How to Book Bernina Express Tickets-1st & 2nd Class

To enjoy this unforgettable journey, booking your tickets in advance is essential — especially during the peak travel seasons when demand is high. Whether you choose to travel in 1st class for a more luxurious experience or in 2nd class for a more affordable option, securing your seat on the Bernina Express is easy when you follow the proper steps.

Visit the Official Booking Website

The first step in booking your Bernina Express tickets is to visit the official Rhaetian Railway (RhB) website. This is the best and most reliable place to book your seats, as it provides real-time availability, pricing, and ensures a secure booking experience.

How to Access the Website:

Open your web browser and go to the official website at:
https://shop.rhb.ch/en/bernina-express/

Once on the website, you’ll find all the information you need about the Bernina Express route, ticket options, seat reservations, and schedules.

The website’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate between different train routes and booking options. You’ll also find detailed instructions for booking 1st and 2nd class tickets.

Bernina Express timetable

Select Your Travel Route and Date

bernina express route

After accessing the official Bernina Express booking website, the next step is to select your travel route and date. This ensures that you’re booking the correct journey and can plan your trip accordingly.

Choose Your Departure and Arrival Stations:

• The Bernina Express offers a few starting points, with the most popular being Chur, St. Moritz, or Tirano.

• On the booking page, select your departure station and your destination station. For example, if you’re traveling from Chur to Tirano, choose those locations from the dropdown menus.

Pick Your Travel Date:

• After selecting your route, you’ll be prompted to choose your travel date.

• The Bernina Express runs year-round, but it’s always best to check availability in advance, especially during peak travel times like summer or holidays.

Select Your Travel Time:

• Once you’ve chosen your departure and arrival stations, the website will show you a list of available trains on your selected date.

• Choose the time that works best for you. The train typically operates in the morning and early afternoon, but specific departure times may vary depending on the season.

Choose Your Class (1st Class vs. 2nd Class)

Once you’ve selected your travel route and date, the next step is to choose your class of travel. The Bernina Express offers two options: 1st class and 2nd class, each providing a different level of comfort and experience. Here’s how to make the best choice for your journey:

1st Class Premium Experience

• Spacious Seating: 1st class offers more space, with a 2+1 seat configuration, providing a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere.

• Panoramic Windows: Enjoy wider panoramic windows for an unobstructed view of the stunning Swiss Alps.

• More Relaxed Atmosphere: The 1st class carriages are generally quieter, making it perfect for travelers who seek a more tranquil, exclusive experience.

• Additional Amenities: In some cases, 1st class passengers may have access to extra amenities like complimentary snacks or a more refined onboard service.

2nd Class Premium Experience

• Comfortable Seating: While 2nd class is a bit more crowded with a 2+2 seat configuration, it still provides comfortable seating and panoramic views of the Alps.

• Affordable Option: 2nd class tickets are more affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers who still want to experience the scenic route.

• Family-Friendly: 2nd class is often chosen by families or groups, as it offers ample seating and more affordable fares.

Bernina Express Ticket Price Table

Ticket Type	Price Range	Details
1st Class Seat	CHF 150 – CHF 180	Panoramic window, spacious seats, more comfort, and quiet atmosphere.
2nd Class Seat	CHF 80 – CHF 100	Comfortable seating, panoramic windows, more affordable.
Seat Reservation (1st Class)	CHF 30 – CHF 35	Mandatory reservation for 1st class, per seat.
Seat Reservation (2nd Class)	CHF 15 – CHF 20	Mandatory reservation for 2nd class, per seat.
Swiss Travel Pass Holder (1st Class)	CHF 50 – CHF 70	Discounted fare for Swiss Travel Pass holders (1st class).
Swiss Travel Pass Holder (2nd Class)	CHF 20 – CHF 30	Discounted fare for Swiss Travel Pass holders (2nd class).
Children (under 6 years)	Free	No ticket required for children under 6 years of age.
Children (6-16 years)	CHF 25 – CHF 40	Discounted tickets for children aged 6-16 years.
Senior/Youth Discount	Varies	Discount for seniors or youth, based on age and applicable discounts.

How to Select Your Class:

• After choosing your route and travel date, the booking system will display available options for 1st class or 2nd class.

• Select your preferred class, and the system will guide you to the next step in your booking process.

Whether you choose 1st class for a luxurious experience or 2nd class for a more budget-friendly option, both classes offer stunning views and the opportunity to enjoy the Bernina Express in comfort.

Select Seat Reservation Options

After choosing your travel class, the next step is to make your seat reservation. The Bernina Express requires all passengers to reserve a seat, regardless of whether they are traveling in 1st class or 2nd class. This ensures that you have a designated spot on the train, which is especially important given the popularity of the route.

