English

CHF

Contents

Bernina Express Reservation guide | Secure your seat

Hop on the Bernina Express for a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps. The train takes you past snow-capped mountains, glaciers, valleys, and alpine lakes. Along the way, you'll cross landmarks like the Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Tunnel. At 2,253 meters, Ospizio Bernina offers views of Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier. Booking your seat is essential, and we’re here to make it simple. Let us guide you through the reservation process so you can enjoy this ride hassle-free!

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

Book your Bernina Express tickets

Bernina Express (Ticket with Seat Reservation): Tirano to/from St. Moritz/Chur

Mobile ticket

2 hr. 30 min. - 4 hr. 25 min.

Transfers included

More details

from

CHF 61

Bernina Express Seat Reservation Tickets: Tirano to/from St. Moritz or Chur

Mobile ticket

2 hr. 15 min. - 4 hr. 20 min.

Transfers included

More details

from

CHF 31.20

What is a seat reservation?

Seat reservation guarantees you a specific spot on the Bernina Express, especially during busy times. Reservations are crucial as seats fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons or holidays. Booking in advance ensures a stress-free and enjoyable journey with the best views. Seats on the Bernina Express can be reserved online, by phone or at train stations.

Things to know before choosing your seats

To get the best deal, remember to book tickets 1-6 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons since tickets are subject to dynamic pricing— cheaper in advance, more expensive on the day of travel.
When making a seat reservation, the system won’t specify whether your seat faces forward or which side of the train it's on, as the train's setup can change. However, for couples, face-to-face window seats still offer excellent views. Families can choose a bay of four seats for more space. While there's no guarantee on seat orientation, reserving your seats ensures that you'll have a spot, even if the exact details aren't confirmed at the time of booking.
Apart from the Bernina Express, the Rhätische Bahn also operates hourly local trains that don't require reservations on the Chur-St.Moritz-Tirano route. However, we’d suggest you make Bernina Express reservations over these local trains to avoid inconvenience caused by changing trains during the journey from Chur to Tirano.
Choosing the right class is key for your travel experience. In 1st class, you'll enjoy more spacious seating and panoramic windows for the best views. 2nd class offers comfort with slightly smaller seats, still providing access to the breathtaking scenery.
Additionally, your seat reservation must match the class of your travel ticket—first-class seat reservations require a first-class ticket. Be sure your reservation aligns with your ticket class for a smooth journey.

Step-by-step instructions for booking

While unreserved seating is available in the Allegra unit (also part of the Bernina Express route), it won't provide a similar panoramic experience as a Bernina Express reservation. A seat reservation, on the other hand, guarantees you a specific seat with the best views, which is crucial during peak travel times. Hence, you must know how to book your tickets to fully enjoy this view.

Step 1: Make a seat reservation for the Bernina Express

To experience the panoramic views of the Bernina Express, you need a travel ticket and a seat reservation. We recommend booking 6 months early to ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic journey as seats can fill up quickly.
Once your seat reservation is confirmed, the next step is to purchase a travel ticket, which is only available 60 days prior to your journey. While a seat reservation secures your spot on the train, the travel ticket is your entry pass; essential for boarding and allows you to travel on the Bernina Express route.
It's important to make the seat reservation even if travel tickets aren’t available yet, as this ensures you have a seat on your preferred date. When the travel tickets become available, you can then complete your booking seamlessly.
For those with an Interrail, Eurail, or Swiss Travel Pass, a ticket purchase may not even be necessary, but a seat reservation is required.

How to make a seat reservation for the Bernina Express

Bernina Express train traveling from Chur to Tirano through scenic Swiss Alps.

Step 2: Purchase your travel ticket from Zurich to Tirano

Once your seat reservation is confirmed, you’ll need to purchase a travel ticket; your entry passes to the train service. If you are starting from Zurich, buy a ticket from Zurich to Tirano. However, if you're starting from Chur, purchase for Chur to Tirano.

