Bernina Glaciers – Diavolezza
The fascination of glaciers
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The most spectacular way to cross the Alps: the Bernina Express from Chur / St. Moritz - Valposchiavo - Tirano links up regions with different languages and cultures. This is not a rack railway and the train winds its way gently through splendid scenery.
On the highest railway across the Alps, the Bernina Express climbs up to the glistening glaciers before descending to the palms of Italy far below. This rail link between Northern and Southern Europe builds bridges between regions with different languages and cultures.
The railway is unique, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease. At the highest point on the RhB, 2,253 metres above sea level, you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here, visitors can delight in the cultural and natural surroundings and enjoy the Alps at their most impressive. The railway line from Thusis - Valposchiavo - Tirano has UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to the modern panoramic cars, you will enjoy unrestricted views of the unspoilt Alpine panorama.
A fascinatingly different gift.
Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Why not give them an unforgettable experience with the Rhaetian Railway!
When you travel on the Bernina Express, you will enjoy one highlight after another. There is everything from impressive constructions to spectacular views.
“Coffee, something sweet or Prosecco!” That’s the cry heard on the Bernina Express as the minibar approaches. Friendly stewards are on hand to serve local specialities and turn a journey in the panoramic car into a true gourmet trip!
The Albula and Bernina section of track is a masterpiece in terms of civil engineering and routing. Landscape and railway blend into one: in wide radiuses, ingenious man-made structures punctuate rugged valleys. The Landwasser Viaduct, the helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda and the Brusio Circular Viaduct all stand testimony to the early, pioneering days of the railway.
The viaduct at Filisur spans the Landwasser Valley and leads directly into a tunnel. The construction of the three main pillars in 1901/02 was an outstanding architectural feat, considering that the viaduct was built using only two cranes and without scaffolding. This is the most spectacular landmark on the Rhaetian Railway and it has become famous the world over.
Enjoy this unforgettable view of the Palü Glacier, Bernina Range, Bergamasque Alps and all of Valposchiavo! Alp Grüm station is on the border between the German- and Italian-speaking areas of Switzerland – although from a geographical point of view, Alp Grüm belongs to the German-speaking area.
The highest point on the RhB is situated 2,253 metres above sea level. The watershed between Lago Bianco and Lej Nair is also the language frontier between the Romansh-speaking Engadine and the Italian-speaking Valposchiavo. The Bistro Albergo at the railway station was renovated in 2013 and serves tasty snacks at teatime.
The valley in the southern Alps is a great place to enjoy lengthy hikes, leisurely strolls and fine regional specialities. Explore the historic heart of Poschiavo, centred around its pleasant piazza, and discover various aspects of the valley's history in one of the museums or the colourful "Spanish Quarter" built by returning emigrants. Soaking up the beautiful scenery at the Lago di Poschiavo makes a fitting end to a memorable trip.
This viaduct turns round a 360-degree curve, lengthening the track so that it is possible to overcome the difference in altitude in the narrow Valposchiavo. The Brusio Circular Viaduct is considered the most spectacular construction on the Bernina Line.
Reaching the border: the little Italian town of Tirano is a customs post and the southern point of departure of the Bernina Line. The pilgrimage church of Madonna di Tirano dominates the romantic Old Town. The Italian way of life is reflected by the palazzi and ice cream.
Regulations Switzerland:
The obligation to wear a mask on public transport and all other measures were lifted. Of course, passengers are free to continue wearing a mask on public transport.
Regulations Italy:
A Green Pass (3G rule) is no longer required for entering Italy, visiting bars and restaurants, hotels, personal services and shops. However, FFP2 mask wearing will continue to be mandatory on all local and long-distance public transport (including the Bernina Express bus) until 30 September.
The applicable provisions may change at any time. We therefore recommend that you use this link for Italy and this for Switzerland to find out more about the regulations shortly before your trip.
Bernina Express Zug
Strecke:
Bernina Express Bus
The panoramic bus operates on the following route:
Lugano - Tirano - Lugano
Extend your trip on the Bernina Express Bus and turn it into a circular tour via Ticino.
Due to the RhB world record attempt on Saturday, 29 October 2022, the Bernina Express is not operating according to timetable.
