The line runs through the Upper Engadine and connects Samedan with Pontresina and provides a link between the Albula Railway and the Bernina Railway.

The Samedan-Pontresina railway line is part of the RhB mainline network, so the kilometrage (chainage) has its zero point in Landquart.

It was the only connection until 1 July 1909 between the RhB trunk network and the Bernina Railway, which was already electrified but with direct current.

The Samedan–Pontresina line was electrified with 11 kV 16⅔ Hz AC in 1913.

Track 3 has a switchable overhead line and is used for example by the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and the so-called Heidiexpress.