scenic 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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Home » Trip Planning » Scenic Rail Journeys

7 Best Panorama Train Rides in Switzerland (2024)

• Switzerland
• Last Updated: 2 Aug 2024
• By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

Switzerland has some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, passing by majestic mountains, serene lakes, and charming villages.

On the most beautiful routes, the Swiss rail system offers special “panorama” trains with large windows and extra services to make the journey more enjoyable.

The easiest way to include these routes in your Switzerland itinerary is to book a scenic rail package. Instead of booking elements separately, these multi-day packages include your train tickets, seat reservations, and hotels at each destination, all in one transaction.

During booking, you can customize the trip, adding mountain excursions, upgrading or downgrading hotels, or staying longer in certain destinations.

To help you decide which scenic train tour is right for you, below we’ve highlighted our favorite Switzerland rail journeys with tips for booking and suggested activities in each destination.

Why book a Scenic Rail Journey package

1. grand train tour of switzerland, 2. lucerne-interlaken express, 3. glacier express classic (zermatt to st moritz), 4. golden pass tour (montreux + interlaken + lucerne), 5. bernina express (chur/st mortiz to tirano, it), 6. gotthard panorama express (lugano to lucerne), 7. jungfraubahn mountain railway, exclusive discount offer for rail packages, activities at each stopover, rail packages for families, using travel passes with rail packages, customizing your itinerary, about switzerland travel centre, special offer get a 5% discount on your rail package with our discount code affswissfamilyfun..

For each of the rail journey I describe below, you can book all elements separately: train tickets, seat reservations, hotels and excursions.

But it can be time-consuming, with an overwhelming route options, confusing train timetables, and complicated seat reservation systems.

Many travelers, especially those planning last minute, find that rail packages make the planning and booking process easier and faster. Then you can focus on the fun things you will do at each destination.

What rail packages include

The rail packages I’ve highlighted here include:

• A suggested itinerary, which can be customized.
• Train tickets to each Swiss destination in your itinerary
• Seat reservations on the panorama trains
• Accommodation at each destination with breakfast

We like the booking tool from Switzerland Travel Centre , which has access to hotel rooms and seat reservations with their preferred partners that you don’t necessarily see on other platforms.

Customizing the suggested itinerary

Each rail package has a suggested itinerary. But you can use the planning tool to customize the following elements to better suit your needs:

• Add excursions to mountains and other attractions
• Upgrade or downgrade hotels
• Extend your stay at some destinations
• Upgrade to 1st class/Excellence Class on panorama trains
• Book luggage transfer on some hiking itineraries
• Add the FLEX OPTION so you can cancel for free up to 3 days before departure

The most comprehensive rail journey is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. Starting and ending in Lucerne, this tour links the five best scenic rail routes described below into one big efficient loop.

The Grand Train Tour visits the most famous Swiss destinations including Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St Mortiz and Lugano. If you want the see the most of Switzerland quickly, the Grand Train Tour is the easiest way to do it.

The classic itinerary is a minimum 7 days, with a long scenic train ride each day.

• Day 1 – Panorama train from Lucerne to Interlaken
• Day 2 – GoldenPass Line panorama train from Interlaken to Montreux
• Day 3 – Train from Montreux to Zermatt
• Day 4 – Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Mortiz
• Day 5 – Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano, then bus to Lugano.
• Day 6 – Train from Lugano to Flüelen, then boat cruise to Lucerne
• Day 7 – return by train to your airport or starting point

If you prefer to spend most of your time on the trains, land cruise style, the Grand Train Tour is a perfect option just as it is.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on the Grand Train Tour Classic rail package

But if you want to spend more time exploring these destinations, simply customize the tour to add a couple nights at each destination so you can explore the area before moving on. We would suggest adding an extra day in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. See suggested activities below.

The “Best of Switzerland” rail package includes the Lucerne-Interlaken Express scenic train journey, connecting two of our favorite destinations in Switzerland. It’s a beautiful ride, passing alpine lakes, cute villages, with many mountains in view.

The base tour is 5 days with 2 nights in Lucerne, a half-day on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train, and 2 nights in Interlaken. It also includes a visit to Jungfraujoch glacier viewpoint. The map below shows the train route as an orange line.

Here’s the suggested itinerary, which you can customize:

• Day 1: Train to Lucerne. Activity near Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne
• Day 2: Free day for activity near Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne
• Day 3: Luzern-Interlaken Express scenic train to Interlaken. Half-day activity near Interlaken. Overnight in Interlaken.
• Day 4: Mountain excursion to Jungfraujoch. Overnight in Interlaken.
• Day 5: Activity near Interlaken. Train to your next destination or airport.

In this itinerary, the scenic train journey is relatively short, just two hours, but it packs in a lot of beauty into that time. It’s a great choice for those that want the scenic train experience, but prefer more time actively exploring the alps with hiking or other fun activities.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on the “Best of Switzerland” rail package

Suggested activities

On Day 4 in Interlaken, the tour already includes an excursion to the Jungfraujoch glacier viewpoint, which takes about 4 hours. If you get an early start, you could fit in more activities into the afternoon.

For example, visit the Jungfraujoch in the early morning. Just after lunch, ride down the mountain to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen, stopping to enjoy those villages and the Staubbach waterfall before returning to your hotel.

If you have more time, we suggest adding at least 1 more night in Lucerne and 2-3 nights in Interlaken. See below for more activity ideas for these destinations.

The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train ride in Switzerland, starting in Zermatt and passing through many beautiful landscapes before arriving in St Moritz.

It travels through many beautiful landscapes, including over the Oberalp mountain pass and through the Rhine river gorge.

The base Glacier Express Classic itinerary is 3 days, with one night in Zermatt, one day on the scenic train, and one night St Moritz. The black line on map below is the Glacier Express. 

• Day 1: Train to Zermatt. Optional half-day activity in Zermatt. Overnight in Zermatt.
• Day 2: Glacier Express scenic train journey to St Moritz, 8 hours. Overnight in St Moritz.
• Day 3: Regular train from St Moritz to another Swiss destination.

The full journey is quite long at over 8 hours. So, it’s best suited for those who like a relaxing day with a view, rather than those who prefer a more active day like hiking.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on the Glacier Express rail package

In Zermatt, we suggest adding an excursion to the Gornergrat viewpoint, where you can visit the Riffelsee lake and optionally do a short hike. If you can, I would add one more night in Zermatt so you can do more activities (jump to ideas).

In St Moritz, you can easily fit in an easy stroll around the lakes immediately adjacent to the St Moritz train station (see walking route). If you add more nights to St Moritz, we suggest the Piz Nair mountain viewpoint, easy Morteratsch glacier path, or Corvatsch panorama trail. See more St Moritz ideas.

The GoldenPass Line is a beautiful train journey through the idyllic Swiss alps between Montreux and Interlaken. This tour also includes the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train, which adds more beautiful lakes and mountains to the experience.

The base Golden Pass Tour itinerary is 4 days, one day on the GoldenPass Express scenic train and another day on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express scenic train. This rail journey is a good choice for those wanting to spend a few days in each of these destinations: Montreux, Interlaken and Lucerne.

• Day 1: Regular train to Montreux. Half-day activity near Montreux. Overnight in Montreux.
• Day 2: GoldenPass Express scenic train from Montreux to Interlaken (3h). Possible half-day activity near Interlaken. Overnight in Interlaken.
• Day 3: Lucerne-Interlaken scenic train (2h). You can do a half-day activity either in Interlaken before the train or in Lucerne after the train.
• Day 4: Optional mountain excursion near Lucerne then regular train to another Swiss destination.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on this GoldenPass Tour

Here are a few activities we suggest in each location. We suggest adding 1-2 nights in each of the cities so you have more time to explore and hike in each area.

• In Montreux, we suggest Chillon Castle or Rocher de Naye mountain viewpoint.
• In Interlaken, Harder Kulm viewpoint or cruise on Lake Brienz for short half-day activity. Or Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn mountain viewpoints if you have at least 5 hours.
• In Lucerne, our top pick is the Pilatus Golden Round Trip.

Jump to more activity suggestions below.

The Bernina Express is a scenic rail journey in southeast Switzerland, near St Moritz and the border of Italy. We prefer to the version that starts from Chur, which includes the famous Landwasser Viadukt, the Alp Grüm viewpoint of Palü Glacier, the Brusio Circular Viaduct and 196 bridges and 55 tunnels along the way.

The “classic” route goes from Chur or St Moritz to Tirano, Italy, then a 3h bus to Lugano. We prefer to skip the bus ride and instead take a train back to St Moritz. But if you want to continue to Lugano, book Bernina Class Route here .

Here is the base itinerary for the Bernina Express route without the bus:

• Day 1: Train to Chur. Bernina Express scenic train to Tirano (4.5h). Overnight in Tirano.
• Day 2: Regular train to St Moritz or other Swiss destination. We suggest going to St Moritz (about 2h30) and spending a couple nights there exploring the region more.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on this Bernina Express tour

In most cases, you’ll want to overnight in Chur before the Bernina Express the next day, especially if you are on the early Bernina Express train at 8:28.

After your overnight in Tirano, you can ride a regular train to St Moritz, which is included in the package. On your way, I’d suggest stopping at Morteratsch to visit the glacier. Then continue riding the regular train the rest of the way to St Moritz.

After the rail journey, we suggest spending 1-3 nights in the St Moritz area to explore the region more. At a minimum, you can walk around the beautiful lakes right in front of the city. Jump to more activity ideas for St Moritz.

This scenic route combines a boat ride along Lake Lucerne and a scenic train ride to Lugano in southern Switzerland, near the Italy border.

This journey is a great option if you are traveling from Italy into Switzerland (or vice versa), perhaps flying in or out of Milan. Otherwise, Lugano is so far from other popular Swiss destinations that it doesn’t make sense to add it unless you really want to visit the Ticino region.

The base tour is 3 days / 2 nights, with one full day of travel between Lucerne and Lugano.

• Day 1: Regular train to Lucerne. Optional half-day activity near Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne.
• Day 2: Boat trip Lucerne to Flüelen (2 hour). Transfer to scenic train to Lugano . total 5 hours
• Day 3: Free day in Lugano and regular train to another destination in Switzerland.

The journey is only offered once per day in each direction.

Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to save 5% on the  Gotthard Panorama Express rail package

If you arrive early in Lucerne on day one, you could have time for a walking tour and perhaps a mountain excursion to Stanserhorn. I would definitely recommend adding 1-2 nights in Lucerne so you have time for more activities, especially if you like hiking or have kids that would enjoy an alpine playground. Jump to Lucerne activity ideas.

In Lugano, I’d suggest a cruise on Lake Lucerne to the lakeside villages Gandria or Morcote. Or perhaps an excursion to San Salvatore, a no-hike mountain viewpoint over the lake and Lugano city. See more Lugano ideas.

The shortest ride on my list is the Jungfraubahn, a cogwheel mountain train that travels up Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3454m. 

Starting in Grindelwald, you ride the Eiger Express cable car up to the Eigergletscher station, a beautiful ride over alpine meadows with the Eiger peak in view.

Then you transfer to the red Jungfraubahn mountain train, which travels about 30 mins through a long tunnel carved through the mountain peak. 

The train drops you at an underground station, where you ride an elevator up to indoor and outdoor viewing areas. You can walk on the glacier snow, explore a tunnel carved into the glacier ice, and even sled in summer. Learn more about visiting Jungfraujoch .

Some of the above rail packages include the Jungfraubahn or offer it as an add-on activity. If you want to book it separately, we suggest booking via Get Your Guide, which has a flexible cancellation policy.

You can get a round trip ticket from Grindelwald Terminal . If you don’t want to worry about the logistics and seat reservations, book a guided tour from Interlaken:

Our readers can geta 5% discount when they book a Scenic Rail Journey through Switzerland Travel Centre. This discount can be applied to all the rail packages highlighted above, as well as others on the STC website.

Promo Code for 5% discount

Simply use the code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN in the Promo Code box when making your booking, as shown below. When you click Redeem, it will apply the discount to your total.

• Note: To qualify for the discount, you must add the code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN during the booking process. It cannot be added after the completion of the booking.

Flexible cancellation

The STC general cancellation policy includes free cancellation until 31 day before departure. Afterwards, cancellation fees apply.

If you want a more flexible cancellation policy, you can add the FLEX OPTION insurance during booking (CHF 49 per person), which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 3 days before your trip. (This does not apply to Glacier Express Excellence Class).

You can customize your Scenic Rail Journey packages to add activities like mountain excursion or city tours. You can also add more nights at each destination along the route so you can fit in more activities.

Here are our suggested activities at each destination. Some can be booked through with the package. Others can be done on your own.

Lucerne activities

The Lucerne region has many beautiful and fun activities, including mountain and lake excursions, city tours and museums.

Here are a few of our favorites that work well with rail journeys.

• For a shorter half-day activity, our first choice is a walking tour of the city, either self-guided or guided. If you have kids, perhaps the Aeschbach Chocolate factory or Swiss Museum of Transport.
• If you have about 5 hours, our top pick is the Pilatus Golden Round trip with boat ride, cogwheel train, and cable car ride. Also great with kids as it has a summer toboggan, ropes park and playground with a view.
• If you like hiking, we suggest the Rigi Round Trip, which has spectacular views and an easy panorama trail and cliff walk. Of you could add the Wellness Rigi activity, which includes time at the thermal baths with an infinity pool overlooking the lake.
• With kids, we suggest Titlis Engelberg, which visits the glacier with an ice tunnel and suspension bridge. Then families can ride down to the middle station to visit the big playground and fun activity trail around the Trübsee alpine lake.

See more Lucerne activities.

Interlaken / Jungfrau Region activities

In Interlaken, we suggest adding 1-3 nights so you can visit the beautiful mountains in the Jungfrau Region and optionally hike.

• For the most spectacular no-hike viewpoint, either Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn.
• With kids under 10, visiting Mürren alpine village and the Allmendhubel Flower Park
• With kids 10+, ride gondola to Grindelwald First with the cliff walk, zip lines, and mountain scooters
• For hikers, ride the mountain train to Schynige Platte and do spectacular ridge trail (about 2h, moderate difficulty).
• For a short activity, ride the funicular train from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm viewpoint and have a traditional Swiss meal at their restaurant.

See more activities near Interlaken.

Zermatt activities

Our top pick in Zermatt is the Gornergrat viewpoint, which is already included in some itineraries like??? As part of this outing, you can visit the Riffelsee lake and optionally do a short hike on the Riffelseeweg trail.

If you love hiking, you could visit do the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, about 2 hours walking time.

With kids, we suggest the Sunnegga mountain, which has a big playground with a Matterhorn view. You can optionally add on the Flower Trail or Marmot activity trail. Older kids can do the go-carts and kick scooters.

• See more ideas in my Zermatt articles .

St Moritz activities

If you only have one evening in St Moritz, you still fit in an easy stroll around the lakes immediately adjacent to the St Moritz train station (see walking route).

If you have more time:

• No hike viewpoint – Piz Nair reached by a funicular that leaves directly from St Moritz, then a cable car
• Easy hike – Morteratsch glacier path – 1h train from St Mortiz and easy walking path to view the glacier ice
• For hikers, Furtschellas water trail visiting 5 alpine lakes.

See more St Moritz activity ideas .

Montreux Activities

In Montreux, we suggest at least 1 night so you have time for a full day activity:

• For a short activity, visit Chillon Castle and do the walking tour of Montreux.
• With kids, you could do the chocolate train to the Cailler chocolate factory and Gruyere cheese dairy.
• For mountain viewpoints, we suggest either Rocher de Naye (3h) or Glacier 3000 (6h).
• For wine lovers, ride the boat to the Lavaux Terraces and do a vineyard tour by shuttle, eBike or foot.

See more ideas near Montreux .

Lugano Activities

For a short activity, I would choose the San Salvatore mountain viewpoint or walking tour of the city, guided or self-guided.

If you have more time, we love cruising on Lake Lucerne to visit lakeside villages like Gandria or Morcote. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the boats are included.

If you stay a few days in Lugano region, you could more nature excursions like the famous Verzasca river, Maggia valley with its spectacular waterfalls, or mountain viewpoints like Cardada or Generoso.

See more Lugano ideas .

If you are traveling with children, I would choose a rail package with shorter train rides (2-3 hours) and spend more days in each destination doing mountain excursions and other fun activities.

My top choices for families would be the Best of Switzerland (Lucerne + Interlaken) or Famous Mountain Peaks (Interlaken + Zermatt).

I wouldn’t choose the Glacier Express Classic, since the train ride is 8 hours. If you really want to do the Glacier Express, I would choose a shorter segment, like Zermatt to Andermatt or Chur to St Moritz and spend a few days in the destinations on each end.

Booking for children

Children age 6-15 require a train ticket, which is usually half fare, and a seat reservation.

Children under age 6 do not need a train ticket. But they do need a seat reservation if you want them to have a seat.

During the booking process, you select the age of each child, which then applies the appropriate discount.

If you plan to get the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Card, these will reduce your rail package cost.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you are spending at least 5 days in Switzerland, it’s usually best to get the Swiss Travel Pass , which includes unlimited train travel all over Switzerland, including scenic rail journeys.

When booking a rail package, select the “Swiss Travel Pass” for each traveler as shown below.

Then the train ticket cost is deducted from the package fee. You only pay for the seat reservation and hotels and activities in each destination.

Purchase your Swiss Travel Pass separately and make sure it covers the days of your scenic rail journey. We suggest buying this pass on Get Your Guide , which has a flexible cancellation policy.

Buy Swiss Travel Pass here .

The Swiss Travel Pass also includes entrance to over 500 museums and discounts on some activities.

Half Fare Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card is another discount travel card that gives you a 50% discount on all public transport and most mountain railways throughout Switzerland, including scenic rail journeys.

Some travelers find that the Swiss Half Fare Card is a better fit than the Swiss Travel Pass, particularly if they are renting a car for most of the trip.

• Purchase the one month Swiss Half Fare Card

If you plan to have a Swiss Half Fare Card (or are a local and already have one), choose that option for each traveler as shown below. The discount will be applied in the last step.

During the booking process, you can customize the itinerary in several ways.

On most itineraries, you can add extra nights at each destination. When you are viewing the itinerary, simply click the + button next to the destination. The suggested hotel may change based on availability.

Add activities

Most itineraries allow you to add bookable activities like mountain excursions, paragliding or city tours. When you click the Add Activity button, it will display activities that can be booked through the tool.

Of course, there are many other activities that aren’t bookable through the tool, which you can do on your won. Note that some itineraries already include some activities, which may be fixed.

If you want to add a destination to the suggested itinerary, simply click the Edit Route button as shown here.

This opens the following trip planning screen, where you can add other stops and overnights to the trip.

Browse scenic rail journeys and save 5% with our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN

We are delighted to partner with Switzerland Travel Centre , the official and largest tour operator for holidays in Switzerland.

