rail journeys in switzerland

13 Magical Trains in Switzerland You Need to Ride ASAP

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

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Having just returned from a whirlwind binge of Switzerland’s most scenic trains, I can say without an ounce of exaggeration that the Swiss train system is a true marvel of magic.

And beyond their surplus of scenic routes, razor-sharp punctuality and Care Bear-friendly service, the crowning jewel of the Swiss rail system is, in my opinion, its glittering roster of scenic, panoramic Swiss trains – a holy grail of sorts for those traversing Europe by rail.

As I’m sure you know, train travel in Europe is an oft glamourized mode of transport, a classy and elegant contrast to the stuffy conditions of air and bus travel.

Well, I’m happy to report that in Switzerland, all your swankiest train dreams do indeed come true.

As a Canadian who grew up far removed from train travel, I admit the concept always delighted me (thanks, Hogwarts Express!!), and now even after so many years of frequent rides, I’m still like a giddy sugar-high child on her own moving candy shop.

Take it from this fangirl then, European train travel doesn’t really get better than Switzerland.

So, are you keen to try some scenic Swiss train rides for yourself? Here are some of my top picks for train rides in Switzerland you simply cannot miss.

Save this List of Amazing Swiss Train Rides for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

The Most Magical Swiss Train Rides You Need to Try

The following are all stunning Swiss train rides that I have personally done and consider extremely bucket list worthy, whether for the landscapes, the trains themselves or just the overall experience. So, without further ado, here are some trains in Switzerland that you definitely cannot miss!

Money saving tip: If you plan on doing many of these train rides in one trip, look into huge money savers like the Swiss Travel Pass , the Half Fare Travel Card or a Eurail Pass to potentially save hundreds of dollars. More on this below!

1. The Golden Pass (Classic)

This Switzerland scenic train is, without a doubt, my favourite.

While not as famous as big Swiss names like the Glacier or Bernina Express , if it’s a touch of old world glamour and Belle Époque elegance you’re looking for, then please, book yourself on the  Golden Pass Classic  as soon as humanly possible.

The entire GoldenPass line is a tremendously scenic line running between Lucerne and Montreux in three separate segments, offering sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks and eight glimmering lakes along the way.

While the entire route is well worth drooling over, the segment from Montreux to Zweisimmen in particular is one I’d highly recommend because a few times a day, you can do the route in the “MOB Belle Époque” which is modelled after a 1930s Orient Express style luxury train.

If you’re feeling especially swanky, splurge for 1st class, where you get to sit in plush green armchairs while taking in all the stunning scenery. I have to admit, this felt even swankier than that $7000 train ride I did in India!

NOTE: The Golden Pass from Montreux to Zweisimmen ALSO has trains called the “MOB Panoramique” that do the same route, but with modern cars and not the classic ones. If you really want the experience I described above, make sure you are booking on the “MOB Belle Époque”.

BONUS TIP: I did this scenic ride in November, and I got to witness golden autumn colours mixed in with all the snowy mountains, while enjoying the benefit of fewer crowds. I’d highly recommend this time of year for it! You can also stop off at some of the most magical Christmas markets in Switzerland along the way, including the beautiful lakeside Christmas Market in Montreux.

2. The Glacier Express

This famous Swiss Alps train ride is known as one of the most luxurious and best train rides in Europe, so it’s no wonder it’s made my list (read my honest review of the Glacier Express in 1st class! ).

End to end, it brings you between the swishy ski resorts of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, stopping in a variety of stops like Andermatt and Chur along the way.

From start to finish, you’re looking at a tortoise-like slow ride of about 8 hours, ensuring that it does indeed earn its title of “the slowest express train in the world”.

And while the Glacier Express is certainly not everybody’s cup of tea (again, it’s very very slow and takes up an entire day), I loved it for the experience.  

There’s nothing quite like a long scenic train ride to give you an ample dose of dreamy “I love the world” moments.

Imagine giant panoramic glass windows, plush, comfy chairs, and my personal favourite: table service with hot three course meals served straight to your seat.

After all, if you’re taking a train through Switzerland, why shouldn’t you be inhaling a giant chocolate pudding at the same time?

It’s not just about the food of course. This wonderful train ride through the Swiss Alps will take you from snow-dusted mountains and terraced vineyards to rocky gorges and turquoise rivers.

This is definitely a bucket list trip that comes with a hefty price tag, but if you want to treat yourself to one of the best train trips in Switzerland, this is it. Just don’t expect to get anywhere in a hurry 😉

Read my full guide to the Glacier Express for more info.

3. The Bernina Express

Bar none, the Bernina Express is one of the most famous train trips in Switzerland, and I’m happy to report that it does indeed live up to all the hype and buzz!

This four hour ride between Chur and Tirano is one that brings you from the snowy mountaintops of Switzerland down to the warm, balmy Mediterranean views of Italy , passing by a constant barrage of unique landscapes along the way.

No doubt, if it’s excellent value you’re looking for, this is the train I’d recommend. read my full guide to the Bernina Express for more info.

Compared to other journeys (side-eying you, Glacier Express ), the Bernina Express is quite a short ride, but the diversity of landscapes you get to take in is breathtaking.

From ruined castles and fortresses to quaint alpine villages and famous viaducts, the Bernina Express is like a “best of” tour of Switzerland, all in a compact, time-friendly package.

Just to warn you though, your memory cards will all run out of space, and your phone will 1000% die from the sheer beauty of it all.

NOTE: If you are a keen photographer, or prefer to avoid touristy crowds, I would actually recommend doing this ride using regional trains instead. More on this below!

This Switzerland train ride has amazing views in winter too:

4. The Transalpin (from Austria to Switzerland)

It’s definitely not the most well known of all Swiss train rides, but I recently rode the Transalpin from Innsbruck to Zurich, and was blown away.

This EuroCity Express ride is one that isn’t marketed as being a scenic sightseeing experience, but is nonetheless one that brings you across some awe-inspiring landscapes in Austria, Switzerland and even the wonderful micro-nation of Liechtenstein .

The scenery you pass is gorgeous, but the starring feature for me is the panoramic 1st class car that they add to one journey a day, which allows you to soak in the views with giant windows  just like on the sightseeing trains mentioned above.

Seriously: it’s the glamour of the aforementioned express trains, but without the crowds!

The best part is, taking this panoramic train at 3:48pm from Innsbruck in March meant I was able to watch sunset from the train, and let me tell you: watching the sky turn fiery pink over Walensee as we weaved through the impossibly green rolling hills of Austria, then Liechtenstein, then Switzerland was pure magic.

This is a lesser known Swiss panoramic train, and definitely a hidden gem that you should consider adding to your Switzerland train tour.

5. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Alright, listing the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is kinda cheating because the following route is technically a segment of the Glacier Express.

But since the Glacier Express is a million years long and not everyone has the luxury of spending a full 8 hours on a scenic train, I would recommend the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Visp to Zermatt as an excellent taste of the Glacier Express experience.

Not only do they have panorama cars just like on the Glacier Express, the rugged scenery here (I would argue) is one of the best parts of the entire GE journey.

Leaving from Visp, you pass by rocky mountains, terraced vineyards, turquoise rivers, and of course, as you approach Zermatt, snowy Alpine towns and even the famous Matterhorn if you pay attention! I didn’t, and managed to miss it, although thankfully I got some great views of it in town!

If you want to experience a panoramic train in Switzerland without paying a reservation fee (and without the accompanying crowds of the more popular scenic trains), then this is a great option.

Other (Non-Tourist) Swiss Train Rides and Routes I Recommend

Train travel in Switzerland is next level, so naturally, the country has far more to offer than just the panoramic tourist trains mentioned above.

In fact, pick any random route in Switzerland and it’s bound to bring you somewhere pretty scenic.

That said, here are some of my top picks for train rides I’ve done that weren’t part of the panoramic express rides mentioned above, but are still pretty incredible (with the added bonus that they don’t feel at all touristy).

6. The Express routes above but on regional trains

So here’s a secret I’ll let you in on: all the “Express” trains mentioned above are so-named because they are built for sightseeing, and take you end to end with no stops… BUT regional trains travelling between those areas go past the exact same landscapes, often with fewer crowds, and the ability to open windows on certain trains.

So, while most Swiss train tours will bring you along one of the ‘Express’ trains, if you are an avid photographer, want to save money on the reservation fee, or would like to stop at different towns along the way, then I would recommend doing the Bernina Express and Glacier Express on regional trains instead.

I did this on my return leg from Tirano to Chur (AKA the Bernina Express route) and I loved the experience. I had a carriage all to myself, I could open the windows and overall, I was like a happy puppy sticking her head out a car window the entire time ! 10/10 would recommend.

NOTE: Download the SBB app to look up regional routes with ease. It’s one of the handiest Europe travel apps out there if you’re headed to Switzerland!

7. From Interlaken to Thun

The clarity and colours of Lake Thun are seriously next-level, so if you can, enjoy the views from a train going from Interlaken to Thun.

I recently got to enjoy the view below while going from Interlaken to Spiez, and I really couldn’t believe my eyes.

Is water even legally allowed to be that blue? Was I trapped in an over-saturated anime?

These are the kinds of existential questions that you’ll find yourself asking on board this ride 😉

8. From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen

One of the biggest treats of doing Switzerland by train is being able to slowly enjoy the fairytale-esque landscapes, and as far as colourful postcards go, it’s tough to beat the short ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen .

Rolling green hills, towering mountains and an endless parade of lush green trees await. The best part? The view riding into Lauterbrunnen, as the iconic Staubbach waterfall comes into view.

9. From Buchs to Zurich

I love that this Switzerland train ride takes you past two stunning Swiss lakes: my personal favourite, the impossibly turquoise Walensee, and of course the beautiful Lake Zurich.

This is a ride I’ve gotten to enjoy a few times, and it’s certainly one of my favourites.

10. From Lausanne to Montreux

Alright, so this is another short ride, but it’s an unbelievably beautiful one that glides along the clear blue waters of Lake Geneva the entire time, with a foreground of lush green vineyards to boot.

If your goal is to experience one of the nicest and shortest train routes in Switzerland, I’d highly recommend this ride, especially when it starts to tilt and swerve into Lausanne (a city with an awesome Christmas marke t). Total bliss!

Amazing Swiss Train Rides Still on My Bucket List

Last but not least, there are a handful of Switzerland scenic train rides that I still haven’t had a chance to do, but it feels weird to exclude them in a roundup of Switzerland’s best train rides, so here they are below:

11. Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht

Imagine riding along the Rhine Gorge in an OPEN TRAIN, with all the fresh smells and sounds of nature hitting your senses directly.

I caught a glimpse of this yellow beauty while on the Glacier Express and I just about lost my mind and demanded that they stop the train immediately so I could transfer.

Unfortunately, the Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht is only available in the summer (which I guess makes sense) but it’s nonetheless something I would love to try someday. Click here for more details (and photos!)

Of all the scenic train rides in Switzerland, there are very few that allow you to experience it all completely open-air, so definitely put this one on your list!

12. The Cogwheel Train up Mount Pilatus

With a title like “the steepest cogwheel train in the world” you can expect the ride up to Mount Pilatus to be pretty special.

Mount Pilatus is one of my favourite mountains in Europe, and because my visit a few years back was veeery poorly timed (snow delayed the opening of the cogwheel train by a week!), I missed the opportunity to ride this steep monster up to the top.

Nonetheless, my consolation prize was sweet enough: a scenic ride up by cable car, with access to incredible views the entire way up.

The next time I’m in the area, I’ll be sure to catch the Cogwheel train to the top instead, experiencing a nerve-rackingly steep ascent that I’m sure will make me cry a little….. but in a good way!

13. Jungfraujoch

Last but not least, we have the legendary Jungfraujoch.

The train ride up to Jungfraujoch brings you to the highest train station in Europe, passing by endless snowy peaks along the way (if your views aren’t obscured by poor weather that is!).

Truthfully, I’ve resisted doing the Jungfraujoch thus far for two simple reasons: cost and uncertainty!

At an eyewatering 200CHF for a regular roundtrip ticket, this is one trip that does NOT come cheap, certainly when bad weather might mean you don’t see anything at all once you reach the top.

Nonetheless, it’s a bucket list item for sure, and one that I’d be keen to test out sometime in the future, as I have heard great things about it. I did part of this journey (which for most, starts in Interlaken) from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen which was short and slow, but very nice.

BONUS: The Gelmerbahn

No roundup of amazing Switzerland train journeys would be complete without this one, even though it’s brief and not quite a conventional train ride.

Nonetheless, the Gelmerbahn (AKA the Gelmer Funicular) is a truly epic ride that deserves a mention on this list.

This surprisingly thrilling ride is an open air funicular that whisks you up a steep mountain to a crystal clear turquoise lake.

The incline is so steep, it was once the steepest of its kind in Europe, and moves 2m per second, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but definitely feels like it when you’re racing up a mountain.

You can take the Gelmerbahn up (which is what we did), down (which I hear is much scarier) or roundtrip. Either way, the unique experience, views, and lake up top all combine to make this one of the coolest Swiss “train” rides you can do!

Read my full Gelmerbahn guide for more tips.

How to Buy Cheap Train Tickets in Switzerland?

Last but not least, I know what you’re all thinking after reading this post… how can you possibly afford all these Swiss scenic trains?

The tough truth is: enjoying Switzerland train travel is an expensive endeavour indeed, but I’ve been able to discover a variety of cost-saving hacks over the years that might be able to help you out!

TIP #1: Use a rail pass

One of the ways I’ve been able to explore Switzerland by rail SO cheaply is thanks to rail passes!

This is how I managed to scheme my way into only paying 30 euros for my 1st class tickets on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express!

Long story short, Eurail/Interrail passes allow you to waive the base ticket fee which means you only need to pay for a reservation. As such, I paid 306 euros for a Eurail global 10 day pass, (I got a free 1st class upgrade thanks to a sale they were running).

I then used 1 travel day on the Glacier Express, which evens out to only about 30 euros spent for this gorgeous ride (plus the 23 CHF reservation fee).

Still an incredible deal, and by far the cheapest way to do it. This is actually how I did all my recent train rides for a rock bottom price.

So, if you are travelling around Europe, getting a Eurail pass might be a good idea, because Switzerland is certainly where you get the best bang for your buck!

Need more info? Read my detailed Eurail pass review to see if it’s a good fit!

TIP #2: Consider a Swiss Travel Pass

A Swiss Travel Pass is similar to the Eurail / Interrail passes except it gives you unlimited transportation on trains, buses, boats and free public transport + museums).

If you are travelling only around Switzerland, this might be a good option.

It is expensive though, so make sure to do the math and see if getting one would really be worth it.

If you only plan to do one Switzerland train journey, buying a point to point ticket will most likely be cheaper.  Click here for more info on the Swiss Travel Pass.

TIP #3: Consider getting a discount card

The Half Fare Travelcard is a very popular card that you can buy which (true to its name) gets you half price tickets across Switzerland.

In 2020, this card is 120 CHF for one month.

This sounds like a lot, but it could be worth it if you are spending an extended amount of time in the country and plan to take multiple Switzerland train trips throughout your stay.

For what it’s worth, if you were to use this card for the Glacier Express alone, you’d already be breaking even so if you take more trains on top of that, then you’d definitely save a good amount of money.

I still think buying a rail pass would work out to be cheaper though in most cases. Click here to browse prices/options for the Half Fare Travelcard.

TIP #4: Travel in the off-season

This tip is mostly just for the Glacier Express , but I’ll include it anyway.

While base ticket prices do not change, reservation fees for panoramic trains can change depending on whether you travel in the off, mid or peak season.

If you want to get the cheapest ride, go in the off-season which A) means guaranteed snow!! and B) half the price on a reservation.

Any more recommendations for scenic train rides in Switzerland?

I hope you enjoyed this post all about Switzerland train travel and the best Swiss railway journeys the country has to offer, assembled meticulously after many Swiss train trips of my own!

All that said, I’m always looking to add more Swiss trains to my list – especially hidden gems 😉

Let me know in the comments!

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11 thoughts on “13 Magical Trains in Switzerland You Need to Ride ASAP”

Wowww the Golden Pass train is SO BEAUTIFUL

Oh my goodness! I am dying to go to Switzerland and your post confirms why. How stunning!

I’ve always dreamed of riding an old-fashioned train through Switzerland, so I think the Glacier Express is for me! The photos you captured through the train windows were breathtaking.

Wow, these look amazing. Would love to do one of those one day. Nothing quite beats the snowy Swiss scenery.

First of all, I didn’t realize that Switzerland had so many trains, but this proves me wrong! Now I need to go try them all!!!

Other scenic lines: Brig – Kandersteg – Spiez (this line climbs high from Brig along a track right next to the side of the mountains before going through and around the mountains. Beautiful views. A second great ride is (Luzern)- Arth/Goldau – Erstfeld – Göschenen – Bellinzona on the old line via the spiral tunnels. At the town of Wassen, the line circles around the little village and you get to see the quaint church three times from different heights and angles. On the other side of the Gotthard tunnel, in the Italian speaking Swiss canton of Ticino, there are more of these spiral tunnels and great views as the train circles slowly down to the valley floor.

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/voralpen-express.html This is a stunning train ride on a sunny day, definitely one for the list.

What a great article really well researched. I particularly agree with your tip about travelling on the local trains over the titled ones. I would add three trips to do should you return. The Brunig railway, Interlaken to Luzern, Martigny to Chamonix, the Mnt Blanc Express. The three mountain railway lines out of Aigle, I guess that makes it five then!

