Scenic train
Bernina Express ticket and reservation
Graubünden / Tirano · Rhaetian Railway
Bernina line
Bernina Express or regional train?
Both use the spectacular RhB railway. The Bernina Express offers a reserved panoramic seat; regional trains provide more flexibility.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Bernina Express | Regional train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach | Panoramic coach in 1st and 2nd class | Ordinary RhB service | |
| Seat | Reservation required | Generally choose any available seat | |
| Stopovers | Tied to the booked service | Easier to break the journey | |
| Bicycle | Self-loading not permitted | Possible under current RhB rules | |
| Travel ticket | Ticket or valid pass plus reservation | Ticket or valid pass |
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Tickets and passes
Tickets for the Bernina Express and regional trains
A Bernina Express offer must name the seat reservation. A regional train needs a valid ticket for the selected route.
Choosing the service
Which option fits your day?
Table of Contents
When the Bernina Express is a good fit
The panoramic coach provides large windows and a reserved seat. You commit to one service and pay a seat supplement in addition to the fare. It suits a day with a fixed itinerary and no spontaneous stopovers. See Bernina Express tickets for the required components.
Choose regional trains for flexibility
Ordinary RhB trains cover important parts of the Albula and Bernina lines. With a suitable ticket or pass, you can more easily break the journey in places such as Pontresina, Alp Grüm or Poschiavo and continue later, subject to ticket validity. The scenery remains dramatic, but there is no guaranteed panoramic seat.
Luggage, bicycles and accessibility
Luggage is accepted on the Bernina Express, though storage is limited. Self-loading bicycles is not permitted. Regional trains have different capacity and reservation rules. RhB requires wheelchair-accessible panoramic seats to be booked through Railservice, with boarding assistance arranged separately.
Make a fair price comparison
Use the same origin, destination and class for both options. Add fare and reservation for the panoramic train. For the regional service, check the ordinary fare and any pass or saver entitlement. Then decide what the fixed seat and direct panoramic experience are worth to you.
Updated August 2026. Find the current connection and service notices in the RhB or SBB timetable. The Rhaetian Railway publishes the panoramic-coach booking rules.
Bernina line
Common questions
Does the regional train show the same scenery?+
On shared sections, yes. Timetables, stops and exact train routes can differ, so check the actual connection.
Is the regional train always cheaper?+
Not necessarily. The fare can be similar, while the Bernina Express adds a seat supplement. Saver tickets and passes change the result.
Can I combine both in one day?+
Yes, if timetable and ticket validity permit. One direction can use the panoramic train and the other regional services.
Prefer a reserved panoramic seat?
Book the travel ticket and seat reservation for the same section and class.