Information about seating on Bernini Express

The best views are to the west, so the right going south or the left going north.

The problem is, as I recall it (and things may have changed since we went in 2018), you can't tell in advance which way side your seat will be on as they make up the trains differently for different trips. So pick a seat that looks comfortable and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, there is a vestibule at each end of the car with windows that open on both sides so you can get your fill of views there.

Man in Seat 61 covers much of this in the "Travel Tips" section of this page: https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bernina-express.htm#travel_tips_&_FAQ

Which direction are you going on the train- that makes a difference on which sides?

Many of us here advocate for riding the regional trains which run on the same route. They are much less crowded, the windows open to the fresh air, and no seat reservations are required. We did this Sept, 2021, and we could jump across the aisle so we had access to the best views. My pix, even tho on a moving train, were spectacular. We passed the panoramic trains, and it appeared every seat was taken, so no ability to move around, and any pix taken were thru the glare of the window glass. Also, in the covid era, I liked having lots of space away from other passengers.

Whatever you choose, it is a beautiful trip, and will be spectacular!

Which direction, and which section are you riding? It makes a difference. For the downhill section between the actual pass and down to Poschiavo, the tracks switchback down the slope, so the view down into the valley, which is spectacular, appears on both sides!

We rode the regular regional train in a nearly empty car, so we could freely move back and forth to see the views on both sides. That was nice.

another vote for the local train, for the exact reason you ask.

Never in first, always in second, never a problem.

I can't speak for how you fellow first classers would like folks opening and closing windows and moving from side to side.

So because I have always used the local train (same views, same stops - actually more, much more freedom, cheaper, same running times, much more frequent) I can't describe how it would be in first on the tourist train. Sorry.

The one nice thing about the Bernini Express over the regional train are the windows. The BE has panormic windows that go up into the ceiling for great views. It also made photo stops that allowed everyone to get off.

First class seating is 1-2. I took the train from Chur to Tirani. My single (1) seat was on the west side.

As I recall, on the trip north on the Bernina Express, there were more photo op's when sitting on the left. However at times there were some good sights on the right side as well. One big issue with the panorama cars is that it's just about impossible to get completely clear pictures, due to the glare of the glass. I spent a lot of the trip standing in the foyer next to an open window.

My husband and I sat across from each other, each next to the window so we could each see directly out and not have one looking over the shoulder of the other.