Their company is a subsidiary of Switzerland Tourism, Swiss Railways SBB, HotellerieSuisse, and various Swiss regional railway companies. They work with over 2,000 Swiss hotels and all the major railway and mountain railway companies to bring you the best package options.

They are headquartered in Zurich, with offices in London, Stuttgart and Hong Kong.

Note: We are an affiliate partner of Switzerland Travel Centre. If you use our promo code to book rail packages, we may receive a small commission. See our disclosure policy for more info.

• TAGS: Scenic Train Rides , Swiss Public Transport

How to save money on Switzerland train travel including how to get cheaper fares, rail passes for tourists, and yearly travel cards for locals.

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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LAST UPDATED: July 31, 2024

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The 5 most popular scenic train rides in Switzerland

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.

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. (You can find a selection of spectacular mountain railways in Switzerland here, if you're interested.) 

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 , passes 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 (depending on the connection) Zweisimmen

Trains run eight times a day, all year round.

Accepted travel passes:

The  Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)  and the  SBB Saver Day Pass are fully accepted on the Golden Pass Line. No further tickets needed.

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 Brienz or Interlaken. If you don't have a reservation for the whole journey, you can get off along the way as often as you please. 

WHICH PLACES DOES THE GOLDEN PASS LINE TRAVEL PAST?

Most people start their Golden Pass journey in Lucerne. 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. There are lots of things to do in Lucerne if you're looking for something cool before starting your scenic train ride to Montreux.

The famous Kapellbrücke in Lucerne

View over Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

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 Lungern 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.

On your journey from Brienz to Interlaken, you have one of my favourite Swiss lakes to your left: Lake Brienz. If you look closely, you can even see the famous Giessbach waterfalls coming down in 14 cascades.

Lake Lungern

Lake Brienz with the Giessbach Hotel and Brienz in the background

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 in Interlaken . 

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. You will be changing trains here in Interlaken East.

Lauterbrunnen

The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau trio in the Bernese Alps

Lake Thun and Spiez

Lake Thun has a habit 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. An optional 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 part 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. Enjoy the view just gazing out the window...

Golden Pass Panoramic 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, there are plenty of things to do in Montreux .

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 daily during winter and four times daily during summer. Only two out of the four summer trains complete the whole journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt, though. The other start or finish in Chur or Brig. Find the current departure times here .

Travel passes:

The  Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)  and the  SBB Saver Day Pass  are fully accepted on the Glacier Express. 

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 and the fancy lunch options or the luxurious seats. Other than that, it's practically the same.

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.

WHICH PLACES DOES THE GLACIER EXPRESS TRAVEL PAST?

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.

Or, you can jump on the Glacier Express and travel to Zermatt...

St. Moritz (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Markus Aebischer)

Lake St. Moritz in summer

Albula Line (UNESCO)

Leaving St. Moritz, you travel along a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning 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. 

Viaduct in Preda (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Renato Bagattini)

The village of Bergün in winter

Landwasser Viaduct

The Landwasser Viaduct, which you will be passing shortly after Bergün, is nothing short of 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 friendly and informative voice on the train will inform you before you cross this viaduct. My recommendation is to just enjoy the ride and look out the window instead of trying to get the perfect picture. It's hard to take a good photo while you're on the viaduct so in my opinion, the experience outranks an attempt at a photo for which you miss the experience. But that's just me...

Landwasser Viaduct (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Rob Lewis)

Landwasser Viaduct (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Franziska Pfenniger)

Next stop where people can get on and off is  Chur , the capital of the Canton of Grisons. Relatively small in size, it offers plenty of sights and comes with 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.

Swiss Grand Canyon

Train cruising along the Rhine

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. In Disentis, the train will make a brief stop as a different train crew will be taking over. This gives you some time to gaze out the window and look at the pretty houses of Disentis before you continue uphill.

Oberalp Pass (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Robert Bösch)

Glacier Express train at Oberalp Pass

After passing the Oberalp Pass, you'll be heading down serpentine lines towards Andermatt, another popular holiday area during summer and winter. Depending on the time of day you travel, you'll probably get your lunch somewhere around here.

View from the Glacier Express train during winter

The interior of a 1st Class carriage

Following a brief stop in Andermatt, you continue onward through the Canton of Valais to Brig and all the way up to Zermatt, where the journey ends. Or begins, depending on which way you decide to travel.

The village of Zermatt sits right in front of the Matterhorn , Switzerland’s most famous mountain. 

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 or check out this page for more inspiration about things to do in Zermatt .

Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background

The mighty Matterhorn

3. Bernina Express

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

And "they" might just 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.

The  Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and the  SBB Saver Day Pass are fully accepted on the Bernina Express.  

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. 

WHICH PLACES DOES THE BERNINA EXPRESS TRAVEL PAST?

Chur, albula & st. moritz.

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

After St. Moritz, the Bernina Express takes a different route than the Glacier Express.

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

Bernina Express train

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. But before that happens, you pass one more highlight...

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. Shortly after crossing this piece of art, you will cross the border and reach Tirano in Italy.

Here, you can either head back to St. Moritz on the next train after spending some time in the city or continue on to Lugano by Bernina Express Bus.

Viaduct in Brusio (Photo: Switzerland Tourism André Meier)

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.

Menaggio by Lake Como

Berbenno in the Valtellina Valley

The start or ending point of the Bernina Express is  Lugano . It's the biggest city in the Canton of Ticino and the third biggest financial centre in Switzerland - right after 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 old town of Lugano

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.

The  Eurail , Interrail , Swiss Travel Pass ( Flex ), the  SBB Saver Day Pass  and the Voralpen Express Ticket are fully accepted.

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. Apart from St. Gallen and Lucerne, of course.

WHICH PLACES DOES THE VORALPEN EXPRESS TRAVEL PAST?

St. Gallen is where the Voralpen Express starts or ends. This city, which I call my home, has a lot to offer. Places like the UNESCO listed 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 St. Gallen is probably the most photographed building in the city.

The recreational are of Drei Weiern

Appenzell & Toggenburg

After leaving St. Gallen, the Voralpen Express meanders its way through the picturesque areas of Appenzell and Toggenburg. The Toggenburg 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.

St. Gallen with the Alpstein in the background (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Christof Sonderegger)

Toggenburg with the Churfirsten (Photo: Switzerland Tourism André Meier)

Once you've passed through the second tunnel on this journey, you'll soon arrive in Rapperswil. 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. Enjoy the view!

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.

You'll definitely find plenty of things to do around here before or after your Voralpen Express journey.

The Lion Monument of Lucerne, Switzerland

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 Lake Lucerne 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. Leaving the historic and scenic route to people who enjoy good views and slower journeys.

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.

The  Swiss Travel Pass ( Flex ) and the  SBB Saver Day Pass  are fully accepted on the Gotthard Panorama Express. 

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.

Please note that you will need a 1st class ticket for this journey. So if your travel pass is in 2nd class, you will need a so-called Class Upgrade , which you can book directly through Swiss Activities.

Yes. The reservation fee costs 24 CHF. Here's the link where you can book your Gotthard Panorama Express ticket including seat reservation.

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 timetable and enter the journey from Lucerne to Flüelen and Lugano. 

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.

WHICH PLACES DOES THE GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS TRAVEL PAST?

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.

Here's some inspiration for things to do in Lucerne if you have time before your panoramic journey.

Lake Lucerne

On the ride across stunning Lake Lucerne, you’ll pass by several places of importance in Swiss history. You’ll see the Rütliwiese, Switzerland's alleged founding place, and you’ll also get a glimpse of the Tell’s Chapel. According to legend, our 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 steam boat

The Tell's Chapel on the way to Flüelen

Baroque church of Wassen

Once you arrive in Flüelen, the Gotthard Panoramic train will be waiting for you. On you get and off you go.

Before passing through the tunnel, you will ride by a very special building. The "Chileli vo Wasse", a little church that's iconic to the Gotthard line.

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.

On board the Gotthard Panorama Express (Photo: Swiss Travel System)

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

After getting out of the Gotthard tunnel, it won't be long before you've reached Bellinzona. This town 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.

If you like, you can come back here from Lugano once you've completed your panoramic journey. It's only a short train ride from Lugano away.

Bellinzona Piazza Collegiata (Photo: Switzerland Tourism Jan Geerk)

One of the three castles in Bellinzona

Lugano is the biggest city in the Canton of Ticino and the third biggest financial centre in Switzerland - right after 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. 

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 in this versatile country. But these are the most famous ones.

If you're interested in more great views, check out my article about spectacular mountain railways in Switzerland . 

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below if you've done one of these five train rides and how you enjoyed them... 😀

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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.

Just fyi the Eastern past of the Golden Pass (between Interlaken and Lucerne) has a separate reservation, via Central Railway (Zentralbahn) which can be booked via zentralbahn.ch

my friend and I are hiking the MONT Blanc in august and have an extra day near Geneva or Chamonix. We would like to use the railway and pick a scenic area to do that. any suggestions? please let me know. Thank You

Hi Sona, if you have a day around Geneva and are looking for a scenic train ride, I recommend you head towards Montreux. You’ll pass along Lake Geneva and the Lavaux wine terraces and you can also plan a stop over in Lausanne, which is pretty. If you like, you can also get off in Vully and take a walk through the Lavaux wine terraces.

Your post on all these scenic train rides is very helpful & informative. I am planning our 17 days Switzerland trip and I am following your recommendations closely. For your information, this will be our second honeymoon trip there after our first, 35 years ago but only to 2 cities then.

For the Bernina Express, we will take the morning Bernina bus from Lugano to Tirano and then change to the Bernina Express train to either St Moritz or Chur for the night. Then we will hop on the Glacier Express to Zermatt the following day.

Based on your experience, do you recommend which city we should visit and stay in for the night: St Moritz or Chur?

Thanks, Kelvin

Hi Kelvin, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’m glad you’ve found my article helpful so far.

How amazing that you’re taking a second honeymoon to Switzerland! And 17 days is such a great amout of time. In case you haven’t given any thought to your ticket choice yet, I think such a long trip almost calls for a Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Especially since it includes the scenic train rides as well. I have a few articles here on this pass in case you need any help / inspiration.

As for your question, I’d recommend spending the night in St. Moritz, as this is the official ending point of the Bernina Express and the official starting point of the Glacier Express. Also, if you do Lugano – Tirano – St. Moritz in one day, you might be ready for a break at some point and glad you don’t need to add another two hours to your day by suqeezing in St. Moritz – Chur in the evening. But that’s just my opinion 😉

Enjoy your trip. I hope you’re going to love it. Seraina

Thank you for your reply. This certainly makes a lot of sense to stay overnight in St. Moritz.

Just so you know, I have purchased yr ebook and find your "SCENIC TRAIN RIDES ON STEROIDS" itinerary suits us very well. The others are either too complicated, too adventurous or do not cover the major places that we are interested.

Briefly, the following is our train itienrary:

Day 1 – Arrive in Zurich then move to St Gallen Day 2- Take the Voralpen Express to Lucerne Day 3 – take Golden tour to Mount Pilatus Day 4 – Day trip to Bern Day 5 – take Gotthard Express to Lugano Day 6 – Take Bernina Express to Tirano – St Moritz Day 7 – Take Glacier Express to Zermatt Day 8 – Take Gornegrat train to Matterhorn viewpoint* Day 9 – Go up to Glacier Paradise* Day 10 – Go to Montreux Day 11 – Day trip to Geneva Day 12 – Take GlodenPass Express to Interlaken Day 13 – Go up to Jungfarujoch* Day 14 – Visit scenic towns & Harder Kulm* Day 15 – Go up to Grindelwald First* Day 16 – move to Zurich Day 17 – Day trip to Schaffhausen/Rhine Falls Day 18 – Fly out from Zurich

I will adjust the mountain excursions* depending on the weather. Do you think this is doable or too much to cover for seniors (60+) like us?

With the above train rides, I agreed with you that the 15-days Swiss Travel Pass Flex will be useful. Not sure is this 15-Day flex pass enough to cover the above plan?

Are there anythings that I would take note? Once again, thank you for your advise & recommendations.

Besr regards, Kelvin

Your plans sound amazing. You’ll be covering so much more of Switzerland than most people coming here. So happy to hear that. As for your question whether it’s doable or not: I don’t think your age is a restricting factor here. It depends on how fit you feel to be doing stuff every day. Regardless of your age. Some people enjoy a relax day every now and then, while others like to cover as much ground as they possibly can. But with your itinerary, I think you’re flexible enough to swap or leave out certain activities if you feel like you need to realx a little. So I’m really not worried for you here.

I did some calculations for you in regards to your ticket question. You’re right, the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass won’t be enough to cover it all. So there are two options I see here. 1. Buy a Swiss Travel Pass Flex for 15 days and buy regular tickets on days where you won’t be travelling too far. Like for instance days 1, 18 and one of the days in Interlaken. 2. Buy a Swiss Travel pass Flex for 15 days plus a Jungfrau Travel Pass for 3 days. That way, your trips in Interlaken to Harder Kulm, Grindelwald First and Jungfraujoch (you only need a 63 CHF ticket to Jungfraujoch with a Jungfrau Travel Pass as opposed to something around 170 CHF with the Swiss Travel Pass) will be covered. And for the remaining days, you can make use of your Swiss Travel Pass.

I think that’s what makes most sense in my opinion. On another note, if you don’t mind me mentioning this, if you decide to buy a Swiss Travel Pass, a Jungfrau Travel Pass or any other activities in Switzerland , you’d be doing me a really big favour if you booked them through one of my links. This way, I can keep funding my blog and keep doing what I do. If not, absolutely no worries. Just thought I’d mention it.

Enjoy your trip and happy planning, Seraina

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?

12 most scenic train rides in Switzerland 

In my opinion, travelling by train through Switzerland is the best way to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty. The most scenic train rides in Switzerland take you past snow-dusted mountain peaks, over vast viaducts and through charming Swiss towns and villages. 

From short train rides between towns to lengthy expeditions across the country, I love that there are countless opportunities to soak up the stunning landscapes of Switzerland from the comfort of a train. And comfy they are – I always find Swiss trains to be clean, comfortable and efficient. 

Some of the best train journeys in Switzerland are the panoramic trains, where large glass windows provide uninterrupted views of the epic scenery.

Witness majestic mountain vistas, rolling green hills and vivid blue lakes as you journey through the country.

I’ve visited Switzerland numerous times over the years and have been lucky to experience some of the most epic train journeys in the country.

In my guide to the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, I’ll share my pick of the best panoramic train journeys and most beautiful railway routes, along with the best ticket options and key points of interest on each train ride. 

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. Glacier Express

Route: Zermatt – St Moritz

Distance: 291km

Time: 7.5 hours

Stops: Zermatt, Brig, Andermatt, Disentis Mustér, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur, Samedan, St Moritz

Tickets: Book here (seat reservation also needed)

Definitely up there as one of my all-time favourites, the Glacier Express is one of the most famous scenic train rides in Switzerland.

It is known as the “slowest express train in the world” because of its leisurely pace. This allows you to enjoy the stunning views of the Swiss Alps without whizzing along at lightning speed.

The route runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz, covering a distance of 291km in just under eight hours.

On the journey, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and picturesque villages.

I love that panoramic windows provide unobstructed views of the scenery. Some of the windows even open so you can get photos and videos without that annoying window glare. 

If you’re able to then I’d really recommend treating yourself to Excellence Class. This is truly a bucket list experience with a guaranteed window seat, five-course regional menu and exclusive use of the Glacier bar.

Key points of interest on the Glacier Express include:

• The Matterhorn: The train passes by the iconic Matterhorn mountain, which is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Switzerland.
• Oberalp Pass: The train reaches its highest point at Oberalp Pass, which is 2,033 metres above sea level. Here, passengers can see the Rhine River’s source and enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
• Landwasser Viaduct: The Glacier Express passes over the Landwasser Viaduct, which is one of the most famous landmarks on the Glacier Express route. The viaduct is 65 metres high and 136 metres long, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Insider travel tip: You need to book both a ticket and a seat reservation. If you already have the Swiss Travel Pass (which I’d highly recommend as it gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats across Switzerland), then you’ll just need to pay for your seat reservation.

Remember that you don’t need to join for the entire route; personally, I travelled from Chur to Brig.

Discover my pick of the best hotels in Zermatt , my review of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof near St Moritz , or read my guide to visiting Chur .

Watch my vlog and honest experience of riding the Glacier Express:

2. Bernina Express

Route: Chur – Tirano

Distance: 122km

Time: 4 hours

Stops: Chur, Filisur, St Moritz, Poschiavo, Tirano

The Bernina Express is another world-famous scenic train ride that takes passengers through the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. The train route starts in Chur and ends in Tirano, Italy – and vice versa.

The journey takes approximately four hours and covers a distance of 122 km. It passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

Like the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express is known for its panoramic windows, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding beauty.

I was pleased to discover that the Bernina Express is actually a bit cheaper than the Glacier Express (presumably as it takes half the time).

It is still breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most stunning train rides in Switzerland – if not the world. 

During the journey, you’ll pass through the Engadine Valley, which is known for its picturesque villages and sparkling lakes.

The train also climbs up to the Bernina Pass, which is the highest point on the journey at 2,253 metres above sea level.

Key points of interest on the Bernina Express journey include:

• The Landwasser Viaduct: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland (and I can see why!).
• The Morteratsch Glacier: See the largest glacier in the Bernina Range from the train.
• The Brusio Circular Viaduct: A spiral viaduct that allows the train to descend safely down the mountain.

Insider travel tip: As with the Glacier Express, you need to book both a ticket (unless covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass ) and a seat reservation.

Bear in mind that the Bernina Express doesn’t have the at-seat restaurant service that you get on the Glacier Express, but a trolley service offering refreshments is available.

I’d recommend bringing your own lunch and even a cheeky bottle of wine!

3. Golden Pass Line

Route: Montreux – Zweisimmen – Interlaken – Lucerne

Distance: 191km

Time: 5.5 hours

Stops: Montreux, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, Lucerne

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass (seat reservations not needed, apart from on the Belle Epoque train during peak times)

Another of my favourite train rides in Switzerland, the Golden Pass connects Lucerne and Montreux .

This scenic train ride takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland, including the Bernese Oberland, the Simmen Valley, and the Pays d’Enhaut.

The Golden Pass comprises three sections:

• Lucerne to Interlaken
• Interlaken to Zweisimmen
• Zweisimmen to Montreux

As part of the Golden Pass Line, I’d recommend taking the Chocolate Train from Montreux to Broc-Chocolat on the Belle Epoque train.

Discover how chocolate is made in Broc and visit the cheese factory in Gruyères . It’s a slight detour but absolutely worth it!

