Anyone in search of a beautiful train journey for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience in 2025 needn't look further than Europe, where the panoramic scarlet carriages of the Bernina Express await in the Swiss Alps. This famous train takes a spectacularly scenic four-hour route past vast glaciers, pretty villages, and majestic castles, then descends to Tirano in Italy, home to a magnificent basilica.
EXPERIENCE THE BERNINA EXPRESS
Where does the Bernina Express go?
Switzerland's Bernina Express route runs from Chur and St Moritz in the east of the small country before crossing the northern Italian border to Tirano. It's rightly considered one of the best train holidays in the world, along with the Glacier Express, the Rocky Mountaineer and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
This fascinating train ride winds through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges, taking in three of Switzerland's four language regions (Italian, Romansh and German) while allowing you to experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the line from Thusis - Valposchiavo - Tirano) up close.
Just as you'd expect from one of the world's most captivating Alpine landscapes, the 90-mile Bernina Express route offers views of glorious glaciers, dramatic mountains and breathtaking lakes.
When is the best time of year to take the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express runs all year round, with additional connections in the summer. Whether you take the trip in the summer when you can see Switzerland's verdant landscapes come alive or in the winter when snow covers the country, creating a magical winter wonderland, this is one train journey to add to your holiday bucket list.
EXPERIENCE THE BERNINA EXPRESS IN 2025
What are the scenic highlights along the way?
Some of the incredible experiences along the way include rolling over the UNESCO-protected Landwasser Viaduct that appears straight out of a magical Harry Potter film (just like the real movie location, the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland).
The impressive Montebello Curve is another highlight and offers a view of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, the three lakes of Pitschen, Nair and Bianco, as well as the Alp Grüm and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
Meanwhile, the highest point on the Bernina Express' journey is 2,253 metres above sea level, where you will find the Ospizio Bernina. Here, you'll enjoy the Alps at their most spectacular.
If you're keen to know more about the sights that pass by the windows, there's a handy onboard audio guide to listen to, full of facts and interesting anecdotes about the scenery and the railway.
What are the Bernina Express carriages like?
There are two classes onboard the Bernina Express — First Class and Second Class. Both feature huge windows that slightly arch over the seating, so the view is the same, whichever class you opt for. There a slightly fewer seats in First Class with a little more space for passengers, although the service is the same in both First and Second Class.
While there isn't a dining carriage, a rolling minibar passes through the carriages selling refreshments. Look out for Churer Nusstorte, a Swiss tart with a nutty filling, or an aromatic herbal tea from Puschlav. Of course, if you're celebrating, a glass of bubbles might be perfect.
Which is better: the Bernina Express or the Glacier Express?
Choosing between these spellbinding routes (if you have to choose) is largely a matter of what you want and how much time you have to spare.
With the Glacier Express, you can make a full day of it and even savour a three-course lunch as you travel. This delicious meal is available even if you only do part of the route – the gorgeous four-hour section that runs from Brig to Chur, through the meadows and woodlands of the Rhine Gorge, up to the Oberalp Pass – the highest point of the journey – and into the Rhône Valley. The Bernina Express has drinks and snacks from a mobile mini-bar but doesn’t serve full meals like the Glacier Express does.
At four hours, the Bernina Express is shorter, but it really packs in the breathtaking scenery as it makes its way along the Alps’ highest railway line from Chur and St Moritz in eastern Switzerland to Tirano across the border in Italy, past mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, traditional villages and fairytale castles.
But book Good Housekeeping's exclusive trip, with departures throughout 2025, and you can enjoy both a four-hour ride on the Glacier Express (the incredible Brig to Chur section as described above) and the Bernina Express.
However, if you've set your sights on experiencing the Bernina Express as the main highlight of your holiday, you can join a Lake Como and Bernina tour, which includes time spent in elegant Lake Como, a day in St Moritz and an unforgettable journey on the Bernina Express train.
And for more inspiring rail journeys around Europe and beyond, take a look at our full collection of unforgettable rail holidays.
And don't forget to browse our full collection of exclusive holidays, including a luxury cruise around Venice with James Martin and the ultimate stargazing trip to Northumberland.
