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Lake Como: St. Moritz & Bernina Express Panoramic Train

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/13

Duration13h

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

The Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres: a train ride that climbs higher than most Alpine roads

You depart Como by bus for St. Moritz, spend free time exploring the Swiss resort town, then board the Bernina Express in a reserved panoramic carriage for a two-and-a-half-hour descent through UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery, passing Lake Bianco and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct before reaching Tirano, Italy, and returning to Como by bus. Your guide and transport are included; bring your passport.

13h

Step-by-step itinerary

Depart Como by bus to St. Moritz
Coffee stop
Free time in St. Moritz
Board Bernina Express train
Photograph mountain amphitheater
Enjoy panorama at Bernina Pass
View glacier at Alp Grüm
Ride over Brusio Spiral Viaduct
Arrive at Tirano, Italy
Return through Valtellina streets

The Experience

"You'll want your passport," the guide said as we gathered at the Como meeting point, and that small detail stuck with me — it meant we were actually crossing into Switzerland, not just taking a scenic train ride. The morning started with a bus ride that took about two and a half hours, climbing away from Lake Como toward St. Moritz. The road itself was already impressive, but it was just the warm-up. We had time to walk around St. Moritz, grab coffee (not included, so budget for that), and wander the main street before the real event: boarding the Bernina Express.

The panoramic carriage is the thing that makes this different from just any train journey. Large windows wrap around, so you're not watching the Alps through a regular window — you're sitting inside the view. The train left St. Moritz and immediately started climbing, and within an hour we were at the Bernina Pass, 2,253 metres up, one of the highest points any European railway reaches. The route is UNESCO-listed, and you understand why once you see it: Lake Bianco appeared below us like something from a postcard, and then came the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the track actually loops back on itself so the train can gain elevation. People had their phones out constantly, but honestly the real moment was just sitting there, watching the Piz Bernina peak (4,049 metres) fill the window. At Alp Grüm, a glacier terrace stop, the quiet was almost shocking — just the sound of other travellers catching their breath and the mountains in front of you.

The train descended into Tirano, a small Italian border town with its own rhythm and the largest basilica in Valtellina. We had time to walk around before the bus collected us for the return journey back to Como, another two and a half hours. The whole day is about seven and a half hours door to door, and you're not doing much except sitting and looking, which sounds simple until you're actually there and realise you've crossed an entire Alpine range without driving yourself or worrying about the road.

What’s included

Air-conditioned bus transport from Como to St. Moritz and return to Como.
Bernina Express train ticket in a panoramic carriage from St. Moritz to Tirano.
professional guide for the full day.
travel insurance.
service taxes and fees. Coffee stops and meals are at your own expense.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FRIGERIO VIAGGI SRL

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cross the Alps without driving and see the highest points by train — the panoramic carriage and fixed itinerary mean you get the views and the stops without arranging transport or timing yourself.