Everything you need to know to cross the Swiss-Italian border with your pup via one of the most scenic train journeys in the world that is UNESCO recognized as the highest mountain rail pass in the world! 

Dogs of all sizes are welcome on this train journey. There are multiple riding options and ways to incorporate this into a European itinerary. We'll show you how!

(Disability accommodation information included)

Eurail company, North 630 East, Orem, UT, USA

Italy

Chur, Switzerland

Switzerland

Tirano, Province of Sondrio, Italy

Bernina Express, Bahnhofplatz, Chur, Switzerland

Take Your Dog: Bernina Express - Iconic Swiss Alps Rail

The Bernina Express route crosses the Swiss Alps between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy. At the top there is a 30min stop for you to get off and enjoy the views. 

Dogs of all sizes are allowed on the Bernina Express!

* Tickets are required for dogs more than 30cm at the shoulder. Dogs less than 30cm in height at the shoulder require no ticket as long as they travel in a carrier. If you travel by plane or car with your dog in a carrier, this should be adequate. 

* It is typically recommend throughout Europe to keep a muzzle with you if traveling with a large dog, as this is sometimes required for large dogs, or any dog not traveling in a carrier, to board trains and buses. 

You can find official pet-travel regulations here:

Swiss Rail Dog Travel Information

WAYS TO INCORPORATE BERNINA IN YOUR ITINERARY

CONNECTABLE CITIESThis list is just a list of convenient suggestions, but there's really no limit on the itineraries you can create, whether by rail exclusively or mixed modes of transportation. It just depends on your goals, interests, and time.

- Part of an Alpine skiing trip, including to St. Mortiz

- Round-trip scenic day - bring a picnic on the train!

- Connect to the several other scenic Alpine rail lines

- Cross border travel day between Switzerland-Italy

- Scenic & cultural refresher during longer trips to France, Germany, Austria, Italy.

Typically the rules you find here will apply generally to dogs/pets on trains throughout Switzerland. However, be sure to always check guidelines as you make plans connecting with your Bernina journey.

* Top elevation: 7,392 ft above sea level

The classic Bernina Express experience is aboard the panoramic train cars designed for enjoying the views. However, it's not the only option. The panoramic cars are pulled by an electric engine car called the Allegra, and you can ride in this one, as well. 

Here are the factors to consider when choosing your preference:

PANORAMIC CARPro: Big windows, Iconic experienceCon: Windows don't open, More Expensive, Not in Eurail/InterrailOther: Assigned seating, First and Second Class Available

Swiss rail offers vacation packages which may interest you:

Eurail/Interrail - use same link and select day/time and seat. On the next step when personal information is required, you'll find a drop down menu for "Reductions" - you can enter your pass type here. At check out you will only be charged the reservation fee.

A note on reservations: In Europe it is common to have a separate ticket fee and reservation fee for train journeys. You can purchase them separately, as well, allowing flexibility in your trip planning process in case you want to lock something down but aren't ready to commit to the full cost. This applies to Eurail/Interrail also - your ticket may be covered by your pass but the reservation fee may still be required separately. 

Reservation fee is required in both classes (CHF 20.00 avg, some seasonal changes)

The Bernina route is a regular commuter route that services other journeys, with the option to change rail lines along the way at certain points.

ALLEGRA CARPro: Windows open, First car with head-on views, Cheaper ticket, Part of Eurail/InterrailCon: Regular car and seating, Standard windowsOther: More local commuters, Less tourists, No assigned seating

Bernina Express - Panoramic Ride Booking 

1st class - one way CHF 113.00 / round trip CHF 226.00

2nd class - one way CHF 66.00 / round trip CHF 132.00   

Eurrail/Interrail - simply select the journey in the app and hop on board

SBB Mobile: Swiss Rail App

Swiss Rail Organized Tours

Be sure that on the marquee, the train you board is marked specifically as "Bernina Express"

At the originating train station, you may will see multiple trains and platforms marked with the same destination

Feedback and questions are welcome. Contact us!

Bernina Express Scenic Train Route

Lake Como area is connected to Swiss Rail network via Lugano, Italy. This is also the connection point for the Gottard Express, another scenic Swiss rail journey. You can book a package as part of your Bernina Express journey which will include a same day bus transfer from Tirano to Lake Como.

There are special seats available on the Bernina Express for passengers with impaired mobility who cannot leave their wheelchair. Special booking is required. 

General & Disability Information

Passengers with a handicap

* Call +41 81 288 65 65 or e-mail to railservice@rhb.chPassengers with impaired mobility who can leave their wheelchairs can book their seats at a station or online. 

In either scenario the passenger needs to pre-order the boarding and alighting assistance from the SBB Call Center Handicap* Call 0800 007 102 or e-mail mobil@sbb.ch

Take Your Dog: Bernina Express - Iconic Swiss Alps Rail

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