Bernina Express: Small Group Scenic Train Day Trip Milan

Summary

Small group journey from Milan to St. Moritz by train and minibus with Alpine stops

You’ll ride from Milan through Lake Como and up into Switzerland on the Bernina Express, pausing in lakeside villages and winding valleys before reaching St. Moritz. Expect real conversation with your guide, Alpine scenery that sneaks up on you, and moments of quiet awe as you cross glaciers—plus all tickets and transport sorted so you can just watch it unfold.

What’s the experience like?

We were already shuffling out of Milan Central when I realized how small our group actually was—just enough people that you start remembering shoe colors. Our guide, Paolo, had this habit of pointing out things you’d never notice on your own, like the way Lake Como’s surface looks almost metallic in the early light. We stopped in a lakeside village (I wish I remembered the name—something with too many vowels), where the air smelled faintly of coffee and old stone. There was a cat sunning itself on a windowsill; it didn’t even flinch when we walked by.

The drive through Valtellina valley was twisty and longer than I expected—Paolo joked about “Italian mountain massages” every time we hit a bump. We paused at a tiny café (or maybe it was someone’s living room? hard to tell), and I tried some pastry dusted with powdered sugar that left my fingers sticky for the next hour. By the time we reached Tirano for lunch, I’d lost track of what language I was thinking in. It’s funny how travel does that.

Boarding the Bernina Express felt like stepping into a postcard, but honestly, it’s colder than it looks—bring an extra layer even if you think you won’t need it. The train climbed higher and higher until snow appeared out of nowhere, just past Diavolezza. At one point everyone fell quiet except for an older Swiss couple quietly arguing about which glacier was which (I still don’t know who won). The keyword here is “day trip Bernina Express Milan”—but that doesn’t really cover how surreal those mountain views feel through glass.

St. Moritz was all sharp air and expensive window displays; we wandered down to the lake, crunching over old snow while Paolo explained something about Engadin culture that I only half caught because I was distracted by the sunlight bouncing off the ice. On the way back to Milan, people dozed or stared out at valleys rolling by—I kept thinking about that first breath of cold air when we stepped off at the highest point. It sticks with you more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bernina Train and Swiss Alps tour

• Transfer from Milan to Lake Como town
• Walk in picturesque lakeshore town
• Drive along Lake Como and Valtellina valley
• Stop at quaint town, winery, or café
• Climb stairs to Bernina station for lunch
• Ride Bernina Train to highest point
• Drive toward St. Moritz
• Walk and explore St. Moritz town
• Return to Milan by train or minibus

Top questions

How long is the Bernina Express day trip from Milan?

The tour lasts a minimum of 13 hours round trip from Milan Central Station.

Is lunch included on this Bernina Express tour?

No, lunch is not included—you'll have free time in Tirano to get your own meal.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you'll meet at Milan Central Station.

What is the maximum group size for this day trip?

The small group size is capped at 18 people.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

You should have moderate fitness; there are short walks with stairs and some uneven ground.

Do I need my passport for this day trip from Milan to Switzerland?

Yes, each passenger must carry a valid passport for border crossing into Switzerland.

Is there free time in St. Moritz during the tour?

Yes, you'll have about 45 minutes to explore St. Moritz on your own.

What happens if weather disrupts the Bernina train route?

If severe weather or train issues occur, part or all of the route may be altered or canceled for safety—with refunds if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes small group travel by minibus or regional train from Milan Central Station to Lake Como and through Valtellina valley, all guided by an English-speaking local expert. The Bernina Express train ticket is provided for your scenic climb into Switzerland before continuing to St. Moritz, then returning to Milan—all transport arranged so you can focus on soaking up those Alpine moments.