Day Trips from St. Moritz by Rail

The best day trips from St. Moritz start at the railway station. The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) runs narrow-gauge trains over the Bernina line to Italy and down to Morteratsch, and a lake boat serves the next valley in summer. Fares and seat reservations are in Swiss francs (CHF), and some services stop for a few weeks each year, so check the timetable for your date.

Bernina line to Tirano

The Bernina line is a UNESCO World Heritage railway. The trip from St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy takes about 2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min each way, which makes a full day with time for lunch across the border. You need an ID card or passport for Italy. The panoramic Bernina Express carriages need a seat reservation of about CHF 32 each way. A winter timetable applies from 26 October to 12 December 2026, so check departure times on rhb.ch .

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the base fare on the Albula and Bernina lines, but the seat reservation is extra.

Morteratsch glacier walk

A short train ride brings you to Morteratsch, where a free trail leads toward the glacier. Allow about 6 km for the round trip at most. Stay behind the warning ropes and keep out of the ice cave, because the glacier front and the cave are hazardous. Wear sturdy shoes and check the weather before you set out.

Sils Maria and Lake Sils

Sils Maria sits beside Lake Sils and is home to the Nietzsche-Haus, so check opening times with the house before planning a visit around it. In summer the Lake Sils boat runs between Sils Maria and Maloja in about 40 minutes, with several departures a day. It does not run in winter.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is a long panoramic journey rather than a day trip. A seat reservation costs about CHF 54, and the train is paused from 11 October to 4 December 2026. Plan it as a scenic ride for another season.

Planning tips

  • Take the first or second morning train so the return is not rushed.
  • Carry layers, because mountain weather changes quickly.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover Engadin cable cars, so budget separately for any lift you add.
  • For a longer stay, see the seasonal plans on the multi-day page.

Read more: Multi-day trips from St. Moritz links these journeys with mountain lifts and winter events.

Booking help

Guided rail and day tours can be compared on Viator . More route information is at engadin.ch .