Service starts in St Moritz (or Chur), Switzerland and goes all the way to Tirano, Italy. Trains operate daily year-round. (In the summer, a daily through-service is available from Davos and a bus connects Tirano, Italy to Lugano, Switzerland.) So, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Yes, taking the Bernina Express from Italy to Switzerland is one of the most popular and scenic ways to cross the Alps. The journey traditionally begins in the Italian town of Tirano, located just across the border from Switzerland. From Tirano, the train climbs steeply into the Swiss mountains, crossing the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct, which allows the train to gain elevation in a very small space. The route continues through the Bernina Pass, reaching its highest point at Ospizio Bernina (2,253 meters) before descending into the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz or continuing on to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. This rail line is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic gorges. The transition from the palm trees and vineyards of Tirano to the snow-capped peaks of the Engadin Valley takes only about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your final stop. While there are regional trains on the same tracks, the official "Bernina Express" offers a premium, tourist-focused experience with audio guides and specialized refreshments during the climb.