Looking for an unforgettable Adventure: The Bernina Express with kids. I’ve always had a list of special train journeys tucked away in my travel bucket list—those iconic routes that promise breathtaking scenery, unique experiences, and just the right touch of adventure. This past summer, while planning our time in Europe, I decided it was time to finally check one off. I wanted something that I could reasonably manage on my own with my three boys (ages 10, 9, and 5), something memorable that didn’t require complicated logistics.

Enter the Bernina Express—a legendary panoramic train journey connecting two of my favorite countries: Italy and Switzerland. And now that I’ve done it, I can confidently say this is one of the most family-friendly train adventures in Europe—and absolutely one of the most beautiful.

Unforgettable Adventure: The Bernina Express with Kids

The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed railway line that runs between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy, winding through the spectacular Swiss Alps. Along the way, it crosses glacial landscapes, stone viaducts, and mountain passes, all visible through enormous panoramic windows that make you feel like you’re part of the scenery.

Here’s why this route is such a gem for families:

• Perfect Length for Kids
  At around 4 hours, the journey is just long enough to feel like a true adventure—without testing everyone’s patience. The break made the length even more perfect.

• Panoramic Windows: this was the coolest part for the kids. The panoramic windows were so big it made going through the mountains, seeing animal, glaciers feel like you were part of the action.

• Room to Move Around
  Unlike airplanes or cramped trains, the Bernina Express has wide aisles and a relaxed atmosphere. The boys could get up to look out different windows, walk around, or just stretch their legs without disturbing anyone.

• A Chance to Get Off at the Top
  One of the highlights is a stop at Ospizio Bernina, the highest point on the line (over 7,000 feet above sea level). Even in summer, there’s a crisp chill in the air and often patches of snow—my kids could not believe how cold it was, especially since it hit 100 degrees where we were in Italy earlier in the week! It’s the perfect quick break to breathe in alpine air, snap family photos, and let little ones move around. There’s a cute cafe right where the train stops too with bathrooms, coffee, desserts and more.

• Scenic and Affordable
  Compared to other luxury train routes, the Bernina Express is surprisingly reasonable, especially for what you get. It’s a splurge that feels special but doesn’t break the bank.

• Connects Two Fantastic Destinations
  Starting in Italy and ending in Switzerland (or vice versa) gives you the chance to pair the train journey with visits to two totally different but equally charming regions. This makes it easy to weave into a broader European itinerary.

Our Route: From Italy to Switzerland

Many travelers do the Bernina Express from north to south, starting in Chur. We did the reverse, starting in Tirano, Italy, and traveling north into Switzerland.

We arrived in Tirano after time in Cinque Terre, but if I were to plan it again, I’d probably stop in Lake Como first (we passed it on the way to Tirano. Tirano itself is a charming little town with a few restaurants and cafés right near the station, perfect for grabbing a snack before departure. We loved the spot we stayed the night before the train: B&B Corte Rossa. It was an awesome room with a king bed and 2 twins for under $300 a night. Everywhere in town is simple like this, but being near the train is key.

When we got to Chur, we got onto a train to Rapperswil (on Lake Zurich). I have a whole Switzerland post to write that’s coming soon. You can also just stay in Chur but we wanted to be on Lake Zurich and we were already so close that one more quick train was easy. There are so many beautiful spots in Switzerland you can reach easily when you get off in Chur (or stay there).

Tips for a Smooth Family Bernina Adventure

Here are a few things I learned along the way that will make your experience even better:

• Book First Class if You Can
  We booked first-class seats, which I highly recommend for families. The extra space, bigger windows, and quieter environment made the trip so much more comfortable—especially with three kids in tow. I am never one to spring for first class seats but here it’s 100% worth it. You also are at the back of the train and can watch the train cars ahead of you winding onto the bridges, etc. They also came through the car with souvenir tin trains filled with Swiss chocolate and ice tea (complimentary).

• Activate Your Tickets in Advance
  Don’t forget this step! You need to validate or activate your tickets before boarding. It’s easy to do online or at the station, but it’s one of those details that’s easy to overlook in the excitement of travel day.

• Bring Layers—even in Summer
  It might be warm when you board, but the stop at Ospizio Bernina is chilly, even in August. I wish I had packed something because we were freezing when we got off!

• Pack Snacks
  They do sell a few items on the train but I brought sandwiches onboard for the kids and some snacks.

• Take Advantage of the Connection Options
  When we arrived in Chur, Switzerland, we hopped on another train straight to the Lake Zurich area to continue our trip. Switzerland’s train network is so efficient that adding on destinations is seamless.

For my boys, it wasn’t just transportation—it was an experience. They still talk about “the train through the mountains” and ask when we can do another special route. For me, it was the rare kind of day that felt both easy and extraordinary, the perfect combination when traveling solo with kids.

If you’re planning a family trip to Europe and looking to add something truly memorable, the Bernina Express should be at the top of your list. It’s scenic, family-friendly, logistically simple, and connects two stunning regions in one unforgettable journey. Whether your kids are train enthusiasts or just love a good adventure, this is one experience they’ll talk about for years to come.

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