There is a way to leave the traffic of Milan behind and find yourself, in a couple of hours, suspended between the clouds and the perennial glaciers of the Alps. And no, you don’t need a private jet or an exorbitant budget. All you need to know is that there is a train that leaves from Central Station and, for only €12.50, takes you directly to the Swiss border, opening the doors to one of the most incredible railway experiences on the planet: the Bernina Express.
If you fancy a trip out of town that will leave your friends (and yourself) speechless, make a note of this itinerary. It’s the perfect mix of low-cost adventure and dreamlike landscapes, ideal for those looking to escape the city without having to plan an entire intercontinental trip.
The most beautiful winter trip out of Milan: heading to Tirano
Photo:
https://www.calendariovaltellinese.com/
Your adventure begins with a simple gesture: a Trenord ticket to Tirano. Forget the stress of traffic on State Road 36 or the endless queues on your return on Sunday. Trains depart every hour from Milan Central Station and take you directly to the Swiss border in about two and a half hours, without any changes.
The cost is the real surprise: for only €12.50 ( standard second-class fare), you can cross the entire Valtellina, skirt Lake Como, and arrive in Tirano in total relaxation.
Our advice: take the 6:20 or 7:20 train . You’ll have the whole day ahead of you and can admire the sunrise illuminating the peaks above Lecco. The return journey? Trains from Tirano run frequently until 8:08 p.m., allowing you to enjoy the sunset over the Alps.
On board the Bernina Express: which carriage to choose?
Once you arrive in Tirano, you will find yourself in front of what many call “the most beautiful train in the world. “ But be careful, not all carriages are the same! If your goal is to take stunning photos, go for the classic carriages. These are vintage cars with windows that can be lowered manually: perfect for feeling the cold air on your face and taking pictures without the annoying reflection of the glass.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for maximum comfort, you can opt for:
- Allegra cars: modern, super quiet, and with large windows.
- Bernina Express Panoramic: here the roof is made of glass! It’s the most scenic option, but remember that you must reserve your seat (about CHF 16 more than a standard ticket).
From Tirano to St. Moritz: glaciers, lakes, and the viaduct of dreams
The journey from Tirano to St. Moritz is a crescendo of pure adrenaline. In just 60 km, the train climbs 1,824 meters. Shortly after departure, you will pass over the Brusio Helical Viaduct, a circular structure unique in the world where the train almost seems to bite its own tail.
But the real spectacle comes later. You will pass through Alp Grüm, a panoramic stop isolated from the world, where you can get off for a coffee while looking straight at the Palü glacier. You will then reach the highest point at Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m), between Lago Bianco and Lago Nero, before descending towards the fashionable St. Moritz.
It is a journey that takes you through the landscapes of the film “Five Days in Summer” and makes you feel like an explorer from the last century.
Practical information: how to book your low-cost weekend
Organizing this trip to Switzerland from Milan has become very easy thanks to digital technology. You don’t have to queue, you can manage everything from your smartphone while you’re on the subway.
- Milan-Tirano ticket: buy it on the Trenord app for €12.50. It’s a digital ticket that doesn’t need to be validated: just show it on your phone.
- Bernina ticket: you can buy it online at treninorosso.it. The cost of Tirano-St. Moritz is around €30 each way, but always check the “day pass” offers if you want to get off and on at multiple stations.
- What not to forget:
- Your ID card (valid for travel abroad!).
- Powerbank (you’ll be taking so many videos that your battery will drain quickly).
- Technical clothing: it’s 10 degrees in Milan, but at 2,200 meters the temperature drops well below zero!