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

Experience the Iconic Bernina Express on a Day Trip from Como

The day trip from Lake Como to St. Moritz offers an opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s most renowned scenic train journeys—the Bernina Express—without the hassle of planning the logistics. For $200.62 per person, travelers benefit from round-trip transport, prebooked tickets, and a panoramic cabin on the train, ensuring a relaxed and picture-perfect experience. The tour, lasting approximately 13 hours, is designed for those eager to see stunning alpine landscapes and visit the chic Swiss town of St. Moritz.

The journey begins with a bus transfer from Como, followed by a short stop in Piantedo, and culminates in a spectacular train ride through the UNESCO World Heritage route. Although the tour is well-organized and offers excellent views, it is a long day, making it best suited for those comfortable with extended travel and eager to explore Swiss scenery easily.

Key Points

• Round-trip transportation from Como simplifies the logistics of reaching St. Moritz and the Bernina Pass.
• Prebooked tickets in a panoramic cabin guarantee sweeping views during the train journey.
• The tour includes free time in St. Moritz for shopping, strolling, or sampling local pastries.
• Highlights feature the spectacular Bernina Express route, passing snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and Alpine valleys.
• The journey reaches the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters, one of Europe’s highest railway points.
• The tour has a rating of 4.5/5 based on 52 reviews, with many praising the scenery and guides.

From Como to the Swiss Alps: The Logistics

This tour departs from V.le Innocenzo XI, 15 in Como, early in the morning, with a bus transfer taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the Swiss border. The round-trip journey includes two bus segments and a train ride on the Bernina Express. The bus is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable ride through the mountains with stops for photos along the way.

Travelers are advised to bring their original passports or valid documents for crossing the border. The tour group limits size to 40 participants, ensuring a comfortable experience, though the train seats are not reserved in advance, which could lead to some grouping challenges.

Scenic Highlights on the Bernina Express Route

The Bernina Express is the centerpiece of this day trip, showcasing breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The train’s large panoramic windows allow unobstructed vistas of iconic sites like Lake Bianco and the helical Brusio Viaduct. The journey reaches the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters, offering spectacular scenery perfect for photos.

Along the way, travelers can admire the mountain amphitheater with Piz Bernina, a peak that rises over 4,000 meters, providing an impressive backdrop for photographs. The Glacier front terrace at Alp Grüm presents a quiet moment to take in the majestic Piz Palü, with natural surroundings that evoke romance and adventure.

Free Time in St. Moritz: Swiss Elegance and Local Flavors

Once the train reaches St. Moritz, travelers have about an hour for personal exploration. This luxurious mountain resort town offers a charming main street where visitors can enjoy shopping or taste local sweet pastries. Many appreciate the relaxed pace in St. Moritz, with some choosing to enjoy a walk or sit at a café, soaking in the upscale atmosphere.

St. Moritz’s reputation as a popular alpine destination is evident in its stylish shops and scenic views. Although time is limited, this stop provides a chance to experience Swiss culture and scenery before returning to Como.

The Bernina Express Journey: Spectacular Panoramic Views

The train ride on the Bernina Express is widely regarded as the most memorable part of the trip. The train’s panoramic windows provide a full view of the landscape, with many noting that even cloudy or rainy weather adds an atmospheric touch to the mountains and glaciers. The route climbs to the Bernina Pass, offering views of snowy peaks and glaciers that inspire awe.

The route passes notable sites such as Lake Bianco and the helical Brusio Viaduct, which is a favorite photo stop. The altitude of 2,253 meters makes it one of the highest railway points in Europe, providing an impressive vantage point for scenery and photography.

Photo Opportunities: Piz Bernina and the Glacier Front

A key highlight is the Instagram-worthy vantage point at the mountain amphitheater, where the Piz Bernina peaks at 4,049 meters above sea level. The glacier front terrace at Alp Grüm offers a stunning view of Piz Palü, with natural surroundings creating a serene backdrop. Travelers often find these moments the most photogenic and memorable.

Another top photo opportunity involves the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the train curves around a spiral structure, showcasing Swiss engineering and offering a unique perspective on mountain rail travel.

Return Journey: From Tirano Back to Como

After exploring Tirano, a coach picks up travelers for the return leg to Como. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with some reviews noting that traffic or weather conditions can influence timing. The coach ride provides an opportunity to relax and review photos from the day, with the meeting point in Tirano acting as the final stop.

The tour logistics emphasize seamless transportation, but some guests have expressed that seats on the train are not reserved and grouping can be inconsistent, a consideration for those traveling in larger parties or seeking specific seating arrangements.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding. It’s important to carry your passport or valid travel document for border crossings. The tour includes travel insurance and fees and service charges, but food and beverages are not included, and there is no toilet on the bus.

While the tour is praised for its scenic value, some reviews mention that the overall long day—including waiting and travel time—can be tiring. The train seats are not reserved, which might lead to some discomfort or lack of group cohesion during the ride.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This excursion suits adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts who want to see the Swiss Alps without the hassle of organizing transportation. It’s also ideal for those with limited time who want an easy way to combine Lake Como’s beauty with Swiss scenery.

However, travelers who prefer shorter, more flexible trips or prefer to explore at their own pace might find the long travel hours challenging. The limited free time in St. Moritz and lack of reserved seats on the train are aspects to keep in mind.

The Sum Up: Scenic, Well-Organized, and Memorable

The day trip from Como to St. Moritz and the Bernina Express offers stunning scenery, expert guides, and seamless logistics, making it a popular choice for those eager to experience the Swiss Alps with minimal planning. The Panoramic train ride is the highlight, with spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, and iconic engineering works like the Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

While the long day and unreserved train seats are minor drawbacks, the value for money and ease of access make this tour appealing. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those seeking a picturesque, worry-free journey into the Swiss mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour involves minimal walking; however, travelers should be comfortable with a long day of travel and some waiting times.

Do I need to reserve seats on the Bernina Express?
Seats are not reserved in advance, so groups may be split up, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I bring for the day?
A passport or valid travel document is required, along with camera for photos. Bring money for food and souvenirs, as these are not included.

Is there free time in Tirano?
No, the main free time is in St. Moritz. Tirano is mainly a transit point on this tour.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves bus and train segments with some walking, but specific accessibility details are not provided. Travelers with mobility concerns should check directly with the operator.