Why Seat Reservations Are Necessary:

• The Bernina Express is a panoramic train, and seats are strategically arranged to provide the best views of the stunning alpine landscape.

• Seat reservations guarantee that you will have a window seat and can enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful scenery during your journey.

Choose Your Seat Type:

• After selecting your 1st class or 2nd class ticket, you’ll be prompted to choose your seat. You can select window seats for the best views, as well as seats on the left or right side of the train depending on your preference.

Seat Availability:

• The system will show you the available seats for your selected travel date. Depending on availability, you can choose seats in either 1st class or 2nd class.

• In 1st class, the seat configuration is 2+1, providing extra space. In 2nd class, the configuration is 2+2, which is more typical of standard trains.

Additional Seat Preferences:

• You can also indicate additional preferences, such as group seating or proximity to amenities, if applicable.

Confirm Your Seat Selection:

• Once you’ve selected your preferred seat, the website will ask you to confirm the reservation before proceeding to payment.

Optional: Special Seating Requests

• Some passengers may have specific requests, such as needing extra space for mobility assistance or traveling with children. These requests can typically be made directly with the booking service, either during the booking process or by contacting customer support.

Enter Passenger Details

After selecting your seat reservation, the next step is to enter your passenger details. This is where you’ll provide the information needed to finalize your booking.

Provide Full Names:

• You will be asked to enter the full names of all passengers traveling with you. Ensure the names match the travel documents (e.g., passport, ID).

Enter Contact Information:

• You’ll need to provide a valid email address and, in some cases, a phone number. This will allow you to receive booking confirmations, updates, and other important information regarding your journey.

Indicate Passenger Type:

• If you’re traveling with children or seniors, you may need to indicate this in the passenger details. Some discounts or special pricing may apply to these groups.

Special Requests:

• If you have any special requirements, such as needing assistance for mobility or extra luggage space, you can usually indicate these during this step.

• Dietary preferences may also be requested if you’ve selected a catering option.

Important Notes:

• Accuracy: Double-check the spelling of names and other details to avoid any issues when boarding the train.

• Ticket Flexibility: Most Bernina Express tickets are non-refundable, so it’s essential to be certain about the travel details before confirming the booking.

Review and Confirm Booking

Once you’ve entered your passenger details and selected your seat reservation, it’s time to review and confirm your booking. This step ensures that all the details of your Bernina Express journey are correct before you proceed with payment.

Double-Check Travel Information:

• Ensure that your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and time are correct.

• Verify that you’ve selected the right class (1st or 2nd) and your seat reservation.

Review Passenger Details:

• Confirm that all passenger names, contact information, and special requests are accurate.

• Check if any discounts (e.g., Swiss Travel Pass or senior discounts) have been correctly applied.

Total Price:

• The website will display the total price for your booking, including ticket costs, seat reservations, and any additional services (such as meals or special accommodations).

• Ensure that all fees and charges are included and correct.

Terms and Conditions:

• Read through the terms and conditions and cancellation policies. It’s important to understand the booking’s refund or change policy before confirming the reservation, as Bernina Express tickets are typically non-refundable.

Confirming Your Booking:

Once you’ve carefully reviewed all the information and are confident that everything is correct, you can proceed to the next step to complete your booking.

• Click on the “Confirm Booking” button to proceed with payment and finalize your ticket purchase.

Receive Your Tickets

After you’ve confirmed your booking and completed the payment process, the final step is to receive your tickets. The Bernina Express offers different ways for you to get your tickets, depending on the method you chose during the booking process.

Email Confirmation:

• After confirming your booking, you will receive an email confirmation with your booking details, including ticket information, travel itinerary, and any special instructions.

• This email will also include a PDF attachment of your digital ticket if you opted for a mobile ticket or print-at-home option.

Digital Tickets:

• If you selected mobile tickets, you can simply show the QR code or ticket number on your smartphone when boarding the Bernina Express. Ensure you have the ticket saved on your phone or email to show to the conductor.

Printed Tickets:

• If you prefer physical tickets, the website will provide options to download and print your tickets. Be sure to print them out or keep them accessible for travel.

Ticket Delivery (for physical tickets):

• If you opted for physical tickets to be mailed to you, they will be sent to the address you provided during the booking process. This method may take a few days, so it’s important to book in advance if you want to receive physical tickets by mail.

Important Reminder:

• Check all ticket details: Ensure that your name, travel date, and route are correct.

• Keep your tickets safe: Whether digital or printed, make sure you have your ticket ready when boarding the train.

Conclusion

By following the clear, step-by-step guide in this article, you can easily book your Bernina Express tickets, select your preferred class, secure your seat, and prepare for a scenic adventure. Don’t forget to book early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get the best seats.