The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland’s best-known panoramic rail journeys, but booking it correctly requires understanding the difference between a train ticket and a seat reservation. The panoramic Bernina Express runs on selected connections from Chur or St. Moritz toward Tirano in Italy, crossing dramatic Alpine scenery and part of the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina railway landscape. If you start in Chur, highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct before the train continues toward the Bernina Pass, Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm, Poschiavo, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
Quick Answer
Yes. If you ride the panoramic Bernina Express, you need both a valid travel ticket and a separate mandatory seat reservation. Regional trains on the same Bernina Line do not require a reservation, though an optional CHF 5 reservation is available between St. Moritz and Tirano. Book early for popular dates.
Key Takeaways
- The panoramic Bernina Express requires a valid ticket plus a mandatory paid seat reservation.
- Regional RhB trains use the same Bernina Line but do not require a reservation; an optional CHF 5 reservation is available between St. Moritz and Tirano.
- First class uses a roomier 2+1 seating layout, while second class normally uses 2+2 seating.
- A specific right or left side cannot be guaranteed because RhB does not know in advance which direction each coach will face.
- If a rail pass already covers your fare, you can normally buy only the Bernina Express seat reservation.
- Check your train number, route, class, date, coach, seat number, and current service information before departure.
At a Glance
| Time Required | Usually only a few minutes to book once you know your route, date, class, and fare or rail-pass details. |
| Difficulty | Easy, provided you distinguish the panoramic Bernina Express from regional trains. |
| Tools Needed | Travel date, departure and arrival stations, passenger details, class choice, rail-pass information if applicable, and a payment method. |
| Cost | Bernina Express: valid fare coverage plus a paid mandatory seat reservation. Regional train: valid ticket, with an optional CHF 5 reservation between St. Moritz and Tirano. |
Planning Your Trip
Start by deciding whether you want the panoramic Bernina Express experience or a regular RhB train on the Bernina Line. The scenery is broadly the same on the shared route, but the booking rules and onboard experience are different.
The Bernina Express uses panoramic coaches with large windows, reserved seating, free Wi-Fi, InfoT(r)ainment, and onboard snack and drink service. Regional trains run more frequently and use regular coaches. They can be more flexible if you want to stop in places such as Pontresina, Alp Grüm, Poschiavo, or other stations and continue later.
The UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina railway landscape covers the historic railway section from Thusis to Tirano. Switzerland Tourism identifies the UNESCO route itself as about 122 kilometers long. The longer Bernina Express journey can begin in Chur before joining this UNESCO-listed railway landscape.
Season also affects the experience. Summer provides long daylight hours and greener landscapes, while autumn adds fall colors. Winter brings snow and frozen Alpine scenery. Because the Bernina Express operates on selected connections rather than every regional departure, always check the current timetable for your exact date.
2026 Service Note: RhB currently states that Bernina Express trains 951 and 952 will be diverted via the Vereina route from October 29 through November 13, 2026 because of engineering work. Check the official Bernina Express page before traveling because schedules and disruptions can change.
Bernina Express vs. Regional Train
This distinction is the most important part of booking correctly. RhB operates both the panoramic Bernina Express and regular regional services on the Bernina Line.
| Feature | Bernina Express | Regional Train |
|---|---|---|
| Seat reservation | Mandatory | Optional on St. Moritz-Tirano |
| Regional reservation price | Not applicable | CHF 5 per person and route on the reservable Bernina Line section |
| Windows | Large panoramic windows | Regular windows, with openable windows on suitable regional coaches |
| Frequency | Selected connections | More frequent regular-timetable service |
| Best for | A reserved panoramic sightseeing experience | Flexibility, intermediate stops, and avoiding the Bernina Express reservation supplement |
RhB explains the differences in detail in its Bernina Express or regional train guide.
Booking Your Tickets
For the panoramic Bernina Express, think of your booking as two separate requirements: a valid travel ticket and a mandatory seat reservation. You can purchase them together through the RhB booking system, but they are not the same thing.
If you already have valid fare coverage, such as an accepted Swiss rail pass or travelcard for the route, you may only need to buy the Bernina Express seat reservation. RhB specifically notes that passengers who already hold valid fare coverage can select the reservation-only option.
How to Reserve the Bernina Express
- Open the official RhB Bernina Express page.
- Select your departure station, destination, travel date, and direction.
- Choose the Bernina Express panoramic connection rather than a regular regional train.
- Select first or second class.
- Enter each passenger’s details and any applicable rail pass or travelcard information.
- If your existing pass already covers the fare, choose the reservation-only option when available.
- Review the train, date, route, class, and passenger details before paying.
- Save your travel documents and reservation confirmation after purchase.
Pro Tip: Reserve the panoramic seat as soon as your intended Bernina Express connection becomes bookable if you are traveling on a fixed date. RhB says these trains can sell out well in advance, especially on popular travel days.
Groups of 10 or more should not simply split themselves across multiple individual online bookings. RhB directs qualifying groups to Railservice and currently offers a discount on regular public-transport fares for eligible group bookings.
Choosing Your Seat
| Seat Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Single Seat | More personal space, no seatmate directly beside you, wider seating and more legroom | Higher first-class fare and limited availability |
| First-Class Paired Seats | Good for couples or companions who want to sit together, with the extra space of first class | Higher fare than second class |
| Second-Class Paired Seats | Lower fare, panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and a good option for most travelers | 2+2 layout means more passengers and less personal space than first class |
The Bernina Express offers first- and second-class panoramic coaches. First class uses a generous 2+1 arrangement, with two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other. Second class uses a 2+2 arrangement. RhB states that first-class seats are wider and provide more legroom and greater spacing between seats.
Both classes provide the panoramic-window experience. Current RhB information also lists air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi in the panoramic coaches. Snacks and drinks are available through onboard service.
Can You Reserve the Best Side?
You should not build your trip around a promised right-side or left-side seat. RhB explains that the direction in which a coach will face is not known in advance because coaches can be attached in either orientation. For that reason, the railway cannot reliably guarantee a particular side or direction of travel.
If you are traveling with another person, RhB recommends reserving seats opposite one another when possible. This can make it easier for both travelers to enjoy changing views during the journey.
The best Bernina Express seat is usually the one that gives you the class, space, and seating arrangement you want. A promised “best side” is unreliable because coach orientation can change.
Securing Your Reservation
After completing your booking, save the travel documents and reservation confirmation where you can access them easily. Your reservation identifies the specific train and reserved seat for the journey.
Check the coach and seat information before boarding. On regional trains where a seat has been reserved, RhB advises passengers to find the correct coach first and then locate the numbered reserved seat.
If your confirmation email does not arrive, check your spam or junk folder. RhB advises passengers who still cannot find their travel documents to contact Railservice.
Note: Keep the reservation available on your phone or as a printed copy if that is more convenient. The important point is that you can produce your valid ticket and reservation when required during the journey.
Checking Your Reservation
Before departure, verify your travel date, route, train number, departure time, class, coach number, and seat number. If you hold a separate ticket or rail pass, confirm that it is valid for the date and route you intend to travel.
Also check current service information shortly before leaving for the station. Engineering work, operational disruptions, or timetable changes can affect mountain railways, and the official RhB timetable should take priority over information saved from an older itinerary.
If you are traveling from Chur, confirm that your selected train actually starts there. Some Bernina Express connections begin in St. Moritz, so assuming that every panoramic train covers the full Chur route can cause booking mistakes.
Making Changes to Your Reservation
Do not assume that a Bernina Express seat reservation can simply be moved to another train. RhB’s current FAQ states that online seat reservations generally cannot be changed or cancelled under its standard terms, apart from specified refund exceptions.
Your underlying train ticket may have different exchange or refund conditions depending on the fare product you bought. For that reason, check the conditions for both the ticket and the seat reservation before completing your purchase.
Warning: Do not book the wrong date expecting to change the reservation later. Double-check the date, direction, departure station, class, and train before payment.
If an unexpected situation affects your trip, review the latest rules in the official RhB FAQ and contact Railservice if your circumstances are not covered by the standard online conditions.
Accessibility, Luggage, Bicycles, Children and Pets
Wheelchair-Accessible Seats
Some Bernina Express seats are wheelchair-accessible. RhB states that these seats must be booked through Railservice rather than through the normal online booking flow. Boarding and alighting assistance should also be arranged in advance through the designated Swiss public-transport accessibility service.
Luggage
Luggage racks are available on the Bernina Express, but RhB warns that storage space is limited. Traveling with manageable luggage is therefore easier, particularly when boarding busy panoramic trains.
Bicycles
Self-service bicycle transport is not permitted on the Bernina Express panoramic train. Travelers with bicycles can instead use suitable regional trains on the same route, subject to the applicable bicycle rules and capacity.
Children
RhB currently states that children under 6 travel free and do not need a ticket when the applicable conditions are met. Children from age 6 until the day before their 16th birthday pay half fare on the standard ticket, while the Bernina Express reservation supplement must still be paid in full for each reserved seat.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on the Bernina Express. Small dogs up to 30 cm at shoulder height can travel free in an appropriate transport container under RhB’s current rules, while larger dogs require a valid dog ticket. Because the route crosses into Italy, travelers should also carry any required animal travel documents.
Boarding the Bernina Express
Arrive with enough time to find your platform and the correct part of the train without rushing. At an unfamiliar station, allowing extra time is sensible, but there is no need to treat a specific 30-minute arrival time as an official Bernina Express rule.
Check the departure displays for your train number and platform. When the train arrives, use your reservation to identify the correct coach and seat. Have both your travel ticket or valid pass and your Bernina Express seat reservation available for inspection.
Once seated, you can enjoy the route rather than worrying about finding an unoccupied place. From Chur, the journey includes the dramatic Albula section and Landwasser Viaduct before continuing into the Engadin. Farther south, the railway climbs toward Lago Bianco at about 2,253 meters, passes Alp Grüm, descends through Val Poschiavo, and crosses the Brusio Circular Viaduct before reaching Tirano.
If the panoramic Bernina Express is sold out, a regional train can still be an excellent alternative. Regional trains run more frequently on the Bernina Line, use the same railway through the major scenery between St. Moritz and Tirano, and do not require a seat reservation. RhB offers an optional CHF 5 reservation on that section for travelers who want additional certainty on busy days. See the official Bernina Line reservation information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express is RhB’s panoramic train experience on selected connections from Chur or St. Moritz toward Tirano in Italy. It travels through spectacular Alpine scenery and across the UNESCO-listed Albula and Bernina railway landscape.
Do I need a reservation for the Bernina Express?
Yes. A seat reservation is mandatory in the panoramic Bernina Express coaches. You also need a valid ticket or rail pass that covers the journey.
Do regular trains on the Bernina Line require reservations?
No. Reservations on regular regional trains are not mandatory. RhB currently offers an optional CHF 5 reservation between St. Moritz and Tirano, which can be useful on popular travel days.
How can I make a Bernina Express reservation?
You can book through the official Rhaetian Railway Bernina Express booking system. Select your route, date, connection, class, and passengers, then purchase the required seat reservation along with a ticket if you do not already have valid fare coverage.
Are seats assigned on the Bernina Express?
Yes. Your Bernina Express reservation gives you a specific reserved seat for the selected train.
Can I choose the right or left side of the Bernina Express?
You should not rely on a guaranteed side or direction. RhB states that coach orientation is not known in advance because coaches can be attached in either direction. If traveling with another person, reserving seats opposite one another can provide more flexibility for viewing the scenery.
What is the difference between first and second class?
First class normally has a 2+1 layout with wider seats, more legroom, and more personal space. Second class has a 2+2 layout. Both classes use panoramic coaches with large windows, and current RhB information lists air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi.
Do I need another train ticket if I have a Swiss rail pass?
If your rail pass or travelcard already provides valid fare coverage for the route, you generally only need to buy the mandatory Bernina Express seat reservation. Make sure your particular pass is valid for the journey you have selected.
Can I change my Bernina Express reservation?
Do not assume that you can. RhB states that online seat reservations generally cannot be changed or cancelled under its standard conditions, apart from specified refund exceptions. Your train ticket may have separate fare conditions.
What if the Bernina Express is sold out?
Consider a regular RhB regional train on the Bernina Line. Regional trains use the same railway through the main Bernina scenery between St. Moritz and Tirano, run more frequently, and do not require a reservation.
Sources
- Rhaetian Railway: Bernina Express — official route, onboard facilities, service information, accessibility, luggage, bicycles, children, pets, and current operating information.
- Rhaetian Railway: Bernina Express or Regional Train? — mandatory Bernina Express reservations, regional-train differences, CHF 5 regional reservations, and class information.
- Rhaetian Railway: Seat Reservations on the Bernina Line — optional regional reservations and seat-finding guidance.
- Rhaetian Railway FAQ — booking periods, confirmation emails, reservation changes, cancellations, and seat-direction limitations.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes — UNESCO designation and historical railway information.
- Switzerland Tourism: Rhaetian Railway Albula/Bernina — 122 km UNESCO-route clarification from Thusis to Tirano.