Great write up! This should help a ton in the coming weeks when we visit Switzerland. Thanks for putting this together!

You’re very welcome. Enjoy Switzerland! 🙂

Thank you for the great write up! Makes it easier for me to decide which rail ride to take. My trip is a year away and I am looking forward to it

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Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Switzerland (2024 Update)

In Switzerland, train travel is more than a simple mode of transportation. Granted, thanks to the world’s most dense public transportation network, the Swiss travel more kilometers by train than any other country.

The Swiss trains, trams, buses, and boats are meticulously scheduled so that transfers are smooth and efficient. Almost all railway lines run at least once an hour, and the busiest routes run every half hour or even every 15 minutes. And for the so-called last mile from the station to the door, a bus, tram, or cable car awaits the arriving passengers.

Regardless of the operating company, all modes of transport are integrated into a single master timetable across the country. It truly is a Swiss travel system .

But in this country boasting nearly 5000 km of railway tracks, train travel is also a major leisure activity. Numerous scenic railway journeys are part of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, a network of routes that connect the major sights. It allows tourists to see the best of Switzerland while traveling by train from one destination to another.

This ultimate guide to train travel in Switzerland showcases how the Swiss Travel System works: from types of trains to popular itineraries and ticket options.

All About Train Travel in Switzerland

Grand train tour of switzerland, train itineraries in switzerland, how to travel by train in switzerland, faqs about train travel in switzerland, train types in switzerland, panoramic trains.

In a country known for its scenic mountains, glaciers, and lakes, it only makes sense to run trains that offer the best views out the window. There are several noteworthy panoramic train lines in Switzerland, each offering oversized window panes to reveal every mountain peak to those seated in their cushy coaches.

Here are the top panoramic trains in Switzerland:

• Bernina Express : This train takes you through the Swiss Alps from Chur to Tirano, Italy. It crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, one of the world's most famous and picturesque railway bridges. And it passes the Bernina Pass, the highest rail crossing in Europe, before presenting views of the Lago Bianco reservoir.
• Glacier Express : This train is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz across southeastern Switzerland, passing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. Highlights of the route include alpine meadows, typical Swiss villages, the 2033-meter Oberalp Pass, and the Vorderrhein valley. And since it takes about 7.5 hours to complete, it is often touted as the slowest express train in the world. Lunch is served in first class, seat reservations are mandatory, and the trip runs year-round in both directions.
• GoldenPass Express : The latest panoramic train service runs up to four times daily between Interlaken and Montreux. Thanks to unique technology, the GPX can change the gauge of its wheels and the height of its coach bodies, making a transfer in Zweisimmen a thing of the past. The Prestige and first-class seats offer sweeping views of the diverse landscape between Switzerland's German and French-speaking parts.
• Gotthard Panorama Express : This journey starts with a serene steamboat ride across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen. From there, a panoramic train coach with Switzerland’s largest windowpanes picks up the course, then passes cliffs and cascading waterfalls en route to Lugano.
• Luzern–Interlaken Express: This train takes passengers on a journey through the heart of Switzerland. The route connects Lucerne and Interlaken, two popular tourist destinations in less than two hours. From the shores of Lake Lucerne, it passes Lake Lungern, crosses the Brünig Pass, and finally arrives at Lake Brienz in the Bernese Alps.
• Treno Gottardo : This fairly new line runs hourly and connects Basel, Zurich, and Lucerne to Locarno. As the name suggests, the train line runs along the 120-year-old Gotthard route and stops at the historically significant village of Göschenen. After passing through the Leventina valley, it runs along Lake Maggiore before arriving in the southern town of Locarno.

Jaw-Dropping Swiss Train Journeys (2024)

Memorable train lines in switzerland in 2024, intercity and regional trains.

A network of high-speed trains connects Switzerland’s cities. The ICN InterCity train lines run non-stop between major hubs such as Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, and Zurich.

Meanwhile, the regional lines of the Swiss rail network play a crucial role in connecting the smaller towns and villages. These lines often run through more rural and remote areas, providing access to lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations. Since the locals use these lines to commute, they are an authentic place for tourists to learn about Swiss culture.

Specialty Trains for Foodies

Switzerland has a variety of special train services catering to foodies, such as the Chocolate Train, Cheese Train, and Cookie Train. These trains offer a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience for any food lover.

The Chocolate Train is an absolute must-see for chocolate lovers the world over. The journey aboard the historic Belle-Epoque coaches lasts from Montreux to Montbovon. The chocolate bus connects to the Gruyère region, where you will visit the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc and stroll through the charming Gruyère old town. Admission to the show dairy, as well as coffee and chocolate bread, are included.

The Cheese Train provides a one-of-a-kind experience for cheese lovers. The journey also begins in Montreux and continues to Château-d'Oex, where you can enjoy a delicious cheese fondue. Two museum visits are included: "Espace Ballon," about the history of hot-air ballooning, and the new Swiss Museum of Papercuts.

And finally, the Kambly Cookie Train is a must-try for any sweet tooth. The train line connects Bern and Lucerne through the Emmental valley. The idea is that you can take an entire day to enjoy the scenery along the way. A definitive highlight is a visit to the "Kambly Experience," a cookie bakery in Trubschachen. And there’s an optional boat cruise from Brienz to Interlaken Ost.

International High-Speed Trains

Thanks to a dense network of international trains, Switzerland is conveniently connected to European destinations. Cutting-edge high-speed trains provide amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey. Business travelers will appreciate the on-board business centers equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi. Those looking to unwind will appreciate the bistro coaches and restaurant cars - some of which even serve local specialties from the carrier’s country.

International high-speed trains from Switzerland:

• EuroCity: Bologna, Genova, Milan, Venice
• ICE : Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Mannheim, Munich, Stuttgart
• RailJet : Bregenz, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
• TGV Lyria: Paris, Marseille

Interactive map of international train connections to Switzerland

Overnight Trains in Switzerland

Thanks to a growing network of overnight trains across Europe, you can see a musical and put on your PJ in Amsterdam, then sip your morning coffee in Zurich.

The increasing demand for climate-friendly travel alternatives has launched a rebirth of overnight train connections. They provide a comfortable way to travel to and from Switzerland - with significantly fewer emissions than airplanes.

Overnight train compositions come in different setups. There are sleeper cars with private compartments featuring beds, sinks, and breakfast service. Sleeper car compartments have space for one to three persons. Deluxe rooms include a shower and toilet.

So-called couchette cars have compartments with four to six bunk beds and shared facilities.

Women-only sections, plus family-friendly and accessible compartments, are available. And finally, overnight trains have regular coaches with seating.

Overnight trains and destinations from Switzerland:

• ÖBB EuroNight: Budapest, Dresden, Leipzig, Ljubljana, Prague, Vienna, Zagreb
• ÖBB Nightjet: Amsterdam, Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg
• From 2024: Barcelona, Rome

Interactive map of overnight trains in Switzerland

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is the ultimate train journey through the heart of Switzerland. This round trip offers a complete and comfortable experience, taking visitors to the country's most popular sights and landmarks.

Along a staggering journey of 1280 km, train lovers can check the top experiences of Switzerland off their bucket lists. Consider it “two birds with one stone”: an epic train journey to highlights such as Lucerne, impressive natural spectacles like the Rhine Falls, and majestic peaks like the Matterhorn.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland passes no less than 11 lakes and includes five panoramic train lines, making it a unique and unforgettable Swiss train journey. This experience is available year-round, and you can start and finish your journey wherever it is most convenient.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is divided into eight sections:

• Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken (131 km, 2:45 h)
• Interlaken – Montreux (120 km, 3:15 h)
• Montreux – Visp – Zermatt (148 km, 2:30 h)
• Zermatt – Chur – St. Moritz (291 km, 7:45 h)
• St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano (183 km, 6:30 h)
• Lugano – Flüelen – Lucerne (182 km, 5:30 h)
• Lucerne – St. Gallen (125 km, 2:15 h)
• St. Gallen – Schaffhausen – Zurich (133 km, 2:30 h)

Download the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland map

Switzerland's train system is like a journey through a storybook, with popular routes like the Glacier Express as the main chapters. Each route offers a different tale, taking passengers across historic viaducts and past mighty glaciers. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic way to travel, Switzerland's trains provide an immersive soundtrack for your journey.

Most Popular Train Lines in Switzerland

The Glacier Express , often heralded as the world’s slowest express train, wins our nomination for the most popular train line in Switzerland. It is regularly booked down to the last seat, treating the lucky passengers to a visual extravaganza through the large panoramic windows.

Here are other popular train lines in Switzerland that we have covered in detail:

Switzerland Train Itinerary for Rail Lovers (2024)

How to travel switzerland by train in 5 days, lesser-known train lines in switzerland.

Switzerland is a dream destination for railway enthusiasts. Apart from the usual suspects, there are numerous lesser-known train lines in Switzerland.

Alpine Cruise: We had the pleasure of experiencing the Alpine Cruise train experience that winds through the canton of Graubünden. The idea is that your luggage is shipped from one hotel to the next - just like on a cruise ship. Meanwhile, you get to travel on the iconic red trains of Rhaetian Railway to places like Bergün, Chur, Davos, or St. Moritz. At the end of each day, simply check into the hotel at the destination.

Centovalli Line: For those looking to explore the Italian-speaking region, the Centovalli Line is a must-do. This route runs between Locarno and Domodossola and offers breathtaking views of the Centovalli region, including the famous Centovalli viaduct.

Chemins de Fer du Jura: This hidden gem of a train line passes through the sparsely populated Jura plateau. Between Glovelier and La-Chaux-de-Fonds, the narrow-gauge train stops in many small towns, each presenting a new chance to enter one of the many hiking trails.

Léman Express: This relatively recent train connects Geneva to the cities of Lausanne, Nyon, and Gland. It’s unique in that the Léman Express passes the vineyards of Lavaux and even crosses the border into France.

Planning a Train Trip in Switzerland

When planning a trip by public transportation, it's important to consider that the Swiss rail network is extensive. Planning the itinerary in advance helps ensure the most effective use of your time (and money.)

Some random hints for planning a train trip:

• The Swiss Travel Pass is synonymous with unlimited travel on the Swiss public transportation network. Activate it and forget about it while you transfer from trains to buses, and from boats to mountain railways.
• Make seat reservations in advance if you plan to travel during peak travel season, generally from April to September.
• Unlike most of the world’s train stations, Switzerland’s train platforms are freely accessible by anyone - even without a valid ticket. There are no turnstiles or ticket gates whatsoever.
• Ticketing on Swiss trains is based on an honor system where it is assumed that each traveler has a valid ticket when boarding a train. During random checks, travelers have to be able to produce a fare card or travel pass, or else they will be fined.
• Conveniently ship your luggage from one hotel to the next. This service is not very expensive and gives you flexibility during the day.

Switzerland Train Map

The official Switzerland train map is updated annually by Swiss Federal Railways. Available in print or digitally, the Switzerland train map is the most comprehensive overview of Switzerland's train network. A single Swiss map contains all train stations, major and minor train lines, mountain railways, and even boat lines.

Access the Switzerland Train Map

Train Companies in Switzerland

Their trains and coaches can be recognized by the abbreviation “SBB CFF FFS.” These abbreviations cover three of the four languages of Switzerland, but they all stand for Swiss Federal Railways:

• SBB: Schweizerische Bundesbahnen
• CFF: Chemins de Fer Fédéraux Suisses
• FFS: Ferrovie Federali Svizzere

In addition, a few other companies cover large areas of Switzerland, such as BLS and SOB. Finally, several regional lines provide connections from hubs to smaller train stations.

Notable train companies in Switzerland:

• Appenzeller Bahnen
• Berner Oberland-Bahn
• Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS)
• Chemins de fer du Jura
• Montreux-Oberland-Bernois (MOB)
• Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB)
• Rhätische Bahn (RhB)
• Schweizerische Südostbahn (SOB)
• Zentralbahn

Travel Classes on Swiss Trains

Swiss trains offer two main travel classes: first class and second class. The primary distinction between the two classes is the level of comfort and available onboard amenities.

Second-class coaches are rather nice, with cushioned seating arranged in sets of four. Most seats do not have dividing armrests, which removes some privacy. Especially during peak travel times, such as during weekday commuting or on Fridays and Sundays, second-class coaches can get quite crowded. As a result, seats are not always available.

First-class coaches on Swiss trains offer more comfort and privacy. For one, they are roomier with fewer seats per carriage, but each seat features more space and ample legroom. Armrests between seats provide more privacy. Other amenities include power outlets for every seat and business sectors for working in a quiet environment. 

Information about the sectors where first and second-class coaches are located on a given train is shared on overhead boards or over the loudspeaker. First-class coaches might not be available on some private train lines, and amenities vary by type of train.

Tickets and Train Passes

There are a range of options for planning train travel logistics in Switzerland. Some visitors may prefer to look up all the destinations on a map and buy individual point-to-point tickets for each leg. Others prefer the blanket coverage of a travel pass. Here is an overview of Switzerland's various tickets and train passes.

Point-to-Point Tickets

Point-to-point tickets can be purchased at the train station ticket booths and vending machines, on the train company's website, or in the official SBB mobile app.

While this approach may be the ultimate money-saving option in Switzerland, it is unlikely to be the most efficient. It is also not the most flexible way because the regular point-to-point tickets require you to follow a schedule.

Regional Passes

Regional passes are an ideal alternative for those travelers who plan on spending most of their time in a particular region, such as Central Switzerland or the Bernese Alps.

Some regional passes offer free transportation coverage for the entire pass duration, while others restrict free travel days but offer discounts on the remaining days. They are available to both residents of Switzerland and visiting tourists.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass presents the ultimate option. Unlike single tickets or regional passes, it provides unlimited blanket coverage for most Swiss public transportation for a pre-determined number of travel days. The “hop on/hop off” nature of the pass is perfect for those who want to stay flexible.

The Swiss Travel Pass includes most trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland. Five top-tier panoramic train lines and any trains operated by Switzerland’s major carriers are covered entirely.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at GetYourGuide

Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024

Swiss Travel Pass Overview and Insights for 2024

Swiss Travel Pass FAQs: Helpful Answers for 2024

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it in 2024?

Get our ultimate free guide swiss travel pass: how to make it work in 2024.

The free guide includes a round-trip itinerary starting in Zurich for budget travelers. It “hacks” a three-day Swiss Travel Pass to make it last for a five-day stay…

Digitally savvy and flexible travelers can uncover saver fares in the SBB Mobile app. These individual tickets are contingent on a particular date and train connection, but they offer the cheapest way to travel by train. Travelers who wish to remain flexible regarding train connections may prefer the Swiss Travel Pass. Using included mountain railways, boat cruises, and museums, they could maximize the upfront cost and come out cheaper than with individual tickets.

The cost of train tickets in Switzerland can vary depending on the type of train and the route. Regional trains tend to be the most affordable, while scenic trains like Glacier Express can be more expensive. Many Swiss subscribe to the Swiss Half Fare Card, which reduces the price of individual train tickets by 50 percent.

Yes, discounts are available for train travel in Switzerland. On the one hand, discounts may be available for children, students, and senior citizens. It is also possible to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card, which allows for a 50% discount on most train tickets. And finally, the SBB Mobile app and website offer limited saver fares for particular connections - usually during midday.

Yes, train tickets can be purchased in advance in the SBB Mobile app, on the Swiss Federal Railways website, or through a travel agency. Advance purchases can often result in lower fares. Look out for discounted tickets labeled with a percentage sign on the SBB website; they can result in significant savings.

Seat reservations are not required for most intercity and regional trains in Switzerland. However, reservations are recommended for scenic trains such as the Bernina Express and are mandatory on the Glacier Express.

Yes, it is possible to travel by train with a bike. Bicycles can be taken on most trains by paying an extra fee . On some trains, it is mandatory to make a prior reservation for bicycles as space is limited during peak seasons.

Except on mountain railways, first-class seating is available on all trains in Switzerland. First-class compartments usually provide more comfortable seating and more space. Some trains, such as the GoldenPass Express , offer a VIP section with oversized panoramic windows and private-jet quality seating.

Switzerland is considered safe for rail travel, but CCTV cameras are generally on most trains. In the case of an emergency, the onboard emergency button will alert the train driver and the nearest police station. As anywhere in the world, savvy travelers will always watch their luggage. Here are additional precautions and resources for safe traveling in Switzerland .

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at CHF 244. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

On the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, panoramic trains take you to all the highlights and sights in Switzerland, year-round. Get in, lean back and enjoy – wherever you like.  

• 1,280 kilometer
• 11 large lakes
• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• 4 official languages

Alternative section: St. Moritz – Lugano (by bus)

Switch to the bus and road

Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux

A panoramic ride between two worlds.

Lugano – Flüelen – Luzern

The panoramic journey by train and boat.

Luzern – St. Gallen

Over gentle hills with a view of the Alps.

Montreux – Visp – Zermatt

Up the valley to the “mountain of mountains”.

St. Gallen – Schaffhausen – Zürich

The “maritime” side of Switzerland.

St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano

From glaciers to palm trees.

Zermatt – St. Moritz

The slowest express train in the world.

Zürich – Luzern – Interlaken

From lake to lake, from city to city.

Explore the sections

From glaciers to lakes and from mountains to cities: each section of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland has a unique character.

