From Como: Day trip to St. Moritz & Panoramic Bernina Express

If you’re dreaming of sweeping mountain vistas, this tour from Lake Como to St. Moritz and aboard the Bernina Express is quite the popular choice. It promises a full day of stunning scenery, Swiss engineering marvels, and the chance to stroll through one of the chicest mountain towns.

What we really like about this experience is how it takes the stress out of planning—everything from transportation to tickets is taken care of, so you’re free to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, the panoramic train cabins offer some of the best photo opportunities you’ll find in the Alps.

That said, it’s not without a few considerations. Long travel times mean it’s a full day, so if you’re not a fan of lengthy bus rides or early mornings, this might not be your ideal trip. It’s best suited for travelers who love scenic journeys, are comfortable with a packed schedule, and want a taste of Switzerland without leaving Italy.

If you’re after a well-organized, visually stunning day trip that combines ease with jaw-dropping landscapes, this tour could be perfect. It caters especially well to those who appreciate scenic train rides and want to explore beyond Lake Como’s shores.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Planning: The tour takes care of logistics, making it easy to enjoy the scenery without worrying about transfers or tickets.
• Unbeatable Views: The Bernina Express offers some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in Europe, with large panoramic windows enhancing the experience.
• Flexible Free Time: You get about an hour in St. Moritz to explore or relax, giving a taste of the upscale Swiss mountain vibe.
• Long but Worthwhile: Expect a full day of travel—around 7.5 hours of bus and train combined—but travelers say it’s worth every minute.
• Good Value for Money: The price includes transport, tickets, and a guide, making it a convenient way to tick Swiss scenery off your list.
• Mixed Reviews on Guide & Comfort: Some reviews highlight engaging guides and comfortable transport, while others mention room for improvement in seating arrangements and guide interaction.

The Itinerary Explained

The day kicks off early, with a bus departing from central Como. The ride to St. Moritz takes roughly 2.5 hours, giving you your first chance to appreciate the changing landscape—ranging from lakeside views to dramatic mountain scenery. A quick coffee stop in Piantedo (not included) makes for a pleasant break and a chance to stretch your legs before reaching the Swiss border.

Once in St. Moritz, you’ll have about an hour to explore this iconic resort town. Whether you’re into chic shopping, sampling Swiss pastries, or just soaking up the mountain atmosphere, this free time is a nice breather before boarding the train. Reviews suggest St. Moritz’s elegance and the chance to enjoy a stroll or some quick bites make for memorable moments.

The highlight of the day is boarding the Bernina Express—this is what many travelers come for. The train’s large panoramic windows are designed for maximum scenic viewing, and the route itself is truly special. It climbs to 2,253 meters over the Bernina Pass, crossing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque valleys. As one reviewer notes, “the train ride was magnificent,” even under cloudy skies, reinforcing that the views are impressive regardless of weather.

Along the route, you’ll pass the famous helical Brusio Viaduct, and stop at breathtaking spots like Piz Bernina, the highest peak visible from the train. The conductor’s commentary and the train’s design ensure you don’t miss a thing during this hour-and-a-half journey. The experience is more than just transportation; it’s a visual feast, with travelers describing it as “unforgettable.”

One of the most Instagram-worthy points is the mountain amphitheater featuring Piz Bernina, standing tall at over 4,000 meters. The view here is enough to inspire even the most seasoned photographers. Alp Grüm, at the route’s highest point, offers a stunning outlook over glaciers and rugged peaks—truly a highlight.

The journey also includes a transit over the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a wonderfully engineered piece of Swiss rail infrastructure that delights train enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. It’s a fun photo op and adds a touch of adventure to the day.

Finally, the train reaches Tirano, Italy, which is charming in its own right. Known for authentic flavors, slow-paced streets, and Italy’s largest basilica, Tirano provides a brief but pleasant stop before heading back. The group then boards the bus for the return journey to Como, completing a full, scenic circle.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

Most reviews are positive, with many praising the stunning scenery and the well-organized logistics. Jana G describes the day as “seamless from start to finish,” highlighting the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable bus ride. The Bernina Express itself receives high marks for its panoramic views, with comments like “a trip of a lifetime” and “spectacular scenery” cropping up frequently.

However, some reviews point out areas for improvement. For example, seating on the train is pre-allocated but not assigned with seat numbers, leading to some awkwardness and people sitting apart—something to keep in mind if you are traveling with others. One reviewer also mentions that the long drives can be a bit tiring, and the overall experience depends heavily on the weather; fog or clouds might obscure some views but don’t ruin the overall magic.

Food and shopping in St. Moritz are mentioned as enjoyable but come with extra costs—so consider bringing snacks or planning for a modest budget in the town.

A handful of reviews note that the guide’s interactions could be more engaging, and some mention the long travel times—about 2.5 hours each way—so this trip is best suited for those who don’t mind spending a significant part of their day traveling.

The Practicalities

At $200.62 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: round-trip transport from Como, tickets in panoramic cabins, an experienced guide, and insurance. The overall experience is designed for ease: no need to worry about train reservations, navigating borders, or finding your way to key sights.

The schedule is tight but manageable, with the bus leaving early in the morning and returning by evening. The trip duration totals approximately 13 hours, so be prepared for a full day on the move. The group size is capped at 40, which helps keep things intimate and manageable.

Note that the tour is most suitable for travelers who are comfortable with long travel days and who are excited about scenic journeys and mountain landscapes. If you dislike lengthy bus or train rides, or prefer more leisurely afternoons, this might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Como to St. Moritz and aboard the Bernina Express is a captivating way to see some of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain scenery without the hassle of self-organizing transport. The combination of comfortable travel, a well-planned itinerary, and the chance to take in iconic Swiss vistas makes it a favorite for scenic enthusiasts.

While the long travel hours and some logistical quirks might not suit everyone, most travelers agree that the views and the experience are well worth it. The guided aspect ensures you gain insights into the landscape and engineering marvels, making it more than just a scenic train ride.

If you’re craving a day of stunning alpine scenery, enjoy train journeys, and want to experience Swiss charm in a manageable way, this trip offers a solid, memorable adventure. Just be ready for a full day, some crowds, and the possibility of weather affecting the views.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, you should bring your original passport or a valid document for crossing the border, as it’s required during the trip.

How long is the bus ride from Como to St. Moritz?
The bus from Como to St. Moritz takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Are tickets for the Bernina Express included?
Yes, your tickets for the Bernina Express are booked in advance and included in the price, with seats in panoramic cabins.

Can I reserve my seats on the train?
Seats on the Bernina Express cannot be reserved in advance, so it’s first-come, first-served. Arriving early might improve your chances of picking a good spot.

What’s the free time in St. Moritz like?
You’ll have about an hour to explore, shop, or enjoy local treats. Most reviews mention this is enough to get a feel for the town’s upscale vibe.

What about the return journey?
The return involves a bus back to Como, typically lasting around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the scenic train ride and picturesque stops can be enjoyable for older children, especially those interested in trains and mountains.

What should I pack?
Bring your passport, a camera, snacks, and layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather, especially in mountain areas. Don’t forget your sunglasses for the sunny mountain panoramas.

In the end, this trip is all about experiencing the dramatic beauty of the Alps with minimal fuss, making it a solid pick for travelers craving a quick Swiss escape from Lake Como.