From Como: St. Moritz and Tirano Trip with Bernina Express

Planning a day trip from Como that combines breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and a scenic train ride? This trip offers all that for about $199 per person and lasts roughly 13 hours. You’ll visit St. Moritz, famous for its luxury and alpine charm, and Tirano, a delightful Italian town. The highlight is the Bernina Express, a panoramic train that whisks you through some of the most dramatic Swiss mountain scenery.

What we love about this experience is the panoramic train carriage, which offers spectacular views of glaciers and mountain peaks—perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery. Also, the guaranteed seats in the panoramic carriage mean you won’t end up squeezed in a regular seat. On the flip side, the long bus rides between locations might be tiring for some, especially with traffic or if you prefer less travel time on coaches.

This trip suits travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes and authentic Swiss and Italian towns. It’s ideal if you’re keen on getting a snapshot of the Alps without the hassle of planning multiple transport legs yourself. The balance of coach and train, plus free time in St. Moritz and Tirano, provides a solid mix of guided sightseeing and personal exploration.

This experience made our article of Discover 15 Great Tours In Como.

Key Points

• Spectacular views from the Bernina Express panoramic carriage
• Free time in St. Moritz and Tirano for personal exploration
• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach and guaranteed train seats
• Long day with about 6-7 hours of travel, including scenic stops
• Excellent guides praised for their knowledge and organization
• Great value considering the scenic train, transportation, and guided experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Trip

The Itinerary and Transportation

This full-day trip from Como is thoughtfully designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping logistics manageable. You’ll start early in the morning with a bus ride from Como, passing along Lake Como, which always offers beautiful views, even if you’re just passing by. The coach is air-conditioned, helpful on warm days, and the journey to St. Moritz takes about 2.5 hours.

Once in St. Moritz, you get about 1.5 hours to explore—enough for a scenic walk, some shopping, or a quick coffee or pastry. Reviewers highlight the town’s charm and the opportunity to enjoy its luxurious atmosphere or simply take a stroll along the lake. Since weather can vary, the scenery can look quite different depending on the day, but bright, clear weather makes all the difference in appreciating the views.

Next, it’s time to board the Bernina Express in a guaranteed panoramic carriage—a feature that travelers highly praise. The train journey itself is the highlight—you’re traveling through Morteratsch Glacier, crossing the mountain pass at 2,253 meters, and passing through Poschiavo before reaching Tirano.

The Scenic Train Experience

The Bernina Express isn’t just a train—it’s a visual feast. Its panoramic windows and second-class seating let you take in sweeping vistas of glaciers, lakes, and rugged peaks. During the journey, you’ll pass Morteratsch Glacier, one of Europe’s most impressive glaciers, which is often a favorite stop for reviews.

Traveling along the Alpine mountain pass, you’ll feel humbled by the scale of the landscape. Several reviewers mention the spectacular scenery—“The scenery was spectacular,” one notes—highlighting how the views often surpass expectations. The train’s route crosses into Italy, passing picturesque villages and lush valleys before arriving in Tirano.

Time in Tirano and Return Journey

In Tirano, you get about 45 minutes to explore. Many visitors enjoy visiting local spots like the Sanctuary of the Holy Virgin, or simply wandering through the town’s quiet streets. It’s a relaxed way to soak in Italian mountain town charm before heading back.

The return leg is a coach ride back to Como, taking about 2.5 hours. You’ll have time to reflect on the day’s views, and some reviews mention that the journey back is equally scenic. Keep in mind that from December 14th, shorter daylight hours might limit visible scenery, but the views are still worth it.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Scenic Views and The Bernina Express

The train journey alone is a major selling point. As several reviewers point out, it offers “spectacular scenery”—glaciers, mountain peaks, and lakes framed by huge windows. People often say it’s a “trip of a lifetime” for the visuals. The Morteratsch Glacier is particularly notable, and traveling along the Alpine mountain pass provides a sense of scale and grandeur you can’t replicate elsewhere.

Authentic Towns with Personal Time

The free time in St. Moritz and Tirano allows for some genuine exploration. You can stroll, shop, or sit with a coffee, soaking in the local atmosphere. Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge and organization, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. One reviewer liked how the guide “made the trip,” highlighting how good guides can elevate an already stunning experience.

Value for Money

Considering the train ticket, transportation, and guided elements, many travelers say this trip offers great value. The guaranteed panoramic seats in the train carriage are a plus, ensuring travelers get the best views without worrying about seating. The cost includes transport from and back to Como, making it a hassle-free day out.

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

The main consideration is the length of travel time—about 6-7 hours on the bus and train combined. Some travelers note that this can feel long, especially if you’re not used to such packed days. Also, because the bus rides are lengthy, the experience relies heavily on good traffic conditions to avoid delays.

Another point is the seasonal variability: from October to December, the route might feature less visible scenery due to shorter daylight hours, but the train still offers stunning views.

Finally, restroom facilities on the bus are not available, so be prepared with that in mind, especially on the longer coach segments.

Who Should Consider This Trip?

This tour is perfect for scenery lovers who want a comprehensive day experience without the stress of planning multiple transports. It’s suitable for those comfortable with long travel days and eager to see iconic Swiss and Italian mountain scenery. Travelers interested in authentic local towns and spectacular train journeys will find this especially rewarding. However, it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues, as some parts involve walking and the tour involves a full day of movement.

Final Thoughts

This trip from Como to St. Moritz and Tirano, with a ride on the Bernina Express, offers a well-balanced mix of relaxing coach rides, breathtaking train vistas, and time to explore charming towns. The guides receive high praise for their knowledge and organization, making the experience smoother and more enriching. The spectacular scenery is a clear highlight, making it a perfect choice if you’ve ever dreamed of crossing the Alps by train.

While the long day might be tiring, the value for the scenery and towns visited makes it worth it. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an accessible, all-in-one Swiss Alps adventure without the hassle of multiple bookings or complicated logistics.

If you’re after a memorable scenic journey combined with a taste of Swiss and Italian mountain life, this tour is hard to beat—just lace up for a full day and bring your camera.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the trip includes bus transportation from Como to St. Moritz and back, as well as Bernina Express train tickets from St. Moritz to Tirano.

Do I get guaranteed seats on the train?
Yes, your ticket includes guaranteed seats in the panoramic carriage, so you won’t need to worry about seat selection or crowding.

Can I explore St. Moritz and Tirano at my leisure?
Absolutely. The itinerary allows for free time in both towns to walk around, shop, or visit local sights.

What if the weather is bad?
While weather can affect the scenery, the train journey is still stunning. If the weather is particularly poor, views might be limited, especially during the December months with shorter daylight hours.

Are there any meal options included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy in the towns, although prices may vary.

Is there any restriction on who can join?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and full-day travel. Also, pets are not allowed on this tour.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID is required, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Don’t forget a camera and possibly a jacket, depending on the weather.

This tour offers a chance to see some of Europe’s most stunning mountain scenery, explore charming towns, and enjoy a world-famous train ride—all in one memorable day from Como.

You can check availability for your dates here: