Two trains run the same scenic route across the Bernina Pass. The red regional Trenino Rosso runs hourly and costs less. The Bernina Express panorama train runs a few times a day with mandatory seat reservation. Same views — you choose comfort or flexibility.
Both trains run on the exact same tracks across the Bernina Pass. The scenery is identical. The difference is comfort, frequency, and whether you can change your plans on the day.
Regional train, no reservation needed
Panorama train with mandatory reservation
Honest note on prices: We always recommend booking direct with Rhätische Bahn (RhB): it's the official operator, the price is the lowest possible, and the booking site is available in English, German, Italian and French. The GetYourGuide link below is offered for travellers who want to pay in EUR, get an app voucher, and have free cancellation up to 24 h before — at a noticeably higher price.
Just minutes after Tirano, the line spirals through an open stone viaduct to gain altitude. A landmark of the Bernina line and one of the most photographed bridges in the Alps.
A turquoise alpine lake between Le Prese and Miralago. The train hugs the shoreline for several kilometres — sit on the right side coming from Tirano for the best view.
The first stop on the south side of the pass. Views of the Palü Glacier and a small mountain restaurant if you want to break the journey.
The summit of the line and the European watershed. Glacier-fed Lago Bianco on one side, dark Lej Nair on the other. Snow on the embankments well into June.
On the descent toward Pontresina the train passes directly below the Morteratsch Glacier and the Piz Bernina massif (4,049 m).
Red Train departures run all year on a fixed pattern. The Bernina Express runs daily in summer (2 May – 25 October 2026) and on a reduced winter schedule.
| Train | Departure Tirano | Poschiavo | Alp Grüm | Arrival St. Moritz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 1623 | 07:41 | 08:19 | 09:07 | 09:58 |
| R 1633 | 09:41 | 10:19 | 11:07 | 11:58 |
| R 1641 | 11:41 | 12:19 | 13:07 | 13:58 |
| R 1651 | 13:41 | 14:19 | 15:07 | 15:58 |
| R 1661 | 15:41 | 16:19 | 17:07 | 17:58 |
| R 1671 | 17:41 | 18:19 | 19:07 | 19:58 |
| Train | Departure Tirano | Poschiavo | Alp Grüm | Arrival St. Moritz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE 970 | 08:06 | 08:50 | 09:25 | 10:30 |
| PE 972 | 10:06 | 10:50 | 11:25 | 12:30 |
| PE 974 | 13:17 | 14:01 | 14:35 | 15:43 |
| PE 976 | 14:24 | 15:08 | 15:43 | 16:50 |
Bernina Express requires a mandatory seat reservation (separate from the ticket). The Red Train does not — board with a valid ticket and take any seat. Schedule subject to change; verify on the day at rhb.ch.
Tirano is in Italy, St. Moritz in Switzerland. The train crosses an EU/Schengen-to-Switzerland border. Carry photo ID — random checks happen, especially in summer.
Both trains use the same tracks across the Bernina Pass. Booking the Red Train doesn't mean a worse view — the Bernina Express just adds panorama glass, at-seat catering, and a reserved seat.
The "Bernina Express ticket" you see online sometimes only covers the seat reservation (CHF 32 for Tirano ↔ St. Moritz). Make sure you also have a valid train ticket — many bundles include both, some don't.
Coming from Tirano, sit on the right side for the Brusio viaduct and Lago di Poschiavo. From St. Moritz, sit on the left for the same views.
Tirano ↔ St. Moritz is the most popular section precisely because it fits in a day with time to walk around St. Moritz, Pontresina or back in Tirano. A round-trip Red Train ticket is valid all day on any train.
For the Red Train, the easiest option is a flexible round-trip ticket via GetYourGuide — board any train all day, no reservation needed. For the panorama Bernina Express, book directly with Rhätische Bahn (RhB) for the most reliable availability.
Or book the Red Train in EUR with free cancellation via GetYourGuide →
