Bernina Red Train

[wellhouse]

In March 2023 I travelled on the Bernina Red Train from Tirano to Alp Grum. As it was the Winter Timetable, there was only one daily Bernina Express service, but individual Bernina Express panorama cars were provided on some of the regular Red Trains, with only a modest supplement charged.

I have been unable to find any reference on the RhB website to this being available this Winter. Can anybody clarify whether RhB are still providing panorama cars in normal trains during the Winter and Spring?

 

[roadtotherails]

I was lucky enough to ride this service earlier in January 2025 and can confirm they had panorama viewing cars in use. I was able to just book this through the RhB website some weeks before

 

[rvdborgt]

I was lucky enough to ride this service earlier in January 2025 and can confirm they had panorama viewing cars in use. I was able to just book this through the RhB website some weeks before

If this was indeed a regular service (not the BE) with some panoramic carriages, do you recall which service it was?

 

[roadtotherails]

If this was indeed a regular service (not the BE) with some panoramic carriages, do you recall which service it was?

Ah sorry my mistake, I hadn’t appreciated you were looking for normal services using the BE carriages! It was the BE I went on with the panorama carriages I’m afraid I couldn’t help with the standard services outside of BE. Good luck and I hope you find your answer!

 

[43096]

In March 2023 I travelled on the Bernina Red Train from Tirano to Alp Grum. As it was the Winter Timetable, there was only one daily Bernina Express service, but individual Bernina Express panorama cars were provided on some of the regular Red Trains, with only a modest supplement charged.

I have been unable to find any reference on the RhB website to this being available this Winter. Can anybody clarify whether RhB are still providing panorama cars in normal trains during the Winter and Spring?

To my mind you’re better just getting the regular service train anyway. The panorama experience is over rated - on the regular service trains you can open the windows and take photos if you want. Much to be said for travelling as the locals do!

One other recommendation: stop off at Alp Grüm if you haven’t before, take in the view and have a meal in the restaurant.

 

[wellhouse]

To my mind you’re better just getting the regular service train anyway. The panorama experience is over rated - on the regular service trains you can open the windows and take photos if you want. Much to be said for travelling as the locals do!

One other recommendation: stop off at Alp Grüm if you haven’t before, take in the view and have a meal in the restaurant.

Excellent advice.

When we did the journey in 2023, we enjoyed the best of both options; travelling from Tirano to Alp Grum in the Panorama Carriage (5CHF supplement, complete with a library of Guidebooks in a bookcase!), staying overnight at Alp Grum, and then taking the first train the following morning to connect with The Glacier Express at St Moritz. We sat in the First Class compartment taking in the stunning views over the driver's shoulder.

My neice, who is going in April, isn't planning to stay at Alp Grum, but I've suggested (as you have) stopping at Alp Grum for refreshments before continuing on a later train.