Switzerland by train: 4 days aboard the legendary Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on July 17, 2025

Photo: © GEX AG, Stefan Schlumpf

Imagine traveling on a train with panoramic windows that open onto snowy Alps, spiral viaducts, mountain peaks, lakes, and valleys… It’s all possible aboard the Glacier Express and Bernina Express—two legendary trains offering spectacular views through the Swiss Alps. The good news? You can ride both in one turnkey 4-day, 3-night trip to discover Switzerland. Let’s zoom in on the Glacier ans Bernina Express Classic Tour.

Glacier Express and Bernina Express Classic: Full Itinerary from Switzerland to Italy (4 Days / 3 Nights)

What’s the full itinerary?

The Glacier & Bernina Express Classic tour runs over 4 days and 3 nights, combining Switzerland’s two most iconic panoramic trains. You’ll start in Zermatt, cross the Alps to St. Moritz, continue to Tirano (Italy) aboard the Bernina Express, then travel to Lugano by panoramic bus.

Tour breakdown - © switzerlandtravelcentre.com

• Day 1: Arrival in Zermatt
  Settle into this car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Overnight in Zermatt.
• Day 2: Zermatt – St. Moritz (Glacier Express)
  8 hours of panoramic travel through bridges, tunnels, mountain passes, and gorges. Overnight in St. Moritz.
• Day 3: St. Moritz – Tirano (Bernina Express), then Tirano – Lugano (bus)
  A spectacular 4-hour journey on the Bernina Express, followed by a panoramic bus transfer to Lugano. Overnight in Lugano.
• Day 4: Return trip from Lugano
  Free time to explore this charming Mediterranean-style city in Ticino before heading home via Switzerland’s public transport network.

How Much Does the Glacier & Bernina Express Classic Cost?

Expect to pay €980 in 2nd class for the full experience. A fair price considering it includes:

✔️ Travel on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and panoramic bus
✔️ Seat reservations (mandatory on these trains)
✔️ 3 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast in Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lugano

Onboard the Glacier Express during summer season - © Glacier Express AG, Fotograf: Peter Hummel

When Is the Best Time to Go?

The trip runs from February to October, but the best time is June to September, when the mountain peaks are still snowy and the valleys are in full bloom. Be aware that high season (July–September) is very popular—book early to secure a good window seat!

The Glacier Express: From Zermatt to St. Moritz Through the Alps

Nicknamed the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express is all about grand views, not speed.

© Glacier Express AG, Photographer: Stefan Schlumpf

The journey begins in car-free Zermatt, beneath the iconic Matterhorn, and ends in St. Moritz, a chic resort perched at 1,800 meters altitude. Over 8 hours, you’ll cross 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass (2,033 meters)—the route’s highest point. Enjoy it all from ultra-bright panoramic cars with at-seat service, multilingual audio guide, and optional meal reservations.

You’ll pass through the Schöllenen Gorge, past traditional villages, over dizzying valleys, and even catch a glacier’s shimmering reflection in the distance. It’s a Swiss masterpiece of rail engineering—and a tribute to slow, mindful travel.

The Bernina Express Classic: From St. Moritz to Tirano, on the Italian Border

On Day 3, the scenery shifts from white to green aboard the Bernina Express Classic—another legendary train and a true climate elevator.

Bernina Express at Lago Bianco, Graubünden – © RhB, 2023, Photographer: Andrea Badrutt

From St. Moritz, you’ll head south to Tirano, a charming Italian town at the foot of the Alps. In just 4 hours, you’ll cross one of Europe’s highest railway passes (2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass), glide past Bernina glaciers, travel through Graubünden’s valleys, and descend gently to the palm trees of Italy’s Valtellina region.

A special shoutout goes to the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the train makes a dramatic 360° loop—a marvel of engineering and beauty.

Practical info: No restaurant car onboard, but a rolling minibar is available. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic!

Photo tip: Travel in late morning or early afternoon for the best light on the mountain peaks.

And because we’re nice like that, here’s a little discount code for you:
-5% with code AFFHOURRAIL on the booking site below:

This article was written in partnership with Switzerland Travel Centre. To dream and book, head to their official website: switzerlandtravelcentre.com!