Replacement timetable
Train 951 | Train 952 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Chur dep. | 08.36 | Tirano dep. | 14.24 |
Landquart dep.1 | 08.52 | Le Prese dep. | 14.55 |
Klosters Platz dep.1 | 09.49 | Poschiavo dep. | 15.10 |
Pontresina dep. | 10.50 | Alp Grüm dep. | 15.45 |
Bernina Diavolezza dep. | 11.05 | Pontresina dep. | 16.24 |
Alp Grüm dep. | 11.25 | Samedan arr.2 | 16.30 |
Poschiavo dep. | 12.10 | Klosters Platz arr.2 | 17.37 |
Le Prese dep. | 12.21 | Landquart arr.2 | 18.16 |
Tirano arr. | 12.49 | Chur arr. | 18.40 |
1 Boarding-only stop
2 Alighting-only stop
Trains 971 to 976 are not affected by the interruption and can therefore operate according to timetable.
Due to engineering works, services on the Trenord line between Tirano and Colico are suspended from 26.06.2022 to 09.09.2022. A replacement bus service is provided along the route. Delays and missed connections can be expected.
In order to ensure a connection with the Bernina Express 972 (departure from Tirano at 10.06 am), we recommend taking the following train from Milano Centrale:
6.20 am depart Milano Centrale (RE 2812)
7.46 am arrive Colico
7.54 am depart Colico (replacement bus 2812A)
9.30 am arrive Tirano
Seat reservation required
Seat reservations on the Bernina Express and on the Bernina Express Bus are obligatory. Book now online, by phone on +41 81 288 65 65, or at any railway ticket office in Europe (at the earliest three months prior to travel if booking by phone or at a railway ticket office).
A supplement is charged for the reservation in addition to the price of a valid ticket. The supplement per person and leg of journey is:
Bernina Express | CHF 26.00 CHF 24.00 CHF 20.00 |
Bernina Express Bus Season A: 01.06. - 30.09.2022 Season B: 01.03. - 31.05.2022/01.10. - 31.10.2022 Season C: 01.11. - 10.12.2022 |
CHF 14.00 CHF 10.00 |
Price per leg of journey (surcharge excluded)
Journey from Chur
2nd class | 1st class | 2nd class, back | 1st class, back | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chur - Tirano | CHF 63.00 | CHF 111.00 | CHF 126.00 | CHF 222.00 |
Chur - Poschiavo | CHF 56.00 | CHF 98.00 | CHF 112.00 | CHF 196.00 |
Journey from St. Moritz
2nd class | 1st class | 2nd class, back | 1st class, back | |
---|---|---|---|---|
St. Moritz - Tirano | CHF 32.00 | CHF 56.00 | CHF 64.00 | CHF 112.00 |
Station | Train 9713 | Train 9512 | Train 9733 | Train 9553 | Train 9751 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chur | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 08.32 | 13.33 | |||
Thusis | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 14.04 | ||||
Tiefencastel | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 09.18 | 14.28 | |||
Filisur | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 09.33 | ||||
Bergün | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 09.47 | 14.57 | |||
St. Moritz | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 09.17 | 13.17 | 16.14 | ||
Pontresina | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 09.28 | 10.22 | 13.28 | 15.41 | 16.23 |
Bernina Diavolezza | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 10.40 | 16.06 | 16.39 | ||
Ospizio Bernina | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 16.16 | 16.49 | |||
Alp Grüm | an arr. | 10.06 | 10.59 | 14.07 | 16.28 | 17.00 |
Poschiavo | an arr. | 10.54 | 12.01 | 14.53 | 17.15 | 18.00 |
Le Prese | an arr. | 11.02 | 12.20 | 15.01 | 17.32 | |
Campocologno | an arr. | 11.24 | 12.41 | 15.24 | 17.51 | 18.27 |
Tirano | an arr. | 11.32 | 12.49 | 15.31 | 17.59 | 18.39 |
1 Runs 15.04. – 30.10.2022 and 07.12. – 10.12.2022
2 Runs all year round
3 Runs 14.05. - 30.10.2022
Station | Train 9503 | Train 9721 | Train 9743 | Train 9522 | Train 9763 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tirano | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 08.06 | 10.06 | 13.17 | 14.24 | 16.06 |
Campocologno | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 08.15 | 10.16 | 13.25 | 14.34 | 16.14 |
Le Prese | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 08.35 | 10.41 | 13.44 | 14.55 | 16.40 |
Poschiavo | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 08.47 | 10.50 | 13.57 | 15.10 | 16.48 |
Alp Grüm | ab / dep. part. / dép | 09.48 | 11.42 | 14.59 | 15.44 | 17.42 |
Ospizio Bernina | an arr. | 09.56 | ||||
Bernina Diavolezza | an arr. | 11.59 | 15.16 | |||
Pontresina | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 10.32 | 12.27 | 15.36 | 16.24 | 18.17 |
St. Moritz | an arr. | 12.35 | 15.45 | 18.25 | ||
Bergün | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 11.14 | 17.04 | |||
Filisur | ab / dep. part. / dép. | 11.26 | 17.17 | |||
Tiefencastel | an arr. | 11.43 | 17.31 | |||
Thusis | an arr. | 12.01 | ||||
Chur | an arr. | 12.39 | 18.20 |
1 Runs 15.04. - 30.10.2022 and 07.12. - 10.12.2022
2 Runs all year round
3 Runs 14.05. - 30.10.2022
Book now online, by calling the RhB Railservice on +41 81 288 65 65, or at any manned railway station in Europe (at the earliest three months prior to travel if booking by phone or at a railway station).
Chatting, sending photos or spontaneously booking a hotel room – you can now use the free Wi-Fi during your trip on the Bernina Express.
This is how to connect up to the Wi-Fi |
---|
Connect up to the Wi-Fi network «InfoTrainment» |
Call up the website www.infotrainment.ch in your browser |
Accept the General Terms & Conditions |
Click the «Internet» tile on the overview page |
Register using your mobile phone number |
Use the free Wi-Fi throughout your journey on the Bernina Express |
Please note: Mobile phone coverage in the Alps/along the route is limited and we cannot guarantee an Internet connection. Have fun surfing.
Free of charge in first and second class: Bernina Express InfoT(r)ainment
Your personal travel companion with audio guide. Call up the InfoT(r)ainment system free of charge on your smartphone or tablet. The digital travel companion provides you with interesting stories and information, shows you the route live on the map and provides information at all times on how fast the train is going on the UNESCO World Heritage route. Find out more here.
Tip: Headphones are available at the minibar for just CHF 2.00.
Just what you're looking for: on the Bernina Express, the roving minibar has delicacies to suit all tastes. Fine regional snacks and refreshing drinks are served directly at your seat. You will find the current Bernina Express menu here.
This train does not have a restaurant car. Lunch is available in Poschiavo or in Tirano (Italy).
A traditional blast: Legend has it that the blasting of the train’s whistle was once used to order after-work drinks. Read about the legend of the «blast» here. Our on-board personnel will be happy to take your order. The train driver will take care of the rest.
Regulations Switzerland:
The obligation to wear a mask on public transport and all other measures were lifted. Of course, passengers are free to continue wearing a mask on public transport.
Regulations Italy:
A Green Pass (3G rule) is no longer required for entering Italy, visiting bars and restaurants, hotels, personal services and shops. However, FFP2 mask wearing will continue to be mandatory on all local and long-distance public transport (including the Bernina Express bus) until 30 September.
The applicable provisions may change at any time. We therefore recommend that you use this link for Italy and this for Switzerland to find out more about the regulations shortly before your trip.
If you are travelling to Tirano and/or Lugano you will need a passport or identity card to cross the border.
The Rhaetian Railway does everything it can to make travelling by train as pleasant an experience as possible for people with impaired mobility. And that also includes the journey on the Bernina Express. We recommend the following procedure for booking and organising your trip:
Option 1
There are special seats available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchair. These seats must be booked using our Railservice by calling +41 81 288 65 65 or sending an e-mail to railservice(at)rhb.ch
Option 2
Passengers with impaired mobility who can leave their wheelchairs can book their seats themselves at a station or online.
In both cases it is important that the passenger pre-orders the boarding and alighting assistance from the SBB Call Center Handicap by calling 0800 007 102 or sending an e-mail to mobil(at)sbb.ch
Dogs are allowed on Bernina Express trains. Please make sure you have the necessary documents with you for crossing the border into Italy.
A dog does not need a reservation. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need a special dog ticket. Please look here for more information.