Overview
The IR38 is a regional rail service that connects two of Switzerland's most contrasting settlements: the valley town of Chur and the high-altitude resort of St. Moritz. What makes this journey compelling is not speed—it is the slow, methodical climb through terrain that shifts from urban fringe to alpine forest to open mountain passes. You watch the elevation change not on a digital readout but through the window, as your carriage works upward and the air itself seems to sharpen.
This is not a scenic railway in the tourist-attraction sense. It is a working regional service operated by RhB (Rhätische Bahn), the regional rail company. People board it to reach their offices, schools, and homes. Yet the route itself is undeniably dramatic: you rise from the Rhine valley floor into a landscape of steep forested slopes, then break above the tree line into high plateaus and passes. The journey rewards those who sit quietly and watch the landscape reform itself.
The service runs throughout the year, with frequency and timing adjusted according to season. To plan a specific journey, you must check the operator's current timetable directly; seasonal variations are significant and timetables change regularly.
Key facts
| From | Chur |
|---|---|
| To | St. Moritz |
| Operator | RhB |
The route: from valley floor to mountain passes
The IR38 departs Chur, a town sitting in the Rhine valley at relatively modest elevation, and travels southward toward St. Moritz, which lies in a high Alpine basin. The route does not descend or meander; it climbs steadily. The character of the landscape changes in distinct stages. Early in the journey, from Chur onward, you move through populated valley terrain—small towns, mixed woodland, and settlements spread across the valley floor. The line itself follows the contours, and the pressure of elevation gain is gentle at first.
As the service climbs further south, the landscape becomes more decidedly forested. The slopes flanking the valley grow steeper; trees densify. The views from the train shift from distant horizons to closer, more intimate scenery—rock faces, waterfalls, dense conifer forest. The settlements become smaller and fewer. This middle section of the route has a quiet, inward-facing character; the train moves through a landscape that feels progressively less inhabited and more wild.
In the final stages approaching St. Moritz, you pass through or near higher Alpine terrain. The forest opens out; you may see exposed rock, Alpine meadows, and the kind of landscape associated with mountain passes. The elevation is now considerable, and the air quality and light have shifted noticeably from the valley. St. Moritz itself sits in a high Alpine setting, and the approach into the station is unmistakably a transition into a different climate and altitude zone.
Timetable and how to book
The IR38 operates year-round, but service frequency and precise running times vary significantly across the seasons. Winter schedules differ from summer schedules, and shoulder seasons bring their own patterns. Because timetables are revised regularly and seasonal changes are substantial, you must consult the RhB operator directly to establish when services run, how many trains operate per day, and the exact duration of the journey on your planned travel date.
Booking can typically be arranged through the RhB website or at stations in Chur and St. Moritz. Advance booking is often advised, particularly during peak travel periods. The operator will provide you with current information on availability, connections, and any special running patterns that may apply on your chosen date.
Which side to sit: positioning yourself for the best views
Because the route climbs consistently from Chur toward St. Moritz, the landscape on both sides of the train is constantly shifting. The most useful general guidance is to sit on the side that affords you views of the terrain you are entering—which means being flexible about your position as the journey progresses. In the early valley section, views outward toward the flanks of the valley tend to be more open and distant. As the service climbs, the vegetation and terrain press closer to the line on both sides.
Rather than fixating on a single 'correct' side, treat the journey as one where you might spend time looking both left and right, forward and backward. The panoramic character of the route means that significant visual interest appears from multiple angles. Sitting near a window is the priority; the specific seat matters less than having an unobstructed view outward.
What the journey feels like onboard
The IR38, being a regional service rather than a premium tourist train, carries a mix of local passengers and travelers. The carriages are equipped with large windows, which is essential to the experience; you are meant to see out. The journey itself is unhurried. The service makes multiple stops, and the climb is gradual enough that you do not experience jarring acceleration or deceleration—instead, a steady, patient ascent.
The onboard atmosphere is typically quiet and working-focused during weekday journeys, with a higher proportion of leisure travelers on weekends and during holiday periods. There is no announcement of scenic highlights or interpretation of the landscape; you are left to your own observation. Some services offer basic catering or refreshment facilities, but you should confirm current provisions with the operator before traveling.
The journey duration is substantial enough to be a genuine experience rather than a quick transit. You will spend enough time on the train to notice the landscape change, the light shift, the temperature gradients that occur with elevation gain. It is the kind of journey where sitting still and looking outward is the entire point.
Seating classes and comfort levels
The IR38 typically offers standard and first-class seating. First-class carrriages generally provide wider, more spacious seating, quieter environments, and sometimes additional amenities such as power outlets or better table facilities. Standard-class seating is narrower and more densely arranged, and these coaches tend to be busier, particularly during peak travel times. Both classes have access to the same route and the same views; the difference lies in the physical comfort and atmosphere of the carriage itself.
For a traveler primarily interested in the landscape and the journey itself, standard class is perfectly functional and offers the same visual experience. For those seeking a more restful, spacious experience—particularly on a longer or more frequent journey—first class provides noticeably better comfort. Which class is appropriate depends on your personal preference for quiet and space versus cost and practicality. Consult the RhB operator for current fares and class availability on your specific travel date.
How the experience changes across the year
The character of the journey shifts with the seasons more dramatically at higher elevations than in the Chur valley. In winter, the upper sections of the route may encounter snow, which transforms the landscape into an Alpine winter scene. The forests retain snow on their branches; open areas are blanketed white. The light quality is often brilliant and clear, though daylight hours are shorter. Some services may operate on adjusted schedules due to weather or maintenance.
Spring brings rapid greening and the emergence of Alpine flowers in the higher sections. The route transitions from bare branches and snowfields to active vegetation in a matter of weeks. Summer offers the longest daylight hours and the most extensive views, as the landscape is fully leafed and the higher sections are entirely snow-free. The air quality is often excellent, and visibility extends far.
Autumn brings color to the forested sections and a gradual shortening of daylight. The weather becomes more variable, and the light takes on a golden quality in the mid-day hours. Each season offers a genuinely different experience; there is no 'best' time, only different characters of the same journey.
Connections and onward travel from St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a junction point with connections to other regional rail services. From the station, you can arrange onward travel to other parts of the Alpine region and beyond. The specific connections available depend on the time of your arrival and the broader timetable operated by RhB and other regional operators. Check with the station information desk or the RhB operator for current onward routing to your intended destination.
A brief context: the development of this route
The IR38 operates over tracks that form part of a broader regional rail network that developed to connect the scattered communities of the Alpine region. The line reflects the historical importance of rail as the primary method for linking valley settlements to higher Alpine towns and passes. The service continues this role today, connecting the valley-floor town of Chur to the high Alpine settlement of St. Moritz. Successive eras of investment and operation have shaped the current service, which balances the historical function of the line with modern operational practices and contemporary passenger expectations.
Common questions
- How long does the journey take?
- The journey duration varies depending on the specific service you take and the number of stops made. To establish the duration of your particular journey, check the RhB operator's timetable for your planned travel date and service.
- Can I bring luggage and bicycles on the IR38?
- Standard luggage policies apply; luggage storage is available on most regional trains. Bicycles and other oversized items are subject to RhB regulations, which you should confirm directly with the operator before traveling. Some services may have dedicated spaces; others may impose restrictions.
- Is the IR38 a reserved-seat service?
- Reservation policies vary by operator and season. Check with RhB to confirm whether reservations are required or recommended for your specific journey date and service.
- What happens if the service is delayed by weather or other factors?
- Like all regional rail services, the IR38 may experience disruptions due to weather, maintenance, or operational factors. The RhB operator will communicate delays and alternatives through official channels; check their website or contact the station for real-time information if you are affected.
- Are there any accessibility facilities onboard?
- Modern regional trains typically include facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Confirm specific accessibility features with RhB before booking, particularly if you require wheelchair access, level boarding, or other specific accommodations.
On the map
Sources & method
- OpenStreetMap route=train (ODbL) — route
See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.