Key points of interest along the Golden Pass Line include:

• Lucerne: This picturesque city is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is known for its mediaeval architecture and stunning views of the Alps. Read my one-day Lucerne itinerary .
• Interlaken: This resort town is situated between two lakes and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding. Discover my pick of the best things to do in Interlaken and the top hotels in Interlaken .
• Gstaad: This luxury ski resort town brings high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as its stunning mountain views.
• Montreux: This charming town is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is known for its mild climate, beautiful gardens, and historic Château de Chillon. Discover more of the best things to do in Montreux with my guide.

Insider travel tip: For the Zweisimmen to Montreux leg of the Golden Pass route, you can take the specialised Belle Epoque train.

The interiors offer similar vibes to the iconic Orient Express trains with their grand interiors. There are two Belle Epoque trains per day and I’d advise reserving a seat if travelling in peak season.

4. Gotthard Panorama Express

• Lugano / Bellinzona – Flüelen by train
• Flüelen – Lucerne by steamboat

Distance: 182km

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass (seat reservations also needed)

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic train ride that takes you through the heart of Switzerland’s Alpine region.

Along the way, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and lush green valleys. 

The train route begins (or ends) in Lucerne, where you board a steamboat that takes you across Lake Lucerne to the town of Flüelen.

From there, you board the Gotthard Panorama Express train for the rest of the journey – or vice versa.

The train ride takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Switzerland, including the famous Gotthard Tunnel. The tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the world and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy a variety of amenities, including comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and a dining car that serves delicious Swiss cuisine.

I love that the train also features audio guides which provide you with information about the history and culture of the region.

Key points of interest along the Gotthard Panorama Express include:

• Gotthard Tunnel: The longest railway tunnel in the world at 57km. 
• Wassen Church: Passengers pass the famous church three times on the Gotthard train, as a result of the spiralling tunnels on the route. 
• Mount Rigi: Affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’, located just south of Lake Lucerne.

Insider travel tip: You need to purchase seat reservations as well as a ticket or travel pass. Note that the Gotthard Panorama Express train only offers 1st class on the route between Flüelen and Lugano.

So if you have a 2nd class ticket (i.e. through the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass ), then you’ll need to purchase a class upgrade for this route.

5. Jungfrau Railway

Route: Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch

Distance: 9km

Time: 35 minutes

Stops: Kleine Scheidegg, Eismeer Station, Jungfraujoch

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass ( seat reservations needed in peak season)

The Jungfrau Railway is a cogwheel train that takes passengers to the highest railway station in Europe: the Jungfraujoch. It’s located at a dizzying altitude of 3,454 metres above sea level and known as the “top of Europe”.

The journey starts from the Kleine Scheidegg station in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and takes just 35 minutes. If travelling from Interlaken , the journey takes about two hours.

As the train winds its way up through the Swiss Alps, you’ll be immersed in stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and quaint alpine villages.

One of the highlights of the journey is the Eiger North Face, which is one of the most challenging and dangerous mountain faces in the world for climbers. 

At the top, there are a variety of things to do, including: 

• Sphinx Observatory: One of the highest astronomical observatories in the world. The observation deck is open to the public and is the second-highest in the world.
• Ice Palace: I’d recommend exploring the impressive ice sculptures and learning more about the glacier’s history. 
• Snow Fun Park: Here you can go skiing, snowboarding, sledging and even ziplining. It’s open from mid-May to mid-October but can be closed due to bad weather.

Good to know: The train stops at Eismeer Station on the way up, allowing you to take in the views from the observation deck.

6. Gornergrat Railway

Route: Zermatt – Gornergrat

Time: 33 minutes

Stops: Zermatt, Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelboden, Riffelberg, Rotenboden, Gornergrat

Tickets: Book here

The Gornergrat Railway is a cogwheel train that takes passengers from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit, which is at an altitude of 3,089 metres.

It is one of the highest open-air railway lines in Europe and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn.

The train ride takes approximately 33 minutes and covers a distance of just over 9km. It’s a real must when staying in Zermatt and it also serves as the main way for skiers and snowboarders to get to the slopes.

I loved getting this gorgeous train everyday when I stayed in Zermatt.

Key points of interest along the Gornergrat Railway include:

• The Matterhorn: The train offers some of the best views of the Matterhorn, the iconic “Toblerone” mountain.
• Riffelalp Resort: The train stops at Riffelalp, where you can find the historic luxury Riffelalp Hotel located at an altitude of 2,222 metres. Discover more of my favourite luxury hotels in Zermatt . 
• ZOOOM Matterhorn: A multi-media experience complete with periscopes, immersive 3D cinema and virtual paraglider flights. 

Good to know: The Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t cover lift systems or the Gornergrat but it does get you a 50% discount on the Gornergrat Railway. 

7. Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus

Route: Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm

Distance: 5km

Time: 30 minutes for ascent, 40 minutes for descent

Stops: Alpnachstad, Pilatus Kulm

Another of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland is the cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus.

The train starts its journey from Alpnachstad and takes passengers to the top of Mount Pilatus, which is over 2,000 metres above sea level.

What makes this train ride unique is that it’s the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a gradient of up to 48%. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and offers epic views of the surrounding landscape.

Passing through lush green forests, mountain streams, and rocky terrain, believe me when I say that the view from the train is breathtaking. You can even see the beautiful Lake Lucerne from above.

At the top of Mount Pilatus, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several hiking trails, restaurants, and souvenir shops at the top.

Good to know: The cogwheel railway is easily accessible from Lucerne by public transport. You can get the train from Lucerne or a lake steamer that takes about an hour.

If you prefer, I’d recommend getting the cable car on the descent from Mount Pilatus, which takes you back to Lucerne (or vice versa).

8. Wengernalpbahn Railway

• Kleine Scheidegg – Grindelwald
• Kleine Scheidegg – Wengen – Lauterbrunnen

Distance: 19km

Time:  

• Kleine Scheidegg – Grindelwald: 24 minutes
• Kleine Scheidegg – Lauterbrunnen: 42 minutes
• Wengen – Lauterbrunnen: 12 minutes

Stops: Grindelwald, Grindelwald-Grund, Alpiglen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengernalp, Allmend, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass (the Wengernalpbahn railway is included)

The Wengernalpbahn is a cog railway that runs from Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen via Kleine Scheidegg, passing through the picturesque village of Wengen along the way.

The journey offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

It’s also the world’s longest cogwheel railway, which I think makes it an unmissable train ride in Switzerland. 

Key points of interest along the Wengernalpbahn railway include:

• Wengen: The car-free village of Wengen can only be reached by train or foot. It offers extraordinary views of the Lauterbrunnen valley and is a popular destination for hikers and skiers.
• Grindelwald: The town of Grindelwald is known for its skiing and outdoor activities. It is also home to the famous Eiger mountain, which can be seen from the train.
• Kleine Scheidegg station: Located at the foot of the Eiger, it is also the starting point for the Jungfraujoch railway. As mentioned above, this railway takes visitors to the “Top of Europe” at 3,454 metres above sea level.

Good to know: There is no direct service between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, as you need to change at Kleine Scheidegg.

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9. Voralpen Express

Route: St Gallen – Lucerne

Distance: 125km

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Stops: St Gallen, Wattwil, Rapperswil, Arth Goldau, Lucerne

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass  

The Voralpen Express is a scenic train ride that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. It starts in St. Gallen and ends in Lucerne via a number of mesmerising sights. 

Rather than the dramatic landscapes seen on the Glacier and Bernina Express trains, the scenery here is more subtle in its beauty. Think rolling hills, pretty meadows and quaint villages. 

Key points of interest along the Voralpen Express include:

• Abbey of St. Gallen: The train passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Abbey of St. Gallen, which is known for its stunning Baroque architecture.
• Sitter Viaduct: A masterpiece of engineering that was constructed over 100 years ago. The highest railway bridge in Switzerland, I’m sure its impressive height will take your breath away. 
• Lake Lucerne: As the train makes its way towards its end destination, it passes through the picturesque Lake Lucerne region, offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Voralpen Express is an ideal way to get from Eastern Switzerland to Central Switzerland and trains run hourly.

It has comfortable seating and a dining car, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the scenic views.

Good to know: The Voralpen Express is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail Pass . No seat reservation is necessary. 

10. Luzern-Interlaken Express

Route: Lucerne – Interlaken

Time: 2 hours 

Stops: Lucerne, Interlaken

Tickets: Swiss Travel Pass (seat reservation recommended)

The Luzern-Interlaken Express is a panoramic train ride that connects two of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.

Bound to be yet another unforgettable travel experience, passengers are treated to spectacular scenery. 

From the greens of the pastures to the blues of the lakes, I found myself constantly gasping on this train journey. Pass by sparkling streams, towering peaks and thundering waterfalls. 

The train is equipped with panoramic windows for uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and valleys.

As with all Swiss trains, the seats are comfortable and there is ample legroom. Passengers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi on board.

Key points of interest along the Luzern-Interlaken Express include:

• The Brünig Pass: The train passes through the Brünig Pass, which is located at an altitude of 1,008 metres and offers breathtaking views.
• Lake Brienz: Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, you can see the lake from the panoramic windows of the train.
• The Bernese Alps: Some of the most beautiful and iconic mountains in Switzerland. You can see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks from the train.

Insider travel tip: For the best views, I’d advise sitting on the right hand side if you’re travelling from Lucerne to Interlaken.

11. Mont Blanc Express

Route: Martigny – Chamonix

Distance: 38km

Time: 90 minutes

Stops: Martigny, Vernayaz, Salvan, Marécottes, Le Trétien, Finhaut, Le Châtelard, Chamonix

The Mont Blanc Express takes passengers through the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps and into the popular resort of Chamonix in France.

This scenic train ride in Switzerland is known for its breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc mountain range and the beautiful landscapes that surround it.

The Mont Blanc Express begins its journey in Martigny, Switzerland, and travels through the picturesque towns of Salvan, Les Marécottes, and Finhaut before reaching its final destination in Chamonix, France.

On the Mont Blanc Express you can expect to see some of the most gorgeous scenery in Switzerland, including snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green forests. 

Key points of interest along the Mont Blanc Express include:

• Vernayaz: For access to the picturesque Trient gorges and the Pissevache waterfall.
• Marécottes: You can find the highest zoo in Europe here! Plus, reach the La Creusaz ski area. 
• Finhaut: The village of Finhaut is perched on the hills of the Trient valley. It’s a popular spot with hikers and cyclists, with its open and unspoiled spaces.

Good to know: Travel from Martigny to Chamonix is included in the Swiss Travel Pass , but not beyond Chamonix in France. As it’s a regional train, seat reservations are not possible. 

12. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

For the ultimate experience of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, the Grand Train Tour covers all the best train journeys in the country.

It’s a 1,280 km train journey that takes you through some of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, including many of those mentioned above.

This train tour covers such a vast area that you’ll encounter four official languages, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 11 large lakes – which I think sounds pretty spectacular!

The tour can be completed in four to eight days, depending on how much time you have and how much you want to see.

Highlights of the tour include:

• The Glacier Express: This iconic train ride takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. The journey starts in Zermatt and ends in St. Moritz, taking around eight hours to complete.
• The Bernina Express: This breathtaking train journey takes you from Chur to Tirano, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway. The journey takes around four hours and offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps, including the Morteratsch Glacier and the Bernina Pass.
• The Golden Pass Line: Travel from Montreux to Lucerne, passing through the scenic Swiss countryside. The journey takes around five hours and offers beautiful panoramas of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
• The Gotthard Panorama Express: This train ride takes you from Lucerne to Lugano, passing through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world. The journey takes around five hours.

Good to know: There is no set route or direction – you can simply hop and hop off the different routes as you please.

The best way to do so is via the Swiss Travel Pass , which gives you access to the entire Grand Tour of Switzerland. You’ll just need to book seat reservations on the trains which need it.

Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions about the most scenic train rides in Switzerland!

Planning a trip to this beautiful country? Read my guide to the most beautiful towns in Switzerland to visit , seek out the best Swiss spa hotels , or discover my guides to Grindelwald , Gruyères and Zermatt . 

For more train travel inspiration this winter, unearth the best ski resorts by train from the UK – written by two experts in skiing and train travel.

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Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland (Views to Die For)

Planning a trip through Switzerland by train and you want to know more about the many Swiss scenic trains? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide will tell you about the huge range of panoramic train rides available in this Alpine country! 

From St. Gallen to Lucerne, Lucerne to Lugano, and Lugano to Tirano, these panoramic trains can take you on a journey through the entire country. Combine a few different trips to create your own Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itinerary or stick to a classic one like the famous Glacier Express – either way, these scenic train rides in Switzerland are the best this country has to offer!

Table of Contents

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is one of the most popular scenic train rides in Switzerland. It starts from Zurich and allows you to explore the most visited destinations in the country. The tour is usually around two weeks long, and it includes combines several panoramic trains into one big train trip through Switzerland. 

The standard Grand Train Tour itinerar y begins and ends in Zurich, but there are many other versions of the journey so it’s easy to adjust it to fit your travel plans. You can make the journey longer or shorter, explore more or fewer places, and see as much of the country as you would like. 

The main reason why the train tour starts in Zurich is that the city has the busiest airport in the country. Most travelers who fly to Switzerland from overseas land in Zurich, which makes it the ideal starting point for a train tour of the country. But, it’s worth noting that you can do the tour from wherever you want, so if you get a better deal on plane tickets to Basel or Geneva, don’t miss out!

Related Reading

Grand train tour of switzerland: a detailed guide, glacier express.

The Glacier Express is the most famous train in Switzerland. It is a panoramic train that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It’s the world’s slowest express train because this journey takes around 8 hours – the only reason it’s an “express” train is that it makes fewer stops than the local trains. 

The train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, during this epic Switzerland train journey of 291 kilometers. It’s undoubtedly one of the most scenic Swiss train rides, but also one of the best luxury train rides in Switzerland. Tickets for the entire 291-kilometer journey start at 152 CHF for second-class tickets, and that’s without a seat reservation. The reservation is an extra 39 or 49 CHF depending on the season, plus you must pay for any meals you wish to eat on board. 

First-class tickets are around 100 CHF more expensive, while the experience of riding in the Excellence Class of the train will set you back around 470 CHF. It’s definitely a journey for those with deeper pockets, but worth the money because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will always remember. 

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic journey from Arth/Lucerne to Lugano. It’s best to do this scenic journey in the summer when it includes a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. Traveling by train only is possible from Arth to Lugano and vice versa. 

All seats on the train are first-class seats, so everyone gets the same treatment. Seat reservations are not obligatory, but there is an additional surcharge of 16 CHF that all passengers must pay. Also, you can still choose between first and second-class tickets. Second-class tickets are naturally a little more affordable, and you’re seated in second-class only on the Lake Lucerne boat cruise. 

The entire journey takes around 5.5 hours, and you’re treated to gorgeous panoramic views the entire time. It’s worth noting that the journey is a little shorter in the winter when it doesn’t include a boat cruise on the lake.

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is one of the best scenic train rides in Switzerland. Transporting passengers from Switzerland to Italy and vice versa, this train takes you through some of the most impressive landscapes in the country. 

This panoramic train runs from Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy, connecting two very different regions and cultures. The Bernina Express train passes through incredibly beautiful scenery, and the best way to enjoy the views is to sit in a first-class train carriage, where the windows curve up to the roof. 

This is one of the pricier panoramic trains in Switzerland. Second-class tickets for a return trip between Tirano and Chur are 92 CHF; the price includes two (mandatory) seat reservations that are 20 CHF in each direction. If you’re traveling one way and maybe doing a shorter route, consider a first-class ticket, but stick to second-class if you’re on a tight budget. 

Rigi Cogwheel Railway

Rigi Cogwheel Railway is a great option for a short and scenic train ride high above Lake Lucerne. There are multiple lines on this cogwheel railway, and they all take you from the villages at the foot of Mt. Rigi to the Rigi Kulm summit. Not only is Rigi a popular weekend getaway in summer for hikers, skiers and snowboarders also enjoy the pistes here in the winter.

That’s why the cogwheel train has an option of a daily ticket which allows you to board the train as many times as you like. The daily ticket costs as much as a return ticket from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm (72 CHF) without any discounts. 

The good news is that there are a bunch of discounts you can try to get for this route. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass or the SBB Day Pass, you can ride the train for free. Also, if you’re staying in the area and you have the Rigi Guest Card (provided by your accommodation), you get a 50% discount. In any case, here’s a list of all the discounts for the Rigi Cogwheel Railway. 

GoldenPass Line

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The Golden Pass Line offers one of the most scenic train rides in the entire country. The trains travel between Montreux and Lucerne, stopping in Interlaken along the way. One of the great things about this train ride is that it connects the spectacular Lake Geneva with central Switzerland, allowing you to enjoy both regions during your visit..

There are three classes on the Golden Pass Line trains – 1st, 2nd, and Prestige. The Prestige class is the most luxurious option, with heated seats, huge panoramic windows , and a floor raised 40cm for the absolute best views. It’s also the priciest option out of the bunch, with a 35 CHF fee just for the seat reservation and an additional 93 CHF fee for the (one-way) ticket. 

The Prestige class is a luxurious way of experiencing one of the scenic train rides from Interlaken, but it’s not the only one. 2nd class tickets also include panoramic views, and they’re about 40 CHF cheaper. However, it’s worth noting that the difference between 1st and Prestige tickets is just 15 CHF, so you might as well go all out if you want to splurge on this train ride.  

Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is home to the highest railway station (and post office) in Europe. It’s a place you absolutely have to visit if you enjoy discovering unique attractions and landmarks, especially if you’re a fan of the panoramic train rides that lead to them. 

Top of Europe is the highlight of all trips to Jungfraujoch. The venue boasts a restaurant, shops, an ice palace, and a few other interesting attractions that will keep you busy while you’re there. Also, don’t miss out on the Sphinx observation deck, which offers incredible panoramic views of the 4000-meter peaks surrounding you, and the Aletsch Glacier below.

 It’s possible to travel to Jungfraujoch by train alone or combine it with a gondola. The train travels from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, where you switch trains and continue on to Jungfraujoch. The alternative is to ride the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald and then connect with the train from the top. This is a fairly new addition, and it’s currently the cheaper and faster way of reaching the Top of Europe.

Eiger Express Cable Car: All The Info In One Place

Brienzer rothorn.

The Brienzer Rothorn Bahn is a unique opportunity to ride in a cogwheel steam train that’s more than a hundred years old. There are currently eight steam locomotives that run on this route, and they’ve all been in operation since 1892. 

Rothorn Kulm is the final stop on this train route, which is only accessible by train between June and October. Trains don’t run there in the winter months, so if you want the full Brienzer Rothorn Bahn experience, plan a summer visit. The trains run only on weekends, and a return ticket for a 2nd class seat will set you back around 50 CHF. 

It’s also possible to do shorter rides on this route, but you won’t get to soak up the incredible panoramic view of the 693 summits that surround the Rothorn. On top of that, it’s also worth noting that you’re not guaranteed a seat in an actual steam locomotive – in case of technical failures or unusually high demand, diesel locomotives can be used in place of steam-powered ones. 

