Scenic rail journeys
Ride the real Bernina Express in a panoramic carriage: a coach from Como to St. Moritz, free time in the resort, then the panoramic train over the Bernina Pass down to Tirano.
Many tours sold as “Bernina Express” actually use the regular red train. This one books you on the real Bernina Express, in a panoramic carriage with large windows that curve up into the roof, and the seat is guaranteed when you book.
The day starts in Como, so there is no early trip into Milan. A coach takes you to St. Moritz for free time, then the panoramic train runs south over the Bernina Pass, past Lago Bianco and down through Val Poschiavo to Tirano, where the coach waits to take you back.
Frigerio Viaggi, a coach company from Como, runs the day with a tour escort who speaks English and Italian. Plan for a long day of 12 to 13 hours.
Large windows curve up into the roof, so you see the peaks as well as the valley.
Free time to walk by the lake and see the resort before the train.
Near the top of the line at 2,253 metres, the train runs beside a pale blue lake.
A tiny station high above Val Poschiavo, looking across to the ice of Piz Palü.
The train winds down through a green valley with its own lake.
Near the end, the train turns a full circle on a stone viaduct before Tirano.
Morning
Coach from Como to St. Moritz
Leave Como by coach and drive north into Switzerland, about 2.5 to 3 hours.
About 1.5 hours
Free time in St. Moritz
Walk by the lake, look round the centre or have an early lunch.
About 2.5 hours
Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano
From your panoramic seat, pass the Morteratsch Glacier, Lago Bianco at the Bernina Pass, Alp Grüm and Val Poschiavo on the way down to Italy.
Short break
Tirano
A short stop in Tirano before the coach leaves. Listings give 20 to 45 minutes.
About 2.5 hours
Coach back to Como
Drive back to the starting point in Como in the evening.
Both trains pass the same highlights: Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm and the Brusio spiral viaduct. Booking sites often call the red train “Bernina Express” in translation.
Source: Rhaetian Railway: Bernina Express or regional train? (13 July 2026)
9 ways to ride the Bernina line, side by side. Choose by where you start, which train you want and whether you’d like a guide.
| Trip | Starts from | Train | Guide | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernina Train Day Trip from Milan to St. MoritzBack over the Maloja Pass | Milan | Red train or Bernina Express (set by the operator) | Yes, English | About 11 hours |
| Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz and Bernina Red Train from MilanWith a Lake Como boat cruise | Milan | Red train, 2nd class | Yes, English and Spanish | About 13 hours |
| Bernina Express and St. Moritz Day Trip from Como This tripPanoramic seat guaranteed | Como | Bernina Express, panoramic | Escort, English and Italian | About 12–13 hours |
| Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Day Trip from MilanGuided walks in Tirano and St. Moritz | Milan | Red train, 2nd class | Yes, English and Spanish | About 12 hours |
| Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz from Bergamo, Milan or LeccoAbout 2.5 hours in St. Moritz | Bergamo, Milan or Lecco | Red train, reserved carriage | Yes, English, Italian and Spanish | About 13 hours |
| Guided Bernina Red Train Tour to St. Moritz from MilanTime in Tirano and St. Moritz | Milan | Red train, 2nd class | Yes, English and Spanish, on the train | About 13 hours |
| Bernina Red Train Ticket from Tirano to St. MoritzAfternoon in St. Moritz | Tirano | Red train | No, ticket only | About 2.5 hours each way |
| Bernina Red Train Return Day Ticket: Tirano to St. MoritzStop along the way | Tirano | Red train | No, written mini-guide | About 2.5 hours each way |
| Bernina Red Train Ticket from St. Moritz to TiranoOne way or return | St. Moritz | Red train, 1st or 2nd class | No, ticket only | About 2.5 hours each way |
Viale Innocenzo XI, Como, in front of B&B Hotel Como City Center
Viale Innocenzo XI 15, 22100 Como, Italy
Wait at the bus stop in front of B&B Hotel Como City Center and arrive 15 minutes before departure. Some listings give number 13 rather than 15 for the same street, so check the exact spot and time on your voucher.
The listing says the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It is a long day of 12 to 13 hours, with about five hours on a coach.
Children need their own ID for the border crossing.
The Bernina Express runs on the St. Moritz–Tirano section all year. In winter the days are short, so views can be less clear late in the day and the coach returns in the dark. Pick a date in the booking box to check availability.
Frigerio Viaggi
Yes, this trip uses the Bernina Express, the Rhaetian Railway’s panoramic train, between St. Moritz and Tirano. Your seat in a panoramic carriage is guaranteed when you book, rather than on request.
The Bernina Express and the red train run on the same route and pass the same sights. The Bernina Express has panoramic carriages and needs a paid seat reservation; the regional red train has regular windows that open and runs more often. This trip includes the Bernina Express seat.
The tour starts in Como, at the bus stop in front of B&B Hotel Como City Center on Viale Innocenzo XI. Arrive 15 minutes early; your voucher shows the start time.
On this trip the train goes from St. Moritz down to Tirano. You reach St. Moritz by coach in the morning and ride the Bernina Express in the afternoon.
You get about 1.5 hours in St. Moritz before the train. That is time for a walk by the lake and a coffee or an early lunch.
No, this tour starts in Como and has no Milan pickup. From Milan, choose a trip that starts there, such as the Bernina red train and St. Moritz day trip from Milan.
Yes, bring a passport or valid ID card, because the trip crosses from Italy into Switzerland and back on the same day.
No, food and drinks are not included. You can eat in St. Moritz during the free time.
Yes, the listings we checked offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. You see the terms for your date before you pay.
Frigerio Viaggi, a coach and tour company based in Como, runs this tour. You book and pay securely through our booking partner. St. Moritz Tours doesn’t run this tour; we explain it here to help you choose.
Details checked on . Tour details can change, and the booking page always shows the current information before you pay.
Scenic rail journeys
Scenic rail journeys
Scenic rail journeys