Bernina Express and St Moritz Day Trip from Como
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Overview
This day trip from Como combines a coach ride, one of Europe's most scenic mountain railways and a resort town in the Swiss Alps. You travel to Tirano in Italy, ride the Bernina Express over the Bernina Pass to St Moritz, and return by coach. A multilingual guide travels with you. The standard option gives about two and a half hours of free time in St Moritz, and the second option adds a cable car and a traditional mountain lunch at Diavolezza instead.
Highlights
- Ride the Bernina Express over the Alps on a UNESCO-listed mountain railway
- See glaciers, high lakes and the Brusio spiral viaduct from the train
- Stop in Tirano to visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna and the historic centre
- About 2.5 hours of free time in St Moritz on the standard option
- Optional mountain lunch of pizzoccheri and cable car to Diavolezza on the second option
- Return coach transfer from Como and a multilingual guide in English and Italian
Full Description
The Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps
The Bernina Express runs between Tirano in Italy and St Moritz in Switzerland on a narrow-gauge line that UNESCO lists among the great mountain railways. It climbs to the Bernina Pass at about 2,253 metres, one of the highest railway crossings in Europe, without a tunnel at the summit, and large windows give wide views of the mountains.
On the ride you pass the Brusio spiral viaduct, the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm and, on clear days, glaciers such as Morteratsch. Many travellers ask whether the Bernina Express is worth it, and the answer is yes if you enjoy scenery. Reserved seats and first-class upgrades are not included, so ask us if you want them.
Tirano and the Sanctuary of the Madonna
Tirano is the Italian end of the Bernina line, in the Valtellina valley near the Swiss border. The coach stops here so you can visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano, a Renaissance church begun in the early sixteenth century after a reported apparition, and stroll through the historic centre before boarding the train.
The stop is short but pleasant, with a piazza, old palaces and a good chance to buy a snack before the journey. The Valtellina is also known for its buckwheat pasta called pizzoccheri, which you can try on the second option. If you are searching for how to get to St Moritz from Como, this route is the scenic answer.
St Moritz and its lake
St Moritz is a famous winter and summer resort in the Engadine valley at about 1,800 metres, beside a lake with mountains all around. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, and it is known for its leaning tower, its lakeside promenade and the elegant shops of Via Serlas.
On the standard option you have about two and a half hours of free time here, enough for a walk by the lake, lunch and window shopping. Meals and personal expenses are not included, and prices in Switzerland are higher than in Italy. St Moritz is best in bright weather, and the walk around the lake takes about an hour.
Diavolezza on the second option
The second option replaces the free time in St Moritz with a stop at Diavolezza, a mountain terrace reached by cable car from the Bernina railway line. At almost 3,000 metres you look across the Bernina glaciers and the peaks of the Piz Palü group, and the light is clear and bright.
Lunch is a traditional Valtellina meal of pizzoccheri at the mountain restaurant, and the cable car and train ticket are included. Because the schedule is fuller, there is no free time in St Moritz on this option. Bring warm clothes, because the temperature at altitude is much lower than in Como, even in summer.
Itinerary
- Meeting point in ComoMeet the guide near the B&B Hotel City Centre on Viale Innocenzo XI in the early morning.
- Coach to TiranoDrive along the lake and up the Valtellina valley to Tirano on the Swiss border.
- TiranoVisit the Sanctuary of the Madonna and the historic centre before boarding the train.
- Bernina ExpressRide the mountain railway over the Bernina Pass to St Moritz.
- St Moritz or DiavolezzaAbout 2.5 hours of free time in St Moritz, or on the second option a cable car and lunch at Diavolezza.
- Return to ComoTravel back by coach, arriving in the evening after a long day of about 12.5 hours.
What's included
- Return coach transfer from Como
- Bernina Express train ticket
- Multilingual guide on board (Italian and English)
- Stop in Tirano at the Sanctuary of the Madonna and the historic centre
- About 2.5 hours of free time in St Moritz
Not included
- Reserved seats or first-class upgrade on the train
- Meals and personal expenses in St Moritz and Tirano
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Hotel pickup
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Food lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 12.5 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot manage a long day of about 12.5 hours
- Anyone without a valid passport or identity card for the Swiss border
- Guests with limited mobility, because of steps at stations and cable car
Meeting point
The tour meets on Viale Innocenzo XI in Como, by the B&B Hotel City Centre, and the exact time is sent after booking. There is no hotel pickup. Please arrive a little early, because the coach leaves on schedule.
Important information
- Bring a passport or identity card, because the trip crosses into Switzerland
- Reserved seats and first-class upgrades on the Bernina Express are not included
- Meals and personal expenses in Tirano and St Moritz are not included
- Entrance fees to attractions are not included and can be booked separately
- The second option includes a cable car and lunch at Diavolezza, with no free time in St Moritz
- Bring layers and sunglasses, because mountain weather changes quickly
- Itineraries can change with weather, traffic and railway schedules
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Bernina Express and St Moritz day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, standard or with the Diavolezza cable car and lunch. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour meets in Como on Viale Innocenzo XI, by the B&B Hotel City Centre. It is a meeting point only.
How long is the tour?
The day lasts about 12.5 hours, from the early-morning departure in Como to the return in the evening.
What is the difference between the options?
The standard option includes about 2.5 hours of free time in St Moritz. The second option includes the cable car and a Valtellina lunch at Diavolezza, and it has no free time in St Moritz.
Is the train ticket included?
Yes, the Bernina train ticket is included. Reserved seats and first-class upgrades are not included.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join, and the booking panel shows the child fares and age bands. It is a long day, so bring snacks and something for the coach.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, carry a passport or valid identity card for the Swiss border. Non-European citizens should carry a passport.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear layers and comfortable shoes, and bring sunglasses, a warm top for the mountains, your passport, a camera and money for meals.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability. Choose your date in the booking panel to see whether departures are open.
Is the Bernina Express worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy mountain scenery. The line crosses glaciers, lakes and high passes, and it is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the Alps.
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