Gornergrat Cog Railway

Gornergrat is one of the popular day trip destinations from Zermatt because it is easily accessible by the cogwheel railway. The ride is about half an hour long, and you get to enjoy a fabulous view of the Matterhorn the entire time. When you arrive at the mountaintop village, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. 

The only problem is that the train tickets are very expensive, especially for such a short ride. One-way tickets are 44 CHF and return trip tickets are 88 CHF, and those are prices during the off-season. The tickets are most expensive between June and August, going up to as much as 126 CHF for a return ticket from Zermatt to Gorgengratt. 

The good news is that they accept all sorts of discounts, so if you have any of the popular tourist cards, you most likely won’t pay full price for this experience. Also, Swiss Travel Pass holders get to ride on this train for free. 

Riding The Gornergrat Bahn: All The Info You Need To Know

Voralpen express.

The Voralpen Express is a panoramic train that takes you from St. Gallen in Eastern Switzerland to Lucerne in Central Switzerland. The journey is 125 kilometers long, and it usually takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover that distance. 

From one historic city to the next, this train ride is great for traveling the lesser-known routes in Switzerland. Sure, everyone and their mothers have heard of the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express by now, but the Voralpen Express has managed to stay under the radar for quite a while.

One-way tickets for a 2nd class seat on the Voralpen Express start at 48 CHF, but it’s pretty easy to get a discount. One thing I will point out is that it’s not the easiest thing in the world to purchase tickets for this specific train. Make sure that it’s indicated you’re traveling on the Voralpen Express on the ticket, otherwise you might end up paying for a ticket on a regular passenger train from Luzern to St. Gallen.  

Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht

Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht is a panoramic train ride through the so-called Swiss Grand Canyon . This is more of a sarcastic nickname for the locals, so just refer to it as the Rhine Gorge if you don’t want to get any weird looks. 

This adventure train through the gorge runs on the weekends in the summer season, between June and late October. It boasts open observation cars that offer the best views of the area, as well as closed passenger cars. The train runs from Landquart to Ilanz with several stops in between and is a great way to explore the valley that is home to the start of the mighty Rhine river. 

Tickets for this scenic train ride are around 40 CHF if you want to depart from Chur and 26 CHF for departures from Flims. It’s important to note that Ruinaulta tickets allow you to get on and off the train as many times as you like during the day, so you’re free to go hiking in the area and explore as much of the gorge as you like. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ride a panoramic train in switzerland.

Ticket prices are different for each of the panoramic trains, so a scenic train ride in Switzerland can cost from 20 CHF up to several hundred francs. It depends on whether you get first or second-class tickets, which station you board and get off the train at, and whether you travel in the high or low season. 

Is Glacier Express considered a luxury train?

Yes, the Glacier Express is considered a luxury train. Even a second-class seat sets you back some 200 CHF, but the train’s Excellence Class is truly the epitome of a luxury train ride in Switzerland. 

Is it possible to do both Glacier Express & Bernina Express in one day?

It’s possible if you get off the train in Chur and board the Bernina Express immediately after, but I don’t recommend this. This is like a speed run through Switzerland – sure, you’ll see a good chunk of the country, but you’ll be glued to your train seat for 10-12 hours without the ability to get out and explore. It’s best to plan at least two days for this journey, so you have enough time to rest and discover the attractions in the cities you stop in. 

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Panoramic journeys through Switzerland.

Travel along the most beautiful train routes in Switzerland. Enjoy spectacular views and maximum comfort on selected multi-day trips with the Glacier Express, Bernina Express or Gotthard Panorama Express. Get on board!

Due to flood damage, the Zermatt–Brig route is closed until further notice. The Glacier Express trains are only running between Brig and St. Moritz. Thank you for your understanding.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

Breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and famous sights: Discover Switzerland’s most beautiful places by public transport on the Grand Train Tour.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – The Original.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – The Classic.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Top Attractions.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Glaciers & Palm Trees.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Stunning Waters.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Hidden Treasures.

Grand tour of switzerland..

Whether in your own car, a rented Tesla X or in a luxury open-top bus, the Grand Tour of Switzerland takes you to Switzerland’s most beautiful locations.

Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer – Open-top bus.

Grand Tour of Switzerland – The Original.

Grand Tour of Switzerland – Eastern route.

Grand Tour of Switzerland Deluxe – Alpine Mountain Passes.

Grand Tour of Switzerland – Wellness.

Glacier express..

The Glacier Express is a classic panoramic journey. Get on board the ‘world’s slowest express train’ for a journey of discovery between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Glacier Express Classic.

Glacier Express Zermatt–Chur.

Glacier Express Excellence Class.

Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

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Scenic Rail Adventure.

Bernina express..

Take the Bernina Express and cross the Alps on the highest-altitude rail route in Europe. Get on board and experience an impressive panoramic journey through the landscapes of Graubünden.

Bernina Express Classic.

Bernina express tirano–st. moritz..

Bernina Express Poschiavo–St. Moritz.

Jungfraujoch..

Take the train to Europe’s highest-altitude station: A short trip to the mountains or perhaps a combined visit to two similarly famous Swiss cities. Up, up and away!

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

Winter experience in the Jungfrau region.

Best of Switzerland.

Gotthard panorama express..

Experience Swiss history on the Gotthard Panorama Express: an impressive journey by boat and train from traditional Switzerland to Mediterranean Ticino. Continue your trip with the multi-day Scenic Rail Adventure.

Gotthard Panorama Express Classic.

Alpine cruise..

An Alpine Cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway combines sightseeing, nature and one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines. An exceptional experience.

Alpine Cruise – 4 days.

Alpine Cruise – 5 days.

Alpine Cruise – 8 days.

More panoramic journeys..

A nostalgic trip on the Furka steam railway or a Postbus ride on the Palm Express: you can look forward to other selected panoramic journeys on fascinating routes.

GoldenPass Tour.

Voralpen-Express and Centovalli Railway.

Palm Express.

Furka Steam Railway.

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Here, you’ll find ideas for active short holidays in Switzerland. From visits to the summits to bike tours and city trips, there’s bound to be something for you too.

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Rick Steves Says Europe's Most Scenic Train Rides Are All In This One Country

Ever since Europe first became criss-crossed with rail lines in the late 19th century, the continent has been a dream destination for train-lovers happy to take their places in a rail carriage and enjoy all the diverse landscapes such routes have to offer. Indeed, Europe's rail networks are so vast and intricate that inter-railing — the practice of hopping on and off trains to visit as many European destinations as possible — is a traditional rite of passage for many European and non-European teenagers and young adults. It's an experience made even better when visiting  European countries with free public transport .

But while potential inter-railers may tangle themselves in knots trying to put together intricate routes that give them the most bang for their buck in terms of seeing the sights, for those looking for the finest landscapes Europe has to offer travel expert Rick Steves is adamant that Switzerland alone contains all you need to know in terms of breathtaking train travel.

Europe's three most scenic train rides are all in Switzerland

At the top of Rick Steves' list of the most scenic train journeys in Europe is the GoldenPass, operated by the Swiss rail network MOB. The route begins in the Montreux Riviera in the west of the country, on the coast of Lake Geneva, and passes through the gorgeous Pays-d'Enhaut valleys dotted with charming small hamlets and villages before arriving in the mountainous Bernese Oberland (Bernese Highlands, pictured).

In second place, Steves places the stunning Bernina Express, which traverses a UNESCO World Heritage Site on some of the highest and steepest railway tracks in the world. Billed as taking travelers "from glaciers to palms," the route runs from the heights of the Swiss mountains in the city of Chur through countless tunnels and eye-popping sights, such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the Palü Glacier, before crossing the border into Italy and dropping passengers at the beautiful city of Tirano. Steve's third pick, the Glacier Express, travels from St. Moritz and Davos in the east to Zermatt in the west. Offering panoramic views of the Swiss cantons, the journey reaches its crescendo under the shadow of the Matterhorn.

Each of these journeys is a luxurious and efficient way to take in the landscape of this unique country, and in general, can be accomplished in a day. The Glacier Express, for example, lasts around 8 hours.

Rick Steves' other tips for Switzerland

But even the most avid train lovers are unlikely to spend their entire visits to Switzerland in a carriage. Luckily, Rick Steves has plenty of tips for would-be travelers looking to make the most of one of Europe's most mountainous countries, especially when it comes to choosing the best city destinations to round out your trip.

Always looking to offer his readers an alternate take on travel destinations, Steves advises travelers to look elsewhere than Geneva , which he considers overrated. Instead, he recommends Bern (pictured) and Luzern, which feature in his 5- and 7-day itineraries. He states that visiting the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland — served by the GoldenPass train route — is Switzerland's must-see destination.

For Steves, no visit to this area of Europe would be complete without hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, where he says he fell in love with hiking . The route, which is mainly in the French Alps, passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

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Glacier Express   -  Bernina Express   -  GoldenPass Express   - Luzern-Interlaken Express -  Gotthard Panorama Express

Train travel in Switzerland 

For many people the highlight of a Swiss holiday is travelling along one of the many scenic routes which cross this beautiful country, passing snowcapped mountains and shimmering lakes.  Switzerland's rail network is easy to use and totally reliable, enabling you to plan a two or multi centre holiday with confidence. We will be happy to offer advice on hotels, durations and what to see and do, to really get the most out of your visit. Please click here to see our current programme of suggested  multi centre scenic rail holidays   or take a look at our scenic rail day trips .

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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.

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From St. Moritz to Lugano

Glacier Express

From Zermatt to St. Moritz

GoldenPass Express

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

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Scenic train Switzerland - 5 Top Deals and Prices 2024

There are several world-famous panoramic trains in Switzerland, such as the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the Golden Pass Line. A panoramic train runs on routes that are particularly worth seeing. Whether beautiful landscapes, remarkable natural attractions or extraordinary buildings, the view is always very special. That's why a panoramic train has particularly large windows that allow a good view and great photos. In addition to the panoramic windows, a panoramic train often also offers elevated seats from which you can get an even better view of the surroundings.

5 Activities

Golden Pass Line ticket from Lucerne or Montreux

The Golden Pass Line is a panoramic train that travels through particularly beautiful regions of Switzerland. You travel between Lucerne on Lake Lucerne and Montreux on Lake Geneva.

Validity: All day

Use your phone or print out the voucher

Discount: Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card

Free cancellation

Lucerne - Interlaken Express train ticket and optional seat reservation

Travel between Lucerne and Interlaken on the Zentralbahn and ride a section of the Golden Pass panoramic train. Enchanting views of four Swiss lakes and across the Alps await you.

booked 124 times

Centovalli train ticket between Domodossola and Locarno

With this ticket you travel on the Centovalli Railway. It runs between Domodossola and Locarno and connects the Simplon line with the Gotthard Railway.

Voralpen Express Ticket from St. Gallen or Lucerne

The Voralpen Express runs every hour between Lucerne and St. Gallen. On the way, the view of Lake Lucerne, the Rigi, Lake Zurich and the striking Säntis is fascinating.

Gotthard Panorama Express Ticket from Lucerne or Lugano

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a wonderful panoramic journey between Lucerne and Lugano. You travel between Lucerne and Flüelen by steamboat or motorboat. Between Flüelen and Lugano, the panoramic train runs along the historic railroad line through the old Gotthard tunnel.

booked 109 times

Scenic train Lucerne

Scenic train locarno.

• The 5 most beautiful scenic trains in Switzerland

We've already talked about the fact that Switzerland has a high affinity for trains as a means of transport in our article about public transport in Switzerland . But did you know that those over 5300 km of railway tracks serve more than just fast transportation from one place to another?

There are several railroad lines that you would love to travel several times in a row. Because that way you could take a closer look at the beautiful scenery that inevitably speeds past your windows. Be that the journey on the intercity train from Zurich to Chur , which passes mystical Lake Walensee. Or the route from Fribourg to Lausanne , where you get an incredible view over the Lavaux vineyards and Lake Geneva after the tunnel.

Train travel and beautiful views usually go hand in hand in Switzerland. If you're looking to embark on a train journey with a focus on these very views, there are some world-famous panoramic trains that will make your heart beat faster.

Swiss Activities Tips: Get he perfect support for planning your trip in the panorama train through Switzerland with the Train Tour App. Also, the panoramic trains are all covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and other railway passes for tourists .

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is called the "slowest express train in the world" and lives up to this title. It covers a distance of 291 km between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passes 91 tunnels and crosses 291 bridges. It takes no less than eight hours to do so. This results in an average speed of 36 km/h, which is roughly equivalent to the speed that a leatherback turtle can cover under water.

The Glacier Express is operated by the two railroad companies Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn (MGB) and Rhätische Bahn (RhB). The MGB operates the section between Zermatt and Disentis, while the part between Disentis and St. Moritz is operated by the RhB.

So if you're making your way from St. Moritz to Zermatt on the Glacier Express, you'll have more than enough time at turtle speed to get your fill of the enchanting scenery. Check out this Glacier Express review for more information on this scenic ride.

• Where does the Glacier Express route pass?

The Glacier Express commutes between St. Moritz in the Engadine and Zermatt, the mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Shortly after its departure in St. Moritz, the Glacier Express travels along the winding Albula line.

On this railroad line, the train passes through six viaducts and three helical tunnels to overcome the altitude between the Albula Pass and Filisur. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage inventory in 2008. On this route, the train keeps changing the side of the valley and the direction. This does not make it easy to keep track of where you are. So keep a close look out the window.

This segment of the Glacier Express also includes the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which leads directly from the bridge structure into a tunnel. The viaduct is 146 m long and 65 m high.

Next, the Glacier Express travels through the Rhine Gorge , also known as "Ruinaulta" or the "Swiss Grand Canyon" . If you start the journey in St. Moritz, here you have the best view of the Rhine Gorge on the left side of the train .

After a quick break in Chur, the capital of the canton of Grisons, the journey continues across the Oberalp Pass via Disentis/Mustér to Andermatt in the canton of Uri. Up here, the Glacier Express overcomes its highest point and passes Lake Oberalp, 2044 meters above sea level.

Afterwards, it's more or less all downhill and along the River Rhone to Brig in the canton of Valais . After Brig, the Glacier Express makes another change of direction and begins its final ascent to Zermatt. Here, the Matterhorn hopefully waits impatiently for you and does not hide behind the clouds.

• Things to know about the Glacier Express
• The Glacier Express runs three times daily in summer and twice daily in winter.
• A seat reservation is mandatory for a ride on the Glacier Express. The cost depends on whether you're travelling in summer or winter and whether you're travelling the entire journey or only parts of it. The price for a seat reservation varies between CHF 29 and CHF 49. With the GA or Swiss Half Fare Card, you don't receive a discount on the reservation.
• Several Rail Passes are accepted on the Glacier Express. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass , a Eurail, an Interrail or a day pass, you don't pay extra for the ticket and only need to buy a seat reservation. With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get a 50% discount on the ticket price.
• Swiss Activities Tip : If you're interested in the journey, but not in a trip on the panoramic train, there are also "normal" trains running between Zermatt and St. Moritz. However, for this trip you have to change trains in Brig, Andermatt, Disentis/Mustér and Chur. The journey is only a little longer than with the Glacier Express. But you're not bound to the departures or the reservation obligation of the Glacier Express.
• Service and gastronomy are very important on the Glacier Express. After all, the journey takes almost one full day, which won't go down well on an empty snomach. The easiest way is to order your meal when you get your seat reservation. However, the menu is also available for spontaneous requests.

Bernina Express

With its 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, which the Bernina Express panorama train crosses and traverses on the 156 km between Chur and Tirano, you could call it the little brother of the Glacier Express. In terms of speed, the two roughly balance each other out, as the Bernina Express also glides along the rails at leather turtle speed.

What's special about the Bernina Express is that it crosses the Swiss border and you have to change means of transportation in between. After about four hours, the panoramic train of the Rhaetian Railway reaches Tirano in Italy. From there, the Bernina Express bus covers the remaining 90 km to Lugano .

Due to the fact that the Bernina Express crosses the Alps, you will be able to marvel at glaciers on this trip in the beginning and be surrounded by palm trees only a few hours later. A more contrasting train ride in such a short time will be hard to find.

Learn more about the Bernina Express in our extensive review we wrote about this panoramic train.

• Where does the Bernina Express route pass?

The Bernina Express begins its journey in Chur and then shares its route with the Glacier Express until St. Moritz. Thus, this panoramic train also passes through the Rhine Gorge, over the Landwasser Viaduct and along the confusing Albula line into the Engadine.

From St. Moritz, the train climbs steeply up to Ospizio Bernina, which at 2253 meters above sea level is the highest point on the Bernina Express route. On the way there you have a wonderful view of the Morteratsch glacier as well as the ice-cold and deep blue Lago Bianco.

After this steep climb, it's all downhill. Literally.

Heading towards Italy, the Bernina Express travels over various viaducts, through the fertile Val Poschiavo, past Lago di Poschiavo and, shortly before crossing the border into Italy, across another highlight.

The circular viaduct in Brusio allows the train to overcome the required height on a small area and demonstrates for a moment the effect of centrifugal force.

In Campocologno the train crosses the border to Italy and ends in Tirano, a small town in Lombardy. From here, the Bernina Express bus takes you back to Switzerland in Lugano during summer. It takes three hours to drive through the Mediterranean Valtellina and past Lago di Como.

• Things to know about the Bernina Express
• The timetable of the Bernina Express is not easy to understand at first glance. The rail segments are divided into two different routes. One runs from Chur to Tirano, while the other starts in St. Moritz and also ends in Tirano. The train that starts in Chur does not stop in St. Moritz, but goes directly to Ospizio Bernina via Pontresina.
• The panoramic train between Chur and Tirano runs daily, while the one between St. Moritz and Tirano runs only between May and October. The bus between Tirano and Lugano also runs between May and October.
• If you travel outside the operating hours of the Bernina Express bus, your only option is to travel back to St. Moritz or Chur, or to travel individually to Lugano using public transport in Italy.
• A seat reservation is mandatory for the Bernina Express. The cost depends on the time of year you are travelling and whether you use the bus to Lugano or end your trip in Tirano. The price therefore varies quite a bit between CHF 10 and CHF 42 depending on the route and season. With the GA and the Swiss HalfFare Card you don't get a discount on the reservation.
• Several rail passes are accepted on the Bernina Express. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, a Eurail, an Interrail or a day pass, you only have to buy a seat reservation. With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get a 50% discount on the ticket price.
• Swiss Activities Tip : If you're interested in the route, but not in a ride on the panoramic train, there are also "normal" trains running between Chur, St. Moritz and Tirano. Coming from Chur you'll have to change trains in Samedan and Pontresina, while between Tirano and St. Moritz you have a direct train. The advantage is that the trains run hourly, which gives you more flexibility than waiting for the panoramic train. In addition, the obligation for a seat reservation is omitted.
• Unlike the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express doen't have a dining car. However, there is a bistro on board where cold snacks and regional delicacies can be purchased. The lunch break is spent in Poschiavo or in Tirano, where you find several catering options.
• Don't forget: You'll need a passport or identity card to cross the border into Italy.

