The Glacier Express runs from Zermatt, below the Matterhorn, to St. Moritz; the Bernina Express climbs from Chur and St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass and ends in Tirano, in Italy. You will want your phone for photos, tickets and messages, but Switzerland is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, the trains pass through long tunnels, and a Switzerland plan stops at the border.
This guide explains what coverage to expect on board, why a Swiss-only plan does not work in Tirano or Liechtenstein, and which eSIM for Switzerland's scenic trains covers the whole route.
Key facts for Switzerland's scenic trains
- EU roaming: Switzerland is not covered by Roam Like at Home; Liechtenstein and Italy are
- One plan for the route: the Europe plan covers Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy
- Switzerland plan: works only in Switzerland, so not in Tirano or Liechtenstein
- Swiss networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112, police 117, fire 118, ambulance 144, Rega air rescue 1414
- Embassies: mostly in Bern; many consulates in Geneva and Zurich
Coverage on the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express
Swiss coverage is strong in towns and along the main valleys, but the signal can drop in tunnels and thin out on high passes. On a panoramic train, expect gaps rather than a constant connection.
Download your tickets and offline maps before boarding, and leave large photo uploads for the hotel Wi-Fi. In Switzerland, the SBB app shows live connections, platform changes and delays.
Tirano and Liechtenstein: where a Switzerland plan stops
The Bernina Express ends in Tirano, in Italy. A Switzerland plan works only in Switzerland, so once the train has crossed the border, your phone joins an Italian network that the plan does not cover. With an EU SIM it is the reverse: Italy is covered by Roam Like at Home, and it is the Swiss part of the trip that can bring roaming charges, depending on your operator.
Liechtenstein, reached by bus from Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland, is in the European Economic Area, so EU SIMs roam there as at home, but a Switzerland plan does not cover it.
Geneva, Basel and Lugano: networks across the border
Near the borders, a phone can connect to a French, German or Italian network, for example around Geneva, Basel or Lugano. On a Switzerland plan, pick a Swiss network manually in your mobile settings, as the plan does not work on the others.
Which plan fits your trip
If you stay inside Switzerland, a Switzerland plan is enough. If the Bernina Express takes you to Tirano, or you add Liechtenstein or the Italian lakes, the Telcomia Europe plan covers Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy together, plus most other EU countries and the UK, among 38 destinations.
Italy and Liechtenstein also have their own country plans, and with an EU SIM you are already covered in both. Before buying, open the plan details: the Activation line explains how the validity period is counted, and the details also show the duration, the data and whether you may share the connection.
Before you leave
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi and set it as your line for mobile data.
- Turn data roaming on for the eSIM and off for your home line.
- Download tickets and offline maps before boarding: the signal can drop in tunnels.
- Near the borders, check the network name and choose one manually if needed.
- Save 112 and 1414 in your contacts.
Consular protection: who to call on the route
- 112 works in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, 117 is the police, 118 the fire service and 144 an ambulance.
- 1414 is Rega, the Swiss air rescue service.
- In Italy, the older numbers 113 (police), 115 (fire) and 118 (medical) also work, so 118 means a different service on each side of the border.
- Embassies in Switzerland are mostly in Bern, with consulates in Geneva and Zurich; none are based in Liechtenstein, which the UK and the US cover from Bern. The Telcomia app shows which mission is responsible for you, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app keeps key emergency phrases in German, French and Italian ready to show on screen.
Switzerland travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about Switzerland's scenic trains
Does EU roaming work in Switzerland?
Not by law. Switzerland is outside Roam Like at Home, so each operator decides: some include it, many charge roaming. Liechtenstein and Italy are covered.
Will a Swiss eSIM work in Tirano?
A Telcomia Switzerland plan works only in Switzerland, and Tirano is in Italy. For the full Bernina Express route, use a plan that covers both, such as the Europe plan.
Is there signal on the Glacier Express?
In towns and the main valleys, usually yes. It drops in tunnels and can thin out on high passes, so download tickets and maps before boarding.
Which emergency numbers should I save in Switzerland?
112 for any emergency, 117 for the police, 118 for the fire service, 144 for an ambulance and 1414 for Rega air rescue. Liechtenstein uses the same police, fire and ambulance numbers.
The short version
Switzerland is outside EU roaming, a Switzerland plan stops at the border, and the Bernina Express ends in Italy. If your route reaches Tirano or Liechtenstein, use one Europe plan, download tickets before the tunnels, and save 112 and 1414.
Related reads:
When should I activate my Switzerland eSIM?
Each plan shows before you pay when it starts counting. Plans that start on connection start counting the first time they connect to a network in one of the countries they cover: install the eSIM before you leave, keep the line off until you arrive in Switzerland, and you'll have data as soon as you land. Some also work in other countries (each plan lists which): if the line connects earlier, at home or on a layover, it starts counting there. Plans that start when you buy them are best bought on the day you'll start using them.
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans