Rhätische Bahn (RhB)
Rhätische Bahn runs Graubünden's regional trains and the Bernina Express, a separately booked panoramic service over the UNESCO-listed Bernina and Albula lines.
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- Switzerland
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Graubünden's regional network
Rhätische Bahn runs the regional rail network across the Swiss canton of Graubünden, including the Albula and Bernina lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. The Bernina line drops from high Alpine passes down to palm trees in Tirano, Italy, crossing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges on the way.
Regional train or Bernina Express
Between St. Moritz and Tirano, the same Bernina line is served by both ordinary regional trains and the Bernina Express, and it pays to know which one you are booking. Regional trains run more often through the day, in standard coaches with openable windows. A valid ticket is all you strictly need, though RhB recommends a voluntary seat reservation for this stretch, since demand runs high; it costs CHF 5 per person per route and covers 1st or 2nd class.
The Bernina Express is a different booking altogether. It runs in dedicated panoramic cars with windows curving up to the roof, free WiFi, an on-board InfoT(r)ainment guide, and a catering team serving snacks and drinks at your seat. A seat reservation is compulsory here on top of your ticket, so book that first, since seats sell out well ahead of busy dates; the ticket itself can wait until closer to travel. Passengers after something more formal can book Pullman Class, a nostalgic 1930s-style carriage limited to 32 passengers per journey.
Some sales partners still market the regional Bernina line service under names like Bernina Red train or Trenino Rosso. That is the regional train, not the panoramic Bernina Express, so check exactly which product a reseller has actually sold you before you pay.
Where the Glacier Express fits in
Rhätische Bahn also carries the Glacier Express, the roughly eight hour panoramic run between St. Moritz and Zermatt operated together with Glacier Express AG. It is booked, timetabled and reserved entirely separately from RhB's own regional and Bernina Express tickets, through glacierexpress.ch.
Tickets and reservations
RhB sells tickets and seat reservations through its own online shop, and a reservation can be added afterward if you already hold a ticket such as a GA Travelcard or Swiss Travel Pass. Group discounts and wheelchair space reservations run through the same booking channels, so there is rarely a need to call ahead separately.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Rhätische Bahn (RhB)
Rhätische Bahn (RhB)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Bernina Express and a regional train?
Both use the same Bernina line, but the Bernina Express needs a ticket plus a compulsory paid seat reservation in a panoramic car, while regional trains only need a ticket, with a CHF 5 voluntary reservation recommended due to demand.
Do I need a seat reservation on the Bernina line regional trains?
No, but RhB recommends one because demand on this section is high. It costs CHF 5 per person per route and is available in 1st or 2nd class.
Is the Glacier Express run by Rhätische Bahn?
Rhätische Bahn carries the Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt, but the journey is booked, timetabled and reserved separately with Glacier Express AG through glacierexpress.ch.
What if my ticket seller calls a regional train the Bernina Express?
Some resellers label Bernina line regional trains as Bernina Express, Bernina Red train, or Trenino Rosso. RhB advises checking which product you have actually booked, since the regional train and the panoramic Bernina Express have different reservation rules.
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