From Milan: Bernina Express Train and St. Moritz Tour

If you’re eyeing a day trip that combines spectacular mountain scenery, charming Swiss towns, and a legendary train ride, this Bernina Express and St. Moritz tour might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into it thoroughly to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money.

What immediately catches your eye about this tour is its promise of breathtaking views—turbulent lakes, soaring mountains, and the iconic red train itself. Plus, the chance to wander around St. Moritz, a famous resort town, adds a nice touch of Swiss luxury and culture. But, as with many organized trips, not everything is perfect. Long hours, some logistical hiccups, and mixed reviews about the guide experience mean it’s not for everyone.

If you’re someone who loves scenic journeys, enjoys beautiful landscapes, and isn’t overly obsessed with luxury train cabins, this tour can be a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a value-packed day trip without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery from both bus and train, with lakes and mountains on full display
• Affordable price considering the included train ride and transportation
• Flexible free time in St. Moritz to explore, shop, or relax at your own pace
• Second class train tickets with panoramic windows that open—better for photos and fresh mountain air
• Not a luxury train experience; the train seats are comfortable but not first class
• Mixed reviews about guides and transportation, so manage expectations accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a full day of adventure, leaving early from Milan (around 7 AM depending on your pick-up point). It’s a good option if you’re after a taste of Swiss Alps without the hefty price tag or the need to organize multiple parts of the trip yourself.

You’ll start with a bus ride from Milan or Bergamo, passing through scenic countryside before arriving in Tirano. This part of the journey is smooth and scenic, setting the tone for what’s to come. Once in Tirano, you get a quick 30-minute window to stroll around the town—enough to grab a coffee or snap some photos—before boarding the famous Bernina Express.

The Bernina Express Experience

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the Bernina Express train ride. Known for its vibrant red color, the train is an icon of Swiss rail travel. The journey from Tirano to St. Moritz takes about 2.5 hours, offering panoramic views through large windows designed to showcase the surrounding mountains, lakes, and valleys.

You’ll love the openness of the second class panoramic windows — they open, letting in the fresh mountain air and making it easier to take those Instagram-worthy shots. Many reviews praise this setup, noting it’s far better than the non-opening, slightly larger windows in first class.

During the ride, you’ll pass by turquoise lakes and sweeping mountain vistas, making it a photographer’s dream. The scenery is so striking that many travelers find themselves snapping hundreds of photos along the way. Just be prepared for the fact that the train can get crowded, and seating isn’t assigned in a way that guarantees the best views.

St. Moritz: The Swiss Jewel

Upon arriving in St. Moritz, you get around 2.5 hours to explore. This posh resort town is a hub for luxury shopping, elegant spas, and mountain activities. While it’s famous for winter sports, in summer or fall, it’s equally charming just to walk around, soak in the views, and maybe buy some Swiss chocolates—if you’re into indulging a bit.

Many travelers appreciate the free time to wander at their own pace, perhaps grabbing lunch at a local café or browsing boutique shops. In reviews, some mention that the town’s beauty and atmosphere justify the trip, even if you’re not into skiing or high-end luxury.

The Return Journey

After your time in St. Moritz, the bus takes you back the same way, completing a full 14-hour adventure. The return trip involves another scenic drive, with many noting the views continue to impress. However, some reviews point out that the bus ride back can feel rushed or bumpy, and there are reports of delays and uneven driving—something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to motion or tight schedules.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The price of $129 per person covers a lot: round-trip transportation by bus, a driver, a travel coordinator, and your second-class Bernina Express train ticket. The main thing missing? Food and drinks, so you’ll want to bring snacks, water, or plan to buy lunch in St. Moritz.

Most travelers find that for the cost, this tour is a good deal—you get the train, the transport, and a chance to see some iconic sights without paying for costly train tickets or guided tours that might be more expensive.

Practical Details & Tips

• Departure times vary depending on your pick-up point, but expect early mornings—around 6:10 AM from Bergamo, 7:00 AM from Milan, or 7:55 AM from Lecco.
• Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must, especially since you might be outside or on the train with open windows.
• Bring a camera! The views are the main draw here, and open windows are perfect for capturing the scenery.
• Cash and credit cards are handy for chocolates or souvenirs.
• Keep your smartphone charged—you’ll want to document the stunning vistas.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues, as the day involves some walking and bus travel over mountain roads.

The Honest Bits: Pros and Cons

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the scenery. Travelers consistently mention how beautiful the landscapes are, making it a trip worth considering for lovers of mountains and lakes.

However, some reviews highlight frustrations — notably about seating arrangements and guide communication. Several travelers mention disappointment with the seating, especially when they didn’t get the panoramic windows they expected or wanted. It’s worth noting that second class offers open windows and reserved seats, which many find superior to first class in this scenario.

Logistical hiccups also pop up sometimes, like delays or the bus driver getting lost, according to some reviews. These issues can make the day feel a bit stressful, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or eager to maximize your time in St. Moritz.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid combination of spectacular scenery, charming towns, and value for money. It’s a great pick if you want an all-in-one Swiss Alps experience without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

If your main goal is to see the Swiss mountains from a comfortable (but not posh) train and enjoy a taste of St. Moritz, this trip could be perfect. It’s less about luxury and more about enjoying the spectacular views and making some lovely memories.

For travelers who are comfortable with early mornings, open to some minor hiccups, and eager to see iconic Swiss landscapes, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly geared toward families, the scenic train ride and town exploration can be enjoyable for older kids. However, the long day and mountain roads may be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What is the train class like?
You’ll be on the second class, which offers reserved seats and panoramic windows that open. Many reviews say this is better than first class, as the open windows allow for better photos and fresh air.

Are there food options included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy in St. Moritz.

How long is the bus ride from Milan?
The bus from Milan or Bergamo takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic. The total day is around 14 hours, including stops and free time.

Can I choose which way the train ride goes?
Not always. The route (Tirano to St. Moritz or vice versa) depends on availability but doesn’t affect the experience significantly.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, a jacket, cash, a charged phone, and a credit card for souvenirs or snacks.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with mobility restrictions due to the long hours, walking, and mountain roads.

To sum it up, this Bernina Express and St. Moritz tour is ideal for those craving an accessible way to enjoy Swiss Alpine scenery, with enough free time to soak in the atmosphere of one of Switzerland’s most famous towns. Just keep in mind the potential for logistical hiccups and seating frustrations. If you’re prepared for a full day of sights and comfortable enough with some minor inconveniences, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: