the Bernina Express. When terms such as “Bernina Red train” or “Trenino Rosso” are used, this generally refers to the regional train.
Bernina Express
Regional train
Connections
Runs on selected connections.
Runs on the regular timetable with more connections throughout the day.
Route
Bernina Line with the following highlights:
Lago Bianco at 2,253 m above sea level
Alp Grüm
Brusio Circular Viaduct
Bernina Line with the following highlights:
Lago Bianco at 2,253 m above sea level
Alp Grüm
Brusio Circular Viaduct
Travel experience
Comfortable panoramic cars with modern interior design
Panoramic windows for an all-round view
InfoT(r)ainment
Free Wi-Fi
Minibar/on-board service
Regular windows with sun shading that can be opened
Passenger information on screens
Class
1st or 2nd class in a panoramic car
Pullman Class (nostalgic carriage, personal care and culinary delights, max. 32 passengers per journey)
1st or 2nd class
Booking
Ticket + seat reservation required
Ticket, seat reservation recommended