Note: There are regular local trains too operating on the Bernina Route

How to make a seat reservation for the Bernina Express

Seat reservation using a Eurail, Interrail, or Swiss Pass

If you have a Eurail, Interrail, or Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel on all trains run by the Rhätische Bahn, including those on the Bernina route. These passes offer unlimited travel, so you won’t need to purchase a separate ticket for these trains.
For those traveling with an Interrail or Eurail global pass, note that these passes also cover the regional Tirano-Milan trains operated by Trenord in Italy. There’s no need to make a seat reservation for these regional trains either—just hop on and sit where you like.
However, if you wish to travel in the Bernina Express panoramic cars, you must still make a seat reservation and pay the reservation fee.

Types of seats available

There are 1st and 2nd class options. Your seat reservation must correspond with the class of your travel ticket.

First class

Spacious leather seats with extra width, legroom, and elbow room.
Fewer seats per carriage, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience.
At-seat power sockets for charging your devices.
Refreshment trolley service available, though no at-seat meals.
Ample luggage storage space for convenience.

Second class

Comfortable fabric seats with more seats per carriage, providing a sociable and affordable option.
Power sockets available for charging.
Refreshment trolley service available, but no at-seat meals.
Standard luggage storage facilities.

Pricing for the Bernina Express reservation

Fare from Chur - Tirano (or vice versa)

A regular ticket might range between CHF 66 for 2nd class to CHF 113 for 1st class.
Children under six years old can travel for free, and children under 16 years old can travel at half price.
This is a fully flexible one-way fare, with unlimited availability, meaning these tickets cannot sell out. You can purchase them even on the day of your travel, and they are valid for any departure on your chosen date.
A Saver Day Pass’s price fluctuates depending on availability and how early you book, offering unlimited travel on trains across Switzerland for an entire day

Bernina Express seat reservation fee

As mentioned earlier, to travel in the Bernina Express’s panoramic carriages between Chur and Tirano, you must make a seat reservation, in addition to your ticket.
This can range from CHF 36 in summers to CHF 32 in winters.
Children under six years old can travel free of charge. Children aged six to sixteen pay half the fare, however, they still need to pay the seat reservation supplement.

Frequently asked questions about Bernina Express reservation

What is the Bernina Express, and why is a reservation necessary?

A reservation is necessary to secure a seat in the panoramic carriages and ensure an unobstructed scenic experience.

When can I make a reservation for the Bernina Express?

Seat reservations can be made up to six months in advance, while travel tickets are typically available only 60 days before the departure date. For summer travel, early booking is highly recommended due to high demand.

Do I need both a seat reservation and a travel ticket?

Yes, you need both. A seat reservation secures your spot in the panoramic car, while the travel ticket grants access to the train. If you hold an Interrail, Eurail, or Swiss Travel Pass, you only need the seat reservation since the travel ticket is covered by your pass.

What is the cost of a Bernina Express reservation?

The reservation fee ranges from CHF 36 in the summer to CHF 32 in the winter. Children under 6 travel for free without their own seat, while children aged 6 to 16 must pay the full adult reservation fee.

Can I choose specific seats during the reservation process?

Yes, you can select seats from a seating map. However, there is no guarantee regarding seat orientation (facing forward or backward) or which side of the train you will be on, as configurations may change.

How do dynamic pricing and booking periods affect ticket costs?

Ticket prices are subject to dynamic pricing. Booking 1-6 months in advance usually results in lower prices, while last-minute purchases can be more expensive. The Saver Day Pass is an option with fluctuating prices based on booking time and availability.

Are there any local train alternatives to the Bernina Express?

Yes, the Rhätische Bahn operates hourly local trains on the same route that do not require reservations. However, the panoramic experience of the Bernina Express is unmatched, so reservations are recommended for the best scenic journey.

What happens if my travel plans change? Can I modify my reservation?

Reservations and tickets are usually non-refundable and non-exchangeable. It is advisable to check the specific cancellation and change policies on the Bernina Express booking page before making a reservation.