The Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz is a 2.5-hour panoramic train ride through the Swiss Alps on a UNESCO World Heritage route. It climbs to 2,253 meters, crosses the Bernina Pass, and passes glaciers, alpine lakes, and the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct, all without cogwheel assistance.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bernina Express tickets Tirano to St Moritz, including prices, schedules, and a step-by-step guide to booking on Omio.
Bernina Express: Ticket Prices (2026)
Riding the Bernina Express requires two separate components: a train ticket and a mandatory seat reservation. On Omio, both appear as individual line items at checkout, so you’ll see exactly what you’re paying for.
Here’s how pricing breaks down using a summer 2026 booking as reference (prices may vary based on demand and travel date):
Train ticket (Tirano → St. Moritz): starting in $48 per person in second class. If you want to upgrade to first class, Omio offers a class upgrade add-on for roughly $27 on top of the base ticket. Both classes feature panoramic windows, but first class gets you wider seats, more legroom, and a quieter cabin.
Seat reservation (mandatory, all classes): approximately $57 per person, each way. This is a Rhaetian Railway requirement for all Bernina Express passengers regardless of class. The reservation fee includes a Lindt chocolate souvenir box and herbal iced tea served on board.
A nice perk: every Omio booking comes with a free eSIM through their partner Kolet, giving you 2 days of mobile data (up to 1GB). Handy for sharing those glacier photos in real time.
Traveling with a Swiss Pass? If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, the train ticket is fully covered and you only pay the seat reservation fee. With a Swiss Half Fare Card, you get 50% off the train ticket. Both discounts can be applied during checkout on the Rhaetian Railway website (rhb.ch), though not directly through Omio.son. Always confirm the final price at checkout.
To see the exact fare for your travel date:
👉 Check Prices on Your Date and Book your Bernina Express ticket on Omio
How to Book Your Bernina Express Ticket on Omio
Booking on Omio is straightforward, but a few details can trip you up if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s exactly what each screen looks like:
Step 1: Search your route
On the Omio homepage, enter Tirano as your departure and St. Moritz as your destination. Select your travel date (and return date if you’re doing a round trip) and the number of passengers. Hit search.
Step 2: Select the Bernina Express train
The results page will show multiple train options. Look for the one with the Bernina Express logo next to the train name. Don’t confuse it with regular regional trains on the same route, which are cheaper but don’t have panoramic cars.
One detail to notice: the Bernina Express route includes a short 8-minute bus transfer between Pontresina (Gitögla) and St. Moritz. This is normal and part of the official Bernina Express service. The bus connection will appear in the journey details on this screen.
Step 3: Choose your class and fare
After selecting the train, you’ll see the class and fare options:
Class: Second class comes pre-selected at no extra cost. You can upgrade to first class for an additional fee. Both classes have panoramic windows, but first class offers wider seats and a quieter cabin.
Fare type: The Standard Fare is pre-selected by default at no extra cost. Your ticket is valid for any train on this route on your chosen date, passenger ID may be required on board, and you can cancel for free up to the day before departure.
The City Ticket fare is available for an additional fee. It includes everything in the Standard Fare plus a Day Pass for local public transport (tram, bus, S-Bahn) at your departure city, valid for one calendar day until 5:00 AM the next morning. Worth it if you’re exploring Tirano by public transport before boarding.
Step 4: Enter passenger details and pay
Fill in each passenger’s name and details, review your selection, and complete the payment. You’ll receive your e-ticket by email. No need to print: just show it on your phone when boarding.
Departures from Tirano (2026 Schedule)
Summer (May–October) — up to 3 daily departures:
- Train 976: 16:06 → arrives St. Moritz 18:25 (summer only)
- Train 970: 09:10 → arrives St. Moritz 11:45 (winter only)
- Train 972: 10:06 → arrives St. Moritz 12:35 (year-round)
- Train 974: 13:17 → arrives St. Moritz 15:45 (summer only)
Winter (December–April): reduced schedule, typically 1–2 daily services. Check exact dates on rhb.ch.
Arrive at the Rhaetian Railway station in Tirano at least 30 minutes before departure. It’s located right next to the Italian Trenitalia station.
Best Seat Side
Heading north from Tirano to St. Moritz, sit on the left side for the best views of Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier. Both sides offer panoramic windows, so you won’t miss much either way. If you’re traveling as a couple, sit across from each other, one on each side, so you both get window views.
Quick Booking Tips
- Book early for summer. Panoramic cars sell out weeks in advance, especially June through September.
- Bernina Express vs. Red Train: the same route is served by regular regional trains (called “Bernina Red Train”) that run hourly, cost less, don’t require reservations, and have opening windows, great for photography. The Bernina Express has panoramic glass cars and mandatory reservations.
- Luggage: there’s no dedicated luggage car, but overhead racks and end-of-car spaces handle standard suitcases.
- Border crossing: bring your passport or EU ID. If traveling with a pet, carry the EU pet passport.
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Staying in Milan? There’s an Easier Option
If you’re based in Milan and don’t want to arrange the trip to Tirano on your own, a full-day guided tour handles everything: round-trip coach from central Milan, scenic drive past Lake Como, free time in St. Moritz, and the train ride back through the Alps.
From Milan: St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour
- 13-hour day trip departing from Piazza della Repubblica, Milan
- English-speaking assistant on board
- 2nd class panoramic Bernina Express ticket included (the real panoramic cars, not the regional train)
- 2 hours of free time in St. Moritz for shopping and lunch
- Round-trip coach transfer with coffee stop along the way
- From $170 per person
This tour rides the actual Bernina Express in panoramic carriages, the same ticket you’d book independently, but with Milan transfers and logistics handled for you. Best for summer trips when daylight lasts through the full train ride.
👉 Check availability and book on Viator
Prices and schedules are based on 2026 published information and may change. Always verify at the time of booking.
