What is the most beautiful train ride from Italy to Switzerland?

The fabulous Bernina Express is a narrow gauge train with panoramic sightseeing cars run by the Rhätische Bahn between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in northern Italy, see the route map here.



The Bernina Express is widely considered the most beautiful and dramatic train ride connecting Italy and Switzerland. Running from Tirano, Italy, to St. Moritz or Chur, Switzerland, this UNESCO World Heritage route takes you from the palm trees and vineyards of Italy up to the massive Morteratsch Glacier in just a few hours. The most iconic moment is crossing the Brusio Circular Viaduct, a 360-degree spiral that allows the train to gain elevation in a very small space. Unlike the Glacier Express (which stays entirely within Switzerland), the Bernina Express offers a stunning contrast of Mediterranean and Alpine landscapes. Another top contender is the Gotthard Panorama Express, which combines a historic train journey through the Gotthard tunnel with a steamboat cruise across Lake Lucerne. However, for sheer "high-mountain" drama and engineering marvels like the Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Express remains the gold standard for travelers seeking the most visually impactful rail journey across the border in 2026.

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Perhaps the most popular scenic train route in Italy is the Bernina Express, which connects Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps. Along the way you'll see mountain peaks covered in snow, alpine lakes, and gorgeous valleys.

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The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. It is a narrow-gauge railway that covers a distance of 122 kilometers (76 miles) and takes around four hours to complete.

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Glacier Express Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey.

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Train tickets from Rome to Zurich Hb can start from as little as $49.33 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

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If you're looking for the most beautiful train ride on earth, you know that Switzerland has to be number one on this list. The Bernina Express is a scenic train route unlike no other. It's a four-hour trip from start to finish and covers a total of 76 miles (or 122 km) of the track.

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The new Golden Pass Explorer train can ride on different track widths. Combining elegance and comfort with 21st century technical excellence, Switzerland's newest panoramic train journey finally starts on December 11 – three years later than planned and 150 years after it was first proposed.

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Experience the magic of the Swiss Alps as part of a magical round-trip on the UNESCO Bernina Red Train from Tirano, Italy, to the world-famous St. Moritz, Switzerland.

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1. The Bernina Pass: This is where the train climbs to its highest point, offering some of the most iconic vistas of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, and alpine lakes. 2. Brusio Spiral Viaduct: Located between Poschiavo and Tirano, this remarkable spiral viaduct is a highlight of the journey.

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