Lake Como & Bernina Express Day Trip: Red Train to 2,253m

Ride the Bernina Express through alpine villages to the 2,253m summit station

You’ll start in Milan and drift into Lake Como’s calm before climbing aboard the Bernina Train, the highest railway in Europe, for wild Alpine views and fresh mountain air. With a local guide leading the way (and sharing stories), you’ll walk lakeside promenades, cross into Switzerland, and catch moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Como and Bernina Train Tour

• Meet at Excelsior Hotel Gallia
• Depart to Lake Como
• Admire Lake Como landscape
• Visit Lecco and walk lake promenade
• Depart to St Moritz or Tirano
• Pass Maloja pass
• Board Bernina Red Train
• Enjoy train ride to Tirano or St Moritz
• Pass Ospizio Bernina and Piz Bernina
• Return to Milan in evening

The experience

I didn’t really expect to feel so small standing by Lake Como that morning. Something about the water and those mountains just makes you quiet for a second. Our group met outside Hotel Gallia in Milan (I was half-awake, clutching my coffee), and our guide Marco was already cracking jokes in three languages. The drive north was sort of a blur: bits of green hills, sleepy towns, and then suddenly we were walking along Lecco’s lakefront. You could smell fresh bread from a bakery mixing with that wet-stone scent you only get near big lakes. I tried to ask a local woman for directions in Italian. She smiled and answered in English before I even finished my sentence.

The real highlight for me was the Bernina Train, everyone talks about it like it’s some tourist thing, but honestly? It felt wild watching the landscape change as we climbed higher. The windows actually open (which is rare these days), so you get this sharp cold air on your face while looking out at snowy peaks and tiny villages below. At one point, Marco pointed out Piz Bernina. He said it’s over 4,000 meters but looked gentle from where we sat. There was this little kid waving at us from a farmhouse. Everyone on our carriage waved back without thinking.

We stopped in St Moritz (or maybe it was Tirano, I lost track because the route sometimes flips), but there wasn’t much time to wander. Still, I managed to grab a pastry that tasted like almonds and butter: can’t remember the name, but I’d go back just for that. The journey back to Milan felt slower somehow, probably because we were all tired and quietly scrolling through photos. I still think about that view from the train window when the sun hit the snow just right. It didn’t feel real for a second.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Milan’s central station area by air-conditioned coach, guided walks along Lake Como (usually Lecco or another lakeside town), a second-class ticket on the Bernina Train with opening windows between St Moritz and Tirano (or vice versa), plus plenty of stories from your professional tour leader: all with time to explore at your own pace before returning to Milan in the evening.

Options for this experience

2 options

Standard TourGuide in English · Available from 30 DecLecco visit and Bernina Train experience

Private OptionGuide in English · Available from 26 Nov · 07:15Varenna visit, pickup and drop-off included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 to 89 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TAOTRAVEL

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the day trip from Milan to Lake Como & Swiss Alps?

The full day trip lasts approximately 12-13 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup. Meeting point is Excelsior Hotel Gallia near Milan Central Station.

Do I need my passport for this trip?

Yes, a valid passport is required as you cross into Switzerland during the tour.

Are meals or lunch included?

No meals are included. You’ll have free time to buy food during stops.

Is there free time at Lake Como or St Moritz?

You’ll have free time at Lake Como. Free time in St Moritz isn’t guaranteed as per itinerary details.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional tour leader provides explanations in English on board.

Does this tour operate year-round?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for Alpine weather changes.