Golden Pass Line

The Golden Pass Line is a panoramic train route consisting of three individual stages. The first stage - operated by Zentralbahn - runs between Lucerne and Interlaken . After that, the BLS regional train takes over to Zweisimmen, from where the Golden Pass Panoramic finishes the third section to Montreux. All in all, this scenic route covers 191 km in roughly six hours.

The Golden Pass Line connects the German-speaking part of Switzerland with the French-speaking part and passes some important Swiss lakes along the way. These include Lake Lucerne , Lake Brienz , Lake Thun and Lake Geneva . You can also catch a glimpse of the Giessbach Falls along the way next to Lake Brienz.

Since the Golden Pass Line cuts right through the middle of Switzerland, it's especially easy to integrate it into your Switzerland itinerary .

• Where does the Golden Pass Line route pass?

Coming from the east, the Golden Pass Line starts in Lucerne. Before its ascent to the Brünig Pass at an altitude of just over 1000 meters, the train passes three smaller lakes: Lakes Alpnach, Sarner and Lungern. After crossing the Brünig Pass, it begins its descent towards Brienz and winds its way along Lake Brienz to Interlaken.

The views on this section are breathtaking. After Brienz, you can even catch a glimpse of the Giessbach Falls and the imposing Grand Hotel on the other side of the lake.

In Interlaken Ost, you'll need to transfer onto another train. This train changes the lakeside after Interlaken and travels along Lake Thun to Spiez. The subsequent journey through the Simmental invites you to slow down and dream. The train takes its dear time here and you can enjoy the narrow valley, the dark forests and the charming river.

After a flying change in Zweisimmen onto the Golden Pass Panoramic, the train continues uphill and through the Bernese Oberland to Gstaad. This ride offers another picture-perfect panorama. Green meadows, grazing cows, traditional wooden chalets and snowy peaks of the Alps in the background show you Switzerland as you imagined it.

On its final stretch to Montreux , the Golden Pass Line passes through the Vaud and Fribourg Alps and ultimately down through the vineyards to Lake Geneva. Here, an extremely contrasting journey comes to an end.

• Things to know about the Golden Pass Line
• Since 2022, it is no longer necessary to change trains in Zweisimmen every time. Certain trains travel directly from Interlaken to Montreux, while others still require a transfer in Zweisimmen with good connections.
• Trains run once an hour all year round on all sections of the Golden Pass Line.
• Seat reservations on the Golden Pass Line aren't mandatory. Between Lucerne and Interlaken as well as between Interlaken and Zweisimmen you will always find a seat. To be on the safe side, however, the Golden Pass Panoramic customer service recommends a reservation between Zweisimmen and Montreux. This can be bought at the counters of most major train stations in the region.
• On the Zentralbahn between Lucerne and Interlaken, you can reserve a seat in the panoramic wagon if you don't want to travel on the "normal" car with "normal-sized" windows. You can either make a reservation at the ticket office in Lucerne, over the phone or online.
• Several rail passes are accepted on the Golden Pass Line. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, a Eurail, an Interrail or a day pass, the entire journey is covered. With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get 50% reduction on the ticket price.
• The service on the Golden Pass Line varies between the different train operators. On the Zentralbahn between Lucerne and Interlaken, meals and drinks can be purchased in the Bistro. On the trains between Interlaken and Montreux, there are no meal options for individual travellers. It's best to buy something for the road in Interlaken if you can't stand being without snacks for a few hours.

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is, in a way, a historic remnant of Switzerland's impressive railroad history. In summer 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest rail tunnel in the world, was inaugurated. It is 57 km long and shortens the journey to Ticino by 20%. Today, it's no longer necessary to travel via the traditional mountain route between Göschenen and Airolo. The faster route runs from Erstfeld directly to Bodio.

Until 2016, the mountain route was the only way to reach Ticino by train. Today, the traditional route is used by the Gotthard Panorama Express. This train takes its guests through the many helical tunnels and the Gotthard Tunnel, inaugurated in 1882, to the other side of the Alps. This panoramic journey between Lucerne and Lugano is combined with a steamboat-ride on Lake Lucerne and a train ride in the panoramic train through the old Gotthard tunnel.

• Where does the route of the Gotthard Panorama Express pass?

The journey from north to south starts with a trip on the boat from Lucerne . On Lake Lucerne you will travel from Lucerne to Flüelen. This trip is served either by a historic paddle steamer or the modern motor ship "Diamant" . On the way you will pass breathtaking landscapes and historical places like the Tell's Chapel or the Rütli meadow.

In Flüelen the panorama train is waiting for you and continues the journey southwards to Lugano. It climbs over various helical tunnels up to Göschenen, where the old Gotthard tunnel leads to Airolo. The special thing about this stretch is the "Chileli vo Wasse" . The train passes this small chapel in Wassen three times.

To overcome the necessary altitude, the train makes some loops here and you have the opportunity on this section to view the cute chapel from different angles and altitudes. This " Chileli " is so famous among the Swiss population that the Swiss band " Lo & Leduc " even dedicated a song to it.

After crossing the original Gotthard tunnel, the descent follows through the Mediterranean Ticino countryside. You will pass the medieval castles of Bellinzona until you reach Lugano, where a southern flair with palm trees and Italian gelaterias awaits you.

• Things to know about the Gotthard Panorama Express
• The Gotthard Panorama Express operates between May and October from Tuesday to Sunday. It departs Lucerne at 11:12 a.m. and Lugano at 9:22 a.m., arriving at its destination 5:30 hours later.
• If you travel outside this season or prefer a different departure time, you can take the "normal" train through the old Gotthard tunnel. This train runs once an hour between Locarno and Zurich, with the section between Bellinzona and Flüelen being relevant for you. The boats on Lake Lucerne also run all year round. However, in winter there is only one direct trip between Lucerne and Flüelen.
• A seat reservation is mandatory on the train route with the Gotthard Panorama Express. Regardless of whether you have a GA, a Swiss Travel Pass or any other railway pass. The reservation costs 16.- CHF and can be purchased either online or at the counter at the train station.
• On the Gotthard Panorama Express train you always travel in first class, while you have the choice between 1st or 2nd class on the boat. Several railway passes are accepted on the Gotthard Panorama Express. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or a day pass, the whole journey is covered. With the Tellpass you also enjoy free travel between Lucerne and Flüelen. With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get a 50% reduction on the entire journey.
• If you have an Interrail or Eurail ticket, you travel free of charge on the rail route (apart from the reservation surcharge), while you receive a 50% reduction on the boat ticket.
• On the ship as well as on the trainm there's the option to buy food. It's not necessary to order your meal in advance. So you can decide spontaneously for a "cold Plättli Ticino style" or a warm lunch.

Voralpen Express

The Voralpen Express is not a panoramic train in the true sense like the other candidates in this article. It neither has oversized panorama windows, nor is it specially designed for tourists. But it's the most comfortable and attractive connection between St. Gallen and Lucerne with beautiful views.

Originally, the Voralpen Express used to serve the route between Romanshorn on Lake Constance and Lucerne. In 2019, however, it was shortened and has since ended or started in St. Gallen.

On the one hand, it is used as a commuter train, but is equally popular with day-trippers due to the varied and scenic route. The Voralpen Express takes "only" just under two and a half hours to cover the approximately 125 km. With an average speed of 55 km/h, this puts it in the same category as the kangaroo.

Goodbye leatherback turtle.

• Where does the route of the Voralpen Express pass?

In the east, the Voralpen Express begins in the beautiful city of St. Gallen. Shortly after its start, it passes over the 99-meter-high Sitter Viaduct, the highest railroad viaduct in Switzerland. This is followed by another viaduct in Herisau, which scores with its unrestricted view over the Alpstein mountains. Afterwards, the train winds through green, hilly and typically eastern Swiss landscapes that pass by outside your window.

After two long tunnels through the Wasserfluh and the Ricken, the Voralpen Express arrives in Rapperswil on Lake Zurich . This pretty little town with its striking castle is located at the eastern end of the lake dam that leads across Lake Zurich to Pfäffikon. Along this dam is a wooden footbridge that forms part of the Camino de Santiago and is very popular for walking.

If you want to break up your trip, a short stay in Rapperswil followed by a quick walk along the footbridge to Pfäffikon might be a good idea. In Pfäffikon you can continue your journey on the Voralpen Express. From Pfäffikon the train climbs up the hill to Rothenthurm, where you'll pass the largest contiguous high moor area in Switzerland.

Afterwards, you'll be accompanied by more impressive views of the Alps. Soon Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne join the panorama. After a ride along the lake and one last stop at the Museum of Transport Lucerne you will arrive in the city of Lucerne.

• Things to know about the Voralpen Express
• The Voralpen Express departs once an hour from St. Gallen and Lucerne between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. You can breatk up your journey on the way as often as you like and always continue one hour later.
• You don't need a seat reservation for the Voralpen Express. You have free choice of where you like to sit. Unless you travel during rush hour, which you should not do in Switzerland , you are almost guaranteed a seat.
• The Voralpen Express has a bistro zone where you can stock up on snacks and drinks.
• Several railway passes are accepted on the Voralpen Express. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, a Eurail, an Interrail or a day pass, the entire journey is covered. With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get a 50% discount.
• Swiss Activities Tip: Since you're travelling on a "normal" train here, there are also Supersaver tickets available, which you can buy either on the SBB website or with the SBB app. The earlier you know your travel date, the better your chances of scoring a good deal.

Other panoramic train rides in Switzerland

Granted, these five panoramic trains rightly enjoy a high popularity. But when you consider the several thousand kilometers of railway tracks in Switzerland, there are countless other scenic sections. These may be less well known, but some of them are also very impressive. So, should you be looking for a slightly "more ordinary" and less exclusive route, here's a small selection to finish this article:

• Regional train from Bern to Lucerne through the idyllic Emmental and the Entlebuch Biosphere
• Regional train from Lausanne to Montreux, along Lake Geneva and the Lavaux vineyards
• Regional train from Romanshorn to Schaffhausen, along Lake Constance and the River Rhine
• Intercity train from Zurich to Chur, passing Lake Zurich and Lake Walen
• Intercity train from Bern to Brig along Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps
• Regional train from Chur to Arosa or Davos through the Grisons mountains
• Regional train from St. Gallen to Wasserauen through the hilly landscape of Appenzell
• Regional train from Solothurn to Moutier through the Jura landscapes This list could also be continued at will. But you probably understand what I'm talking about.

In a country with 5300 km of railway tracks, you'll find more than enough train rides with stunning views that'll make your heart beat faster. So buy your ticket, grab a window seat and press your nose against the glass.

• Zurich to Chur: Take the express train past Lake Zurich and Lake Walen

The train first travels through the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel. Afterwards, the railroad line to Pfäffikon runs directly along the western shore of Lake Zurich . This means you can enjoy the lake on the left-hand side of the direction of travel. As soon as the train has passed the Ziegelbrücke stop, it passes a lake again. It is the Walensee , which you can also see clearly on the left as far as Walenstadt.

On the right, however, you have a direct view of the Glarus Alps. After Sargans you will see the Pizol in the foreground.

• Trai ticket Zurich-Chur
• Chur to Arosa: By regional train over the Langwieser Viaduct

The journey from Chur to Arosa takes an hour. After a leisurely ride through Chur , the train climbs high. The train climbs around 1000 meters in just 26 km. At the start, you can see the Dreibündenstein plateau with the Brambrüsch on the southern side. To the north is the Hochwang chain with the Hochwang at 2533 m above sea level as the highest point. You will see almost untouched nature all around. You quickly reach the mountain landscapes of Schanfigg. Schanfigg is the name of the elongated valley that leads directly to Arosa. The Langwieser Viaduct is a particular highlight of this ride. And it goes even higher: the train climbs up to 1739 m above sea level in Arosa and has thus covered 1155 meters in altitude since Chur. Now you have a view of the Weisshorn chain with the Weisshorn reaching 2653 m above sea level.

• Train ticket Chur - Arosa

• Chur to Davos: By regional train over the Landwasser Viaduct and the Wiesen Viaduct

The InterRegio takes one hour from Chur to Filisur. Then take the regional train for about half an hour to Davos. Near Filisur, the Rhaetian Railway crosses the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, which is 65 m high and 142 m long and enters a tunnel in a tight curve above the Landwasser Valley. Another viaduct awaits you on the rest of the route, the Wiesen Viaduct. It may not be as famous, but it is almost 89 m high. Both viaducts are only about 3 km apart.

The mountains that you see from Chur on the left (northern) side belong to the Plessuralpen. The Lenzerhorn stands out clearly at 2906 m above sea level. Then you can see the Strelakette of the Plessuralpen on the same side. The Guggernellgrat at 2810 m above sea level is clearly visible.

The other side of the window (from Chur to the right or south) shows you the striking rock of Piz Mitgel southwest of Filisur, which reaches 3159 m above sea level. The slightly higher Piz Ela, at 3339 m above sea level, peeps out behind it. Further along the railroad line towards Davos , the Albula Alps reveal themselves in all their glory.

• Train ticket Chur - Davos via Filisur
• Chur to St. Moritz: By regional train along the world-famous Albula line

Between Chur and Filisur, the Rhaetian Railway follows the same route as the train journey to Davos. From Filisur, however, it heads south and, after the Landwasser Viaduct, also has several helical tunnels along the way. They are located between Bergün and Preda and also look very spectacular from below. In winter, a very popular toboggan run runs from Preda to Bergün.

From the right-hand side of the window, you can see the peaks of Piz Bial (3061 m above sea level) and Piz Ot (3247 m above sea level) of the Albula Alps quite clearly in the direction of St. Moritz . Later, Piz Nair (3030 m above sea level) comes into view. On its eastern slope you will find the popular St. Moritz ski area of Corviglia.

• Train ticket Chur - St. Moritz

• Between Bern and Lucerne through the Emmental valley

The Emmental lies in the hilly Bernese Plateau. The train runs from Bern via Langnau and also passes the Entlebuch, a huge biosphere that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To the west of Langnau (from Bern on the left-hand side of the journey) you can see the Blasenflue hill country, whose highest point is the Blasenflue at 1118 m above sea level. The train runs right through the middle of the 400 km² UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch Nature Park . Shortly before Lucerne, you will see the striking Pilatus on the right.

• Train ticket Bern - Lucerne

• Between Schaffhausen and Romanshorn: along the Rhine and Lake Constance

The train route between Schaffhausen and Romanshorn takes you through unique countryside and past a number of sights. Heading towards Romanshorn, you will see the Munot fortress towering high above the town right at the start of your journey in Schaffhausen. It has guarded the town of Schaffhausen since the 16th century. From the Feuerthalen train station, you have a more beautiful view on the left-hand side of the train. First you see the High Rhine, which you can see as far as the beautiful town of Stein am Rhein . After a brief look at the medieval houses on the other side of the Rhine, you will see the pilgrimage church of St. Otmar on a small island. The Lake Constance accompanies you on the left-hand side of the route for the rest of the way to Romanshorn. On the right-hand side, you will occasionally see vineyards.

• Train ticket Schaffhausen - Romanshorn
• Between St. Gallen and Wasserauen through the hilly landscape of Appenzell

This leisurely ride through the Appenzell countryside takes about an hour. As soon as you leave St. Gallen , a picture-book landscape begins on both sides of the train. Small villages with scattered buildings, interspersed with fields, meadows and forests. Heading towards Wasserauen, you will see the Hundwiler Höhi (1306 m above sea level), a popular vantage point, on the left. Later, on the other side, you can see the Alpstein massif in the distance. Its highest point is the summit of the Säntis (2502 m above sea level).

• Train ticket St. Gallen - Wasserauen

• Between Lausanne and Montreux through the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux wine landscape

The train journey between Lausanne and Montreux is unique. You can't sit on the "wrong" side of the train. Heading towards Montreux, you have a view of the beautiful Lake Geneva with its ships and boats on the right-hand side. But it's not boring on the left-hand side either. Here you will discover the huge Lavaux wine-growing region. The growing area covers around 830 hectares and is spectacularly situated on terraces on Lake Geneva . It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. The vines here benefit from the reflection of the sun's rays that shine on Lake Geneva. Additional heat is stored in the stone walls around the vines.

• Train ticket Lausanne - Montreux
• Between Interlaken Ost and Zermatt: along Lake Thun and through the Bernese and Valais Alps

You change trains twice on the way from Interlaken Ost to Zermatt, but the stunning scenery is your reward. The first stretch from Interlaken Ost takes you to Spiez. All along the route, you have a direct view of Lake Thun to the right and a good view of the Jungfrau region to the left. Incidentally, this route is part of the Golden Pass Express.

On the rest of the journey from Spiez to Visp and on to Zermatt, you travel right through the Bernese and Valais Alps. Between Visp and Zermatt, you cover part of the Glacier Express route. So you can look forward to wonderful views. In Zermatt , the four-thousand-metre peaks with the Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze await you.

• Train ticket Interlaken Ost - Zermatt

• Between St. Moritz and Alp Grüm: take the regional train over the Bernina Pass

Take the regional train between St. Moritz and Alp Grüm. On this route you travel through the Engadine Alps over the Bernina Pass. The alpine pass runs at 2235 m above sea level. Alp Grüm emerged from a Maiensäss and is a small settlement with a restaurant at the station. The view from its panoramic terrace is particularly spectacular.

• Train ticket St. Moritz - Alp Grüm

• The Centovalli Railway between Locarno and Domodossola

The Centovalli Railway connects Ticino with Italy and thus extends the Gotthard Railway line to the Simplon line in Domodossola.

The leisurely narrow-gauge railroad takes you through the "100 valleys" of the Centovalli and the adjoining Valle Vigezzo. You will pass through a number of tunnels and cross 83 bridges and viaducts. All around you will see a sleepy and largely untouched landscape with the River Melezza and beautiful waterfalls. Small Settlements are scattered across the landscape. It is not until you reach Italy that the villages through which the little train passes become somewhat larger. And you will notice that there are many churches along the route. The ride on the little train is a special experience.

• Train ticket Centovalli Railway

In a country with 5300 km of tracks, you will find one or two views on most train journeys that will make your heart beat faster. So buy a ticket, grab a window seat and press your nose against the window.

Table of contents

Top Destinations

• Lauterbrunnen
• Brienzwiler
• Château-d'Oex

Top Activities

Top attractions.

• Harder Kulm
• Jungfraujoch
• First Cliff Walk
• Museum of Transport
• Lake Lucerne
• Mount Titlis
• Schynige Plate
• Lake Geneva
• Eiger Glacier
• Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
• Lake Brienz
• Chillon Castle

10 of the Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland

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One of the amazing ways to soak in mountain views is not to get distracted with driving and focus on the road. These 10 handpicked most scenic train rides in Switzerland will show you how easy it is to travel, and share (or reduce) your carbon footprint.

