Milan & Swiss Bernina & Glacier Express

Travel by train from Milan via Lake Como, taking the Bernina and Glacier Express to St. Moritz and Zermatt before returning to Milan.

This cross-border loop is done entirely by train: head north from Milan to the eastern shore of Lake Como, board the Bernina line from Tirano to St. Moritz, take the Glacier Express to Zermatt, and finally head south back to Milan. Featuring scenic long-distance rides with minimal transfers, it is perfect for railway enthusiasts and couples who prefer not to drive. The Glacier Express takes eight hours, so be prepared for a full day of train travel. Seat reservations are mandatory for both scenic trains, and the Swiss segments can be costly.

The Glacier Express has an annual autumn maintenance closure, which runs from October 11 to December 4 in 2026.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Milan's Historic Center

Milan（Milan Cathedral、Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II、Sforza Castle）

Explore on foot and by metro. The main sights are concentrated, so no intercity travel is needed today.

Stay: Centrale Station Area

Day 2 · Train to Varenna

Lake Como（Varenna、Castello di Vezio）

Take a direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna (approx. 1 hour). Spend the afternoon exploring the colorful lakeside town and castle.

Stay: Varenna

Day 3 · Ferry to Bellagio

Lake Como（Bellagio、Villa Melzi Gardens、Villa Carlotta）

Take the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (approx. 15 minutes), then head to Tremezzo in the afternoon before returning.

Stay: Varenna

Day 4 · Cross the Alps on the Bernina Line

Bormio（Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano） → St. Moritz（Bernina Express、St. Moritz Dorf & Leaning Tower）

Take the train from Varenna to Tirano (approx. 1.5 hours), then transfer to the Bernina Express to St. Moritz (approx. 2.5 hours).

The Bernina Express requires seat reservations; regular regional trains run the same route and do not require reservations.

Stay: St. Moritz Dorf

Day 5 · Engadin Mountains, Lakes & Viewpoints

St. Moritz（Muottas Muragl、Lake St. Moritz）

Take a regional train and funicular to Muottas Muragl, then walk around Lake St. Moritz after descending.

Stay: St. Moritz Dorf

Day 6 · The Full Glacier Express Journey

St. Moritz（Landwasser Viaduct） → Zermatt & Matterhorn（Glacier Express）

Take the morning Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt (approx. 8 hours), arriving in the evening.

Seat reservations must be booked in advance. Sitting on the left side when leaving St. Moritz offers better views.

Stay: Zermatt Village Center

Day 7 · Gornergrat for Matterhorn Views

Zermatt & Matterhorn（Gornergrat、Riffelsee、Zermatt Old Village (Hinterdorf)）

Take the rack railway from Zermatt up to Gornergrat (approx. 35 minutes), and hike on your way down.

Clouds are usually thinner in the early morning, so taking an early train up the mountain is highly recommended.

Stay: Zermatt Village Center

Day 8 · Head South Back to Milan

Milan（Navigli）

Take the train from Zermatt to Visp, then transfer to the EuroCity direct train to Milan (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours total).

Cross-border trains between Switzerland and Italy require seat reservations. Keep your passport handy.