Find your perfect itinerary

Discover the top travel suggestions for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

Everything you need for your journey

Tickets, reservations & timetables, mygrandtraintour booklet, grand train tour reiseführer, train lines of the grand train tour, bernina express.

From St. Moritz to Lugano

Glacier Express

From Zermatt to St. Moritz

GoldenPass Panoramic

From Interlaken to Montreux

Gotthard Panorama Express

From Lugano to Lucerne

Luzern–Interlaken Express

From Lucerne to Interlaken

Thurbo Seelinie

From St. Gallen to Schaffhausen

Treno Gottardo

From Locarno to Lucerne

Vigezzina - Centovalli Railway

Voralpen-express.

From Lucerne to St. Gallen

Destinations along the Grand Train Tour

Schaffhausen, book a grand train tour package.

All panoramic trains in one trip.

Barrier Free Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Touring magazine, arrival by train, accommodation along the grand train tour of switzerland, your trip experiences.

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Switzerland

A spectacle of natural beauty.

Switzerland is a country that has it all: breathtaking scenery, picture-perfect towns and, of course, iconic trains. It’s one of our favourite countries – an opinion shared by our customers. The railways are the heroes in Switzerland, as you witness the country’s incredible beauty from the comfort of your seat.

From sensational views of the iconic Matterhorn from the Glacier Express and a visit to ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Express to the mind-blowing vistas from the Bernina Express, travelling by rail through Switzerland takes you to stunning new heights.

"Jaw-dropping landscapes, glistening lakes and chic resorts accessed by iconic railways."

The iconic rail journeys of Switzerland

Glacier express, zermatt and matterhorn.

Mountaintops of Switzerland

The GoldenPass Express

Top of Europe and Highlights of the Rhine

Magical moments on truly memorable tours

While the Swiss scenery is undeniably stunning, we want our customers to return home having experienced even more. Our tours to Switzerland include a wonderful array of unforgettable experiences – some of which are exclusive to Great Rail Journeys. From a private tour of the ethereal Jungfrau Ice Palace to savouring a glass of chilled prosecco in full view of the incredible Palü Glacier, the magical highlights of our exquisite escorted tours will live long in your memory.

The most impressive adventures

Extraordinary rail journeys give you a front-row seat to epic views of majestic mountains and shimmering lakes as they carry you to the heart of Switzerland’s spellbinding beauty.

A Guide to the Legendary Glacier Express

Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a bucket-list experience for travellers and train enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’re planning to include the journey in your Swiss trip, expect to be spellbound by amazing and diverse scenery, including snow-dusted mountains, glacial lakes, picturesque alpine meadows, rushing gorges and more.

Exploring the Bernina Express Heritage

The Bernina Express holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists and is dubbed “the rail experts’ best-kept secret”. This remarkable journey on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line not only offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, but also takes you on a historical and cultural voyage on a winding route crossing from Switzerland to Italy.

On track for a new iconic Swiss rail journey

It’s safe to say that Switzerland isn’t short of iconic rail journeys – however, there’s a new kid on the block in the form of the GoldenPass Express. A hundred years in the planning, this amazing new route travels through the gorgeous Swiss Highlands from the glamorous lakeside resort of Montreux to the alpine town of Interlaken.

We travelled on the Interlaken & Jungfrau Express Tour. The tour was well managed with our excellent guide Ros. Nothing was too much trouble.

First time we've gone with grj (traditional glacier express). the experience was totally positive - great locations and hotels and our tour guide was brilliant., the glacier express holiday itself was nothing short of outstanding. the planned itinerary was tremendous. i recommend this grj holiday to anyone., well organised and clearly the company had put a lot of detailed planning into the tour. certainly would recommend the glacier express tour., the pinnacle of perfection.

Flexibility with hassle-free travel

Hotels that have been carefully selected, effortless travel: let us take care of everything, get to know switzerland with the experts.

Sarah Baxter | 23 September 2019

Switzerland by train: 8 of the most spectacular rail journeys.

Spanning about 1,280km, linking nine destinations, passing 11 lakes and skirting innumerable mountains, the Grand Tour of Switzerland is arguably the world's best rail adventure. Here's how to do it...

Covering around 1,280km, linking nine destinations, passing 11 lakes and skirting innumerable mountains, the Grand Tour of Switzerland is arguably the finest rail adventure in the world. Split into eight distinct stages – pick and choose which sections to ride or link them for a continuous journey around the country – it’s a dramatic unravelling of high passes, palm trees and everything in between. Put simply, there’s no better way to see Switzerland…

1. City to summit: Zurich to Lucerne

Luzern-Interlaken Express at Lake Brienz (swiss-image.ch)

The mountains get closer with every mile on this all-too-swift glide from Switzerland’s financial metropolis towards the Bernese Oberland. Leaving Zurich, the train traces Lake Zug and enters the gentle Swiss midlands. At elegant, water’s edge Lucerne, the premium panoramic carriages of the Luzern–Interlaken Express await, so you can better view the transition from pretty pasture to snow-capped summits. Disembarking at Interlaken, a lake on each side and mighty mountains ahead, you’re in alpine heaven.

Route: Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken, via the Luzern–Interlaken Express Duration: 2hrs 51mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

2. Wilderness and wine: Interlaken to Montreux

A GoldenPass Panoramic Express between Montreux and the Lavaux winegrowing region (swiss-image.ch)

Begin this fine journey feeling ein bisschen German , end feeling un petit French . The westward route from Interlaken crosses the language line, giving the sense of two destinations for the price of one. It begins with a glorious jaunt along Lake Thun, with alpine views to the south. At Zweisimmen, hop aboard the first-class GoldenPass line – it’s the best way to travel to chic Montreux, watching castles, cow pasture, neat vineyards and, finally, the shores of Lake Geneva roll by.

Route: Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux, via the GoldenPass MOB Panoramic Duration: 3hrs 5mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

3. Making for the Matterhorn: Montreux to Zermatt

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (swiss-image.ch)

Montreux, with its Charlie Chaplin connections and fairytale Chillon Castle, is an eclectic delight. But the mother of mountains beckons. Ride the railway away from Lake Geneva and through the verdant Rhone Valley to Visp. From here the tracks get even more interesting: the narrow-gauge Matterhorn Gotthard Railway plunges through Switzerland’s deepest-incised valley, grinding up 900m in altitude to reach the spectacular car-free village of Zermatt, with the mighty Matterhorn looming behind. Hop off the train to explore: not only are there 400km of walking trails winding around Zermatt, you’ll also find Europe’s highest cableway, which can take you up to 3,883m for extreme close-ups with the high-alpine world.

Route: Montreux – Visp – Zermatt Duration: 2hrs 31mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

The Glacier Express on the Landwasser viaduct (Switzerland Tourism)

4. Going slow: Zermatt to St Moritz

The Glacier Express is not entirely well named. The glaciers aren’t in doubt, but there’s nothing very speedy about it. And it’s all the better for it. This luxuriously leisurely rail route takes almost eight hours to run from Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn, to glamorous St Moritz. But that’s because it has to traverse some of the most challenging and majestic scenery in the world. The Glacier Express requires 91 tunnels and 291 bridges to master the mountains, cliff-sides, deep valleys and plunging ravines. Perhaps most impressive are the crossings of the 2,033m Oberalp Pass and the elegant Landwasser viaduct, though it’s tough to pick a highlight from this world-class ride.

Route: Zermatt – St Moritz, via the Glacier Express; Duration: 7hrs 46mins

5. Edging towards Italy: St Moritz to Lugano

Bernina Express running beside Lake Bianco (Rhaetische Bahn)

One minute you’re gazing at icy glaciers, a few hours later you’re staring at swaying palms – that’s the beauty of the Bernina Express, which crosses the Alps into Italy, before delivering you into the Med-like Swiss Ticino. Starting in sophisticated St Moritz, high amid the lakes and mountains, you’ll surge south following the UNESCO-listed route of the Rhaetian Railways, built in 1910 and the highest transalpine railway of them all. It crosses country borders at the Bernina Pass before swooping through the Val Poschiavo towards Tirano. You won’t stay in Italy long though – the Bernina Express Bus will scoop you up for the ravishing road trip via Lake Como to Lugano, the main hub of Italian-influenced Switzerland.

Route: St Moritz – Tirano – Lugano, via the Bernina Express Duration: 6hrs 46mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

Gotthard Panorama Express at Flueelen, Central Switzerland (swiss-image.ch)

6. Rail and sail: Lugano to Lucerne

Lugano has handsome castles, a laidback vibe and excellent ice cream. However, once you’ve had a quick taste of la vita bella , it’s time to return north, as the Grand Tour turns back to the mountains. This time, the first-class carriages of the Gotthard Panorama Express will deliver you from the Ticino to lush central Switzerland, via the engineering marvel that is the original Gotthard Tunnel, an ingenious system of spirals, loops and bridges that first opened in 1882. Popping out the other side, you’re delivered back into an alpine idyll, which continues all the way to lakeside Flüelen. Here, switch from railing to sailing, for an unhurried voyage across Lake Lucerne.

Route: Lugano – Flüelen – Lucerne, via the Gotthard Panorama Express; Duration: 5hrs 30mins

7. Green and pleasant lands: Lucerne to St Gallen

The Voralpen Express crossing the Sitter viaduct near St. Gallen ( swiss-image.ch)

Lucerne is blessed: sitting on the lakeside, surrounded by lush pasture and formidable mountains, it’s the most picturesque of cities in the most spectacular of locations. The peaks might not be Switzerland’s highest, but they’re still impressive, and show a different side to this alpine nation. Leaving Lucerne on the Voralpen Express, you gain excellent views of the region’s most iconic peaks – such as Mount Pilatus and Rigi – before skimming northeastwards across upland moor and over Lake Zurich. There’s just the short matter of crossing the Sitter Viaduct – at 99m, Switzerland’s highest railway bridge – before historic St Gallen hones into sight.

Route: Lucerne – St Gallen, via the Voralpen Express; Duration: 2hrs 17mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

8. A water wander: St Gallen back to Zurich

Beautiful St Gallen (Switzerland Tourism)

Founded by an Irish monk in the seventh century, St Gallen has been a cultural hub for centuries – it’s certainly well worth exploring its ancient Abbey and car-free old centre before jumping on the train one last time. The final leg of this epic rail ride can, at times, feel more like a cruise. For 40km the tracks skirt the shore of Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third-largest lake. Then the train picks up the River Rhine, following it downstream, via Schaffhausen’s 16th-century Munot Fortress, on its journey to Zurich. A Grand Tour indeed.

Route: St Gallen – Schaffhausen – Zurich; Duration: 2hrs 34mins (Switzerland Tourism Board)

Save money on travelling around Switzerland with the   Swiss Pass . This allows you  unlimited travel through Switzerland on 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days, using trains, buses and boats.

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Experience the most breathtaking panoramic rail routes in Switzerland on an unforgettable round trip, carefully planned and coordinated by one of our experienced Switzerland travel experts. Your travel package includes train tickets, seat reservations where necessary and comfortable hotel accommodation. The itinerary and duration of your trip can be customised, according to your preferences, to create a tailor-made dream journey through Switzerland’s Alpine scenery. 

Route Information

The full Grand Train Tour covers around 1,280 kilometres of rail routes and includes journeys on Switzerland’s most famous panoramic trains, such as the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Express and the Gotthard Panorama Express. Travellers experience a wide variety of landscapes, including magical mountain scenery, stunning crystal-clear lakes, lively towns and idyllic villages.

Route Highlights

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland showcases many of Switzerland’s highlights, including:

• Legendary Panoramic Trains  such as the Glacier Express, “the slowest express train in the world”, offering breathtaking views of Alpine scenery, passing deep gorges and crossing impressive viaducts.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route, including the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway and the Abbey District in St. Gallen.
• Switzerland’s most popular holiday resorts such as Zermatt with the majestic Matterhorn mountain, glamorous St. Moritz, the picturesque city of Lucerne and Interlaken, gateway to the Jungfrau Region.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Can i book my roundtrip in advance.

Yes and advance booking is highly recommended, especially for the busy summer season when demand is particularly high. Packages can be booked easily, online or via one of our travel experts.

What is the best time of year to take the trip?

This depends on your personal preferences. Each season offers something different:

• Spring (April to May) : Ideal for nature lovers, as landscapes bloom and temperatures are pleasant. There may still be snow at higher altitudes. 
• Summer (June to August) : The best time to enjoy the full splendour of the Swiss countryside, especially if intending to hike or cycle. The weather is warm and days are long however, this is also peak season for visitors. 
• Autumn (September to November) : Great for photography enthusiasts, as colours change to magnificent seasonal shades while the weather remains mild.
• Winter (December to February) : This season brings magical snowy landscapes and the opportunity to experience Switzerland’s winter sports resorts.

In general, spring and autumn mean pleasant weather, while summer is ideal for those that love sun and outdoor activities. Winter offers a unique opportunity to enjoy snow-covered Alpine landscapes.

Please note that it is only possible to complete the full Grand Train Tour of Switzerland from spring to autumn, due to the seasonal opening of the Gotthard Panorama Express route.

Can I travel with children?

Yes, trains in Switzerland are suitable for passengers of all ages, including families with children but please do note the following important points:

• Tickets:  Children can benefit from reduced fares, depending on their age. Please contact our travel experts for more specific information about your booking. 
• Entertainment and Activities:  Remember to bring something (books or games) to keep your children occupied. 
• Snacks and Refreshments: The Glacier Express, Goldenpass Express and Gotthard Panorama Express boat all offer catering options but we, nevertheless, recommend that you bring plenty of snacks and drinks for your children.

Are the trains wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the trains are wheelchair accessible. Please contact one of our travel experts to organise your trip.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?

The main differences between 1st and 2nd class are the seat arrangement and comfort. In 1st class, passengers enjoy larger, more comfortable seats with additional legroom and space for luggage. The seating arrangement is usually 2+1, meaning two seats to one side of the aisle and one on the other, offering more privacy. In 2nd class, there are usually two seats on either side of the aisle. Although 2nd class seats are still comfortable, they offer slightly less space and legroom than those in 1st class.

Our classic packages

Grand train tour of switzerland - the original.

Discover Switzerland on the 8-day “Grand Train Tour of Switzerland” in Europe’s most exciting panoramic trains. Marvel at the spectacular landscape during your trip and experience the cultural differences in this country with its 4 language regions.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - The Classic

Take in the very best of Switzerland on this exciting 7-day itinerary. Travelling by rail throughout, marvel at the diversity of bustling cities and shimmering lakes; from snow-capped mountain peaks to palm-tree lined streets. With panoramic carriages, these trains and destinations truly offer something for everyone.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Top Attractions

Discover Switzerland's top attractions during a round trip to Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt and Chur. Marvel at the unique Matterhorn, visit the Chapel Bridge and explore Lavaux.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Winter Magic Tour

Be inspired by glaciers, powder snow and frozen lakes! The winter edition of the "Grand Train Tour of Switzerland" takes you through beautiful landscapes and snow fun. Make this holiday your own with the option to add on mountain excursions and fun ski activities in famous resorts.

Customisable journey

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Grand train tour of switzerland - the classic with jungfraujoch.

Switzerland is celebrated for its superb scenery, as well as for the excellent tourist trains that allow visitors to make the most of this spellbinding county. Enjoy some of its many highlights on this 8-day tour, which includes many famous trains including the Glacier Express and even the Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’ – the highest railway station on the continent.

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Experience the wonder of Switzerland in winter on the 9 day "Grand Train Tour of Switzerland". Discover all the sights and landmarks Switzerland has to offer from the comfort of your seat. A holiday that combines the most beautiful panoramic train lines into one unique route.

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Glaciers & Palm Trees

Travel on the Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express through the Swiss Alps to the palm trees from St. Moritz via the Bernina Pass to Tirano (Italy) and on to the Mediterranean Ticino and Lugano.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Stunning Waters

The journey begins in Lucerne. After a good night's sleep, the next day you take the Voralpen-Express to St. Gallen. On the third day you travel along Lake Constance to the largest waterfall in Switzerland, the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen.

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Switzerland is a stunning country, with its towering peaks, verdant meadows, glacial rivers and clear blue lakes. Even the cows are beautiful! And it’s amazingly easy to get around by public transport with all but the smallest places served by a train station and services running frequently and on time. The country boasts some of the best mountain railways in the world (more on this later) and the steepest cog railway (Pilatus). The food is hearty and delicious with not to be missed dishes including traditional rosti, raclette and of course, fondue, all washed down with fantastic local wines which you can only taste in Switzerland, as they don’t share with the rest of us.

Discover cultural centres like Basel and Zurich as well as less-known but stunning destinations like Bern and Chur. Stunning lakeside resorts like Locarno and Montreux can be combined with the majestic castles of Bellinzona, Reichenbach Falls (where Sherlock Holmes met his end) and exciting cableways into the mountains like Titlis and Schilthorn, where On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed. If you like a scenic train journey, you couldn’t really do much better than the famous Glacier Express or the Bernina Express down across the Italian border. But there are plenty of others to consider, including the Golden Pass route from Montreux up to Interlaken and the Jungfrau Railway, which conveys passengers up to the highest train station in Europe.