European countries boast of a reliable train network and in certain destinations, it just takes travel to the next level – where you can drool at the mountains, lakes, and fairy-tale towns in the comfort of your seat. And in many ways, this is the best way to explore Swiss towns and their countryside.

10 Most scenic train rides in Switzerland to take your breath away

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How to plan and enjoy a scenic train ride in Switzerland

Switzerland is located in central Europe and it is surrounded by 5 countries – Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Germany to the north.

The capital of Switzerland is Bern. Click to read about the beautiful places to visit in Switzerland 

To prepare for your trip to Switzerland , here are some important tips. 

• Travel Documents and Schengen Visa : Switzerland doesn’t belong to the European Union, but it follows the Schengen agreement, which means if you require a visa to visit the Schengen list of countries then you will also need one for Switzerland. EU nationals are visa-exempt. Citizens of the US and Canada can stay up to 90 days without a visa. However, after 2023, an online authorization called eTIAS is required. 
• Currency : Swiss Francs are the official currency in Switzerland. Euros are rarely accepted but if they do change will be returned in Swiss Francs.  Credit cards are widely used. 
• Universal Travel Adaptor:  Don’t forget to pack your universal adaptor
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a MUST for your trip.   Click here to buy my favorite pair from KEEN

Read : 2 days in Switzerland itinerary | 5 day Switzerland itinerary

Recommended Small Group tour: Best Train rides in Switzerland 

If you are traveling solo or don’t wish to plan and manage bookings, consider booking a guided multi-day with G Adventures or Intrepid Travel (via TourRadar).

G Adventures has many small group tours on offer. These tours are conducted with 10-15 like-minded people and it includes transportation and accommodation, with some paid meals.

Sometimes heading on a group tour for solo travelers is much more convenient, safer, and also cheaper if you are on your own. Here is a small group tour to Switzerland, with other countries via the Glacier Express Train.

TourRadar runs sales on their site for various tour packages. 

Click to view Switzerland Package tours on TourRadar

Swiss Travel Rail Pass

Throughout the article, you will notice that we mention a Swiss Travel Pass , this is a savings card that will help you save on train rides throughout Switzerland. You can purchase the pass online and download it on your phone, prior to your trip.

You can choose a card, based on your length of stay in Switzerland . And of course enjoy unlimited rides during this time, including scenic panoramic train rides. 

Click to buy a Swiss Travel Pass here

Two other travel savings cards, worth considering are the Swiss Half and Eurail/Interrail Travel Pass

• Swiss Half Fare Card : This is another transport savings card for exploring Switzerland in a budget-friendly way, for long term stays. It provides a 50% discount on unlimited tickets to regular and premium trains, buses, and boats. Open ticket, and valid for one month. Click to view prices on the Swiss Half Fare Travel Card
• Eurail/Interrail Global Travel Pass : This open ticket rail pass is great for exploring Europe. It provides unlimited train rides for consecutive or flexible days to visit over 40,000 destinations across 33 countries in Europe, including Switzerland. You can read all about this travel pass here

The Glacier Express : The Slowest Express Train In The World

• Glacier Express > Starts in St Moritz > Landwasser Viaduct > Rhine Gorge > Oberalppass > Zermatt/Matterhorn
• Duration: 8 hours

The Glacier Express – the slowest fast train in the world, is not only one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland but is also one of the great railway journeys in the world. 

The scenery over the course of 300 km (184 miles), the eight-hour journey is spectacular. 

Starting in St Moritz, in Eastern Switzerland, it takes in the Landwasser Viaduct, with its six graceful stone arches, and the dramatic Rhine Gorge, before reaching the Oberalppass, which is the highest part of the journey at 2033 m.  

The Glacier Express’s final approach to Zermatt takes you through larch woods and the vineyards of the Valais region, with tantalizing glimpses of the mighty Matterhorn.

As with other Swiss trains, this is not a cheap ride: current ticket prices are 152 CHF for second class, and 268 CHF for a first-class ticket. In addition to these ticket prices, there is a compulsory seat reservation fee from 33 – 43 CHF depending on the season.

The seat reservation fee for the recently introduced Excellence Class is an eye-watering 420 CHF.

However, the good news is the Glacier Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and the Interrail / Eurail pass, subject to payment of the seat reservation fee. 

Whilst onboard, take advantage of the at-table dining service. For 45 CHF you can feast on a three-course lunch as you journey past epic landscapes, which is train travel at its very best.

Glacier Express is open all year round. 

Current ticket prices are 152 CHF for the second class, and 268 CHF for a first-class ticket. In addition to these ticket prices, there is a compulsory seat reservation fee from 33 – 43 CHF depending on the season. Save with the Swiss Travel Pass .

Places on this train ride include

• Saint Moritz: Known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, Saint Moritz is known for its world-class ski resorts. 
• Landwasser Viaduct: A popular symbol of Swiss scenic railways, the Landwasser Viaduct is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a single-track, 6-arched railway viaduct. 
• Rhine Gorge: Often referred to as the Swiss Grand Canyon, the Rhine Gorge has one of the most stunning landscapes in Switzerland. 
• Zermatt and Matterhorn: Located in southern Switzerland, Zermatt is the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn. 

The Golden Pass: Best train rides in Switzerland and beyond

• Golden Pass Line > Starts in Lucerne > Interlaken > Zweisimmen > Montreaux 
• Duration : 5.50 hours to one day

The Golden Pass is another popular scenic train ride in Switzerland . This route starts in Lucerne and connects to Montreux. The train route is an easy one and PERFECT for those short on time.

Lucerne is one hour away from Zurich and Montreaux is 75 minutes away, making it easy for transportation. The entire route can be done in 5.50 hours to a day. 

There 3 sections of the train – Lucerne to Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen and Zweisimmen to Montreux.

The first route is the GoldenPass Line and it will take you along Lake Lucerne and to Interlaken.

The trains in this section are referred to as the Luzern-Interlaken Express. The train departs from Lucerne and passes the foot of the Pilatus mountain. You can see Lake Lucerne every now and then, but you will soon leave it behind you.

The second route starts from Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen and offers amazing views of the Swiss countryside like farms, and valleys including Lake Thun peeking at you, every now and then. 

The last section is from Zweisimmen to Montreux, and with this, the train enters its highest point. Stops include the town of Gstaad, then it enters the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

The train passes through a deep, snow-covered valley. In some sections, the valley is quite narrow (the last section of the train route is under renovation until December 2022).

This train ride is included in the Swiss Travel Pass , and reservations are not necessary.

• Views: You can soak in views of Pilatus Mountain, Lake Thun, Swiss countryside.
• Interlaken: You can travel to Interlaken and explore this beautiful town in Switzerland. It lies on a thin stretch of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with old timber homes and parkland on either side of the Aare River. 
• Gstaad: One of the stops of the Golden Pass Line (last section) is the luxurious town of Gstaad. This town is known for shopping and amazing views of the Alps. Gstaad is also recognized for its ski slopes and cross-country tracks in winter.
• Montreux: Montreux is located on Lake Geneva and is a well-known resort town. It’s known for its mild microclimate and the Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place throughout July. The town’s promenade is bordered by flowers, sculptures, and pretty Mediterranean trees.

Bernina Express

• Bernina Express > Chur (or St Moritz) > Tirano, Italy 
• Duration : 4 hours 

The Bernina Express is a railway route that connects the town of Chur in eastern Switzerland, with the town of Tirano, in the Province of Sondrio, Italy, via the Bernina Pass.

The Bernina Express train journey is an experience like no other, with stunning huge windows, you can admire the stunning landscape and appreciate its variations from high alpine scenery on the Bernina Pass to a Mediterranean atmosphere, palm trees, and snow!

And all within a couple of hours – the entire train journey takes about 4 hours and touches the 2 countries – Switzerland and Italy. The train also runs along the World Heritage Site known as the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina.

Considered as a scenic sightseeing train, Bernina Express is very popular all year round, hence reservation is required. Both 1st and 2nd class coaches have large panoramic sealed windows all the way to the roof.

Other amenities on the train include free wifi and snacks. The train route is not escorted by a tour guide, you are on your own and you would be able to get off at any of the stops along the route.

However, keep in mind that the Bernina Express trains require reservations, so you would have to book your tickets accordingly.  

Tickets start at 30 CHF. A reservation fee of 14 CHF in summer (10 CHF in winter) is required. Learn more about the Bernina Express Tour .

• Saint Moritz: One of the starting points of the Bernina Express, it is known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice. It is also home to some of the popular ski resorts in Switzerland.
• Chur: Chur is a stunning Alpine city, which is known for its pretty car-free old town. The Brambrüesch aerial cableway in the city opens up to panoramic views and winter ski slopes. From Chur, the Bernina Express train crosses the Alps into Italy.
• Tirano: Tirano is located near the Switzerland-Italy boundary. With pristine views of the Alps on the Red Train, Tirano is now a known name on the scenic train rides list! 

Gotthard Panorama Express

• Gotthard Panorama Express > Starts in Lucerne with a boat tour > Fluelen > Lugano
• Duration : 5.50 hours

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a unique train and boat journey in Switzerland. The journey starts in Lucerne and concludes in Lugano (or vice versa).

It’s a 5.5-hour journey by sea and railway, with stunning scenery that ranges from high mountains to palms. The Gotthard railway line is a spectacular piece of railway engineering, with numerous spiral loops, bridges, and tunnels.

The first part of the Gotthard Panorama Express journey starts in Lucerne to Flüelen, with a motorboat or vintage steamer ride over the waters of Lake Lucerne.

Then you will be on to the second part of the journey via train from Flüelen to Lugano. And this is one of the most stunningly scenic train rides in Switzerland, and you travel for 2.50 hours from Flüelen to Lugano.

You can order drinks and snacks as you enjoy the views from your seat.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a great way to see some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery. 

A ticket costs just under 130 CHF for a second class train journey. The Gotthard Panorama Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and the Interrail / Eurail pass.

Places covered in this route:

• From the boat ride: See Lucerne City and Mount Rigi from the waters (Lake Lucerne)
• Pass through: Gotthard Tunnel and Loop Tunnel
• Lugano : Lugano is a beautiful city in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino. Its Swiss-Mediterranean blend of cultures is linked to that of northern Lombardy, Italy’s north. Lake Lugano lies on the city’s northern shore, surrounded by mountains.

Brienz Rothorn Bahn

• Brienz Rothorn Railway > Starts in Brienz (near Interlaken) > all the way to the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn
• Duration : 1 hour

The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland. Starting in the picturesque town of Brienz, not far from Interlaken, the historic steam railway chugs its way up the Rothorn mountain to the summit at 2,350 meters above sea level.

Not only is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn a steam-driven rack railway, but it is also unique in that the engine pushes the carriages rather than pulls them!

The Brienz Rothorn Bahn has been operating for more than 100 years and whilst today’s passengers travel in a little more comfort than they probably did a century ago, the carriages still provide the same stunning views.

As the train ascends the mountain, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Brienz, the Bernese Alps, and pretty alpine pastures from the train’s panoramic, fully-opening windows.  The entire journey, which covers 4.7 miles, takes just under an hour.

At the summit, there are a couple of restaurants to choose from and a number of hiking trails, if you fancy a bit of exercise. Or just sit and breathe in the fresh alpine air and admire the incredible vistas.

The Brienz Rothorn Bahn operates between early June and late October each year. 

Regular round trip adult fares are CHF 92 but Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders travel for half price. Click to buy

• Lake Brienz: Lake Brienz is a scenic lake, located north of the Alps. The popular Swiss town of Interlaken is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. 
• Views of the Bernese Alps and Interlaken

Schynige Platte Railway

• Schynige Platte Railway > Wilderswil (near Interlaken) > views of Lakes Thun and Brienz
• Duration: <1 hour

Located in Switzerland’s scenic Jungfrau region , a journey on the Schynige Platte Railway takes you back in time as well as through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. 

The route runs from Wilderswil, close to Interlaken, to the Schynige Platte viewpoint at 1420 meters above sea level. This traditional cogwheel railway is the oldest in the region, and passengers were originally carried by steam train when it opened in 1893. 

In 1914 they were changed to electric locomotives, and those same trains are still used on the line today, complete with vintage wooden bench seats and conductors in 19th-century-style uniforms.

At just 7.3 kilometers and under an hour in duration, it might be one of the shorter Swiss scenic train rides, but it packs a lot in along the way. 

The steep 25% incline means it slowly zig-zags its way uphill, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery, with dense forests, flower-filled Alpine meadows, mountain peaks, and panoramas of Lakes Thun and Brienz below. 

Make sure to sit on the right of the train on the way up for the best views. And once you reach the top there’s a network of hiking routes to get out and explore the mountains.

The Schynige Platte Railway runs from the end of May until the end of October, with departures around every 40 minutes from Wilderswil.

A return ticket costs CHF 64, with a 50% discount for Swiss Travel Pass holders or 25% off with an Interrail/Eurail pass .

• Wilderswil: The village of Wilderswil is located just 5 minutes from Interlaken. It is a quintessential Swiss resort town, just like its neighbor Interlaken; and offers amazing views, outdoor recreation options, and convenient connections to many of central Switzerland’s top attractions. 
• Views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz

Mount Rigi Cogwheel Train 

• Mount Rigi cogwheel train > Starts in Vitznau (45 minute train ride from Lucerne) > Rigi Kulm 
• Duration: 30 minutes

Switzerland is home to innumerable charming train rides in the mountains, but did you know which was the first of these magical trains? Head on to Mount Rigi to travel on Europe’s oldest mountain railway!

The cogwheel train that takes you on a steep ride up to the Queen of the Mountains is a trip we recommend to everyone visiting Switzerland – it’s just so beautiful!

As you head up the mountain in the train, you see the expanse of Lake Lucerne stretched out below you – so breathtakingly spectacular that no pictures could ever do it justice.

You cross lush green, flower-covered pastures with cows grazing over them, with only the sound of tinkling cowbells around you.

During the winter season, this is replaced by incredible views of untouched snow. Further up, you can see more lakes and mountains – it almost feels like you’re in an aircraft flying low above the ground!

The Mount Rigi cogwheel train is a relatively short ride – about 30 minutes, but every minute is very photogenic!

The train starts from Vitznau and goes all the way up to Rigi Kulm, the peak of this mountain. Vitznau is located very close to Lucerne and you could take a train (~45 minutes) or a ferry (~1 hour) to get there.

The ferry is hands down the best way to get to Vitznau – you get to enjoy the spectacular Lake Lucerne from up close!

The return ticket on this train costs 36 CHF but do you know what the best part is? It’s FREE with the Swiss Pass! The entire journey from Lucerne, including the ferry and the cogwheel train, is completely covered with the Swiss Pass!

• Views of Lake Lucerne : One of the scenic lakes in central Switzerland and also the fourth largest in the country.
• Vitznau: Vitznau lies at the foot of Mount Rigi, and is located in the Canton of Lucerne. It is known as an idyllic resort town, with close access to Lake Lucerne. 
• Mount Rigi: Mount Rigi is also located in central Switzerland, and it is surrounded by the waters of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, making it ever so pretty and picturesque.

Europe’s Highest Open-air Cog Railway to see Matterhorn

• Zermatt > Gornergrat 
• Duration: 33 minutes

Wish to see the iconic Matterhorn? From Montreux or Zurich, it is an easy train ride to Zermatt, where you have to go to see the famous Matterhorn. 

From Zermatt, which is a pretty ski town, with all that entails, there’s a “cog” train that chugs up the mountain to Gornergrat, where you get an up-close and straight view of the famous Matterhorn . 

The train is Europe’s highest open-air cog railway and brings passengers from Zermatt station (1,620 m) to the summit of the Gornergrat, 365 days a year. The ride takes 33 minutes and involves a vertical climb of 1,469 meters. There are stops at four ski areas on the way up.

That train leaves from the station right across the street from the main Zermatt station. The line is not part of the Swiss rail system, so neither the Eurail nor the Swiss Pass works for the return fare, although with a Swiss Pass you get a 50 percent discount. 

The non-discounted fares from Zermatt to Gornergrat vary by season from 80 to 118 CHF or Swiss Francs (82 to 121 USD.)

The Matterhorn is one of the last great mountains to be climbed. The first recorded ascent of its sheer sides was by the famed English mountaineer Edward Whymper in 1865. Whymper was also responsible for the first ascents of many peaks of the Andes.

A little-known fact: the south face of the mountain is actually in Italy.

The regular train fares from Zermatt to Gornergrat vary by season from 80 to 118 CHF (82 to 121 USD). The line is not part of the Swiss rail system, so neither the Eurail nor the Swiss Pass works for the return fare, although with a Swiss Pass you get a 50 percent discount.

• Zermatt and Matterhorn: Zermatt is located in southern Switzerland, and is known as a ski resort town. The iconic Matterhorn can be seen from the lanes of Zermatt.  

Interlaken to Jungfraujoch Scenic Train Ride in Switzerland

• Interlaken > Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald > Wengernalp rack railway > Kleine Scheidegg > Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch > Top of Europe
• Duration: Varies 

In the Bernese Alps, the Jungfraujoch is a glacial saddle on the Aletsch Glacier that connects the Jungfrau and Mönch mountains (both are peaks over 4000 m high). 

The Jungfraujoch itself is 3,466 m (11,371 ft) above sea level. This stunning region is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch area and is located on the boundary between Bern and Valais.

Visitors have been accessing the Jungfraujoch by train since 1912 by traveling to the Jungfraujoch railway station, which is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters (11,332 ft). 

The station sits below the Sphinx Observatory, which is one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories with a viewing platform where you can gaze at the Aletsch Glacier.

The Top of Europe building has restaurants and cafes with panoramic views. There are tunnels leading to the Ice Palace, with sculptures, and outdoors onto the glacier, where you can do activities like skiing and hiking.

You can get to the Jungfrau via Interlaken. Travel from Interlaken Ost station on the Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald then change trains to the Wengernalp rack railway and go to Kleine Scheidegg.

From Kleine Scheidegg, board the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. The train stops at Eigerwand (Eiger Wall) and Eismeer (Sea of Ice) Stations, where the views are amazing.

The journey from Interlaken-Ost takes about two hours. Ticket prices from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch cost CHF 210.

• Interlaken: Interlaken is known as the town of two lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both of which oozes emerald colors. It is located in central Switzerland in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. 
• Lauterbrunnen: Lauterbrunnen is a gorgeous Swiss village, located just an hour away from the capital city of Bern. It is one of those fairytale-like towns in Switzerland with pretty houses, surrounded by waterfalls. Lauterbrunnen is also known as the valley of 72 waterfalls. It is convenient to access the Bernese Alps – the Jungfrau from Lauterbrunnen.  
• Grindelwald : Grindelwald is another idyllic Swiss village, which is a popular getaway to the Bernese Alps, and the Jungfrau Region. 
• Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe : Jungfraujoch is home to the highest train station in Europe “top of Europe”, and it connects the glacial pass and mountain peaks of the Jungfrau and the Mönch mountains. 

Arosa Line – Rhaetian Railway – An alternative to the Bernina Express

• Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city > Resort town of Arosa (similar to the Bernina Express, but the trip starts and ends in Switzerland)
• Duration: 1 hour

Switzerland is famous for its amazing mountain landscapes and the best way to take them all in is by taking a scenic train ride. 

You must have heard of Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gornergrat Railways, etc. Well, all of these are fabulous rides, but here is a little secret – they are not the best that Switzerland has to offer.

As a Swiss local, let me tell you there’s a little red train that very few people know about – similar to the Bernina Express – that offers similar views but for a fraction of the cost and time and without the crowds? The train line is the Arosa Line, which is part of the Rhaetian Railway.

This journey starts from Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, and takes exactly an hour, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the mountain resort of Arosa . 

In this hour you will gain 1000 meters of elevation and you will be gazing in awe at conifer forests, pristine mountain lakes and snow-capped mountains, and many tiny traditional villages.

Keep your camera ready, as you will be able to take pictures of the train crossing impressive viaducts.

If you are traveling with children, there’s a special bear-themed family carriage with books and cards to take part in a scavenger hunt. 

In five spots along the Arosa Line, you will also see statues of wooden bears, each holding a letter of the alphabet. Write them down and unscramble them to answer the question “what do bears eat?” (it’s in German, HONIG is the answer).

Once you get to Arosa, enjoy some relaxing time at the amazing mountain resort. 

Take the cable car behind the station to reach the new Arosa bear sanctuary and see bears in their habitat, from a viewing platform. 

From there, another cable car ride will take you to the top of the Weisshorn mountain (2653 m) for 360 degrees views. 

If bears don’t interest you, you can enjoy a stroll around the village lake (it’s right outside the station) and go paddle-boarding or else hike the Squirrel Trail, which is easily accessible with strollers, too. Bring some nuts, as you will be able to feed squirrely directly from your hand.

The return journey from Chur (adults) only costs CHF 30.40 return.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of the scenic train rides in Switzerland and found our tips useful! 

Other posts on Switzerland travel tips

• Swiss Itinerary: Guide to 7 days in Switzerland: suggested itinerary
• Places to see in Switzerland: Best places to visit in Switzerland
• Switzerland in winter: Switzerland winter destinations from Lake Geneva, Zurich, Zermatt, and more
• Zurich Guide: Zurich City guide and itinerary 
• Zurich Hotels Guide: Best places and hotels in Zurich
• Zurich to Liechtenstein: A day trip guide to Liechtenstein

Pin: 10 Swiss Scenic trains to take this year 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a collaborative post curated with the help of travelers/bloggers from across the globe – names and links can be found under each scenic train ride. 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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1: st moritz ↔ tirano, 2: andermatt ↔ chur, 3. grindelwald > kleine scheidegg > lauterbrunnen, 4. chur ↔ st moritz, 5. zug ↔ bellinzona via goschenen:, 6: alpnachstad ↔ pilatus-kulm, 7: vitznau ↔ rigi kulm, 8. zermatt ↔ gornegrat, discover switzerland on a bookmundi tour, 9: brig ↔ spiez via kandersteg:, 10. montreux ↔ zweisimmen (golden pass):, please support showmethejourney.

Twenty Beautiful Swiss Train Journeys: part one

A guide to the 20 most spectacular train journeys in Switzerland, packed with tips and info!

Having been lucky enough to make several visits to Switzerland in order to travel on its beautiful railways, ShowMeTheJourney has produced this list of 20 incredible Swiss train rides. It had been a Top 15 (hence the web address of the page) but expanding it to a Top 20 has been on the wish-list; so here is part two .

The weather plays a significant role in how you will experience these journeys, but one key piece of advice plucked from the 10 tips for making the most of Swiss railway journeys is that cloudy days can actually enhance a Swiss train ride. Dazzling sunshine can cast shadows across viewpoints and bounce the light around the train windows.

Though being both a railway fan and a landscape fan, some of my personal wow moments are triggered by the incredible feats of engineering; the bridges and tunnels, which have made these journeys possible. I suspect I'm not alone in this, so whether a railway line includes some remarkable engineering has been factored in to producing this list.

What's also been taken into account are the 'wow moments' which make a traveller gasp with delight, those fairly brief, but outstanding sights which can suddenly comes into view during a journey.

A journey on a Swiss Mountain Railway can also be enhanced by the type of bird's-eye view stretching off into the distance, similar to the vistas that can usually only be seen if you’ve made the effort to hike up a mountain. And the greater the number of lovely lakes and rivers which can be seen, the better!

Lake: Yes Wow Moments: Yes River : Yes Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: Yes

What makes it special:

This train ride on the Bernina Route of the Rhateian (RhB) Railway is a journey of six distinct phases 1: St Moritz <> Bernina Suot via Pontresina 2: Bernina Suot <> Alp Grum 3: Alp Grum <> Cavaglia 4: Cavaglia <> Poschiavo 5: Poschiavo <> Miralago 6: Miralogo <> Tirano What makes this train ride so special is that each of those parts of the journey have distinct highlights; note how it's the only route on this list with a 'yes' against all the four criteria!

The videos were captured when travelling in the opposite direction from Tirano to St Moritz.

The third phase of the journey comes when the train exits the pass just to the north of Alp-Grum station the on-board commentary available on all of the trains which follow this route, will point out the view of the glacier on the other side of Lago Palu.

The fourth phase of a southbound journey commences at Cavaglia station , between there and Poschiavo station the railway loops like a snake on the mountain side; and on this part of the route, at the top of this summit, there are second-to-none views from a train to revel in.

Because the railway loops across the mountain side, so that the trains can descend and ascend between Cavaglia and Poschiavo, there are incredible views back down the valley, from both sides of the train.

The highlight of the fifth phase of the journey between Poschiavo and Miralago station , are the beautiful views of the lake, the Lago di Poschiavo, along with the river to the south Poschiavo station, they are both on the left when heading south towards Tirano; so are on the right when heading north.

Between Miralago and Tirano the railway follows a valley and here the best of the views switch to the right when travelling south.

At the foot of this valley, just to the north of Tirano is the uniquely fabulous Brusio Spiral Viaduct .

Good to know:

This video was taken from a train travelling from Tirano to St Moritz and it showcases the weather extremes, which can be experienced on this trip.

The section of the route through the Bernina Pass had experienced a heavy snow fall on the previous day, but just a five minute train ride away to the south of the pass, there was no snow to be seen at all; so quite the wow moment, but sadly not guaranteed on every journey!

Connections:

Don’t assume that because of its location in the south-east corner of Switzerland that the Bernina Railway is awkward to access. The Bernina Express is the only service to operate direct between Chur and Tirano, but if want to travel between those two locations on the regular Rheatian Railway trains , very straightforward connections are available in every hour during the day at Samedan and Pontresina stations; easier than travelling via St Moritz and you won’t miss out on any scenic highlights .

If you will be using a rail pass , a day return trip to Tirano by train is feasible from most cities in northern Switzerland including Basel , Zurich and Bern though when travelling from Basel or Bern you'll need to set off by 08:00.

Tirano also has trains from Milano , so if you will be travelling with an InterRail or Eurail Pass, you can make the ultimate day trip by train from Milano. Head to Zurich from Milano via Tirano, Pontresina, Samedan and Chur and then return to Milano from Zurich on the EuroCity train.

Holidays: This route is also featured in multiple Swiss rail holiday packages on which ShowMeTheJourney users can obtain a 5% discount, including:

• the Classic Grand Tour
• the Classic Grand Tour plus Jungfraujoch
• all Alpine Cruise holidays
• the Grand Tour: Winter Edition

Lake: Yes Wow Moments: Yes River : No Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: No

The heights attained by a mountain railway inevitably impacts on the journey experience, the views from the train windows will stretch further into the distance, but what matters more is that at higher altitudes there is less vegetation by the railway line, so there are fewer trees etc to block the views.

The views back down the valley over Andermatt are breath-taking

and because the railway between Andermatt and Natschen station , loops like a snake in order to climb the mountain side, the glorious vista can be appreciated from both sides of the train.

However, when boarding in Andermatt, or at a station further west, try to sit on the right, because between Natschen and Disentis/Muster the best of the views can all be seen from that side of the train; so sit on the left when boarding at Disentis/Muster.

The Oberalp Pass is so high that the railway is above the tree-line for this part of the journey, so nothing gets in the way of taking in the dramatic scenery.

As the railway approaches Oberalppass station , a lake, the Oberalpsee, can be seen on the right.

Immediately to the east of Oberalppass station the trains will pass through a tunnel and between the tunnel and Disentis/Muster station, the railway follows a valley.

What makes this section of the MGB line special is that the railway is located high up on the side of the valley, the trains very gradually descend or ascend as they head to or from Disentis/Muster; and this elevation allows for stunning views.

At Disentis/Muster station there are easy connections to/from Rhaetian Railway (Rhb) trains which call at Reichenau-Tamins, (which is also on the Chur <> St Moritz route).

Those Rhb trains connect Disentis/Muster with Chur, so if you will be travelling with a rail pass, this route is easily accessible from Basel and Zurich by connecting at Chur.

A short route operated by MGB links Andermatt with Goschenen station so by connecting there, this is another route which links both Basel and Zurich with Andermatt . So if you will be staying in Zurich, a great day trip itinerary with a rail pass is to follow a Zurich > Goschenen > Andermatt > Disentis/Muster > Chur > Zurich route.

The Mattherhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) operates the longest Swiss Mountain Railway route and it stretches from Disentis/Muster in the east to Zermatt in the west via Visp. Though if you will be taking the regular MGB trains, Andermatt is the station where connections have to be made with trains which travel between Andermatt and Disentis/Muster and trains that travel between Andermatt and Visp via Brig .

The Glaicer Express travels this route during its epic journey, because it is the only service which operates direct along the full length of the MGB railway and it also uses the RhB railways beyond Disentis/Muster, so that it can travel to and from St Moritz .

Tickets for the train journey between Andermatt and Disentis/Muster can be booked on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn website , they won't be discounted if you book in advance, but you can follow the link to check the prices. Swiss Travel Passes and both Eurail and InterRail passes can be used on the MGB trains - until a few years ago Eurail and InterRail pass users only provided for a discount. If you have one of these passes you only have to pay the reservation fee to travel by The Glacier Express = a significant saving on the full price.

• the Panaromic Tour of the Golden Pass holidays.

Lake: No Wow Moments: Yes River : Yes Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: Yes

The Wengeralpbahn doesn’t operate direct trains between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, connections have to be made at Kleine Scheidegg station – so if you will be travelling up to Jungfraujoch by train, the best idea is to travel one direction via Grindelwald and then travel the other via Lauterbrunnen.

This route operated by WAB – the Wengernalpbahn is the world's longest rack and pinion railway and trains have to use this technology when making particularly steep ascents of mountains. Climbing mountains inevitably makes for fantastic views, so for those not minded to be attached to ropes and crampons, this Grindelwald <> Lauterbrunen route offers that type of birds-eye perspectives for a greater percentage of the train ride, than any other journey on this list.

And because the line ascends and descends up to Kleine-Scheidegg station by two different routes, the end-to-end journey by these trains offers multiple long-distance vistas over the stunning landscape of the Bernese-Oberland.

When joining trains at the main station in Grindelwald , take a forward facing seat on the right, because the train will reverse direction at the next station, Grindelwald-Grund. Between that station and Kleine-Scheidegg the best of the views are over on the left, looking back down the mountain side.

When travelling between Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg there are some fabulous views from both sides of the trains, but the best of the vistas, shortly after departure from Lauterbrunnen and Wengen stations are on the right when ascending up the mountain. Though the video below was taken looking to the left as the train FROM Kleine Schiedegg, travelling down the mountain, nearing Lauterbrunnen.

What to look out for:

The two outstanding wow moments occur on the part of the journey between Lauterbrunnen and Kleine-Scheidegg; you won't miss them because the conductor on the train will point them out, though to make the most of them you need to be sat on the right when boarding at Lauterbrunnen, or on the left when descending from Kleine-Scheidegg.

If you want to make the epic journey from Interlaken to Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch you will need to take these trains, making connections at either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen stations and at Kleine Scheidegg station. The route taken by the JB Railway trains up to Jungfraujoch, doesn’t make this list of Switzerland’s most beautiful railway journeys, because all but the first five minutes of that journey is in tunnels. The charming routes taken by the BOB (Bernese-Oberland-Bahn) trains between Interlaken Ost station and both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are also eclipsed by this Grindelwald <> Lauterbrunnen journey.

At Lauterbrunnen connections are also available with the BLM cable car and railway to Muren .

In common with users of Swiss Travel Passes, if you will be travelling with a Eurail or InterRail pass, you have to pay 75% of ticket price to travel on this route operated by WAB – the Wengernalpbahn .

But if you will be using Swiss Travel Passes to see Switzerland by train, you can travel on all of the other routes on this list without paying any of the 'ticket costs'. (For InterRail and Eurail users, the only other line on this list which incurs a percentage of the ticket price is the Vitznau <> Rigi-Kulm route).

On the advice to using Eurail and InterRail passes in Switzerland it’s suggested that it’s not worth travelling on the lines on which users of those passes can’t travel for free, because it’s possible to travel on so many fabulous routes without incurring extra costs. But this journey between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen is so fabulous that it justifies being an exception!

Though two previous attempts at making this journey were thwarted by rain and mist back down in Interlaken. Therefore try and plan your Swiss rail journey itinerary so that you're not committed to travelling every day, then you can take advantage of when the weather conditions are right to make journeys such as this; and do something different, like a museum visit, on they days which aren't ideal for travelling.

This route is also featured in multiple Swiss rail holiday packages on which ShowMeTheJourney users can obtain a 5% discount, including:

• The Best Of Switzerland themed holiday
• the Famous Mountain Peaks By Train themed holiday
• the Classic Grand Tour Plus Jungfraujoch
• the Golden Pass Holiday - Panoramic Round Trip.

Although the blink and you'll miss it view down the valley, as the trains travel across the viaduct (on the right when heading south to St Moritz and on the left when travelling towards Chur), is eclipsed by some of the other incredible views that can be seen from trains travelling along this Albula Railway .

Journey highlights:

When HEADING SOUTH, the best views are of;

• the River Rhine between Chur and Reichenau-Tamins,
• the Lake Alora north of Tiefencastel ,
• the views looking down on that village and the village named Surava

So if you will be heading north from St Moritz try to find seats on the left; and if you want to see the viaduct, then occupy backwards facing seats.

....and between Bergun station and Preda station , to the north of the Albula Tunnel.

If you will be joining one of the regular hourly trains heading towards St Moritz at Chur station , there should be a simple as can be cross-platform connection with the IC train from Zurich , take a seat on the right-hand side when facing the direction of travel. Some of these trains to Chur commence their journeys in Basel.

When heading south you can make an easy connection in Samedan for a short hop train ride to Pontresina, where the connection into trains on to Tirano (route 1:) is also as simple as can be. If you will be using a rail pass to travel around Switzerland then a day trip by train to St Moritz from Basel, Zurich and other northern Swiss cities is actually straightforward.

Tickets for the regular and special trains* can be purchased online , but you won't save money by booking in advance. * The Glacier Express travels over this route - and between Disentis/Muster and Andermatt (route 2) and between Visp and Zermatt (route 15).

During the winter special observation cars can be attached to the regular trains, rail pass users have to pay a supplement to travel in them, but if you'll be using a pass you can take a seat in the regular trains. The journey between Chur and St Moritz is scheduled to take exactly two hours.

This is a popular route and at Chur station second class can become very busy prior to departure, so as the best of the views are on the right when heading south from there, it can be a good idea to hang back and take the next departure.

Take an IR train and not the express IC or EC trains from Zug (or Zurich) to Bellinzona to make the most of this stunning route, the journey by IR trains will be twice as long, but you won't regret an extra minute spent on the trains. That’s because those direct express trains now dive into the epic Gotthard Base Tunnel , but the IR trains still travel over this incredible Gotthard Railway and through the older Gotthard Tunnel .

If the IC trains between Zurich and Basel <> Bellinzona, Lugano and Milano still travelled via Goschenen and the older Gotthard Tunnel, this route would be near the top of a list of Europe's most beautiful journeys by express trains. There are views over three lakes, with the most beautiful of these being the Zugersee; hence the suggestion to travel to/from Zug, plus there are multiple wow moments to be experienced as the trains ascend and descend to the older Gotthard Tunnel.

When trains are on the usual route south of Zug, the views of the lake are on the right.

The entire journey between Zug and Bellinzona is a scenic wonder, but the two most special wow moments of this journey on the older Gotthard Line, now by-passed by the express trains, are: (1) the multiple views over the village Wassen between Erstfeld and Goschenen station.

Because the railway uses circular spirals cut into the mountain sides to gain height, these views above can be seen from both sides of the train, though when travelling south from Erstfeld towards Bellinzona, the best of the views are on the left.

Though these tend to be fairly quiet trains, so shuttling across the train from one side to the other, without disturbing your fellow travellers shouldn't be a problem.

(1) At Arth Goldau station a straightforward and step-free connection is available into the Blue Route up to the summit of Mt Rigi, then at Rigi-Kulm station you can make the simple change of trains into the red Rigi-Bahn route down to Vitznau (route 7).

(2) The trains between Erstfeld and Bellinzona call at Goschenen station where there is a connection with the short route railway operated by the Mattherhorn-Gotthard (MGB) Railway to Andermatt. From there, trains operated by MGB travel east on route 2 towards Disentis/Muster and west on route 18 towards Zermatt.

Fluelen station on the shore of the Luzernsee is where the Gotthard Panoramic Express can be boarded and that train follows this route from there to Bellinzona – and on to Locarno. So if you will be using a rail pass, you can follow the same route taken by that fairly expensive train.

• the Footsteps Of James Bond themed holiday (Goschenen to Brig)
• the Hidden Treasures of The Grand Tour

Lake: Yes Wow Moments: Yes River : No Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: Yes

The Pilatusbahn station in Alpnachstad is steps away from the station on the ZB Railway , which is served by trains which depart Luzern every 30mins. But the Luzern to Interlaken Express trains live up to their name and pass through Alpmachstad without stopping calling there. So if you'll be heading to the Pilatusbahn from Interlaken and other stations to the west, you will need to make a simple connection in Giswill.

The station at Vitznau can be accessed by Lake cruiser boats that depart from a pier located in front of Luzern station ; Swiss Travel Pass and Saver Day Pass users can travel on these boats free of charge, while Eurail and InterRail pass users can obtain a 50% discount.

