The Albula and Bernina railway lines are among the most spectacular rail routes in the world. Most travelers discover them through the famous Bernina Express — but few realize that the true heart of these UNESCO-listed routes is the regional train network operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB).
These regional trains run on the exact same tracks, pass through the same viaducts, forests, glaciers, and mountain villages, but offer a very different experience: more flexible, cheaper, and often better for photography.
Whether you’re a photographer, slow-travel enthusiast, or just chasing the serene charm of the Alps, this route promises pure Swiss winter magic — without the crowds.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes these rail routes special, how to experience them, and tips to make your train journey truly unforgettable.
Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
What Is the Rhaetian Railway (RhB)?
The Rhaetian Railway is the regional railway company of eastern Switzerland, operating:
- More than 380 km of mountain railway lines
- Services connecting Chur, Davos, St. Moritz, Pontresina, Arosa, Tirano, and dozens of Alpine villages
- Both local commuter trains and world-famous scenic routes
Unlike the Bernina Express or Glacier Express, RhB regional trains are not tourist products — they are everyday working trains used by:
- Locals
- Students & commuters
- Hikers & climbers
- Skiers
- Photographers
- Budget travelers
Yet they run on some of the most scenic railway lines on Earth.
Albula & Bernina Lines: A UNESCO Masterpiece
The Albula–Bernina railway is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its extraordinary engineering and perfect integration into extreme alpine terrain.
- Albula Line: Runs from Thusis (or Chur) to St. Moritz via Filisur, Bergün, and Preda.
- Bernina Line: Travels from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass to Tirano in northern Italy.
Together, they cover 122 km, pass through 55 tunnels, and cross nearly 200 bridges—many perched dramatically over gorges or carved through cliffs.
Regional trains: The authentic way to experience these routes
- Most people assume that the Bernina Express is the only way to enjoy these landscapes. In reality, regional RhB trains run all day, every day, on the same tracks.
- Why Regional Trains Are So Special
- Same scenery as the Bernina Express
- Much cheaper
- No seat reservation
- Many windows can be opened
- You can hop on and off at any station
- Perfect for:
Regional trains vs Bernina Express: full comparison
| Feature | Regional RhB Trains | Bernina Express |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Rhaetian Railway (RhB) | Rhaetian Railway (RhB) |
| Purpose | Local & regional transport | Tourist panoramic train |
| Seat reservation | ❌ No | ✅ Mandatory |
| Ticket price | ✅ Cheaper | ❌ Higher |
| Transfers | ❌ Often required | ✅ Usually direct |
| Windows | ✅ Often openable | ❌ Panoramic fixed glass |
| Photography | ✅ Best option | ⚠️ Reflections |
| Schedule | ✅ Very frequent | ❌ Limited daily departures |
| Comfort | Basic | Premium |
| Flexibility | ✅ Maximum | ❌ Fixed |
| Crowd risk | ⚠️ High during peak | ✅ Guaranteed seat |
| Best for | Budget, hikers, photographers | First-timers, short stays, comfort |
Which one should you choose?
Choose regional trains if you want:
- Lower costs
- Open windows for photos
- Stop anywhere along the route
- Travel at your own rhythm
- A local, authentic experience
Choose the Bernina Express if you want:
- No transfers
- Guaranteed seating
- A stress-free, guided sightseeing experience
- A premium, tourist-oriented atmosphere
👉 Many experienced travelers combine both:
Bernina Express one way, regional trains the other.
Tickets, Passes & Budget Tips (2025)
Standard Tickets
With the standard ticket, you pay only distance based fee, there is no reservation fee that you will have to pay on top of your ticket. On top of that, regional train tickets are much cheaper than panoramic trains.
Swiss Travel Pass / Interrail / Eurail
Passes are fully valid on all RhB regional trains and no reservation is needed. You have the flexibility to board the train you want with the risk also that there may be no seat available.
FAQ
Do regional trains run in winter?
Yes, both routes operate year-round—even during heavy snowfall. Swiss rail infrastructure ensures high reliability in winter conditions, making these journeys both safe and scenic.
Are regional trains on the Bernina and Albula lines as scenic as the Bernina Express?
Yes — the scenery is exactly the same. Regional trains run on the same tracks, through the same viaducts, passes, glaciers, lakes, and valleys as the Bernina Express. The only difference is the style of experience, not the landscapes.
Do I need a seat reservation on RhB regional trains?
No. Seat reservations are not required on regional trains operated by the Rhaetian Railway. You simply buy a ticket or use a valid travel pass and board any train.
Can I open the windows on regional trains?
Yes on many regional carriages, windows can be opened, which makes them the best option for photography. This is one of the main advantages over the Bernina Express, whose panoramic windows are sealed.
Is Wi-Fi available on RhB regional trains?
Wi-Fi is not guaranteed on regional trains. Some newer carriages may offer limited connectivity, but due to tunnels and high-alpine terrain, mobile signal is often weak or unavailable. Always download maps and tickets in advance.
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass on these trains?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass is fully valid on all RhB regional trains on both the Albula and Bernina lines. No supplement or reservation is required.
Can I stop anywhere along the route and continue later?
Yes — and this is one of their biggest advantages. You can:
– Get off at Alp Grüm, Morteratsch, Bergün, Poschiavo, and many other stations
– Explore for a few hours
– Continue on a later train
This level of flexibility is not possible with the Bernina Express.
With snow‑frosted viaducts, calm alpine landscapes, and fewer tourists, you experience Switzerland from a fresh, intimate perspective.
Whether you’re a photography lover, winter‑scene seeker, or simply someone craving a tranquil journey through snowy mountains, this railway adventure is one you shouldn’t miss.
Time to book that window seat, wrap yourself in warm layers, and watch the winter wonder of the Swiss Alps glide by from your train window.
