Bernina Red Train & St Moritz Day Trip from Milan

Summary

Ride the Bernina train past glaciers then wander St Moritz streets

You’ll ride the famous Bernina Red Train from Milan past glaciers and lakes, cross dizzying viaducts, and spend time exploring St Moritz’s alpine streets—with chocolate tasting and stories from your local guide along the way. Expect moments of silence, laughter, and scenery you’ll remember long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that curve?” our guide Marco grinned, tapping the train window as we rolled onto the Brusio viaduct. “Swiss engineers—always showing off.” The Bernina Red Train rattled beneath us, bright red against all that white and green. I pressed my forehead to the glass, half-expecting a snowstorm but got this weird, bright sun that bounced off the glaciers and made me squint. The Palü Glacier looked close enough to touch, but Marco said it’s still hours away on foot. He told us stories about building railways at 2,253 meters—Ospizio Bernina station is really up there—and how sometimes in winter it feels like you’re riding through a snow globe.

The rhythm of the train was almost hypnotic until someone pointed out Lake Palü—a blue so sharp it almost hurt my eyes. There was this moment where everyone went quiet, except for a couple whispering in Italian behind me. We passed through tunnels and over bridges that seemed to hang above nothing. At one point I caught a whiff of coffee from someone’s thermos and suddenly wished I’d brought one too; it felt right for this kind of cold-bright morning. The Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan isn’t just about scenery—it’s about these little pauses where you realize you’re somewhere totally different.

St. Moritz was next—Marco called it “the Top of the World,” which sounded cheesy until I stepped out into that crisp air. We stopped at a chocolate shop (I tried asking for something in German; Li laughed at my accent), then wandered past fancy boutiques I couldn’t afford but loved peeking into anyway. Free time meant I could just sit by the lake and watch locals walk their dogs or chat in Swiss German—so many languages swirling around me. Heading back to Milan by coach felt oddly comforting after all that altitude, though I kept replaying those glacier views in my head on the ride home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz visit

• Board Bernina Red Train in Milan
• Pass spiraling Brusio viaduct
• Travel through Bernina Pass
• View Alp Grum, Palu Glacier, Lake Palu
• Arrive at St. Moritz resort
• Visit Switzerland’s best chocolate house
• Enjoy free time in St. Moritz
• Return to Milan by coach

Top questions

How long is the Bernina Red Train day trip from Milan?

The tour is a full-day trip with round-trip travel between Milan and St Moritz by coach and train.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Milan?

Hotel pickup is included if you select that option during booking; otherwise, check your meeting point details.

Is there free time in St Moritz on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time to explore St Moritz before returning to Milan by coach.

What’s special about the Bernina Red Train route?

The route crosses UNESCO-listed landscapes with views of glaciers like Palü Glacier, Lake Palü, wild gorges, viaducts including Brusio, and Ospizio Bernina station at 2,253 meters altitude.

Are meals or snacks included on this day trip?

No meals are included but there is a stop at Switzerland’s best chocolate house in St Moritz where you can purchase treats.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to altitude changes.

Do I need a passport for this Switzerland day trip?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel as you will cross into Switzerland from Italy.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip travel between Milan and St Moritz by air-conditioned coach and second-class ticket on the Bernina Red Train, plus a professional guide throughout. Hotel pickup is available if selected when booking. You’ll also get free time in St Moritz—including a stop at Switzerland’s top chocolate house—before heading back to Milan together.