The Bernina line is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in Europe, and it starts almost on the doorstep of Lake Como. The narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway climbs from the Italian town of Tirano over the Bernina Pass to St. Moritz, passing a spiral viaduct at Brusio, the high lake of Lago Bianco and views of glaciers on the way, and it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The panoramic carriages have large windows, and on a clear day the scenery changes every few minutes from vineyards to larch forest to bare rock and snow. The full-day trip we link to combines the Bernina train with time in St. Moritz, the famous resort town on its own lake, and it is organised from Lake Como so that you do not have to work out the connections yourself. It is long, but it is the lake region’s best single day trip into the high Alps.
What the trip is
A full-day excursion from Lake Como that includes the Bernina Express train and St. Moritz. The product details are set by the operator, including the pick-up point, how you reach Tirano, the seat reservation and the time you have in St.
Moritz, so read them carefully when you book. Plan on a long day, often twelve hours or more from departure to return, with several hours spent on the move. It suits travellers who enjoy scenery from a train window and are happy to see a lot of ground in one day.
The route
From Tirano the line climbs steeply without a rack, using curves, tunnels and viaducts to gain height, and the Brusio spiral viaduct is the best-known feature. Higher up, the train passes Alp Grüm and runs beside Lago Bianco near the Bernina Pass, which is among the highest points reached by any railway line in the Alps crossed without a tunnel.
Glaciers on the Bernina massif, including the Morteratsch glacier, come into view on clear days. The panoramic carriages mean that nearly everyone has a view, but sit on the side the operator recommends and keep your camera ready.
Season and weather
The line runs all year, and the winter journey through snow is as memorable as the summer one, though the mountains can be hidden by cloud. Dress for the Alps rather than the lake, because St. Moritz is much colder than Como at any time of year. The trip enters Switzerland, which is outside the European Union, so carry a passport or identity card, and expect to pay for small purchases in Swiss francs or by card.
Making the most of it
Eat breakfast before you leave, because the day is long, and bring water and a snack for the train. In St. Moritz, walk down to the lake, wander the main street and find a café with a view, because the town is expensive and a coffee is the budget way to enjoy it.
Keep an eye on the time for the return, since the schedule is fixed and the connections are tight. If one day feels too rushed, a shorter alternative is the Lugano trip, which stays at lake level and has a more relaxed pace.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day excursion by road and rail from Lake Como into Switzerland, with a panoramic train ride and free time in St. Moritz.
Best time
A clear day in any season, with winter snow and summer greenery both rewarding.
How long
A full day, often twelve hours or more including transfers.
Tips
Carry a passport or identity card, dress for Alpine cold and eat before you leave, because the day is long and the schedule is fixed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Railway fans, photographers and anyone who wants high-Alpine scenery on a day away from the lake.
- Families
- Good for older children who enjoy trains, but a twelve-hour day is long for young ones.
- Couples
- A memorable shared journey with views from the train window all day.
- Pair with
- Follow it with a slow day on the lake the next morning, such as a boat tour or a village walk.
- Time needed
- A full day, with an early start and a late return.
Good questions
What is the Bernina Express?+
A panoramic train service over the Bernina Pass between Tirano in Italy and the Swiss resort of St. Moritz, on a railway that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Do I need a passport?+
Yes, carry a passport or identity card because the route enters Switzerland, which is outside the European Union.
How long is the trip from Lake Como?+
Plan on a full day, often twelve hours or more including the road and rail legs and time in St. Moritz.
What will I see from the train?+
A spiral viaduct near Brusio, the high lake of Lago Bianco, mountain stations such as Alp Grüm and glaciers on the Bernina massif on clear days.
Does the Bernina line run in winter?+
Yes, the line runs through the year. Winter trips cross snowy landscapes, though cloud can hide the peaks.
