From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

If you’re dreaming of a scenic escape into the Swiss Alps without the hassle of planning the logistics yourself, this full-day tour from Milan might be just what you need. It offers the chance to ride the iconic Bernina Red Train, explore the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views—all in one 12-hour adventure.

We’re quite fond of the way this tour balances comfortable transportation, spectacular scenery, and informative guides. The train ride, especially, is a highlight—being able to open the windows for photos makes a real difference. Plus, the tour’s flexibility to give you free time in St. Moritz means you can soak in the luxury vibe at your own pace.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite long, which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or full-day excursions. And, since the train is in 2nd class, those expecting panoramic carriage views might be a little disappointed—although opening windows for photos helps compensate.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love scenic journeys, want to see the Swiss Alps without the hassle of organizing transport, and enjoy a mix of guided and free exploration. If you’re okay with a full day on the go and want to tick off two iconic Swiss locations in one go, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Stunning train journey with scenic views, including glaciers and mountain vistas.
• Flexible free time in luxurious St. Moritz to explore shops and the town’s charm.
• Comprehensive itinerary combining bus, train, and walking tours to maximize sightseeing.
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable and speak multiple languages, making the experience smooth.
• Value for money at $153, considering the transportation, guided tours, and scenic train ride.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and not in first class, but windows can be opened for great photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off early in Milan at Piazza 4 Novembre, near the Hotel Gallia. This central spot makes it easy to meet your group and hop onto the air-conditioned bus. From there, you’re on your way through the Italian and Swiss countryside, with the first stop in Tirano.

Tirano: Border Town & Short Walk

Tirano is a charming little town in the Valtellina region. Here, you’ll get about an hour to walk around, shop, or grab a quick snack. Many reviews praise the well-organized nature of this stop, with one traveler noting, “The trip was very well organized. The scenery was breathtaking and the guide was very friendly and informative.” It’s a good chance to stretch your legs before the train journey.

The Bernina Red Train Ride

Next up is the highlight: the Bernina Railway. This scenic train is famous for winding through the Swiss Alps, crossing glaciers, and reaching heights of 2,256 meters. You’ll spend about 2.5 hours on this section, with plenty of opportunities for photos—especially since you can open the windows in the second class carriage.

Traveling along the Maloja route, you’ll pass highlights like Val Poschiavo, Bernina Diavolezza, and Morteratsch Glacier. The reviews consistently mention the “breathtaking scenery” and “amazing views” that make this ride unforgettable. One traveler described it as “an incredible experience, with unique landscapes and very well-trained guides.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Free Time in St. Moritz

After disembarking in St. Moritz, you get about 1.5 hours to explore. Whether you prefer browsing upscale shops, walking along the lake, or just soaking in the luxurious atmosphere, this time is flexible. Many reviews emphasize the charm of the resort, with one saying, “The free time in St. Moritz is wonderful to get to know the city a little better.”

The Maloja Pass & Return Journey

Post-visit, the bus takes you through the Maloja Pass, offering some of the most scenic drive moments on the return trip. You’ll see stunning mountain vistas and picturesque villages. The journey back to Milan is comfortable, with some reviewers praising the smooth driving and scenic stopovers.

Final Return

The tour ends back in Milan at the same meeting point, closing a long but rewarding day. The whole experience is about 12 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, traveling, and walking.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Train Ride

The Bernina Red Train is the star of this trip. It’s renowned for its spectacular views—many travelers comment on how breathtaking the landscapes are, especially when the windows are open. The train’s route across glaciers and mountain peaks offers photo opportunities that are hard to match. Even though the train is in 2nd class, the fact that you can open the windows adds a lot to the experience.

Expert Guides & Group Experience

Guides are typically very knowledgeable and friendly, often explaining the geography, history, and fun facts in multiple languages. Multiple reviews mention guides going above and beyond, with one describing their guide as “super friendly and attentive,” making the long day more enjoyable.

Flexibility & Free Time

While the itinerary is packed, you aren’t just rushed to move along. The stops in Tirano and St. Moritz give you a breather and some personal exploration time. Whether you want to window-shop, take pictures, or just enjoy the mountain air, you’ll find enough time.

Value for Money

At around $153, this tour offers a lot—transportation, train tickets, guided commentary, and free time—making it a good deal when compared to the cost of organizing such a trip independently, especially considering the scenic train ride.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration & Timing: The full trip lasts about 12 hours. Check the available start times and plan your day accordingly.
• What to Bring: A passport or European ID is necessary. Pack a jacket and rain gear—weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
• Comfort & Accessibility: The trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the train ride is in 2nd class. Still, opening windows helps with photos.
• Children: Infants under 2 are free but must sit on a parent’s lap. The tour is quite long, so consider this if traveling with young kids.
• Food & Drinks: Meals are not included, so bring some snacks or buy in Tirano or St. Moritz.
• Photo Opportunities: Open windows make for great photos, but be prepared for possible reflections on the glass if you prefer panoramic views.

The Review Highlights from Travelers

The glowing reviews paint a clear picture of many happy travelers. They love the well-organized nature of the trip, the knowledgeable guides, and the stunning scenery that makes every moment memorable. Several mention guides going out of their way to point out the best photo spots or provide interesting facts in multiple languages, which really enhances the experience.

One traveler said, “The Bernina Train trip from St. Moritz to Tirano was beautiful. The scenery is amazing,” capturing the essence of what makes this tour worth doing. Others highlight the value for the price, especially considering the scenic train journey alone could be expensive if booked separately.

Some reviews focus on how this trip is perfect for those who want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning all the transport themselves. And many feel it’s a great way to see the Swiss Alps in winter or spring, with the landscape changing dramatically with the seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re someone who loves beautiful landscapes, scenic train rides, and luxury resorts like St. Moritz. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t mind a long day but want to maximize their sightseeing opportunities with expert guides. If you’re traveling alone, in a couple, or with friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the views.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a quick, relaxed trip. But if you’re eager to tick off a Swiss Alps experience with minimal fuss, this tour is a good option.

FAQs

Is the train ride in first class? No, the train ride is in 2nd class, but you can open windows to take photos, which many travelers find more enjoyable than panoramic carriages.

What should I bring? Bring your passport or European ID, a jacket, rain gear, and possibly snacks since meals are not included.

Can I bring children? Infants under 2 are free but need to sit on a parent’s lap. The tour is full-day and involves a fair amount of walking and traveling, so consider if it’s suitable for young kids.

How long is the free time in St. Moritz? You get about 1.5 hours to explore, shop, or relax in the luxurious resort town.

Is the guide available in multiple languages? Guides typically speak English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations and helpful commentary.

What if I lose the radio system? You might need to pay a 50 EURO fee if the radio system, which helps you hear the guide, is lost or not returned.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of the Swiss Alps—combining a scenic train ride, charming towns, and professional guiding. The fact that it’s so highly rated by thousands of travelers speaks to its consistency and value. For those wanting to see breathtaking landscapes without the stress of organizing transport and tickets, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided trips, enjoy scenic journeys, and want to include a visit to the luxurious St. Moritz. Just make sure you’re prepared for a full day, and pack your camera!

Whether you’re a first-timer in the Alps or a seasoned traveler, this trip will give you a taste of Swiss mountain magic, all wrapped up in a convenient package from Milan.

You can check availability for your dates here: