Switzerland by Train
The Bernina Express to St Moritz, the most cinematic train ride in Europe, and how I did it without a luxury budget.
Premium without the price tag.
St Moritz means yachts and €40 coffees, until you do it like a local. I flew to Milan (€110), took the regional train to Tirano (€12), then the Bernina Express crossing the Alps to St Moritz (€32, second class, panorama is identical to first). Stayed in Pontresina, 6km away, in a 3-star alpine inn for €95 a night with breakfast, same valley, third of the price. Hiked, took cable cars with the free guest card, ate fondue at a mountain hut for €22. Five days, total €1,180 including flights and 8 train rides. The trick: Swiss Half Fare Card (€120) cuts every train, bus and cable car in half.
What to do, where to go.
- 01Bernina Express: Tirano → St Moritz (4hrs)
- 02Stay in Pontresina, not St Moritz
- 03Diavolezza cable car, glacier views
- 04Lake Sils hike (flat, 2hrs, free)
- 05Engadin guest card = free local transport
Places most tourists never see.
Morteratsch Glacier Trail
3km flat walk from the train stop to a real glacier. Free, no crowds, jaw-dropping.
Muottas Muragl funicular
Five-star panorama for €32 return. Stay for sunset, walk down in 90 min.
Coop supermarket dinners
Switzerland's not-so-secret hack, gourmet ready meals at €8, eat by the lake.
Honest numbers, no hidden fees.
- Flights Thessaloniki/Milan€110
- Pontresina inn (4 nights)€380
- Swiss Half Fare Card€120
- Bernina Express + trains€180
- Cable cars & hikes€140
- Food (mostly Coop + 2 fondues)€250
