Itinerary Summary
A Trenord train takes you from Milan to Tirano on the Italian border, then the RhB Bernina Express climbs the Alps - looping the Brusio Circular Viaduct - into Switzerland to St Moritz. The Glacier Ex…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Milan arrival, Duomo terraces and Navigli aperitivo
09:30
2h
Malpensa Express into central Milan
Clear arrivals and take the Malpensa Express to Cadorna or Centrale. Validate the ticket at the platform machine and keep it until you exit the station.
📍 Milan Malpensa Airport
13:00
2.5h
Duomo terraces and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Ride the lift to the Duomo roof terraces for the spires and city view, then walk through the glass-roofed Galleria. Book the roof ticket online and cover shoulders inside the cathedral.
📍 Piazza del Duomo, Milan
18:30
2h
Navigli canal aperitivo
Walk the Naviglio Grande canal as the bars set out aperitivo buffets. Order a Negroni or a local wine, and note that buffet access usually comes with one drink purchase.
📍 Navigli, Milan
💡 Pro Tip: Malpensa Express trains run from both terminals to Cadorna and Centrale in about 50 minutes; buy a return only if you are leaving from the same airport. Milan's metro and trams use contactless cards or paper tickets valid for 90 minutes. Entry rules and biometric checks depend on your passport, so check the Italy visa section. Italy is UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$68035%
Hotels in Tirano, St Moritz and Zermatt, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$39020%
Train catering, fondue dinners and station meals
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bernina Express from Milan cross into Switzerland and require a visa?+
Yes, the route crosses into Switzerland at Tirano, so you need valid entry for both Italy and Switzerland. Both are Schengen members, so a single Schengen visa usually covers the trip. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Japanese holders are normally visa-free for short stays; check the Italy and Switzerland visa sections for your nationality.
Should I ride the Bernina Express in summer or winter for the best views?+
June to September gives green alpine meadows, open hiking paths around St Moritz and Zermatt, and long daylight for photography. December to February turns the route into a snow journey, with frozen lakes and ski-season atmosphere but shorter days. Spring and late autumn can bring closed trails and patchy snow, so check the seasonal timetable.
How early do Bernina and Glacier Express panorama seats need booking?+
Reserve panorama car seats as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for July, August and the December holidays. Both trains carry a limited number of seats and charge a supplement of roughly 20-40 CHF on top of your rail pass or ticket. Standard regional trains run the same tracks without reservations if panorama cars are full.
Is the Bernina Express route manageable with luggage and for older travelers?+
It is a seated train journey with no hiking required, so most older travelers find it comfortable. You change trains at Tirano and St Moritz, so pack light enough to move bags between platforms. Storage on panorama cars is limited; send large cases ahead by Swiss luggage service or leave them at a station locker where available.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,240 (≈ €1,430–1,950), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Rail Journeys
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