Accessing Switzerland from the UK by rail is very easy. There are two main routes we recommend. Paris provides easy access to the French-speaking west of Switzerland, serving cities such as Lausanne and Geneva. If you are heading to Zurich, Chur or Basel, there is the option to travel via Brussels and Frankfurt – connections that do not require a change of station as is necessary in Paris. InterCity trains in Switzerland link major cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich and Lugano. Trains are air-conditioned, and most have dining cars and a trolley service of drinks and light refreshments. Reliability is excellent and most staff speak many languages, including English.

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The 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland

November 26, 2023

All aboard for some of the best train rides in the world with this guide to the most scenic train rides in Switzerland.

Why Travel By Train in Switzerland

Ah, travel by train in Switzerland. One of my favourite things to do, even if I’ve discovered it relatively late in life.

Forget the British experience of squashed and sweaty armpits, late schedules and nothing but a pot noodle to eat, served with scalding water if you’re lucky. 

Swiss trains exist on a whole different level. 

The travel network itself is clean, reliable and comfortable. And then, there are the special trains. The trains where the windows nearly merge with the roof so you can see the beauty all around. The trains that dash through glaciers and funnel through fjords. The routes that make up the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, if not the world.

But enough talking in vague terms. Let me share with you what I learned on the recent Great Swiss Train Chase about these routes: the most scenic train rides in Switzerland.

The Swiss Travel Pass

The first thing you need to know about when it comes to travel by train is the Swiss Travel Pass. I tested this out on a four day challenge earlier in the year, which was a blast.

The pass gives you unlimited travel on trains, boats and buses across the country and you can buy it for different periods of time. And in case you, like I, think you’re too old for all that luggage heave-ho any more, you can also pair your pass with a luggage service, so that you can explore and your luggage is simply picked up for you and transported to your new destination – right to the hotel, door to door.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Finally, there is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland , a route that takes in many of these gorgeous, scenic train rides. Travel on these panoramic trains is also included in the Swiss Travel Pass, although you do need to pay a reservation fee on top to guarantee your place.

Right, logistics aside, let’s talk scenic train routes!

Disclosure – my most recent journey to Switzerland was in partnership with Swiss Travel Systems and Switzerland Tourism. However, as ever, I kept the right to write what I like. I’ve also travelled by train in Switzerland many times before over the years. Finally, if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland

Now, then. Sadly, I haven’t experienced each of these – yet. But I so enjoyed the trips I have, that this will function as a kind of bucket list for me over the next few decades. However, I did interview, research and casually ask around. And all put together, these are the recommended most scenic train routes in Switzerland. Let’s go…

Glacier Express

• Route with Stops:  Zermatt, Brig, Andermatt, Disentis Mustér, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur, Samedan, St Moritz
• Distance:  291 km
• Ride Duration:  7.5 hours

Part of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, the Glacier Express paints a picturesque journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz, taking in some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes. This train quite literally takes you on a journey to the clouds, reaching an altitude of approximately 2,033 metres at the Oberalp Pass before descending into the valleys. 

An interesting fact about this train is that it’s often dubbed as the world’s slowest express train, traversing the 291km route in a leisurely 7.5 hours. But it’s the perfect pace to take in all those views.  

• The Matterhorn  – Keep an eye out for the unmistakable pyramid-shaped marvel of the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. You can catch the best view as the train leaves Zermatt.
• Landwasser Viaduct  – As you approach Filisur, the train seems to ‘leap’ across this 65m high and 136m long icon of Swiss engineering. Nothing but a big void beneath you and the amazing nature that surrounds it.
• Albula Line  – This stretch of track from Thusis to St. Moritz is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highly praised for the use of the landscape’s topography.   
• Oberalp Pass  – This is the highest point in your journey, where you can capture a stunning sight of snow-capped mountains.  
• Chur  – You can also cut short your journey at Chur if you don’t have time for the whole route. Chur (pronounced something like Koo-er) is the oldest town in Switzerland, with picture perfect charm. The settlement is more than 5,000 years old.

Tip:   For taking spectacular shots of snow-capped peaks without window reflections, check out this article on taking photos from a train .

The Bernina Express

• Route with Stops:  Chur, Filisur, St Moritz, Poschiavo, Tirano
• Distance:  122 km
• Ride Duration:  4 hours

Originating from the quaint city of Chur and snaking its way through Filisur, St. Moritz, picturesque Poschiavo, and eventually Tirano in Northern Italy, this train route travels a distance of 122km over 4 hours. 

Praised as one of the most scenic train rides globally, this particular route tops out at the Bernina Pass, reaching a staggering 2,253 meters above sea level. 

Take in the sublime panorama from your seat through the panoramic windows of the train. 

Be prepared: the train may be bustling during the summer months, so it’s wise to make a seat reservation well in advance.

• Landwasser Viaduct  –This high limestone cliff curves into a mountain tunnel. 
• Brusio Spiral Viaduct  – An architectural marvel designed to allow the train to descend gracefully while treating you to a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
• Morteratsch Glacier  – Nothing is quite as ‘cool’ as the Morteratsch Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. 

Tip:   Grab a Swiss Travel Pass. It covers all Swiss trains, trams and boats making it an ideal way to explore Switzerland. You do need to pay for a reservation fee for some of the specialist trains, though . Find the full details here.

Also, consider investing in a Eurail pass to save on individual train tickets, particularly if you’re planning to explore multiple scenic Swiss train rides or travel between different countries.

The Voralpen-Express

• Route with Stops:  St Gallen, Wattwil, Rapperswil, Arth Goldau, Lucerne
• Distance:  125 km
• Ride Duration:  2 hours 15 minutes

The Voralpen-Express, making a 125 km artful bend from St Gallen to Lucerne, lavishes passengers with a seasoned blend of nature’s best: verdant hills, gentle valleys, azure lakes and quintessentially Swiss villages. The ride lasts something along the lines of two hours and fifteen minutes, the train gliding up to 90 metres above sea level in Arth Goldau before heading downwards. Did you know? This stretch is one of the steepest non-rack railways in Switzerland.

• Arth-Goldau  – Located at the foot of Mt. Rigi, this stop provides the opportunity to take a detour to the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ via the oldest mountain railway in Europe.
• St. Gallen  – The final stop, distinguished by its Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has one of the richest medieval libraries in the world.  

The Gotthard Panorama Express

• Route 1:  Lucerne(train), Flüelen, Lake Lucerne (boat), Lugano
• Route 2:  Lugano(boat), Flüelen(train), Lucerne. 
• Ride Duration:  182 km
• Distance:  5.5 hours

Step aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express in Lucerne, a charming city in central Switzerland, and commence an enthralling 5.5-hour journey through some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes. The train climbs steep alpine gradients, with views of deep valleys and emerald panoramas from your large-window carriage. 

As a bonus, this train offers an optional boat ride section across Lake Lucerne, connecting charming small towns dappled on the lakeside.

• Lake Lucerne  – Among the most stunning bodies of water in the country, Lake Lucerne offers views of quaint villages, steep mountainsides, and the imposing Rigi Kulm mountain in the background.   
• Flaeselen  – As the train approaches Flaeselen, look for the panorama of crystal-clear lakes, lush green hills, and rustic chalets – a quintessential Swiss sight.  
• Gotthard Tunnel  – This historic tunnel was once deemed impossible to exist and yet, here it is. The lights blink past rapidly as the train plunges into the darkness, only to emerge into broad daylight with a completely different landscape.
• Church of Wassen  – As the train negotiates the mountain curves, you will spot the Church of Wassen from multiple perspectives. The distinctive baroque architecture amidst the surrounding greenery makes it a great spot for photos.

Tip:   The boat ride on Lake Lucerne supplements the beauty of this journey and is worth making the effort to arrange.

Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus

• Route with Stops:  Alpnachstad, Mount Pilatus
• Distance:  4.6 km
• Ride Duration:  45 minutes

Virtually clinging to the face of Mount Pilatus, this train winds its way from Alpnachstad to the mountain’s summit. Travellers are treated to a blend of alpine meadows, steep rock faces, and a panoramic vista that serves as a perfect backdrop to this journey. Although it lasts just 45 minutes, the ride reaches an impressive height of 2,073 metres, offering the best views of the landscape below.   

• Summit of Mount Pilatus  – The pinnacle of the journey, quite literally, is the top of Mount Pilatus. On reaching the peak, you’ll be treated to a stunning, panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks. A treasure for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
• The World’s Steepest Cogwheel Railway  – Navigating an incline of 48%, this is the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, offering passengers an adrenaline rush coupled with incredible views.

The Golden Pass Line

• Route with Stops:  Montreux, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, Lucerne
• Distance:  191 km
• Ride Duration:  5.5 hours

The Golden Pass Line traces a picturesque route across the heart of Switzerland, covering a distance of 191 km from Montreux to Lucerne in approximately 5.5 hours. As it scales the apex of the Brunig Pass, you will see stunning views of Lake Geneva and Lake Brienz, before descending into small towns with scenic Swiss charms.

While the panoramic train does tend to be crowded, the large windows in 1st class ensure you don’t miss out. It really comes recommended as one of the best scenic train rides Switzerland offers.

• The Brunig Pass  – See the striking spectacle of Lake Brienz, an indigo jewel amidst the Bernese Oberland landscape. Soak in the views because it’s a sight worth seeing!
• Lake Brienz  – One of the most beautiful train ride segments, the reflections of Swiss homes in the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz are supposed to be gorgeous.
• The Chocolate Train  – This Belle Epoque train from Montreux to Broc-Chocolat is part of the Golden Pass Line and takes you to the fantastic chocolate factory in Broc-Chocolat. You will need to book it separately though.

Tip:   Opt for a visit in late October, when the autumnal colours of the Swiss Alps are at their most vivid.

The Mont Blanc Express

• Route with Stops:  Martigny, Vernayaz, Salvan, Marécottes, Le Trétien, Finhaut, Le Châtelard, Chamonix
• Distance:  38 km
• Ride Duration:  90 minutes

Bringing you the best experiences within a relatively short distance, the Mont Blanc Express wonderfully captures the essence of Swiss train travel. It is indeed one of the most famous scenic train rides, connecting the dots in a spectacle of mountain passes right at the top of Europe. 

The 90-minute rail journey circumnavigates the contours of the mountains, weaving through deep gorges before ascending to panoramic scenic views.

• The Trient Gorge  – A carved chasm handcrafted by Mother Nature herself, the gorge plunges to a depth of around 200 meters and is renowned for its unique, vertically ribbed cliffs. 
• Emosson Dam  – Past green fields and curious rock formations, the train rumbles into Finhaut – where you uncover the Emosson Dam, a vivid juxtaposition of human endeavour against the backdrop of nature.  

The Luzern-Interlaken Express

• Route with Stops:  Lucerne, Interlaken
• Distance:  98 km
• Ride Duration:  1 hour 50 minutes

The Luzern-Interlaken Express takes you on a breathtaking ride through Switzerland’s heartland, covering a distance of 98 km in just under two hours. Its path courses through forested wilderness, mighty mountain ranges, and idyllic lakesides, making each frame through the window a moving painting. The carriages are modern and comfortable with a dining car, offering travellers the added convenience of refreshments en route.

• Lake Lucerne  – A truly calm and beautiful lake by the city with the same nature. 
• The Brunig Pass  – The train climbs to 1,002 meters to give a great view of the terrain.
• Giessbach Falls  – Look out for this silver ribbon cascade just after the Meiringen station.

The Jungfrau Railway

• Route with Stops:  Kleine Scheidegg, Eismeer Station, Jungfraujoch
• Distance:  9.34 km
• Ride Duration:  35 minutes

The Jungfrau Railway, a 9.34 km stretch is the experience of a lifetime, involving the highest railway station in Europe at Eismeer. This railway is a pot of gold for scenic landscapes involving glacier views, icy tunnels, and pristine, white snowy peaks. Vertiginously, it reaches 3454 meters, and from this point, one can glimpse a landscape akin to a fantastical snow globe before the descent begins.

Highlights 

• The Eiger Glacier  – This is a monumental ice body with a spectacular white-blue aura. Don’t miss the cliff-face observatory; people say it’s like witnessing the heartbeat of the Alps.   
• Eismeer Station  – Located within a tunnel inside the Eiger mountain, this is one of the highest railway stations in Europe. Its panoramic windows offer you a stunningly surreal vision of the frozen sea of glaciers.

Gornergrat Railway

• Route with Stops:  Zermatt, Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelboden, Riffelberg, Rotenboden, Gornergrat
• Distance:  9.4 km 
• Ride Duration:  33 minutes

Making its way through the heart of skiing country, the Gornergrat Railway is a marvel in itself. With Zermatt as its base station, this 9.4 km journey ascends to the dizzying height of 3,089 meters above sea level to Gornergrat, a feat that has earned it the accolade of being Europe’s highest open-air railway. Unsurprisingly, this is not a route for the faint of heart, but if you can find the courage, you will find one of the most scenic railway trips in Switzerland.   

• Gornergrat Summit  – The 360° panoramic view showcases 29 peaks of the Swiss Alps, plus one of the world’s highest hotels and observatories.
• The Riffelberg Station  – Offers a bird’s eye view of the Gorner Valley, a terrain that seems plucked straight out of a fairy tale, bookended by traditional chalets and soaring pine forests.

The Centovalli Railway

• Route with Stops:  Locarno, Centovalli, Santa Maria Maggiore, Valle Vigezzo, Domodossola
• Distance:  52 km
• Ride Duration:  2 hours

The Centovalli Railway journey begins in Locarno, popular for its lakeside setting, and steadily winds its way through the ‘Hundred Valleys’ towards Domodossola in Italy. The journey, largely unchanged since its inception in 1923, is teeming with romantic drama – vertiginous panoramas, deep ravines and colourful villages. 

The highest point is reached around Santa Maria Maggiore, at a whopping 830m, before a placid descent towards the final valley. 

The train isn’t an exquisite luxury affair, but instead pays homage to the traditional, with a comfortably quaint charm. 

• Intragna  – This picturesque village is perched on a strategically located hill at the confluence of two rivers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
• Santa Maria Maggiore  – Also known as the Painters’ Valley due to its long association with artists and natural beauty, this delightful destination is brimming with quaint houses and lovely squares and is surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape.

Tip:   Even though it’s possible to complete the journey parts by hopping on local trains, stick with the panoramic Centovalli Express for the best scenic experience.

Concluding Thoughts

So there we have it. From the picturesque Glacier Express to the dizzying heights of the Gornergrat Railway, these are the most scenic rain rides in Switzerland.

Efficient, comfortable and almost always on time, Swiss trains exist in a world of their own. Planning on travelling to Switzerland soon? Ditch the car and take advantage of the rail system instead. I can’t wait to hear what you think.

More on Switzerland

• Everything you need to know about an  ebike holiday in Verbier
• How to spend two days in Geneva
• Your 24 hour itinerary for Geneva
• Why you should spend summer in Switzerland
• Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

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The 5 most popular scenic train rides in Switzerland

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The Swiss are big on trains. I mean, Sheldon Cooper big.

Let me explain that.

Switzerland only measures 220 by 348 kilometres, which results in a very manageable landmass of roughly 41.000 square kilometres. That’s only half the size of Lake Superior in the US/Canada. Or 2.5 times the size of Beijing.

Like I said, pretty manageable. 

Yet, if you sum up all the railway tracks running across the country, you’ll end up with a total of over 5.200 kilometres . 

That’s a lot. 

That’s the distance from Vancouver to Halifax. Or from Ushuaia to São Paulo. Or from Cairns to Sydney. Return!

You get the idea. The Swiss are big on trains. 

So it comes as no surprise that, in a place that is often associated with amazing scenery, a handful of these 5.200-odd kilometres are quite appealing to the eye. 

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the five most scenic and popular train rides in Switzerland . Mountain railways excluded.

1. The Golden Pass Line

The Golden Pass Line connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva. This spectacular journey leads past eight lakes , rides through six different cantons (the Swiss version of states), crosses three mountain passes and connects two language regions with each other.

And it offers about an estimated gazillion photo opportunities.

6 hours 4 minutes

191 kilometres (119 miles)

Transfers :

Interlaken and Zweisimmen

Trains run eight times a day, all year round.

Travel passes:

Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) , Saver Day Pass

Reservation required:

No, you don't necessarily need a reservation to use the Golden Pass trains. However, the Golden Pass customer service recommend booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get pretty busy during high season. Costs are around 20 CHF to make a reservation. But technically, you can do the whole trip without reserving a seat. If you'd like to make a reservation, visit the Golden Pass Website .

Getting off along the way:

You can easily interrupt your journey between Lucerne and Montreux and explore what's inbetween. The best places to stop over are probably Interlaken and Spiez. If you don't have a reservation for the whole journey, get off along the way as often as you please. 

PLACES OF INTEREST ALONG THE GOLDEN PASS LINE

Lucerne is where most people start their Golden Pass journey. This beautiful city by the shores of Lake Lucerne is mostly known for the Kapellbrücke – a wooden footbridge leading across the River Reuss – spectacular views over Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus as well as the famous Lion’s Monument and the Glacier Garden.

View over Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

The old town of Lucerne with the Kapellbrücke

Lake Lungern and Brünig Pass

On the way from Lucerne to Interlaken, you’ll pass by Lake Lungern. This picturesque lake lies in a valley and can best be seen if you grab a seat on the right side. Coming from Interlaken, the best lake views are on the left. 

After passing the lake, the train starts climbing up to Brünig Pass, which sits at 1.008 metres (3.307 feet) above sea level. After the pass and on your way down to Interlaken, you’ll be presented with stunning views over Lake Brienz and into the Bernese Alps.

