Key Takeaways:
To secure panoramic window seats on the Bernina Express, book seat reservations up to 90 days in advance on the official Rhaetian Railway portal.
- Reservation fees: The mandatory supplement costs CHF 36 in low season or CHF 44 in summer peak for Chur to Tirano, and CHF 32 for St. Moritz to Tirano.
- Pass discounts: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass holders can select “Reservation only” at checkout to pay just the supplement.
- Seating choices: First-class coaches feature a 2+1 layout with 30 seats, while second-class uses a 2+2 layout with 47 seats.
- Photography tip: Panoramic double-glazed windows do not open; summer regional trains offer open-air yellow carriages with drop-down windows.
How to reserve Bernina Express seat reservations step by step
Securing a seat on the Bernina Express requires navigating the official Rhaetian Railway (RhB) portal or the standard Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) booking channel. Seat reservations on the Bernina Express can be booked online up to 90 days before departure, while general train tickets are available up to 6 months before travel. Following a precise step-by-step process ensures you lock in prime window seats without paying unnecessary full-fare ticket prices if you already carry a rail pass.
- Access the official booking portal: Open your browser and head to the Rhaetian Railway online shop at shop.rhb.ch or access the SBB ticket portal. Select your desired travel date, starting point (such as Chur or St. Moritz), and final destination (Tirano).
- Choose your travel direction and train departure: Review the daily timetable listings. Ensure you select a train explicitly designated as the Bernina Express to access the specialized panoramic coaches.
- Apply pass discounts: If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail Pass, GA travelcard, or Half-Fare card, choose the discount option marked “Reservation only” during ticket selection. This drops the base ticket charge and leaves only the mandatory seat reservation supplement in your basket.
- Select your carriage and seat on the interactive map: The portal displays a visual seat map screen once your route, date, direction, and travel class are selected. Review the carriage diagrams to choose your preferred seats.
- Complete payment and download your pass: Enter your passenger details and pay the mandatory seat supplement. Save the PDF receipt and digital barcode to your mobile phone or print a physical copy for train conductors to scan.
Bernina Express seat reservation costs and booking rules
The mandatory seat reservation supplement for the Bernina Express varies depending on the route section and season. Pass holders must pay this supplement in addition to holding valid travel coverage. Regional trains running on the exact same Bernina Line route do not require mandatory panoramic seat reservations, offering optional seat reservations for CHF 5.00 per person instead.
| Route Option | Travel Season | Mandatory Supplement | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chur to Tirano (Panoramic Express) | Winter / Low Season | CHF 36 | Up to 90 days in advance |
| Chur to Tirano (Panoramic Express) | Summer / Peak Season | CHF 44 | Up to 90 days in advance |
| St. Moritz to Tirano (Panoramic Express) | All Seasons | CHF 32 | Up to 90 days in advance |
| Regional Train (Exact Same Line) | All Seasons | CHF 5.00 (Optional) | Up to 6 months in advance |
First class versus second class: Which carriage layout is best?
Choosing between first and second class on the Bernina Express comes down to elbow room, total coach capacity, and interior seating geometry. Both classes provide access to free Wi-Fi and the digital InfoT(r)ainment system, which delivers live route maps and audio commentary straight to your smartphone as you cross landmark viaducts.
First-class panoramic coaches feature a spacious 2+1 seating arrangement with only 30 seats per carriage. This layout provides individual solo seats on one side of the aisle and double seats on the other, giving single travelers direct window access without a seatmate. Second-class panoramic coaches use a standard 2+2 seating arrangement with 47 seats per carriage. While second class is more densely filled, every seat still sits immediately adjacent to the large panoramic windows.
How to take glare-free photos on the Bernina line
photographing the spectacular alpine scenery through panoramic glass requires planning. All official Bernina Express panoramic coaches feature floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows. Because these large windows cannot be opened, interior lighting during bright daytime runs often creates severe glass glare and reflections on camera lenses.
For photographers seeking clear glass, summer travel presents a practical alternative. Open-air yellow carriages (Aussichtswagen) with drop-down windows are attached to select regional trains on the Bernina line during summer months. These open-air cars require no mandatory seat reservations, allowing travelers to capture clear, unobstructed photos of the Landwasser Viaduct and Alp Grüm without window glass reflections.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I book seat reservations for the Bernina Express?
Seat reservations on the Bernina Express can be booked online up to 90 days before your departure date through shop.rhb.ch or the SBB portal. Base train tickets can be purchased up to 6 months in advance.
Do Swiss Travel Pass holders need a Bernina Express reservation?
Yes, mandatory seat reservations are required for all passengers on the Bernina Express panoramic train. Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass holders must select the “Reservation only” option at checkout to pay just the seat supplement fee.
Can windows be opened on the Bernina Express for photography?
No, all panoramic windows on the Bernina Express are double-glazed sealed glass that cannot be opened. For glare-free photography, ride regional trains carrying open-air yellow carriages with drop-down windows during the summer months.
