is bernina express included in swiss travel pass

A great question about traveling in Switzerland!

The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that connects Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, passing through the Swiss and Italian Alps. While the Swiss Travel Pass offers extensive coverage of public transportation in Switzerland, the Bernina Express is a bit of a special case.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Bernina Express route is partially covered by the Swiss Travel Pass:

• The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Bernina Express route between Chur and the Swiss-Italian border (at Tirano).
• However, the Bernina Express bus from Tirano to Lugano (the final leg of the journey) is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass. If you want to take the bus, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.

Additional requirements:

• While the Swiss Travel Pass covers the train journey, you’ll still need to make a reservation for the Bernina Express, especially during peak travel seasons. You can make reservations at any Swiss train station or online through the RhB (Rhaetian Railway) website.
• If you’re traveling in a panoramic car or a special class (e.g., 1st class), you might need to pay an additional supplement, even with a Swiss Travel Pass.

To summarize:

• The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Bernina Express train route between Chur and the Swiss-Italian border.
• You’ll need to make a reservation and potentially pay a supplement for panoramic cars or special classes.
• The bus from Tirano to Lugano is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

Enjoy your scenic ride on the Bernina Express!