Lake Lungern

Lake Brienz, coming down from Brünig Pass

Interlaken is the starting point to many an adventure and most visitors to Switzerland pass through it at some point. You’re really spoiled for choice here when it comes to things to do. 

Activities include a very expensive cruise up Jungfrau (Top of Europe), a boat ride on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, a trip to the villages of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, an adrenaline-packed session of skydiving, paragliding, canyoning or just a good old hike in front of the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain trio.  

Lauterbrunnen

The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau trio in the Bernese Alps

Lake Thun and Spiez

Lake Thun tends to take people’s breath away. Gazing out the window on your way to Spiez, you might understand everyone’s affections for this lake. Grab a seat on the right side for better views.

Built by the shores of Lake Thun, Spiez is a wonderful little town. A one-hour stopover gives you plenty of time to head down to the shores of Lake Thun, visit the castle, walk through the pretty town with its vineyards or even go for a quick dip in the lake.

Lake Thun in Spiez

Spiez Castle

Bernese Oberland

A big chunk of the Golden Pass Line takes you through the Bernese Oberland. This area is a dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails , wonderful landscapes and cute little villages.

In winter, the area turns into a haven for the snow-seeking crowd. Gstaad, the counterpart to St.Moritz in the Bernese Alps, is particularly popular.

Cruising through the beautiful Bernese Oberland

The Golden Pass Panorama Express train

Montreux marks the end, or the beginning, of the Golden Pass Line. This beautiful city by Lake Geneva is the gateway to many attractions in the area.

Whether you‘re visiting the Château de Chillon , the city of Vevey, the UNESCO World Heritage site of  Lavaux vineyards or just hanging out next to the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux, this city will make it worth your while.

Throughout the year, several music, comedy and arts festivals take place. The Montreux Jazz Festival being the most popular one. 

The city of Montreux by Lake Geneva

Chateau de Chillon

2. Glacier Express

The Glacier Express - also known as the world’s slowest express train – is probably the best known scenic train ride in Switzerland. It connects the two highly popular mountain destinations of St.Moritz and Zermatt. 

What makes this journey so memorable are the fantastic views you get left, right and centre throughout the whole ride. The train takes you across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, three cantons and two language regions.

8 hours 3 minutes

291 kilometres (181 miles)

Trains run once a day during winter and three times a day during summer. But only two out of the four summer trains complete the whole journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt.

Yes. Even if you have a travel pass, reservations are mandatory. Short distances cost between 29 and 39 CHF, while long distances range between 39 and 49 CHF. Depending on the season you travel in.

To add a reservation to your travel pass, head to the Glacier Express booking site . Follow the booking process all the way through to the end, select your pass just before checking out and the ticket price will be taken off your total.

Penny-pincher version :

It’s possible to travel between St. Moritz and Zermatt without paying a reservation fee. For this, you’ll need to downgrade from the fancy Glacier Express trains and use regular trains instead. 

Get on in St. Moritz and transfer in Reichenau-Tamins, Disentis/Mustér, Andermatt and Visp. You’d be surprised, but even though you’ll be changing trains all the time, it’ll only take you around 20 minutes longer to reach your destination. To put together your schedule, head to the SBB website .

These regular trains travel the exact same route as the Glacier Express does. The only thing you’ll be missing out on are the panorama windows. 

In addition to saving you the reservation fee, this option also l ets you travel more flexibly because trains run a lot more frequently.

Getting off along the way :

I don't recommend interrupting your Glacier Express journey as you need a reservation for this trip. However, if you really want to stop over, make sure you arrange your reservations accordingly. 

If you opt for the penny-pincher version, you can get off along the way as often and as long as you please.

PLACES OF INTEREST ALONG THE GLACIER EXPRESS

The mountain village of St. Moritz is a highly popular holiday destination all year round. Surrounded by towering mountains and in close proximity to Lake St. Moritz and Lake Silvaplana , the area offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into biking, hiking , stand up paddling, swimming, windsurfing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing or just enjoying the views, you’ll find your heart’s desire.

The fancy mountain resort of St. Moritz

Lake St. Moritz

Albula Line (UNESCO)

Landwasser viaduct.

The Landwasser Viaduct between St. Moritz and Thusis is quite a masterpiece. This impressive construction is 142 metres (466 feet) long and 65 metres (213 feet) high. What makes it so unique is the fact that the viaduct leads straight into a tunnel.  

The impressive Landwasser Viaduct disappearing into a tunnel

The Albula Line between Preda and Bergün is going to make your head spin. Since the train loses lots of altitude in this segment, it spirals its way down across six viaducts and through three loop tunnels. If you pay attention, you’ll notice the train changing the side of the valley several times. 

Chur is the capital of the Canton of Grisons. Relatively small in size, it offers plenty of sights and a wonderful old town. It’s also the starting point to many a trip in the vicinity, like to the crystal clear Lake Gauma or the dramatic Rhine Gorge .

Chur is the capital city of the Canton of Grisons

Rhine Gorge

Also known as the „Swiss Grand Canyon“, the Rhine Gorge was formed during a massive landslide around 10.000 years ago. Carved out by the river over many centuries, the Rhine Gorge is now a popular destination for hikers, bikers and river-rafters. Coming from St. Moritz, you’ll get the best views of the canyon if you sit on the left.

The Rhine Gorge - also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon

Oberalp Pass

At 2.033 metres (6.670 feet) above sea level, the Oberalp Pass connects Disentis/Mustér in the Canton of Grisons with Andermatt in the Canton of Uri. This pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express.

The Glacier Express making its way across the Alps at Oberalp Pass

The village of Zermatt sits right in front of the Matterhorn , Switzerland’s most famous mountain. In case you don’t know what the Matterhorn looks like, have some Toblerone chocolate and study the packaging. 

The hiking, biking and photo opportunities in this area are seemingly endless. Riding up the Gornergrat with its mountain and glacier views will blow your socks off. And only 15 minutes from Zermatt lies Randa, the starting point to hiking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge . 

For more insider tips about what to do in Zermatt, read the  interview I did with my local friend Gabriela. 

The village of Zermatt

The Matterhorn, Switzerland's most famous mountain

3. Bernina Express

They say the most spectacular way to cross the Alps is on board the Bernina Express . 

And they might be right. 

This train takes you from the medieval city of Chur across the Alps and all the way into sunny Italy. Between Chur and St. Moritz, the Bernina Express covers the exact same route as the Glacier Express. 

After St. Moritz, it starts climbing up to glistening glaciers before heading down to the palms of Italy. It passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges along the way.

The train ends in the Italian city of Tirano. From there, the Bernina Express Bus takes passengers through the famous Valtellina wine region past Lake Como and back into Switzerland.

4 hours 13 minutes (train from Chur to Tirano), 3 hours 10 minutes (bus from Tirano to Lugano)

156 kilometres (97 miles) on the train, 90 kilometres ( 56 miles) on the bus

The Bernina Express runs from May through November. Unfortunately, their schedule is too complicated to put in words. Please check their current timetable to put together your itinerary.

Yes. Even if you have a travel pass, reservations are mandatory. The seat reservation costs between 20 CHF and 26 CHF, depending on the season you travel in. Head to the Bernina Express booking site to make your reservation.

The same principle that works for the Glacier Express applies to the Bernina Express. To avoid paying the reservation fee , use regular trains. Get on in Chur and transfer in St. Moritz and Poschiavo. If you add the journey from Tirano to Lugano, you’ll need to transfer in Tirano and Monza as well.

However, if you travel onwards to Lugano, your Swiss Travel Passes won’t do you any good since this part is served by the Italian Railway . For detailed ticket information, consult the Trenitalia website. 

I don't recommend interrupting your Bernina Express journey as you need a reservation for this trip. However, if you really want to stop over, make sure you arrange your reservations accordingly. 

PLACES OF INTEREST ALONG THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Between Chur and St. Moritz, the Bernina Express covers the exact same route as the Glacier Express. Please see above for a more detailed description of Chur, the Rhine Gorge, the Albula Line, the Landwasser Viaduct and St. Moritz.

Ospizio Bernina

At 2.535 metres (8.317 feet) above sea level, Ospizio Bernina is the highest point of the Bernina Line. It’s around here that you cross the language border between the Romansh-speaking Engadine and the Italian-speaking Poschiavo Valley. 

The Bernina Express at Ospizo Bernina

The Bernina Express making its way across the Alps

Valposchiavo

The Poschiavo Valley in the southern Alps is a fantastic place to go hiking or enjoy a walk along the lake. It’s where the Bernina Express crosses the Swiss-Italian border and takes you to Tirano, where you transfer to the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano.

Lago Bianco on the way to Valposchiavo

Lago di Poschiavo

Brusio Circular Viaduct

The circular viaduct in Brusio is another spectacular construction on the Bernina Line. In order to overcome the altitude in the narrow Poschiavo Valley, the train has to take a 360-degree turn.

The Bernina Express spiralling its way down to Valposchiavo in Brusio

Valtellina and Lake Como

On the way from Tirano to Lugano, you’ll ride through the stunning wine region of Valtellina. Before crossing the border back into Switzerland, you’ll be driving past Lake Como, the place where George Clooney and many other celebrities got married.

Berbenno in the Valtellina Valley

Menaggio by Lake Como

Lugano is the biggest city in the Canton of Ticino and the third biggest financial centre in Switzerland - right behind Zurich and Geneva. Its Mediterranean charm, the flowery parks and the stunning views from one of the many surrounding mountains make this city worth paying a visit. 

The nearby outdoor museum Swissminiatur in the village of Mendrisio is a replica of Switzerland in small. I used to love going there as a kid… I guess I owe most of my Swiss geography knowledge to that place.

Lake Lugano

The Swissminiatur in Mendrisio

4. Voralpen Express

The Voralpen Express, which literally translates to „pre-Alpine Express“, commutes between St.Gallen and Lucerne. In comparison to the other train rides in this post, the Voralpen Express is the least touristy one. 

It doesn’t come with fancy panorama windows and there’s no friendly voice pointing out what viaduct you just crossed. But that doesn’t make it any less worth riding.

2 hours 16 minutes

125 kilometres (78 miles)

The Voralpen Express leaves St. Gallen and Lucerne every hour, all year round.

Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass (Flex), Saver Day Pass , Voralpen Express Ticket

Since the Voralpen Express is not a panoramic tourist train like the other ones and you therefore don't need a reservation, you can get off along the way as often and as long as you want. The place I'd recommend checking out for a while is Rapperswil.

PLACES OF INTEREST ALONG THE VORALPEN EXPRESS

The city of St. Gallen has a lot to offer. Places like the Abbey District, the recreational area of Drei Weieren and the free wildlife park of Peter & Paul make it easy to spend a few hours in this city. Head over to a more detailed guide of things to do in St. Gallen .

The cathedral in the Abbey District of St. Gallen

The recreational area of Drei Weieren

The Toggenburg area is nestled between two towering mountain ranges - the Alpstein and the Churfirsten. This part of Switzerland is incredibly pretty and might make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. At least that’s how my Australian friend described it when I took her on the Voralpen Express.

You’ll pass by green, rolling hills and traditional farmers’ houses as the train makes its way through the Appenzell and Toggenburg area towards Lake Zurich.

The Churfirsten mountain range in the Toggenburg

This little town by Lake Zurich is one of my favourite places in Switzerland. I lived here for three years while I was studying urban planning with Gabriela , Andrea , Tobi and Yannic . 

If you have enough time, I recommend getting off the train for an hour and exploring the beautiful „City of Roses". The impressive Rapperswil Castle, the charming promenade, Switzerland’s longest wooden bridge leading halfway across Lake Zurich and plenty of great spots with great views will make it worth your while.

The beautiful town of Rapperswil by Lake Zurich

Travelling between St. Gallen and Lucerne

Rothenthurmer Moor

Once the Voralpen Express is done climbing the hills behind Lake Zurich, it soon passes through the area of the Rothenthurmer Moor. This swampy landscape stretches across 10 kilometres (6 miles) between Biberbrugg and Rothenthurm and is the first moor to be protected in Switzerland.

Walking the moorland trail between Biberbrugg and Rothenthurm takes just over two hours and is very easy to complete. Another opportunity to break up the Voralpen Express journey…

Lakes Zurich, Zug and Lucerne

Between St. Gallen and Lucerne, the Voralpen Express passes by three Swiss lakes : Lake Zurich, Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne.

On the way from Arth Goldau to Immensee

Lucerne is either the starting or finishing point for people travelling the Voralpen Express. This vibrant city by the shores of Lake Lucerne is mostly known for the Kapellbrücke – a wooden footbridge leading across the River Reuss – spectacular views over Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, the Swiss Museum of Transport as well as the Lion’s Monument and the Glacier Garden.

The Lion's Monument in Luzern

5. Gotthard Panorama Express

If you follow the motto „the journey is the reward“, you’re going to love travelling the historic Gotthard Line from Lucerne to Lugano.

For the first leg of your trip, you travel across the lake from Lucerne to Flüelen on board a steamboat. In Flüelen, the Gotthard Panorama Express train takes you through the historic Gotthard route all the way down to the sunny south on Switzerland. 

Before the world’s longest tunnel opened in 2016, travelling this route through the Gotthard massif was the normal way to get to the Canton of Ticino by train. Today, the 57 kilometres (35 miles) long Gotthard Basistunnel saves commuters lots of time by bolting through the Alps in less than 20 minutes. 

2 hours 43 minutes (boat from Lucerne to Flüelen), 2 hours 28 minutes (train from Flüelen to Lugano) 

38 kilometres (24 miles) on the steamboat, 183 kilometres (114 miles) on the train.

From Tuesday through Sunday, the Gotthard Panorama Express leaves once a day. Their season starts in April and ends in October. Check their current schedule here as the dates change every year.

Swiss Travel Pass (Flex), Saver Day Pass  

With a Eurail and Interrail Pass, you get 50% off the boat ride from Lucerne to Flüelen. The train ride from Flüelen to Lugano is included.

For up to date information on which pass or ticket covers what, visit the SBB website . 

Yes. The reservation fee costs 24 CHF. You can book your Gotthard Panorama Express ticket including seat reservation directly through Swiss Activities.

You can travel the Gotthard Panorama Line without making a reservation by, you might have guessed it, using regular trains. Even though the historical Gotthard line is no longer the primary way to connect the Ticino with the rest of Switzerland, it’s still in use.

Trains run hourly between Erstfeld and Bellinzona all year round. To put together your personal itinerary, consult the SBB website. 

I don't recommend interrupting your Gotthard Panorama Express journey as you need a reservation for this trip and you can only complete it in one go.

However, if you really want to stop over, make sure you arrange your reservations accordingly. There's an option to book this trip with an overnight stay.

PLACES OF INTEREST ALONG THE GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS

Lucerne is either the starting or finishing point of people travelling the Gotthart Panorama Express. This beautiful city by the shores of Lake Lucerne is mostly known for the Kapellbrücke – a wooden footbridge built in 1356 – spectacular views over Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus as well as the Lion’s Monument and the Glacier Garden.

The famous Kappellbrücke in Lucerne

Lake Lucerne

On the ride across the stunning Lake Lucerne, you’ll pass by several places of importance in Swiss history. You’ll see the Rütliwiese, Switzerland's founding place, and you’ll also get a glimpse of the Tell’s Chapel. According to legend, our alleged national hero, William Tell, escaped the fangs of his enemy in this place by jumping off his boat. Read more about William Tell and the saga around his existence in this article .

Cruise across Lake Lucerne on a steamboat

The Tell's Chapel on the way to Flüelen

Baroque church of Wassen

This little church is iconic to the Gotthard line and every child in Switzerland knows about it. Well, if they’ve travelled to the Ticino by train before 2016, that is. 

This little church in the village of Wassen, commonly known as „Chileli vo Wasse“, sits on a hill and can be seen from three different angles on the way up to the former Gotthard tunnel. Since the train passes two turning loops in this area, it keeps riding past the Chileli from different sides, which is what makes this spot so well-known. 

There’s even a catchy song about the Chileli vo Wasse… That’s how popular it is.

You'll pass by the Chileli vo Wasse three times on your way to the Gotthard Tunnel

Bellinzona is the capital of the Ticino. It’s mainly famous for its three impressive castles Montebello, Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro, which are part of the Swiss UNESCO World Heritage sites. They were built in the 15th century and make for an impressive, knight-like excursion. 

The Piazza Independenza in Bellinzona

One of the three castles in Bellinzona

The nearby outdoor museum of Swissminiatur in the village of Mendrisio is a replica of Switzerland in small.

View over Lugano

And here you have it.

Five amazingly scenic train rides in Switzerland summed up. Of course, there are plenty more great rides you can enjoy around here. Like for instance the mountain railways up Jungfrau , Pilatus or Gornergrat . Just to name a few.

If you’d like to share any additional train rides you've been on in Switzerland, please let me know in the comments below. 

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Hi Seraina,

This post on scenic train rides is very helpful. For the Golden Pass line you were able to specify which side of the train(left, right) we should sit for best views. Is it possible for you to specify which side we should sit for the best view for the remaining scenic train rides.

