Bernina Red Train and St Moritz Day Trip from Milan — Scenic Bernina Express Rail
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—mostly seated travel with short walks in St. Moritz and Tirano; able-bodied mobility recommended for stairs and short uphill sections.
Overview
Ride the UNESCO-listed Bernina line from Milan to St. Moritz for a compact day of alpine engineering, glaciers, and high-altitude culture. This 12–13 hour trip pairs panoramic rail views with time to explore St. Moritz and taste Valtellina specialties.
Bernina Red Train and St Moritz Day Trip from Milan — Scenic Bernina Express Rail
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Morning in Milan begins with the city still shedding its commuter rush; a small group gathers at Piazza IV Novembre, passports in hand and coffee in paper cups. The luxury coach eases north, leaving Lombardy’s flatlands for folded rock and pine-scented air. By mid-morning the road has climbed into the Maloja corridor and the Red Bernina Train pulls up like a scarlet line drawn across the mountains: bright, compact, and impossibly photogenic.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring your passport
Border crossings occur en route—carry a valid passport or EU ID and keep it accessible to speed boarding.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can swing from warm valley sun to crisp high-altitude breezes; pack a windproof layer.
Charge your camera
Windows in 2nd class open for photography—have batteries and cards ready for long, uninterrupted views.
Respect the schedule
The itinerary is tightly timed; missing the group segments can leave you responsible for your own return to Milan.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Alpine marmot
- Golden eagle
History
The Bernina line opened in stages in the early 1900s to link remote alpine valleys; its daring gradients and viaducts made it an engineering milestone and UNESCO cultural landscape.
Conservation
The region balances tourism and fragile alpine ecosystems; stick to marked paths and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Milan
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Quick layers handle alpine temperature swings from valley warmth to cool pass winds.
Comfortable walking shoes
City walking in St. Moritz and station platforms require stable, comfortable footwear.
Passport or EU ID
Required for border crossings between Italy and Switzerland on the itinerary.
Camera or smartphone with spare battery
Open windows and dramatic vistas reward prepared photographers.