From Milan: Bernina Train, Swiss Alps & St. Moritz Day Trip

About This Experience

The coach leaves Piazza Duca d’Aosta in the morning and follows Lake Como north, with a quick look at the lake and a 20-minute break at Colico. From there it climbs through Chiavenna and over the Maloja Pass into the Engadine. You get about 100 minutes in St. Moritz for photos, a walk and a coffee, with an English-speaking tour leader to point you in the right direction.

In the early afternoon you board a 2nd-class regional train, not the panoramic Bernina Express. The listing sells standard coaches with windows that open, so you can take photos without reflections, though you cannot count on every coach having them. The ride takes about 2 hours 20 minutes from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass, past Poschiavo and down to Tirano, with commentary on board. The itinerary can also run the other way.

On certain dates the train section runs on the Albula line instead, from St. Moritz to Thusis, and the listing asks you to check this when you book. After a 10-minute break in Tirano, the coach drives about 2.5 hours back to Milan. You spend about five hours on the coach in total. The listing notes that transfer times are approximate and depend on traffic, and that luggage storage on the coach is not guaranteed, so travel light.

At $110 per person this is the cheapest guided day trip from Milan on this site. It suits travelers on a budget who want the classic line with open windows. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with altitude sickness. If you want to stay on in St. Moritz, contact the operator before departure. If you want a glass-roofed panoramic coach, this is not the tour; the Frigerio tours from Milan and Como sell that, for more money.

Highlights

• Ride a regional train with opening windows from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass
• Pass Poschiavo on the long descent into Italy
• Glimpse Lake Como and stop at Colico on the drive north
• Cross the Maloja Pass into the Engadine
• Spend about 100 minutes in St. Moritz

What's Included

• ✓ Round-trip air-conditioned coach from Milan
• ✓ 2nd-class standard train ticket, St. Moritz–Tirano or reverse (St. Moritz–Tirano option)
• ✓ 2nd-class standard train ticket, St. Moritz–Thusis (Albula line option)
• ✓ English-speaking tour leader
• ✓ Commentary on board the train
• ✓ Free time in St. Moritz

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Tips
• A seat on the panoramic Bernina Express

What to Bring

• Paper passport (or ID card for Schengen Area citizens)
• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Water

Good to Know & Caveats

• You need a valid paper passport, or an ID card if you are a Schengen Area citizen.
• On certain dates the train runs St. Moritz–Thusis on the Albula line instead; check this when you book.
• The train itinerary can run in reverse (Tirano to St. Moritz).
• You cannot choose your seat side on the train. Many travelers suggest the right-hand side going south (St. Moritz to Tirano) and the left going north, but you take what is free.
• Transfer times are approximate and depend on traffic.
• Luggage storage on the coach is not guaranteed; ask the guide.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Meeting Point

Piazza Duca d'Aosta by Milano Centrale; the coach drops you back at the same square.