Alpine Wonders Await: Why the Bernina and Glacier Express Are the Ultimate Train Journeys

The Bernina and Glacier Express are more than trains—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From breathtaking alpine views to panoramic carriages, these Swiss icons redefine luxury rail travel.

The Bernina and Glacier Express consistently rank among the world’s most beautiful railway routes. Offering breathtaking views of the Alps, these trains are more than just transportation—they’re unforgettable experiences.

The internet is filled with lists of the world’s most beautiful railways, and you can bet the Bernina Express appears on every single one. It’s not just a favorite for railway enthusiasts but also nature lovers and photographers. This iconic train crosses the Swiss Alps, offering passengers an unforgettable journey from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, moving seamlessly from rugged mountain terrain to serene coastal climates.

The Bernina Express, which runs between Cours in the east of Switzerland and Tirano in the north of Italy, passing through bridges and tunnels, is a panoramic train with large windows where you can slowly enjoy the snowy landscape.
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Swiss Treasure: The Bernina Express on the UNESCO List

The Bernina Express covers a route stretching 144 kilometers, ascending to a peak of 2,253 meters above sea level at the Bernina Pass, the namesake of the railway. The journey takes passengers through 55 tunnels and across an astonishing 196 bridges. Its construction was an engineering marvel, and its uniqueness earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For those interested in this experience, tickets don’t come cheap compared to standard rail prices. On GetYourGuide.com, a single-day trip starts at 65 EUR, with most options ranging between 100 and 210 EUR. Many tours depart from Milan, Italy. Official site prices list round-trip tickets at around 165 EUR.

A Look Back: The Bernina Express's History

Originally, the route was divided into two sections, later unified. The first part, the Albula Railway, follows the Albula River. Construction began in 1898, finishing in 1904. The highlight of this section is the Landwasser Viaduct, standing 65 meters tall. The journey continues from St. Moritz via the Bernina Railway, named after the Bernina Pass, built between 1908 and 1910.

Swiss Precision: Panoramic Train Cars

The Bernina Express isn’t just famous for its scenic route but also for its unique carriages, equipped with panoramic windows. These specially designed cars provide an expansive view, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The aesthetic appeal of these windows has made the train a viral sensation on social media.

Another Must-Try: The Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is another jewel in Switzerland’s railway crown. Unlike the Bernina Express, it stays entirely within Swiss borders, covering 290 kilometers from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The Glacier Express offers similar jaw-dropping views of the Alps, making it another bucket-list-worthy journey for travelers.

Tour packages for the Glacier Express are more limited than those for the Bernina Express. Prices on GetYourGuide.com start at 85 EUR and can climb as high as 750 EUR for premium packages. Round-trip tickets between Zermatt and St. Moritz, available on official websites, cost approximately 230 EUR.

Source: xsvycarsko.cz, invia.cz, hoska-tour.cz, getyourguide.com