Bernina Express
 

We have an itenerary that includes riding the Bernina Express. In order to have ideal seats on the train, I would like to go ahead and book.

Who really runs the train and what is their website?

Thanks in advance

Hi Doble Vergasser,

The Rhaetische Bahn runs the train; here is the website: http://www.rhb.ch/berninaexpress/berninaexpress.e.php

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Thanks

IMO it is worth paying the extra for the first class panorama cars, as they do give the very best views. Also, if it is possible, try to get seats on opposite sides of the car for the journey out and the journey back. The train does not turn around, so if your seats are on the same side for each leg, you will get the same view. As the windows are large and the train not wide, you can of course see out the opposite window so it is not a huge deal, but it is a nice change to be on the other side for the return trip. Plus, if you don’t like riding backwards, you can arrange your seats to be riding forward on both legs.

ABSOLUTELY spend the additional FEW dollars/Euros for First Class seats in one of the Panorama cars...the views are much better because the windows are huge and scenery viewing is the whole point of making that trip in the first place.

Be aware, however, that in most cases you can book these seats no more than 60 days in advance.

I am wondering if the first class train is air-conditioned, ie the windows cannot be put down. When I took the Bernina Express last year in May, my friend and I caught the train last minute and decided to settle for the smoking area which is rather empty. We literally have the whole compartment to ourselves for most parts of the ride and went from left to right to pull down the windows to take pictures of the beautiful scenery whenever we feel like it. The result is that our photos turn out really great. I think it's a big plus. But it depends on the time you take the train. If it's a peak season, then I agree that it is worth the extra money to get comfortable seats with panorama views, though I feel that the second class seats are good enough.

Windows do not open in the first class panorama cars. You can go to the vestibule outside the cars to take shots through open windows if you want. Sometimes the air conditioning is very welcome, like in June 2003 when the entire month was over 90 F with no rain.

I just noticed there are two lines for summer, one from Chur to Tirano, the other from St. Moritz. Does anyone know which is better? Thanks.

You can book the Bernina Express, including dome cars i believe, in the US thru RailEurope (800-438-7245) or better yet thru their agent, BETS (800-441-9413) who i always go thru as they don't charge RailEurope's $15 booking fee and are extremely knowledgeable about Swiss trains. Prices to book in the US may be as cheap or cheaper than thru Swiss web site. I havn't checked on Bernina but on Swiss Passes, Swiss Cards and other point-point they are actually cheaper in US now than in Swiss due to depreciation of the dollar. Again don't know about Bernina as regards this but check out both to see which one is better. Anyway any question you have will be answered at BETS.

If you're going both directions, St. Moritz to Poschiavo is probably enough. Good advice to switch sides of the train. Or be like me and jump up the whole time running to a window on the side that's the most amazing at the time. And hang your head out the window in the place between the cars!

To wantotravel:

St. Moritz is half way between Chur and Tirano. It might be, though, that the summer train skips St. Moritz and takes the direct route from Samedan to Pontresina (doesn't make a big difference scenery wise). The part Chur-St. Moritz is shared by Bernina- and Glacier Express. The part St. Moritz - Tirano is by far more spectacular.

Thank you Ingo! Chur-Tirano line doens't list Ospizio and Alp Grüm stops, which i read in the past posts have the most spectacular walk between the two stations. I'm not sure if it really doesn't stop or they just didn't list them in the schedule. Anyone has experience? I prefer the Chur-Tirano line because Chur is closer to my destination in Switzerland. But I don't want to sacrifice scenery for convenience.

The Express trains in summer do not stop at the small stations (like those you mentioned). But you can easily get off at Pontresina e.g. or Diavolezza and wait for the regional/local trains, which are running every hour. These stop at every station. Make sure to press the little button beside the door (stop upon demand).

I did the hike Ospizio Bernina - Sassal Masone - Alp Grüm and had the same problem. The Bernina Express towards Chur rushed through the station and I had to wait for the regional train ... easy with these views!

Thank you so much Ingo! I think I'm goint to take the St. Moritz-Tirano line, getting off at Alp Grüm. Then walk to Pontresina and take regular train there. Thank you for your suggestions.

I was on the Bernina Express two weeks ago. We rode in 2nd class Panorama cars. They had the same amount of glass for viewing as the first class cars. so i don't think you need to buy first class tickets.

As to reservations the best way is to take the window seats even if one of you rides backwards. If you want seats next to each other they cannot guarantee that you will both be facing forward. You might have two backward facing seats. when we were explained this we opted for the two window seats. We did our reservations once we got to Switzerland, just a few days before we boarded the train.

Ingo, we took your advice and did not go all the way to Tirano but got off in Poschiavo where I had a wonderful birthday lunch at the Hotel Suisse. On the return trip we stopped in St. Moritz so that I could have my birthday dessert at Hanselmans. What a fabulous day!!

In order to book, I had to call Raileurope (800 438 7245). The Raileurope website kept coming up "error message ...". I ended up paying for a reservation, rather getting a ticket.

Alternatively (and later), I got an e-mail form the train with this list:
Station of Chur [email protected]
Station of St. Moritz [email protected]
Station of Tirano [email protected]
(I guess that you can use the stations for getting tickets.)