Thanks, Dhruw

Thanks for reaching out 🙂 Actually, if you do any of the other scenic rides (as in the full journey or a section that’s longer than an hour) it doesn’t really matter which side you pick. You will get fantastic views on both sides. I specifically mentioned the part between Lucerne and Interlaken because I love the views you get coming down from Brünig Pass. But generally speaking, you can’t go wrong. Whichever side you choose…

Enjoy your trip, Seraina

I am starting to plan my trip with my husband. We are from Sydney Australia. The 1st thing we must do is see our son’s art installation in Lens at the end of March. After, in July, we wish to go by rail to see Switzerland.’If we get rail passes is it possible to ge off at different places and board the train again to complete the route or are we to stay on the train for the full length. As I have not booked our flight yet as I do not know where we will land, as this depends on the trains. Thank you for your time.

Hello Helen

Thank you for your comment. I‘m happy to hear you‘re coming to Switzerland 🙂

As to your question, you can generally get on and off any train in Switzerland whenever, wherever and as often as you like with your travel pass.

The only exception is if you make a seat reservation on one of the scenic trains. Then you should probably stay on until the end. But if you don‘t reserve your seat, you‘re free to hop on and off throughout the journey.

Please note that some trains require you to make a reservation. But even then you could interrupt your journey along the way.

I hope this answers your question. If not, feel free to shoot me another message.

Hi, Thanks for the information. Its quite elaborate. I am travelling to Swiss in first month of July on a business visa. I have 5 days (2 weekends in first week and 3 weekends in last week) to spare time and explore the country. My friend shall join me and he comes all the way from France. So, he prefers to explore Geneva too in the first weekend as its near to the border. So, with 5 days in hand and the preferences are Geneva, Lucerne, one best ride among the above panoramic train rides and one or two peaks (among Titlis, Jungfraujoch, Stoos and Pilates), request you to please suggest some itinerary.

Hi Ravi, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, as I mentioned on my about and contact page, I don’t offer a personalised itinerary planning service. I’m sorry but I can’t help you with your questions. However, I did write an itinerary guide with a collection of possible 2-day itineraries. You can find it here . Maybe this will be helpful to you? Especially since you’re looking for things to do on a weekend. I hope you enjoy your time in Switzerland. Seraina

I just purchased the ebook you have written for travel in Switzerland. I must complement you for the extensive information in it and the practical nature of the book. Saved me tons of hours – I can directly choose the routes of my choice and hop onto the transport! I am visiting Swiss for 4 days and entering Geneva. Just wondering which two 2-day routes to choose for a nice mini vacation with my wife.

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. This made my day 🙂 I‘m so glad you find my ebook useful and thank you for your support. I hope you‘ll enjoy your time in Switzerland and find the right itinerary for you and your wife.

Happy planning, Seraina

Where to buy the Ebook?

Hi Rahul, thank you for your question. The ebooks are available under the itinerary section.

Thank you for such a detailed description of each route. I and my wife are travelling to Switzerland from 4th – 7th October, 2019. We want to experience the Glacier Express. But as it takes more than 8hrs we don’t want to travel the full way. We are planning to stay at Interlaken as we also want to visit Mt. Schilthorn, Grindelwald first, Glacier 3000 etc. We will have a 4 day swiss rail pass.

Can you suggest that which portion(s) of the Glacier Express I should select considering my preference is to see a lot of snow around. Also how early should I reserve my seat at Glacier express considering it is fall season.

Hello Anuran

Thanks for your comment. Your question actually isn’t an easy one to answer. But I’ll give it my best shot 🙂

Since you want to spend a fair amount of time in Interlaken and visit all these mountains you mentioned, you should get to see lots of snow there. As for the Glacier Express, this will take you a lot of time whichever part you leave out. The two starting points in St. Moritz and Zermatt are both a long way from Interlaken. If you’d like to cut off certain parts, I suggest you either leave out St. Moritz – Chur or Visp – Zermatt. Maybe even both. That way, you can make your way to either Chur or Visp to start your trip.

However, like I said, getting there from Interlaken will still take a while. What you could do, if you land in Zurich, is to go straight to Chur, spend a night there, take the Glacier Express the next day to Visp and go from Visp to Interlaken. This will still be a very long day with lots of train rides, but you will have seen some of the Glacier Express route. Since it’s October, I unfortunately can’t promise you a whole lot of snow along the way. But like I said, if you go up into the mountains, you should get a good amount of snow there.

As for the reservation, I can’t tell you how busy it will be in fall. For more information on that, I suggest you contact the Glacier Express customer service directly. They have more experience with their passenger numbers.

I hope this helped. Happy planning and enjoy your trip to Switzerland.

Hi Seraina, Thank you so much for such a prompt reply. Since there won’t me much snow in the Glacier Express route, now I am considering to do a small part or may be completely removing it from my itinerary.

I will be coming from Venice & land in Geneva on 3rd Oct – 9:30PM. My return flight to India is also from Geneva on 8th @12:40PM.

This is what I have thought of for 4th-7th Oct. (I will have a Swiss travel pass)

Day 1- Early morning train from Geneva to Lauterbrunnen (6AM-9:25AM). Will visit Schilthorn mountain (on the way will visit Gimmelwald, Mürren) till lunch. Post lunch will do paragliding @Interlaken. Night stay Interlaken.

Day 2 – Early morning train to Grindelwald. Visit Grindelwald First & do 2-3 activities, visit Klein Scheidegg if I have time. At 6:00PM travel to Zermatt (6PM – 8:14PM). Night stay @Zermatt.

Day 3 – In the morning visit Matterhorn (Glacier Paradise ride). Will come down to Brig by normal train. Catch the 2:10PM Glacier Express Train & travel to Chur (2:10PM – 6:24 PM). From Chur travel to Lucerne ( 7:16PM – 9:25PM). Night stay Lucerne.

Day 4 – Early morning visit to lake Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, Lion monument. Then travel to Rhine Falls. leave Rhine Falls by 4:30PM. From Neuhausen Rheinfall travel to Geneva (5:01 – 8:45). Night stay @Geneva.

In the above itinerary I am missing Glacier 3000. Which I can visit on day 4 but in that case I have to leave the Lucerne sightseeing & Rhine Falls. But as per your previous answer I have very small chance of seeing snow @Glacier 3000 which was my main aim.

Do you think the above itinerary is possible or is it too ambitious or hectic? We both are 30-31 yrs old & moderately fit.

All the travel mentioned here is by train. Timings are taken from http://www.sbb.ch/en Thank you very much for your help.

Wow, that’s quite a plan you’ve got here 🙂 I like it… And while it is very ambitious, I think you can do it. You’ve done your research with the trains as well, which is great. So I’d say go for it. You can always leave out certain things if you feel it’s too much but generally speaking, this sounds like a very good plan. And skipping Glacier3000 is probably a good idea because getting there takes a while, wherever you start from. You’d need a full day for that. So what you have planned now should work a lot better..

Have fun here in Switzerland. You’ll be arriving in Geneva right on my birthday by the way 😉

Thank you soooo much for your help. Your blog & comments have helped me a lot to plan my Switzerland itinerary. Can’t thank you enough 🙂

You‘re very welcome!

Had a question regarding train visit vs by road visit. I am flying to Munich and from there i am starting my trip to southern germany, western austria, and then i am moving towards swiss area. Can you find the same amount of scenic views by road or it’s better to take train? Since i have a rental vehicle i need to find a place to park it for few days while i ride a train. Can i do round trip in 1 day ? where is the best scenic views that i could get? Money is not an object. I only have 3 days in Swiss.

Hi Prashant

Thanks for your comment. Actually, since you already have a car, I wouldn’t suggest just parking that somewhere for three days and catch the train instead. You can also do scenic car rides in Switzerland. Personally, if I had to choose, I would always prefer the train but that’s just me. And like I said, if you do have a vehicle, it’s very easy to visit some beautiful spots as well. To plan your route, I suggest you visit the Grand Tour of Switzerland website. It’s a fantastic resource that’ll help you plan your roadtrip through Switzerland and past some stunning places.

I hope this helped. Enjoy your time here. Seraina

Hello Saraina, I will be in Switzerland next year for holidays with friends and we will fly from Venice. We are interested in the Golden Pass line. Can we travel in the opposite direction from Montreux to Lucerne? Thanks Vijay

Dear Vijay, thank you for your question. And yes, you can absolutely travel the Golden Pass Line from Montreux to Lucerne. It goes both ways… Enjoy the ride! It‘s a great one 🙂 Seraina

Hi Seraina, Thank you for your quick reply. Do we need a Eurail pass ? Otherwise, please send me the link for booking online and please advise on early booking. Thank you

Hi Vijay, you’re welcome 🙂 Yes, I’d suggest you buy a Eurail Pass for this trip as it covers the whole Golden Pass Line along with tons of other train rides in Switzerland. To book a travel pass, you can use this link that’ll take you straight to the Eurail website. Please note that this is an affiliate link, which means that I will get a small commission from Eurail for sending you towards them. This doesn’t cost you anything extra but it will help me keep running this website 🙂 So you would be doing me a huge favour by booking your pass through my link. Thought you should know… If you have any other questions about your trip, please don’t hesitate to ask…

Hi Seraina, If I buy the ’15 Days pass within 2 months’pass at a price of $ 560, can I use it without any additional cost for the Euro tunnel served by Eurostar and can I use the same pass in Europe for the routes operated by the partners? Regards

I just checked the Eurail website for you and it seems that you will need to pay extra and make a reservation for the Eurostar. Please go to the Eurail website and enter „Eurostar“ into the search field. You‘ll be taken to all the information you need to know about this journey. Regards, Seraina

HI, thank you so much for your detailed description. It really helps with planning our trip. We are travelling to Switzerland from 3rd Oct to 7th Oct 2019. And we have bought the 4day pass. I would like to know if you have any recommendations on how to travel from Lugano to St. Moritz. I was trying to book the Palm Express via Maloja Pass but it only seems to go from St. Moritz to Lugano direction. Would love to get a suggestion. Thanks so much. Looking forward to visiting this beautiful country.

Dear Neelam Thank you for your question. Actually, the best way to travel between St. Moritz and Lugano is by Bernina Express. However, the official Bernina Express including the bus between Tirano and Lugano only travels in one direction, starting in St. Moritz. But since you’re travelling the other way round, you can catch a regular bus from Lugano to Tirano and transfer to the Bernina Express train in Tirano. Please refer to the Bernina Express timetable ( here’s the direct link ) to find your connection. The best one I found for you leaves Lugano at 10:00 and arrives in St. Moritz at 16:11 with one transfer in Tirano. I hope this helps. Happy planning and enjoy your time in Switzerland Seraina

Hello Seraina, Firstly, commend you on the utmost diligence and detail-oriented original post; yet, equally, on your responses here.

Question: we live in Tuscany. After researching several alpine routes by train, I lend my brain to digest more of the logistics “Glassier Express.” As a package 3d/2n, In July.

1. It sounds like one can start from Zermatt or St.Moritz. Very few of the Trenitalia will go that route…if any! 2. According to your post, there might be an option of catching Tirannò train to St.Morttz, to peel off Bernina express. 3. What would you recommend: -which way of the Glassier Express to start? -and getting there from Italy by train? -less busses the better 😉

Thanks again. Looking forward to your expertly suggestion. Misha

Hello Misha, thank you for your questions. I will try my best to answer them for you:

1. Yes, you can start in Zermatt or St. Moritz and only Glacier Express goes that route. No other railway company does it. And it doesn’t matter which way you go. They’re both the same. 2. Yes, you can catch the Bernina Express train in Tirano to St. Moritz. It’s another scenic train route. 3. From Italy, I recommend going to Tirano, then Bernina Express to St. Moritz, then Glacier Express to Zermatt. Or you can go to Domodossola, then with the SBB train to Brig, from there with MGB to Zermatt and then with the Glacier Express to St. Moritz.

I hope this helps. Have a wonderful time in Switzerland! Seraina

Hi Seraina, Thanks for — as usual –, the most attentive-to-details response in answering my complicated question.

Lastly, I have a few refinements/questions to plan my [surprise wedding anniversary] trip to the utmost detailing as possible to capture the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Some points, as usual: 1. From the last time I've written to you, the 'die was cast' 😉 I've decided to do Bernina Express + Glassier Express starting from Lugano;

2. That said, I have all the logistics of staying in Lugano + St. Moritz + Zermatt [In that sequence], and getting on the bus in Lugano to transfer, eventually, the the train ride in St. Moritz, and on ….and on…and on…

3. Do you see any problems with that choice?;

4. What would be your suggestions for choice of seats [left/right] sides of the train: a. Bernina Express from Tirano, IT;? b. Glassier Express St. Moritz–Zermatt? you only outlined one excerpt [Coming from St. Moritz, you’ll get the best views of the canyon if you sit on the left.] c. Any other points of booking the seats in "the missing links" ? 🙂

Grazie in anticipo, Misha

Hi Misha, wow lots of questions. I’ll try to answer them as good as I can:

1. Good choice! 2. Again, good choice 😉 3. No, I don’t see any problems with that. If you’ve booked the bus from Lugano to Tirano and have your seat reservations for the trains, you will be great. 4a) I’ve never done the Bernina Express on the bus unfortunately. So I can’t tell you which side is better. But I’m sure you will have great views from both sides. 4b) It really depends and to be honest, it doesn’t matter too much on which side you sit because you will have fantastic views from both sides. We sat on the right coming from Zermatt to St. Moritz and really enjoyed our views. But they are great on both sides and there is not one good and one bad side. So whichever side you choose, it will be good. 4c) I don’t know what you mean by “the missing links”. Sorry.

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip, Seraina

Loved the way you guided the others so here’s my question and it would be great If you could suggest me something. So I’m travelling with my parents to Switzerland between 4th Dec to 7th Dec 2019. My mother was really interested in the Bernini express but unfortunately, since we are staying in Lucerne, its a completely different route. Can you please suggest any of the other scenic train rides that you feel could be covered in one day?

Regards, Debduhita

Hello Debudhita

Lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your comment. Happy to help…

So since you are based in Lucerne, either the Voralpen Express or the Golden Pass Line will work. Both are beautiful but if you‘d like to do the whole thing in one day, the Voralpen Express will probably be less intense. You could also fit in a visit in St. Gallen or Zurich on your way back to Lucerne with that one.

Technically, you could do the Golden Pass in one day but that would be a looot of hours on the train. Especially because you have to travel back to Lucerne from Montreux. If you do fancy doing parts of the Golden Pass, I‘d suggest you only go to Spiez and travel back via Bern to Lucerne. Or even cut it short in Interlaken. You have plenty of options and are quite flexible. But if it was me, I personally wouldn‘t do the whole Golden Pass in one day.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip over here 🙂

This is an excellent guide for trains. Thumbs up!

Me and fiancé will be in Zurich on 18/Dec – 22/Dec. (23/Dec-27/Dec, will be spending Christmas with friends in Friedrichshafen Germany). We intend to visit Zurich and apart from that, jump onto one of these fantastic train rides from 18/Dec-22/Dec & 28/Dec-4/Jan. Ending up in Geneva will be good as we plan to head to Florence after that.

Would you have any suggestions?

Thanks a lot

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you like my guide 🙂 Awesome to hear you’re coming to Switzerland this winter, too.

Unfortunately, I can’t give you any detailed suggestions as there are so many things you can do in Switzerland in the amount of time you have available. And putting together personalised itineraries would be very time consuming. This is why I am currently working on a series of itinerary guides . They all start in either Zurich or Geneva. I’m sure you could find some inspiration in there and the scenic train rides are also included in those chapters. I hope you can understand that I don’t have enough time to create personalised itineraries. Happy planning and have a fantastic time when you’re here.

Take care, Seraina

Are these routes roundtrip, or oneway?

Hi Tina, these routes are all oneway…

Thanks for this super helpful post. I will be going to Switzerland in mid-late April for about 7 days visiting Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, Geneva. I have some specific questions for you:-

1. I have checked weather forecasts, but based on your experience, how cold will it be? Our group includes 4 senior citizens (60-70 years old).

2. I think the Golden Pass Line works well for the places I plan to visit. I see the rates in the range of ~$200-250 per person for these days. Does that sound right? I find it very expensive. Is there any other cheaper train that connects these cities?

Hello there 🙂 Thank you for your comment. I will try to answer your questions as accurately as I can.

1. This is a hard one as temperatures may vary. Especially in April. But generally speaking, I think temperatures during the day should range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius in the places you mentioned. Please don’t hold me to it, though. We’ve had 0 degrees in April before and there’s a saying in Switzerland that goes: April does whatever April wants. I’m sorry I can’t give you a more precise answer.

2. Definitely don’t pay 250.- for the Golden Pass Line. That definitely is a bit much. If I were you, I’d try to either get a national day pass or a saver day pass for your travel days. Or, if you’re using public transport in Switzerland for more than just the Golden Pass Line, grab a Eurail/Interrail or Swiss Travel Pass. I talk about those option in more depth in this post.

I hope this helps. Happy planning and enjoy your time in Switzerland. Seraina

Your website and suggestions are great. Thank you for your hard work. I am planning to visit Switzerland with my wife for 4-5 days. We would like to see most of the country either by regular or scenic trains. We can arrive at Geneva or Zurich or Basel. Would like to know what would be the best scenic route we can take as we don’t mind arriving at one but returning from a different airport as long as we can make most of our trip. Will be good if we can start from one end and finish at the other. What would be your suggestion about tickets and from where shall we start and end? Shall we book the hotels in advance or book when we arrive in different cities? Thanks in advance for your help.

Dear Mas Thank you for your comment and your lovely compliment. It means a lot… Your question is a tricky one to answer, actually. Unfortunately, I can’t give personal advice on itineraries as that is very, very time consuming. I’m really sorry and hope you can understand. But since this is a question I get quite frequently, I created a series of itinerary guides to help people plan their trip to Switzerland. Think of them as pre-built itinerary suggestions that will give you ideas and inspiration to plan your trip and what to expect in Switzerland. The hotel question is up to you, really. If you’d like to play it save, maybe book ahead. That way, you can research the prices as well and make sure you have a bed to sleep in. Or, if you’re adventurous and like to stay flexible, just wing it as you go. But keep in mind that this might end up being more expensive without any research. I hope this helps. Happy planning and enjoy your time in Switzerland. Seraina

These five panoramic rides can be beautifully chained together. Say Zurich is your starting point, you take a regular train to St Gallen, then Voralpen, Gothaard, Bernina, Glaciers, regular train to Montreaux (or loop around to Chamonix, Geneve, Evian, Lausanne), Golden Pass and then regular train to Berne and on to Zurich. If you don’t want such a train intensive vacation you can add side trips to Constance Lake, Luzern, Interlaken, Vaduz, Ticino area / Milano or the aforementioned Lac Leman. Is this itinerary not popular? I wonder why it never gets mentioned in travel blogs.

That‘s a very interesting itinerary! A little crazy but for someone that loves trains, it’s perfect. Thank you for the suggestion. I will include this in my itinerary ebooks 🙂

Hello Seraina, You have amazing content. Thanks so much for sharing. Now I don’t feel as overwhelmed. Im planning a trip with my mom and aunt to Switzerland would love for it to be as relaxing as possible and enjoy the ride. I’m planning to start the journey at Lucerne. Definitely will do golden pass. This is for September. We are planning to do Lucerne to Montreux (reserved); stay in Montreux for 2 nights; take golden pass (not reserved) back to Lucerne this time would love to do stopovers and explore Lake Thun, Spiez, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Will it be possible to do these stopovers on same day journey. For these towns, do we stop at Interlaken and take other trains? Can you please suggest routes to take? Perhaps should we stay one night in interlaken? The reason why we are going back to Lucerne my aunt lives in Italy. We are Lucerne to Milan (possibly a stop over to Lugano). Any guidance will be appreciated. Would love to make it as memorable to my mom and aunt. It will be my mom’s first trip to europe.

Dear Loraine

Thank you so much for your comment. I’m happy to hear you’re feeling less overwhelmed now 🙂 That’s the whole point of my blog and hearing from you motivates me to keep going…

As for your question, I definitely recommend breaking up your journey on your way back to Lucerne. Visiting Lake Thun, Spiez, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald while doing the whole Golden Pass Line in one day isn’t possible. You’ll have to transfer in Spiez and Interlaken anyway so you could take a break in Spiez and spend the night in Interlaken.

Not to push anything on you, but I created a couple of itinerary guides that give people visiting Switzerland for the first time an idea of what’s possible in a certain amount of time and how I recommend breaking up the journey. Maybe this could be helpful for your planning process as well.

I hope you’ll have a fantastic time in Switzerland. Happy planning and enjoy your trip.

All the best, Seraina

Your website’s content are very helpful thank you for sharing :). Me and my partner are planning to take a scenic route from Paris to Switzerland and we are planning to stay in Bern or Interlaken (not sure which one were supposed to pick as we are not familiar with the places) to explore the Bernese Oberland and Jungfraujoch region in 4days (is it possible for 4days?) and we are wondering how are we gonna get to do these if we are coming from Paris? Will you be able to shed some light to our trip? Thanks heaps in advance.

Thank you for your comment. I’m happy to hear you’re coming to Switzerland and of course I’ll try and answer your questions…

First up, if you’re planning on exploring the Bernese Oberland, I suggest you stay in Interlaken as that’s smack-bang in the middle of all those popular destinations. You can definitely find enough to do in four days. (Btw, I talk about this in more depth in my itinerary guides ) Or, alternatively, you could spend a night in Bern and then move on to Interlaken for another three nights. You’re very flexible there.

Since you’re coming from Paris, I’m assuming you’ll enter Switzerland by train in Basel? With our dense train network, it’s very easy to reach Bern or Interlaken from any train station in Switzerland. So even if you arrive in another city, you’ll make it to Bern/Interlaken within one or two hours.

I hope this helps and that you’ll have a fantastic trip, Seraina

Wow… a really great and well-described article I must say especially the places we can enjoy on the way while riding in train. Can you also provide a blog on Swiss Travel Pass as it is quite popular in Switzerland?

Thank you for your comment! Actually, I haven’t written a post solely on the Swiss Travel Passes. So for more information on those passes, I recommend you head over to the SBB website , where they provide lots of details on the Swiss Travel Passes. Hope this helps 🙂

Switzerland first class country in the world in all things perfect transportystem lovely people

Great information. I have 10 days in Switzerland. I am a photographer. Can the windows of the trains be opened to be able to photograph without glare while on the train? Also, I fly in & out of Zurich and am looking for an itinerary with the most scenic train path. I don't want to go to Lake Geneva or Bern area. I plan to stay 2 nights in Zermatt, 3-4 in Bernese Oberland, 1-2 in Lucerne but am flexible. I love quaint picturesque villages. How should I plan my train trips? Thanks

Thank you for your comment. I’m happy to hear you have 10 days in Switzerland. That’s a good amount of time and I’m sure you’ll get to cover a lot of ground.

As for your questions: I’d say 99% of all Swiss trains don’t let you open their windows anymore. It’s usually just the mountain railways that either don’t have windows at all or that let you pull them down. If you’re in luck, in the Canton of Grisons, you might catch a very old train of the Rhaetian Railway that still has windows you can open. But generally, this isn’t possible.

About the second question regarding your itinerary: I actually don’t offer a custom itinerary planning service as that is incredibly time demanding. If I make suggestions to you, I want them to fit your expectations and that would require some 1:1 time with you. I hope you can understand. But since I do get this question quite a lot, I’ve to put together a selection of itinerary guides for different time periods. In there, I go into more detail about what’s possible to visit in a certain amount of time in Switzerland, covering all areas of the country. Maybe you can find some inspiration in there? You’ll find the link right here .

I hope this helps and that you’ll have a wonderful time in Switzerland.

Seraina Wow!! What a wonderful website you’ve put together here. I’m so lucky I stumbled upon it. I will be surprising my wife in early September for 5 days for her 40th birthday. We are from Montreal. She loves mountains. I had no idea where to start and how to plan this trip but your website has given me much enthusiasm to do it! I will base this trip around a mountain train ride and this will determine more or less where I should land. I know they are all fantastic but is there one ride in particular that you can suggest which would give us the greatest view of mountains? Thanks so much! mike.

Thank you so much for your friendly and warm message. I’m happy to hear you’re coming to Switzerland. September is a great time of the year to visit I think. And yes, your question is indeed a very tricky one as Switzerland has over 8000 mountains in total 😉 So it’s hard to pick just one. But the Region around Thun, Interlaken and Brienz is fantastic in terms of mountain train rides with Brienzer Rothorn, Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Niesen, Niederhorn, Stockhorn and so on. I don’t write much for this blog anymore since I now work over at Swiss Activities in the content team now. We put together loads of articles about anything concerning Switzerland. So if you’re interested, I recommend you head over there to check it out. One article that comes to my mind for you is this one on mountain peaks. Maybe this will help? Feel free to reach out to me again if you have any questions.

All the best and happy planning, Seraina

I love Switzerland i have been meny times if i had the money i would live there. can you please tell me a nice long train trip I can take from Geneva and get back to Geneva same day thank you. (god bless from mr chappell ).

Dear Edward, thank you for your comment. There are countless train rides you can take from Geneva in one day. If you don’t mind spending around 8 hours on the train, I would recommend you head to Zermatt. The ride along Lake Geneva is fantastic and the last stretch from Visp to Zermatt will be a part of the Glacier Express, one of the most famous scenic train rides. This journey takes around 4 hours each way and will definitely be a full day trip. Alternatively, you could just catch the train from Geneva to Montreux, hop on the passenger ship to Vevey, Lausanne or Chateau de Chillon and take the train back to Geneva in the evening. That way, you have more time along the way to explore. Hope this helps. All the best, Seraina

Personally I am fond of train journeys and when it comes to do in Switzerland, its like a heaven on the earth. Surrounded by high peak mountains, snows and white beauty of nature, the country has everything. Definitely going to experience it during my trip to Zurich.

If I arrive in Zurich how do I get to the point to take the Golden Pass line. If this is not practical which train ride can I do if I arrive in Zurich. Please advise. Thank you.

Dear Asoka, no problem. You can just catch the train to Lucerne and start the Golden Pass Line from there. Trains between Zurich and Lucerne run several times an hour and take between 50 and 75 minutes. All the best, Seraina

Thank you! What a great review of these scenic train rides. We get off a boat at 9:00am in Basel June 8th, 2023. Can you suggest the best way to complete as many of these as possible over the next four days. We will spend the evening of June 10th in Zurich.

Huge thanks for any guidance you can suggest!

Greg and Teresa Dragoo

Hi Greg and Teresa

Thank you for your questions, I’m happy to hear you’re coming to Switzerland. The best way to complete some of the scenic train rides would be to go from Basel straight to Lucerne, catch the Gotthard Panorama Express the next day (to Lugano) then the Bernina Express to St. Moritz and if you like the Glacier Express to Zermatt. This will be a crazy amount of sitting on the train. But if you want to complete several of the trains, this would be a good way to do it. Alternatively, you could also go directly to Montreux and get on the Golden Pass Line to Lucerne. Then again Gotthard Panorama to Lugano and Bernina Express to St. Moritz. I hope this helps. Enjoy your time over here! Seraina

Wow. If i go switzerland definitely i will go for a ride. I would love to do so

This is by far the best online guide to the main Swiss scenic routes and all places in between. I’m planning a Swiss rail tour and the info in this guide is making that itinerary very easy.

Thank you Danny! I’m really glad my article has been helpful for you and I hope you’ll have a wonderful time trying out those train rides. All the best!

Great information in every detail. Going to Europe in August. Just wondering what to do while there. Which of the 5 train ride would you recommend. The first sounded awesome?

Hey Anne, thank you for your comment 🙂 It’s hard to say which one I recommend because I think they’re all spectacular. But if I had to choose, it’d probably be the Glacier Express or the Gotthard Panorama Express. It really depends on your schedule and what you can fit in. You can’t go wrong with either of them, though 🙂

Thank you so much for responding so quickly. I'm visiting friends in Bern, and from there I would take a regular train to reach one of the senic trains one way. I also have friends in Black Forest that I'm going to visit so my question is, which of the two trains is closest to that area and also maybe spend a night in a little village on the way.

Ok so in this case, what you could do is go to Montreux by Lake Geneva, spend the night there and then catch the Golden Pass Line from Montreux the next morning. That one goes through Gstaad, Spiez, Interlaken to Lucerne. If you have time, you can do the whole journey in one day and finish in Lucerne. Or you can stop in Interlaken and spend some time there, Whatever your schedule looks like.

Alternativey, travel to Zermatt, spend the night there and catch the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. But then, you’ll be at the other side of the country in St. Moritz and I don’t know what your time budget is. Technically, you could then spend a night in St. Moritz and move on to the Black Forest the next day. Depending on how much time you have. But since Switzerland is quite small and public transport is good, it’s very easy to get to and from places.

Ohh..it all sounds so beautiful. I do like old villages and historic sites. Lucerne is probably most convenient if I wanna go to blk.forest. I'm actually on a month long vacation from Hawaii. I'm originally from Denmark where my trip starts from. After Blk.forest I'll be heading towards Montpelier to visit one more friend. I so appreciate your response and comments, you have definitely clarified my "what to do"❣️

Happy to help. Enjoy your trip. Sounds like an amazing one!

Hey Seraina,

This is an incredible post, so informative, and so meticulously presented. Really want to appreciate you for this. I also purchased your itineraries and that has been super helpful too. I love how you have helped others here and I was hoping you could share some suggestions for me too.

I have visited Switzerland before and have covered the cities and Jungfrau. So this trip is about visiting only the mountains. Here's what I plan to do:

-4 days in Switzerland-

Day 1: Geneva –> Chamonix, Mont Blanc –> Geneva Day 2: Geneva –> Montreux –> (Golden Pass Line) –> Interlaken Ost Day 3: Interlaken Ost –> Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Schilthorn –> Interlaken Ost –> Lucerne Day 4: Lucerne –> Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Titlis –> Lucerne Day 5: Flight from Zurich

Do you think this is doable or too ambitious? And would you suggest any changes in this itinerary to make it more efficient?

Additionally, I am very confused with the travel passes. I will mostly be using regular trains / panoramic trains (where applicable) / cable cars (where applicable) for all these travels. Which travel pass would you suggest and would it cover all of the above points of interest?

Thank you very much.

Best, Pallabi

Hi Pallabi, wow thanks for your long comment.

I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful. As for your itinerary, I think it sounds amazing. And definitely doable the way you’re planning on doing it. Just a quick side note, though. You visit Schilthorn from Lauterbrunnen, not Grindelwald. So maybe do Lauterbrunnen, Schilthorn and then Grindelwald after. But other than that, it sounds perfect.

About the travel passes… Hm this is always a tricky one. The best pass for Switzerland is without a doubt the Swiss Travel Pass. But I don’t think in your case this is worth it. I quickly looked up the prices for all your tickets and I don’t recommend buying a travel pass at all. The cheapest version would be to buy a Swiss Half Fare Card for 120.- and get regular tickets for the trains as you go. With the mountain railways, you get the same discount with the Half Fare Card as with the Swiss Travel Pass. More or less.

You can jump on the SBB Website to find the prices and do the maths for yourself. But the result from my research is that getting the Swiss Half Fare Card and buying tickets as you go is the cheapest version.

Hope this helps and you have a wonderful time in Switzerland!

Hi , Thanks for this very useful and detailed article .planning a 6- days visit to Switzerland .is there a city or a village I can make as base camp to try all or most scenic train rides ? coming from the UK in July .Which city you recommend for me to stay ?

Hi, thank you for your question. If you’re looking for a place to do most of the scenic trains, it would be Lucerne as three out of five start there. You can technically do them in one day, but it’ll be a bit rushed. But it’s possible to start in Lucerne in the morning, do the ride and come back the same day.

Hi , What an informative piece , thank you so much . There are so many wonderful train journeys you can do . I am planning to travel in mid sec is that a good or bad time to travel ? Also can you suggest a 3/4 night round trip me and my son could do taking in as many journeys as possible ? Many thanks

Good to hear from you. Thank you for your message. I’m glad you’ve found my article helpful. As for your questions:

* Yes, September ist a good time to travel in Switzerland. Of course, I can’t tell if it’s going to be sunny all the time or if you get some rain. But generally speaking, September is a good time to travel as it’s the beginning of autumn. So not so hot anymore and not as crowded as July and August. * If you have 4 nights, you can combine a few of the scenic train rides. So you could go to Zermatt first and spend the night, do the Glacier Express to St. Moritz on day 2 and spend the second night in St. Moritz. Then take the Bernina Express to Lugano on day 3 and spend the third night there. Then take the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne on your last day and spend the night in Lucerne. Like this, you’ll have covered three of the scenic train rides. Or start in St. Gallen, go to Lucerne on day 2, Golden Pass on day 3 to Montreux, head to Zermatt for the night and do Glacier Express to St. Moritz on day 4.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your time in Switzerland!

Hello, What is your recommendation for a scenic train rides from Geneva for a day trip?

Hi, from Geneva, I think your only option is to travel to Montreux and to parts of the Golden Pass Line (maybe until Spiez or Interlaken) and then catch the train via Bern back to Geneva. All the other trains aren’t really an option if you try to do them as a day trip from Geneva.

7 Best Scenic Train Rides In Switzerland

S tunning landscape views roll by your giant picture window as you depart on famous scenic train rides across Switzerland. From Geneva to Zurich and Basel to Zermatt, the Swiss Alps, turquoise lakes, and rolling pastures these best scenic train rides in Switzerland will fill your window with breathtaking scenery.

I have collected a few of my favorite train travel excursions across this beautiful country and presented them in no particular order. This is not an all-inclusive list of picturesque train trips through Switzerland, but it is a wonderful place to start dreaming of your next train-centric adventure.

1. Jungfraujoch – Top Of Europe

No matter what the season, a ride to Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe , is a panoramic adventure. At the summit’s Sphinx Terrace, you can view the Aletsch Glacier, the Black Forest, and the Vosges.

Plan to spend several hours at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make your way to the outside observation deck where the air is chilly and the views are beyond breathtaking. Slip and slide during a visit to the Ice Palace — an ice sculpture art gallery carved into the glacier in the 1930s. Everything here is ice; the floors, ceiling, and frozen tableaus impart an Ice Age adventure. Complete your mountaintop visit with a stop at the highest Lindt Chocolate shop in the world.

Downhill skiers will love exploring the Jungfrau region on their next European ski holiday.

2. Golden Pass Express, Montreux To Interlaken

Travel in First or Prestige Class for an elevated, quintessentially Swiss adventure on the Golden Pass Express between Montreux and Interlaken. Enjoy caviar and champagne as your luxury car rolls from Montreux, on beautiful Lake Geneva, to the charming town of Interlaken . The 3-plus-hour journey is filled with stunning views of crystal-blue lakes, verdant pastures, and snow-capped mountains.

Once in Interlaken, you can make the transfer to the Jungfraujoch for a close up encounter with the Bernese Oberland. On the Montreux terminus, you can sail around Lac Léman, aka Lake Geneva, and enjoy the quaint shoreline towns and bustling city of Geneva.

3. Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Skiers, photography buffs, and pretty much everyone else should visit the iconic Matterhorn at least once. Jump on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for a fabulous train ride. On this intrepid alpine adventure, your train encounters 33 tunnels and 126 overpasses while rising a whopping 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) in altitude.

Panoramic windows afford wide-angle views of craggy mountains, brilliantly blue waterways, and plenty of beautiful sunshine.

4. Glacier Express, Zermatt To St. Moritz

The Glacier Express route , Zermatt to St. Moritz, sets the standard that all Swiss scenic trains are measured upon. Slipping through the Swiss Alps, this route hits luxury ski resorts while imparting a slow-travel feeling. The journey takes 8 hours — a very slow express train ride — but the show-stopping scenery offers you a chance to absorb the wild beauty of this scenic route.

When you reach St. Moritz, book a stay at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel . If you don’t want to break your budget with a stay of over $1,000 a night, simply stop by the Renaissance Bar for the St. Moritzino cocktail made with Cointreau, fresh lime, and orgeat syrup.

5. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano, Italy. Four hours of glorious scenic vistas, the Bernina Express has steep runs, plentiful bridge crossings, icy glaciers, and Mediterranean palm trees. It offers such a wide variety of landscapes, guests are continually gushing over the sheer beauty and uniqueness of this train ride.

Both Switzerland and Italy are part of the Schengen Agreement , which allows passage between the countries’ borders. However, you should still carry your passport with you as you pass from country to country.

6. Cogwheel Railway To Mount Pilatus

If you love adventure, you will adore the cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus . Billed as “the steepest cogwheel railway in the world” it reaches an alarming grade of 48 percent. The 30-minute, nail-biting ride up the mountain offers heart-pounding views.

If you decide a one-way train trip is all your nerves can take, there are a few alternatives. You can take the gondola, which offers 360-degree panoramic mountain views. Hiking down (or up) is another mode of transportation. AllTrails lists seven different options for hiking Mount Pilatus. Some are moderate and some are hard, but all of them go up, up, and up.

7. Gelmerbahn

From early June to late October, you can take the funicular ride of your life. The Gelmerbahn is a short, 12-minute ride in an open-air funicular car. The alarmingly steep grade offers spectacular views of Gelmersee — a brilliant blue lake — as you creep up the mountainside backwards.

Once at the top of the funicular, you can hike up to the Gelmerhütte for an overnight stay. The rooms are shared rustic spaces, but the mountaintop experience is unsurpassed.

Swiss Travel Pass

No matter how long your stay, the Swiss Travel Pass will save you money while you ride the rails, bus, or boat around the beautiful Swiss countryside.

For our most recent train travel content, check out these articles:

• 5 Best Train Journeys In Europe For Jaw-Dropping Scenery
• 3 (More) Best Scenic UK Train Journeys Every Traveler Should Take
• 6 Top Scenic UK Train Rides Every Traveler Should Take

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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8 Luxury Trains in Switzerland You Should Try in 2024

Are you dreaming of an adventure on a luxury Swiss train? Like many fellow travel enthusiasts exploring the heart of Europe, travelling on luxury trains in Switzerland sits sky high on the checklist of things to experience. Luxury train holidays in Switzerland are renowned not only for the breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, spectacularly engineered tunnels, astonishing bridges, and rolling panoramic hills but also for the world-class luxury of the trains themselves. Let’s delve into some of the finest Swiss luxury train adventures you should unquestionably mull over for 2024 that you’ll never forget.

Bernina Express: Experience the Ultimate Luxury Train Ride in Switzerland

The Bernina Express offers passengers magical four-hour Switzerland luxury train tours between the Alpine city of Chur and Tirano in the province of Sondrio in Italy. This luxury Swiss train runs year-round and is among the most iconic railway voyages in the country. Embarking on one of these Switzerland luxury train tours will see passengers journey through spiralling alpine loops, traverse nearly 200 bridges, and wind through over tunnels. Guests onboard can relax in the beautifully appointed coaches and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Landwasser Viaduct, the serenity of Lake Bianco, UNESCO-listed landscapes, the Swiss Alps, and numerous chocolate box villages. If luxury train travel in Switzerland is your thing, this could tick all the right boxes and deliver an exceptional and unforgettable journey.

Gotthard Panorama Express: Discover Switzerland’s Scenic Beauty

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a less high-profile luxury train ride in Switzerland, but no less spectacular. Unlike most luxury Swiss train tours, this one takes you on an adventure that blends rail and boat travel as it unveils some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders during a five-and-a-half-hour journey in total luxury. Switzerland train adventures don’t come much more unique than this, as passengers can relax as the train traverses from Lucerne to Lugano, meandering through incredible scenery that takes in Lake Lucerne and the historic Gotthard Pass. All aboard this Switzerland luxury train ride can absorb the essence of the staggeringly beautiful country, where every view tells a story.

Glacier Express: The Best Luxury Train in Switzerland

Like the world-famous Orient Express, in Switzerland, the Glacier Express is the most iconic and highly spoken of luxury train. The Glacier Express is quite a legendary luxury train in Switzerland that takes passengers on a nearly eight-hour journey that connects Zermatt with St Moritz, taking in 291 bridges and 91 tunnels as those on board get treated to the most spectacular Alpine vistas. These luxury train rides in Switzerland twist their way through picturesque valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks as the breathtaking scenery appears through every window. This luxury Swiss train treats those onboard to vies of the Rhine Gorge and the Oberlap Pass as this magical journey delivers a symphony of natural wonders blended with first-class amenities and service.

Luzern–Interlaken Express: The Epitome of Luxury Train Travel in Switzerland

The Luzern-Interlaken Express is a chocolate-box journey into the heart of the country, offering the lucky passengers an enchanting experience amidst stunning Alpine landscapes. The country’s two most enchanting destinations are seamlessly linked with some remarkable scenery during this two-hour luxury train tour in Switzerland. This luxury Swiss train meanders through lush green valleys, underneath towering snowy peaks, and past tranquil clear lakes, showcasing the best of what Mother Nature has created. If you’re an enthusiast of nature and luxury rail travel, this luxury train travel in Switzerland is too good to ignore. A seat onboard this Swiss luxury train promises a unique and unforgettable adventure. 

Golden Pass Express: Premier Luxury Train Tour in Switzerland with Breathtaking Landscapes

The Golden Pass Express is a luxury Switzerland train that takes passengers on a breathtaking five-hour adventure into the heart of the country, where those lucky enough to be on board get treated to absolutely mind-blowing views. Modelled on the world’s most iconic train, this 1930s-inspired replica Orient Express in Switzerland connects the incredible towns of Montreux on Lake Geneva and Lucerne in Central of the country. From May to December, passengers travel in luxurious surroundings and can explore a cheese and chocolate factory. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, these luxury train rides in Switzerland deliver luxury and unforgettable exploration. 

Matterhorn Gotthard Express: Explore the Swiss Alps in Style!

Located in the heart of the Alps, the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway is home to a truly stunning luxury Swiss train. The Matterhorn Gotthard Express traverses the unbelievable Alpine vistas, connecting Zermatt and St Moritz. This is luxury train travel in Switzerland in its pomp, and passengers can relax in the luxury of a carriage as the train winds through narrow valleys, crossing dizzying viaducts and numerous tunnels carved out from the rugged mountainsides. This Swiss luxury train is more than simply a means of getting from A to B. It’s an immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s natural and cultural splendour. 

Voralpen-Express A Hidden Gem Among Switzerland’s Luxury Train Rides

There’s more to luxury train travel in Switzerland than towering snowy peaks and deep gorges. The Voralpen-Express offers enthusiasts a picturesque journey through undulating hills, charming villages, and delightful orchards as passengers travel from the Eastern city of St. Gallen to Luzern in the country’s centre. This breathtaking Switzerland luxury train ride meanders through the heart of the region, taking in serene lakes, lush meadows, and the Alps, immersing travellers in outstanding natural beauty. The Vorapen-Express promises to combine modern comfort with traditional charm and character, taking in panoramic views from inside the spacious carriages. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, this luxury train in Switzerland promises an unforgettable adventure. 

Thurbo Lake Line: A Unique Luxury Train Holiday in Switzerland’s Picturesque Settings

Railway fanatics are in for a treat as this luxury Swiss train embarks on an unforgettable journey through the country’s centre, taking in breathtaking landscapes along the Thurbo Lake Line. Nestled amidst the beautiful Swiss countryside, this enchanting route delivers an immersive experience where passengers can soak up every last vista from the comfort of a very comfortable carriage. These luxury train rides in Switzerland traverse the idyllic shores of crystal-clear Alpine lakes and lush green valleys as the Thurbo Lake Line delivers the essence of the country’s natural beauty in its purest form. You don’t want to miss this luxury train ride in Switzerland from Schaffhausen to Rorschach or St. Gallen.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Luxury trains switzerland faqs, what are the top luxury train rides in switzerland i should consider for my next vacation.

Luxury trains in Switzerland are nothing new, and it’s fair to say that you have many trains and destinations to explore. As well as luxury sleeper trains in Switzerland, you’ll also find shorter journeys ranging from an hour to a full day of exploring this incredible country. The Golden Pass Express provides a step back in time with its 1930s-inspired carriages as the beautiful Swiss luxury train takes in some of the country’s most incredible views between Montreux on Lake Geneva and Lucerne. The Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and Glacier Express should also be high on your list of Switzerland luxury train tours, as they all provide stunning natural views of snowy Alpine peaks and picturesque chocolate box villages throughout their routes. 

How can I book tickets for a luxury train ride in Switzerland, and are there any passes available?

To book tickets for a luxury train tour in Switzerland, you can visit the official website of the respective train service or book through a trustworthy travel company such as The Luxury Train Travel Company. You can also purchase a Swiss Travel Pass that will offer unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System Network. Once purchased, your pass will even give you access to certain luxury trains. Tourists often choose this option as it provides flexibility while exploring this beautiful region.

What unique experiences do the luxury train tours in Switzerland offer compared to regular train services?

Luxury train holidays in Switzerland offer bespoke experiences for travellers, combining comfort with breathtaking scenery. In contrast to regular rail services, these luxury Swiss train tours provide opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and highly attentive service amidst spectacular Alpine views. Switzerland, luxury train tours, often include exclusive stops at some iconic destinations, such as glamorous resorts and cultural landmarks, adding to the allure of the journey. In essence, a trip on a luxury Swiss train epitomises refined travel with a blend of opulence and unbeatable natural beauty.

Are there any luxury sleeper trains in Switzerland for overnight travel?

Yes, there are a couple of luxury sleeper trains in Switzerland, like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, for overnight travel. Passengers can enjoy upscale amenities, stunning panoramic views, and incredibly comfortable sleeping accommodations. The Swiss Alps are in full view during these experiences, with the Glacier Express widely regarded as the best luxury train in Switzerland.

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• 7 Best Switzerland Train Journeys That’ll Let You Witness The Heart And Soul Of The Country

23 Mar 2023

Basically, a journey is not all about the destination to be reached. It is about the traveling experience and the comfort and joy you have while traveling. The destination is the last point of the journey that is ever discussed and the journey is all that needs to be comfortable and full of moments that can be relished. Train journeys are one of the best modes of transportation to reach your destination. Train passing by different cities, small towns, and crowded villages will take you to your final destination. Followed by dense clouds and green and wild forests makes your Switzerland train journeys more interesting and leave you undoubtful about your decision of going through the train.

Traveling to Switzerland means many Switzerland train journeys passing throughout the magnificent high mountains covered with snow that will make your jaw drop, scenic lakes whose beauty will leave you awestruck.

7 Best Switzerland Train Journeys

Clean and comfortable Switzerland train journeys will make your trip more happening and successful. So here are some details about your train journeys for the next trip.

1. The Glacier Express

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Talking about the scenic Switzerland train journeys, the first name that comes out of the mouth is the glacier express. This scenic train takes about 8 hours to cover the distance of 2000 meters. All you have to do is just book your tickets and sit comfortably and enjoy the beautiful sceneries passing by the train. Have a look around and do not miss the Matterhorn in Zermatt. It passes by the snow-capped mountains, dense forests, glowing glaciers and many of streams and valleys all over. This overwhelming scenery will make you feel like heaven. Having your previously booked lunch on this scenic train will make your trip most pleasurable. But if you want a pocket-friendly trip then pack your food along and enjoy it on the train route passing by the beautiful sceneries.

Train route: St. Moritz – Chur – Brig – Zermatt Price: 1st class costs around 112 euro 2nd class costs around 62 euro You can have full journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt or a small journey from Chur or Brig.

Must Read: 10 Interlaken Restaurants Serving The Most Delicious Food In Switzerland

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2. The Gotthard Panorama Express

What is better to enjoy the Switzerland train journeys that pass by the bridge over the ms diamante lake? This train starts from the station of Lucerne passing by Fluelen and Bellinzona and reaches the final station of Lugano. This train will give you the pleasure of cruise. You just have to sit comfortably and enjoy your traveling by this scenic train. You can enjoy the beauty of historic landmarks like Rutli, banging bays and beautiful villages just by sitting on the couch of this train.

Train route: Lucerne – fluelen – bellinzona – lugano Price: 1st class costs 65 euro from Lucerne.

Suggested Read: Top 18 Places To Visit In Switzerland During Winters In 2022

3. The Bernina Express

This magnificent train departs daily and covers the distance of 2223 meters. It starts from its station chur crossing st. Moritz and Tirano and reaching to final destination point Lugano. It will take around 4 hours and 13 minutes from Chur to Tirano. You can enjoy the beauty of high mountains covered with snow passing by the dense and evergreen forests and the glittery glaciers. It provides the best services through comfortable seatings and large glass windows from where you can look out the panoramic views of Switzerland. You don’t have to pay extra reservation charges. Announcements are made that will make you aware about the upcoming stations. You are served the eatables on your seat by the trolley service.

Train route: chur – st. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano Price: it costs around 91 euro for the 1st class booking from Chur to Tirano and 52 euro for second class booking from Chur to Tirano.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Homestays In Switzerland That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice In The Alps

4. The Jungfrau Railways

This is one of the best trains to explore the beauty of Jungfrau. It came into existence in 1912. It takes you to the Jungfraujoch that is at an altitude of 1400 meters. It starts from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch that is the highest altitude railway station. You will love t watch the high old mountains from windows covered by white snow all over. The train passes by Wengen, Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidagg. Try not to miss the towns you pass by. Have a stop in Wengen and Grindelwald as they are pretty more interesting and beautiful destinations. It ensures you the best comfort while traveling that will make your trip memorable.

Train route: lauterbrunnen – wengen – kleine scheidegg – Jungfrau – zweilutschein – grindelwald – kleine scheidegg – Jungfrau.

Suggested Read: Switzerland Safari: All You Need To Know For A Thrilling Swiss Trip!

5. Golden Pass Line and Luzern Interlaken Express

The route of this train is divided into three sections followed up by starting from Lucerne, Switzerland. It reaches its final destination of Montreux by passing from Interlaken. You can enjoy the marvelous beauty of nature by passing through these three different stations. It takes around two hours to reach Interlaken from Lucerne and further two hours to reach the final destination Montreux. Its estimated duration from Lucerne to Montreux is around 5 hours and eight minutes. It covers a long distance of 191 km. passing through the marvelous Simmen valley and alpine resorts and mountains covered with snow will make your Switzerland train journey the best.

Train route: Lucerne – Interlaken – Montreux Price: it takes around 62 euro per person for the 1st class booking and 37 euro for second class booking from Lucerne to Monteux.

Suggested Read: Go Paragliding In Switzerland For The Most Amazing Swiss Alps Experience In 2022

6. Voralpen Express

This train connects cities of central and eastern Switzerland. Started its journey in 1992, it runs every hour between the stations of st. Gallen and Lucerne. Its average journey time is 2 hours and 15 minutes. It provides you the catering on your seats. It starts from Luzern and its endpoint is to St. Gallen. You can enjoy the panoramic views of sceneries from your first class booking seats. At lower prices, second class booking option is also available. Comfortable seats and cleanliness all around make your traveling experience more exciting and joyful.

7. The Pre-alpine express

This scenic rail passes between the stations of eastern and central Switzerland. It travels from Lucerne to Lugano passing by Interlaken, Montreux, and Locarno. You will love to travel by this train away from the traffic of the city and towns. Enjoy the beautiful and panoramic sceneries all-around of the snow-capped mountains high glittery glaciers and long bridges. Seat reservations are not needed. You need not to hurry for that.

Route: st. gallen – Interlaken – montreux – Locarno – lugano. Price: 1st class tickets cost around 36 euro from Gallen to Lucerne. 2nd class tickets cost around 21 euro per person.

Further Read: Behold These 10 Magnificent Switzerland Waterfalls That Will Blow Your Mind For Sure!

While traveling through these scenic railways of Switzerland, you can fully enjoy your trip with your loved ones. The comfort of traveling on these trains will make you experience the best to Switzerland train journey. Always have a timetable but even if you don’t have, worry not as trains keep passing by the same station frequently in small intervals of time. So, plan your trip to Switzerland for a soothing journey on these train routes and soak in the calming vibes with your friends and family!

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