From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express

Exploring the From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express

If you’re dreaming of combining the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps with the charm of Lake Como, this day trip offers a pretty tempting way to do so — all in one long, scenic journey. We’ve checked out the details and reviews of this tour, and it’s clear that it appeals to travelers who love jaw-dropping landscapes and well-organized excursions.

What we really like about it? First, the spectacular train ride on the Bernina Express, which guarantees panoramic views and a comfortable, glass-roof carriage. Second, the chance to wander around two beautiful towns, St. Moritz and Tirano, at your own pace, with some free time to enjoy local treats or explore. On the flip side, it’s a lengthy day — about 13 hours — and involves a good amount of coach travel, which might be tiring for some.

This tour is best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of sightseeing, want to see iconic Swiss scenery without the hassle of planning a multi-day trip, and love the idea of a scenic train ride that’s often praised for its views. If you’re after a relaxed yet impressive adventure, keep reading. We’ll give you the inside scoop on what to expect, plus some honest tips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Breathtaking scenery from the Alps to Lake Como, with a highlight being the Bernina Express train ride.
• Comfortable panoramic carriage seats guarantee unobstructed views while traveling through iconic landscapes.
• Flexible free time in St. Moritz and Tirano allows for personal exploration or a quick snack.
• The long travel hours mean this isn’t suited for anyone seeking a quick or relaxed half-day trip.
• Good value for money at $199, considering the train ride, transport, and guided experience.
• The tour is well-reviewed for guides and organization, with many travelers praising their knowledgeable and friendly guides.

The Journey Begins: From Como to St. Moritz

Starting from Como, you’ll hop on a bus that takes you along the scenic lakeside roads, with views of Lake Como gradually giving way to the mountains. It’s a 2.5-hour journey to St. Moritz, giving you a chance to absorb the changing landscape and get in the right mindset for what’s ahead.

In St. Moritz, you get about an hour and a half of free time, which is enough to stretch your legs, walk along the lake, browse shops, or indulge in some local sweets (though food costs aren’t included). The town itself is a chic Swiss resort known for its luxury reputation, but it also offers authentic mountain charm — think alpine architecture and stunning views.

We loved the way the tour balances transportation with free exploration. As one reviewer put it, “We had beautiful weather for April, clear sky so the view of the mountains was wonderful.” Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the scenery from the bus and the train is consistently impressive.

Riding the Bernina Express: The Highlight of the Day

One of the main reasons to take this trip is the Bernina Express, often praised for its panoramic carriage design. You get guaranteed seats in these special glass-roof cars, ensuring you don’t miss the sweeping views of the Alps, glaciers, and mountain passes.

The journey from St. Moritz to Tirano takes around 2.5 hours, and it’s truly a feast for the eyes. Pass through the iconic Morteratsch Glacier, crossing the mountain pass at 2,253 meters — a truly unforgettable experience. Multiple reviews highlight how breathtaking the scenery is: “The views were incredible, and the photos I took will remain a memorable experience,” said a trip participant.

Note that from October 29th until December 13th, you’ll be riding regional trains, which still offer great scenery but might not have the same panoramic features. Also, during the shorter daylight hours from December 14th onward, the views might be less visible or partially obscured, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting late in the year.

The train ride itself is a highlight, with many travelers remarking on the comfort and the extraordinary sights. Plus, the route takes you across the Bernina Pass, crossing from Switzerland into Italy, adding a little international flair to your trip.

Exploring Tirano and Heading Back

Once in Tirano — a charming small town — you’ll have about 45 minutes for a walk. You might check out the Sanctuary of the Holy Virgin or just enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Afterward, it’s back on the coach for the roughly 2.5-hour ride back to Como.

While some reviews mentioned waiting longer than expected for the train (due to changes or timetable adjustments), most agreed that the scenery and experience more than made up for it. A common theme was the quality of the guides: “Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, pleasant, and had a great sense of humor,” said one traveler.

The return trip offers more mountain views, and depending on traffic and logistics, the tour typically finishes back in Como late evening.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

For $199, you get quite a lot: bus transport from Como to St. Moritz and back, second-class Bernina Express tickets in panoramic carriages, and the guidance of a tour leader throughout. These elements combine to offer good value, particularly considering the scenic train and expert guiding.

However, some extras aren’t included, like reserved seat upgrades (beyond the guaranteed panoramic seats), meals, or the restroom on the bus (which some found inconvenient). Also, during certain parts of the year, you’ll be riding regional trains, which means fewer amenities but still good scenery.

The tour is not ideal for travelers with mobility impairments, as the day involves a fair amount of walking and bus travel on mountain roads.

The Real Flavour: What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing. Travelers often praise the knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts and keep the group organized. Many mention how the scenery exceeded expectations: “The scenery was spectacular,” said one, “the views going through the Swiss Alps are some of the best I’ve seen.”

Other reviews highlight how well the tour is run despite the long hours: “It was a long day in the bus and train, but the weather was beautiful, and the Alps were gorgeous,” shared a traveler. Several mention the friendly driver and the smooth navigation through tight mountain roads.

A few noted that the guide spoke both Italian and English, which was appreciated by a diverse group, though some found it a bit tiring to listen to two languages constantly. Still, many felt the effort was worth it for the scenery and the overall experience.

Practical Tips for This Tour

• Bring your passport or ID card, as you’ll cross into Italy.
• Be prepared for a long day — wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, especially in cooler months.
• The timing might shift slightly due to traffic or logistical reasons, so stay flexible.
• Since restroom facilities are not available on the bus, you might want to use the facilities beforehand.
• If you’re particularly keen on photography, the regional train experience (from October 29th to December 13th) still offers good views, but the panoramic experience is best during the warmer months.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a day filled with stunning scenery, a scenic train ride, and some free time to explore charming towns, this trip offers all that for a reasonable price. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the long hours more enjoyable.

It’s particularly well-suited if you’re traveling from Como and want to see the Swiss Alps without multiple days or complicated planning. The combination of coach travel, a panoramic train, and free time strikes a good balance between structure and flexibility.

However, keep in mind that it’s a long, full-day commitment, and if you prefer shorter excursions or have mobility restrictions, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a solid way to tick the Swiss Alps and the scenic Bernina Express off your bucket list without the hassle of arranging everything yourself. The scenery is often described as breathtaking, and the guides are frequently praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s a great option for those who don’t mind a lengthy day and want to enjoy some of the most iconic views Switzerland has to offer.

While it’s not perfect for those with limited mobility or who prefer a more relaxed pace, for everyone else, it’s a chance to see a truly spectacular part of Europe in one memorable day. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a mountain lover, or just seeking a unique experience from the comfort of a coach and train, this trip has a lot to offer.

FAQ

Is the price of $199 per person worth it?
Considering that it includes transportation, a panoramic train ride, and guided commentary, many travelers find it good value. The experience of seeing the Alps from the train and exploring St. Moritz and Tirano makes it worthwhile.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially since seats in the panoramic carriages are guaranteed.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID is required as you cross into Italy. Comfortable shoes and layers are advised, and camera gear for capturing the scenery.

Are there any dietary considerations?
Meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy local treats during your free time.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour involves quite a bit of coach and train travel, so it might be better suited for older children or teenagers, especially those comfortable with long days.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The landscapes are still impressive in overcast or rainy weather, but the best views are on clear days. In winter months, daylight hours are shorter, so scenery might be less visible.

In summary, if a full day of stunning mountain views, scenic train travel, and charming Alpine towns appeals to you, this tour from Como to St. Moritz and Tirano is a trip worth considering. It’s a well-organized, highly-rated experience that balances adventure with comfort, making it a memorable way to see some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: