Regulations Switzerland:
From Saturday, 22 January 2022 persons who are vaccinated or who have previously recovered from COVID-19 are no longer required to present a negative PCR or antigen test before entering Switzerland. Those who have not been vaccinated or who have not previously recovered from COVID-19 continue to be required to be tested before entering Switzerland. The requirement for a second test taken four to seven days after entry is waived. The persons concerned must pay for the tests themselves. Antigen tests remain valid for 24 hours and PCR tests for 72 hours.

The applicable certification requirement for indoor use remains in place. The 2G rule applies in restaurants and bars: access is only permitted for persons who have been vaccinated or who have recovered. The requirement to wear a mask and remain seated remains in place. Masks must continue to be worn on public transport, but no certificate is required.

Infographic Entry Switzerland

Infographic Measures Switzerland

Regulations Italy:
A distinction is now being made between a Basic Green Pass and a Super Green Pass. The Basic Green Pass is issued after a negative molecular or antigen test. The period of validity of these tests could be altered at any time. We recommend that you check the regulations yourself again shortly before your trip. The Super Green Pass is only issued to people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. 

New regulations will apply for entry into Italy, including public transport, from 16 December 2021. These are likely to apply until 31 January 2022. Anyone wishing to enter Italy must be able to produce a negative PCR or antigen test. This also applies to people who have been vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and also has not recovered from the disease must remain in quarantine for five days in addition to the negative COVID test. A quarantine period of 10 days is mandatory for anyone entering Italy from outside the EU/EFTA.

Only those who live in the border area and no more than 60 km from their destination in Italy are excluded from these guidelines. This means that anyone permanently resident in the Engadin or closer to the border can therefore travel to Tirano with a valid Basic Green Pass without observing these rules. 

In addition, the digital passenger localisation form (entry form) must be carried with you on arrival. However, a Super Green Pass will be required to visit restaurants and bars from 6 December 2021. Access is therefore only permitted for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. 

The general obligation to wear a mask in enclosed spaces and on public transport still applies. The Bernina Express will stop in Campocologno for embarkation and disembarkation until further notice. This allows visitors to admire the Brusio Circular Viaduct – one of the highlights of the network – without leaving Switzerland.

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.

Travelling safely on public transport
The protection of passengers and employees continues to be the top priority. The cleaning of the trains has been intensified. Several times a day, contact surfaces and surfaces such as handrails, buttons, tables, armrests and toilets are cleaned and disinfected. Cleaning is also carried out more frequently at the stations. Passengers also have the opportunity to wash their hands in the open WC facilities at the stations in accordance with the regulations. Disinfectant dispensers have been installed at staffed stations. 

In accordance with the FOPH guidelines, a hygiene mask must be worn for public transport from the age of 12. Passengers are responsible for having and wearing a protective mask. Passengers buy tickets online, in apps or from vending machines and pay contactlessly at ticket counters. The protection concept of public transport is based on the personal responsibility and solidarity of the travellers. If they adhere to the measures described above, they can travel safely on Swiss public transport.

Safety conept public transport

FAQ Safety concept Bernina Express

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.

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:

• Prices subject to change.
• Children under 6 travel free of charge. Children from 6 to 16 years pay half the fare. The supplement for seat reservation is payable in full by all.
• Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses are all valid. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full. 
• The Davos-Klosters-Card is not valid on the Bernina Express.

Price per leg of journey (surcharge excluded)

Journey from Chur

Journey from St. Moritz

• Prices subject to change.
• Prices VAT included, without supplement.
• Children aged 6 to 16 pay half the fare. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full.
• Children under 6 occupying a seat of their own pay half the standard fare. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full.
• Children under 6 not occupying a seat of their own travel free.  
• Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses are all valid. The seat reservation supplement must be paid in full. 
• The Davos-Klosters-Card is not valid on the Bernina Express.

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

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

The start of the season of the Bernina Express Bus has been postponed to 4 March 2022. From this point on, the bus will operate according to the adjusted timetable. All bookings for the days on which the Bernina Express Bus is now not operating will be cancelled and refunded free of charge. Please contact our Railservice directly in this matter (railservice(at)rhb.ch).

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).

Quotation request for groups (10 or more persons)

Chatting, sending photos or spontaneously booking a hotel room – you can now use the free Wi-Fi during your trip 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.

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.

Take a piece of your holiday home with you and revel in unforgettable memories. You're sure to find a suitable memento or gift in our souvenir shop. 

A fascinatingly different gift.
Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Why not give them an unforgettable experience with the Rhaetian Railway!

Regulations Switzerland:
From Saturday, 22 January 2022 persons who are vaccinated or who have previously recovered from COVID-19 are no longer required to present a negative PCR or antigen test before entering Switzerland. Those who have not been vaccinated or who have not previously recovered from COVID-19 continue to be required to be tested before entering Switzerland. The requirement for a second test taken four to seven days after entry is waived. The persons concerned must pay for the tests themselves. Antigen tests remain valid for 24 hours and PCR tests for 72 hours.

The applicable certification requirement for indoor use remains in place. The 2G rule applies in restaurants and bars: access is only permitted for persons who have been vaccinated or who have recovered. The requirement to wear a mask and remain seated remains in place. Masks must continue to be worn on public transport, but no certificate is required.

Infographic Entry Switzerland

Infographic Measures Switzerland

Regulations Italy:
A distinction is now being made between a Basic Green Pass and a Super Green Pass. The Basic Green Pass is issued after a negative molecular or antigen test. The period of validity of these tests could be altered at any time. We recommend that you check the regulations yourself again shortly before your trip. The Super Green Pass is only issued to people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. 

New regulations will apply for entry into Italy, including public transport, from 16 December 2021. These are likely to apply until 31 January 2022. Anyone wishing to enter Italy must be able to produce a negative PCR or antigen test. This also applies to people who have been vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and also has not recovered from the disease must remain in quarantine for five days in addition to the negative COVID test. A quarantine period of 10 days is mandatory for anyone entering Italy from outside the EU/EFTA.

Only those who live in the border area and no more than 60 km from their destination in Italy are excluded from these guidelines. This means that anyone permanently resident in the Engadin or closer to the border can therefore travel to Tirano with a valid Basic Green Pass without observing these rules. 

In addition, the digital passenger localisation form (entry form) must be carried with you on arrival. However, a Super Green Pass will be required to visit restaurants and bars from 6 December 2021. Access is therefore only permitted for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. 

The general obligation to wear a mask in enclosed spaces and on public transport still applies. The Bernina Express will stop in Campocologno for embarkation and disembarkation until further notice. This allows visitors to admire the Brusio Circular Viaduct – one of the highlights of the network – without leaving Switzerland.

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  

Further information on travelling with a disability

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.

Self-service bicycle transport is not allowed on the Bernina Express. Please use the marked compartments or luggage cars on the regional (Regio) trains. 

More information on transporting bicycles