How to get from Malpensa to St. Moritz

Two passes — and the weather decides

Two roads lead into the Engadin from Italy. The Maloja pass from Chiavenna is shorter, and in clear weather that is the way. But it closes in heavy snow, and then the Julier from Thusis takes over — longer, but more dependable. Our driver checks the forecast and road reports on the morning of departure, which is why the price list quotes 3 h – 3 h 40 min rather than a single figure.

The Bernina Express is more than a way to arrive

The Tirano–St. Moritz line is on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the train climbs through glaciers and spiral loops, and many ride it for the journey itself. The panoramic carriages need a reservation, but ordinary trains run the same route, cheaper and without booking.

Three ski areas, one pass

Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza are three separate areas sharing one ski pass, linked by buses and trains. St. Moritz sees around three hundred sunny days a year, so people come for more than the skiing. The transfer is ≈ €370 per car, 3 hours to the hotel door; for four people that is €93 each.

The Bernina Express is the rare case where the journey is the point: if you have the time, take the train. The car wins on an evening arrival, with a group and skis, and in the weather that closes the pass and forces a detour.