This train journey between Vitznau and Mt-Rigi only offers two different perspectives, both of which are of Lake Lucerne. However, those two vistas are so wonderful, that they earned this line its place in the top half of these rankings. Though ShowMeTheJourney is attempting not to show favouritism because the stunning sunbursts, which I was lucky to experience on my most recent journey, obviously can’t be guaranteed.

So if there are no seats on that side of the train available when boarding in Vitznau, the advice is to hang back for 30 minutes, so that you can be among the first to board the next train. And don’t make the mistake I made when first taking this journey, of moving over to the right to allow more latecomers to squeeze on to the train; this is a route when being a tad selfish pays dividends.

The views over Lake Lucerne are in two phases, when ascending up the mountain for the initial 20 minutes of the ride, as far as Rigi Staffelhohe station , you’ll be looking south towards Burgenstock.

If the visibility is good, it can be worth walking down from Rigi-Kulm, so that you can join the trains heading back down to Vitznau, or Arth-Goldau, at Rigi-Staffel station .

The videos were taken from a train descending down the mountain towards Vitznau.

Lake: No Wow Moments: Yes River : No Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: No

It is the variety of the scenery which can be enjoyed during the rides which earned most of these Top 10 journeys their places, but on the Gornegrat Railway there are only four vistas to be experienced; all of which can be seen on the right when ascending from Zermatt.

The GGB Railway's station in Zermatt is across the street from the station used by the MGB trains which link Zermatt to mainline trains in Visp and Brig.

If you are planning on making a day trip to Zermatt in order to take a ride on the Gornergratbahn allow plenty of time, particularly if you will be making the trip on a sunny day, or at a weekend. I had planned to make the journey as part of a somewhat ambitious one-day itinerary which also included the railway to Vallorcine. However, when I arrived in Zermatt there was a lengthy queue at the ticket office for the GGB trains, I was told that I'd be taking the third train to depart - as the next two departures would be full! Which meant that I didn't have time to make the trip.

This journey is also included in multiple Swiss rail holiday packages on which ShowMeTheJourney users can obtain a 5% discount!

• the Grand Tour Of Switzerland: Winter Edition

Most Popular Tours

1: Starting and ending in Zurich, the "Contrasts Of Switzerland" tour is a guided cruise trip that takes 8 days on which you will travel through Zurich, Geneva and St Moritz in Switzerland. " All aboard for one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys as this tour includes the full journey on the Glacier Express. It’s a gem of a trip featuring life in tiny villages and sophisticated cities, not to mention Zermatt with its typical, cosy Swiss appeal. As the first ever fully Swisstainable trip, your journey supports the Swisstainable sustainability initiative to enjoy nature first-hand and up close, authentically experience the local culture, consume regional products that support communities, and delve deeper into each destination by staying longer.

2: Starting in Zurich and ending in Bern, the "Best Of Switzerland" tour is a guided city sightseeing tour that takes 10 days. You will travel through Bulle, Lauterbrunnen, Zurich and 3 other destinations in Switzerland on a small group tour which includes accommodation in hotels, meals and transport, including multiple trips by train. Beginning in Zurich, head to historic St Gallen, lakeside Lucerne, adrenaline-filled Interlaken and cheese-obsessed Gruyeres before finishing in the nation's quaint capital, Bern.

3: Starting in Zurich and end in Geneva, the "Magical Switzerland" tour is a guided natural landmarks sightseeing trip that takes 7 days. You will travel through St Moritz, Andermatt and Geneva in Switzerland. "Magical Switzerland" is a group tour which includes accommodation in hotels, meals and transport which include multiple trips by train, including a journey on The Glacier Express from St Moritz to Andermatt. Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me.

4: Starting in Meiringen and ending in Zermatt, the trip "The Bernese Oberland And Reichenbach Falls" is a self-guided walking tour that takes 8 days and includes accommodation, transport, meals and others A fantastic introduction to the delights of Swiss Alps hiking including stays in famous Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen & Zermatt. Each day, you can choose from a range of walks including maps, route notes and GPX files. There are many opportunities for spending time sightseeing and utilising the extensive, Swiss mountain transport system to shorten walks. You travel to the two most spectacular and classical postcard regions of the Swiss Alps. The peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau overlook the valley towns of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, while the celebrated mountain town of Zermatt lies just below the towering Matterhorn.

There are many other tours and experiences to choose from.

Lake: No Wow Moments: Yes River : No Bird’s Eye Views : Yes Impressive Engineering: Yes

For around 10 minutes the views over the town of Visp are very reminiscent of those that would be seen from a plane. So this railway journey is ideal for those seeking a sense of ‘feels like flying’, while remaining on terra firma.

The wow moment is the first sight of this incredible view when heading south towards Brig; keep looking to the right once the train has exited the Lotschberg Tunnel.

North of the Lotschberg Tunnel, the scenery between Kandersteg and Spiez showcases the beauty of the lovely Kander Valley - look out for when the trains crosses the Kander Viaduct.

If you will be travelling to/from Bern, then north of Spiez look out for the views over the Thunersee, they will be on the right when heading north, so will be on the left when heading south.

The only passenger trains which now travel on this older line are the hourly local trains which are branded ‘ Lotschberger ’ - the journey between Brig and Spiez takes 1hr 10mins.

Some of these trains now travel between Domodossola in Italy and Bern , thereby providing a cheaper and more scenic alternative to taking the EC express trains for those travelling travelling between Switzerland and Italy with Eurail and InterRail passes. If you will be travelling between northern Switzerland and Brig with a rail pass, making the straightforward connections in Bern or Spiez so that you can travel on the Lotschberger trains, instead of taking the IC trains for the Bern <> Brig part of the journey is highly recommended.

Though something worth keeping in mind is that the Lotschberger trains don’t call at Visp.

At Brig station you can connect into the Mattherhorn-Gotthard Railway which operates trains west (route 15) to Zermatt and east (route 2) towards Andermatt.

From Spiez you can take trains on to Interlaken - which is route 14 on the Top 20 At Interlaken connections can be made with trains on to Luzern (which is route 11); or up to the Berner-Oberand (route 3),

Or from Speiz you can head west to Zwiesimmen in order to take the spectacular route to Montreux (route 10.

The views over Lake Geneva are similar to those which can be enjoyed on the Lausanne <> Fribourg journey (route 11), but what earns this journey a higher ranking on this list is that those lake views aren’t the only spectacular sight to be seen from these trains.

When heading east from Montreux as far as Gstaad, the best of the views are on the right, but if spare seats are available, move over to the left hand side of the train at Gstaad station (so flip this, if you will be travelling towards Montreux).

As the trains depart from Gstaad station and head east towards Saanen , the railway line is elevated slightly, which provides for great views down the valleys - from the left when heading towards Zweisimmen.

Then another highlight is just to the west of Zweisimmen station , as the railway descends/ascends to the village.

MOB brands this journey between Montreux and Zweisimmen as its ‘Golden Pass’ Route’, but the full Golden Pass route is actually the end to end trip by train in either direction across central Switzerland between Montreux and Luzern via Zweisimmen and Interlaken. A fabulous train ride which also includes the journeys between Luzern and Interlaken (route 11) and between Spiez and Interlaken (route 14 that are featured in part two .

The new Golden Pass Express service is now providing the first ever direct trains between Montreux and Interlaken.

Tickets can be purchased online , you won't save money by booking in advance, but you will have a seat reservation on the trains; places in the observation cars can sell out in advance. What's unusual is that MOB operates three other types of train on this route, though there is only one departure per hour and the type of train being used doesn't affect the ticket price; rail passes allow for free travel on any train.

Connections

Montreux is served by 2 x trains per hour from Geneva , which travel via Lausanne and from the south there are trains from Brig via Visp, most of which call at Martigny where connections are available to/from trains on the Mont Blanc Express route (route 10).

Zweisimmen has hourly trains to Spiez, where connections are available to the Lotschberger trains to Brig (route 8) - so a wonderful and easy circular day trip route is available, if you will be staying in the Brig area. Take a Brig > Montreux > Zweisimmen > Spiez > Brig via Kandersteg route.

Some of those trains on from Zweisimmen continue beyond Spiez to Interlaken, but others are direct to and from Bern. Plus there are hourly trains from Lausanne and Geneva to Montreux. So if you will be staying in either of these cities, taking a Geneve/Lausanne > Montreux > Zweisimmen > Bern > Geneve/Lausanne route makes for a comparatively easy day trip by train.

The Golden Pass route is also included in multiple Swiss rail holiday packages on which ShowMeTheJourney users can obtain a 5% discount!

• 'The Classic' Grand Tour
• the Golden Pass Holidays - Panoramic Round Trip and The Golden Pass Tour

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So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

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So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

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8 of the Best Switzerland Scenic Train Trips: a Complete Travel Guide (includes map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 12, 2023

Think of Switzerland and beautiful mountains , stunning lakes and jaw-dropping scenery immediately come to mind. Swiss chalets decorated with bright flowers clustered in quaint villages and towns on valley floors or perched on mountainsides or on the edge of its many lakes. 

Over the last 30 years, I have lived and worked in Switzerland (in Basel and in a small town on the shores of Lake Geneva) as well as visited numerous times to see family living just outside Zurich .

As someone who loves train travel (and in particular scenic train rides), Switzerland offers so many possibilities on one of the most punctual and well-run rail systems in the world. It is also where you will find some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Gornergrat Train

The gotthard panorama express, brienz rathorn bahn, the schynige platte railway, locations of the swiss scenic train trips, glacier express, interlaken to lauterbrunnen, the bernina express, where to book your tickets for swiss train travel, plan your swiss train travels.

SAVE MONEY and enjoy unlimited travel in Switzerland by train bus, boat and public transport with the Swiss All-in-One Travel Pass.

• Travel all over Switzerland with a Swiss Rail pass, valid all over the country.
• Choose between a 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive day pass.
• Make your trip to Switzerland as easy as possible with a rail pass that gives you unlimited access to the Swiss train network
• Explore the Glacier Express, Golden Pass Line, Bernina Express, and other panoramic train routes

8 beautiful Switzerland scenic train routes

One of the best experiences in Switzerland is riding the Gornergrat train located in the magical city of Zermatt.

Zermatt is located near the southwestern border of Switzerland close to Italy. Take the Gornergrat train ride for views of the famous Matterhorn.

The Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt is an electric cog railway that opened in 1898. It runs 365 days a year and is one of the most popular things to do in Zermatt.

During the first section of the train ride enjoy views of the town. Towards the end of the journey, you can spot all the skiers and hikers enjoying the stunning mountains (depending on what time of season you go). The station has several stops including Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, Rotenboden, and finally Gornergrat.

The train is a great way to start your hiking, mountain biking or skiing adventures as many of the stops are great starting points for adventures.

One of the trains best stations is the last stop: Gornergrat (3,089m). There are 360-degree views of the mountains, and of course Matterhorn . The ride and the final stop are breathtaking, and both are an absolute must for your Switzerland trip.

By The Wandering Queen

The Gotthard Panorama Express is not as well known as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express . Still, it is one of the best scenic journeys that Switzerland has to offer.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a unique combination of a scenic boat trip from Lucerne to Fuelen and a panoramic train ride from Fuelen to Lugano or Bellinzona.

During the boat trip, you have an opportunity to admire the stunning views of the lake and mountains on its shores. In Fuelen you leave the boat to get on a 1st class panorama train.

As a photographer, I truly appreciate the photo coach of the train with opening windows, which makes it ideal for taking photos. You then continue by train on the famous historic Gotthard route towards southern Switzerland. This section of the Gotthard Panorama Express route runs through the valley of the River Reuss.

In the village of Göschenen the train reaches the entrance of the Gotthard tunnel from the end of the 19th century. There is a light show inside the 15 km long tunnel.

Soon after the tunnel, you find yourself in the canton of Ticino with the Italian language and culture. At the terminal destination of the train Lugano in the south of Ticino, you can change for Milan, continue on the Bernina Express or stay and enjoy the wonderful area of Lugano.

The total length of the route is about 180 kilometres divided between the boat and the train. The total duration of the journey is almost 5 hours. Gotthard Panorama Express operates from late April to late October excluding Mondays, so check the actual operating dates before planning your trip.

B y The Sane Travel

One of the most scenic train journeys that I have enjoyed in Switzerland is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn steam train ride . Starting in the small town of Brienz on Lake Brienz, the steam train winds its way up the Rothorn mountain to a height of 2266 metres above sea level, from where you are rewarded with incredible views.

It is said that on a clear day you can count 693 mountain peaks on the horizon, many of them snow-capped, even in summer. Far below, the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz sparkle and cows graze on the lush green hillside pastures.

At the summit, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy hikes of all levels and a restaurant serves up traditional local fare .  There’s also a hotel for guests that would like to spend the night.

Operating since 1892, the Brienz Rothorn train’s engine will have you reminiscing about days gone by as puffs of smoke waft past as you climb higher and higher. The traditional-style carriages have large panoramic windows that can be fully opened to allow you to breathe in the fresh alpine air (or steam!) and take plenty of photos.

Brienz is situated 22 kilometres from Interlaken and can be easily reached by either car, train or on a lake cruise. The Brienz Rothorn Bahn operates daily from 1 June until 20 October and the journey takes around one hour each way.

by Holidays To Europe

A trip back in time, as well as a trip through some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery, the historic Schynige Platte cogwheel railway, recently celebrated its 125 th birthday.

It opened back in 1893 and is one of the oldest railways in the area. But it’s looking great for its age – the original rails and some of the historic carriages and engines dating back a hundred years are still in action, and have been carefully preserved and maintained.

The train still pushes the carriages uphill rather than pulling them, as it would’ve done at the time, and all the track switches are operated by hand.

The journey up to Schynige Platte starts from Wilderswil , just outside of Interlaken. The trip to the top takes around 50 minutes, and it’s a leisurely, sedate journey. So there’s plenty of time to soak up the views as the train zig-zags its way up to an altitude of 1967 metres above sea level through forests and Alpine meadows. Try to get a seat on the right side of the train on your way up for the best views.

At the top, there’s a Botanical Alpine Garden , a restaurant and hotel, and miles of hiking routes that fan out into the surrounding mountains. But it’s the breathtaking views that make this journey well worth the trip.

In one direction are the famous high peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau . And in the other are the lakes of Thun and Brienz.

by On The Luce

Rigi Kulm is one of the shorter scenic train trips in Switzerland, but that does not take away from the reasons you should take it! If you do not have time for a longer journey (or even if you do) adding Rigi Kulm into one of your days trips is highly recommended.

The Vitznau to Rigi Kulm route opened in 1871 and was Europe’s first mountain railway! The most common way to start the Rigi Kulm journey is from Lucerne or Arth-Goldeau and you can even start from one and finish at the other since the train trip up Rigi Kulm is up and then back down. Since Vitznau station is right at Lake Lucerne you can easily add a boat trip to your day as well!

One of the reasons you should take the Rigi Kulm train besides the amazing 360-degree views from the top is the experience a cog-wheel train going straight up a steep mountain!

These trains also have open windows so you can experience the scenery (and the train) with no glass in between you! If you are interested in hiking, there are lots of hiking trails in the area, as well as stops on your way up the mountain if you only want to hike part way! 

A the top there is a short panoramic trail, a restaurant and washrooms. 

By Carpe Diem Our Way

The Glacier Express is probably the most famous and touristic train ride in the country – and honestly super beautiful. I grew up in Switzerland and did the ride for the first time after 23 years – and was not disappointed!

During the ride from Zermatt to St.Moritz, which are both super beautiful too, you pass through incredible landscapes, see beautiful mountains and just have a great time. Depending on the time of the year, the landscapes are different but always a joy to see.

The ride takes around 8 hours and you can choose between two classes (first & second class). Both of them have panorama windows, which makes the views even better. The difference is, that in first class you’ll have more space.

It is also possible to order food (there is a cook on-board) and various drinks to make your trip more pleasant. As the ride is super long and the food a bit expensive (welcome to Switzerland) I brought my own food from a supermarket.

Another option for the Glacier Express is to leave the train at one of the stations during the trip – which includes several lovely destinations and might be a great idea depending on your itinerary.

In my opinion, the Glacier Express is a great way to connect the canton of Valais (Wallis) in Zermatt with Graubünden (St.Moritz), which are both extremely beautiful.

by MscGerber

When you’re planning a  trip to Switzerland you’ve got to save time to experience some of the country’s most beautiful train rides. One of the most scenic rides in Switzerland is the ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen via the Berner Oberland-Bahn.

Better yet, this is one of the cheapest scenic train trips in Switzerland, costing less than 4 Swiss franc for the trip (or free on a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail pass). There are both first and second class options for the train, but all have the same beautiful views. 

Only taking about 20 minutes, this ride from the gorgeous city of Interlaken with its twin lakes Brienz and Thun to the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful.

You’ll pass a few other small stations, such as the Winderswil stop where you can break the journey to take the even more scenic Schynige Platte train. 

All along, you’ll be surrounded by the Jungfrau mountains , passing green pastures and trees as you make your way towards Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls.

The final portion of the train is the most picturesque, as the train tracks meet up with and go alongside a gorgeously flowing glacier-fed river. As you step out at Lauterbrunnen, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from getting to see one of Lauterbrunnen town’s two waterfalls.

To further continue the beauty, you can visit Mürren via the cable car to Winteregg.

By Eternal Arrival

This is one of my favourite Swiss train journeys and one that actually starts (or ends depending on your direction) in the Italian town of Tirano.

This journey also takes you along the World Heritage Site known as the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes.

The journey from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland takes 4 hours and during that time you cover 144 km through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges and through numerous mountain resort towns (including glamourous St Moritz)

This Swiss rail journey also includes travelling along the famous Landwasser Viaduct which is an incredible feat of engineering. This is one of the most famous sights along the way and has everyone scrambling to get that perfect shot.

Travel in summer to enjoy the green valleys and summer sunshine or during the winter months for beautiful snow-covered scenery. Whichever time of year you choose this trip deserves its reputation as one of the most scenic rail journeys anywhere in the world.

Learn more – A train ride on the famous Bernina Express

If you live outside of Europe you can find out more about the various tickets and passes available from Eurail.

It can be very complex working out which is the best pass for Switzerland and other European train networks so it is good to use the guides on the Eurail site to help work out which is the most cost-effective for your needs.

With all these wonderful train journeys to choose from in Switzerland, the hardest decision will be deciding which ones to include in your Swiss travel itinerary.

If you are planning to visit Switzerland or simply want to know more about this beautiful country my Swiss travel guide is a great place to start. For more travel inspiration my Swiss bucket list details 23 must-visit places in Switzerland.

Welcome to Switzerland Travel Centre! You are welcome to contact us by e-mail or by phone on +41 43 210 55 00 .

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, 8 days / 7 nights.

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

7 days / 6 nights.

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

5 days / 4 nights.

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

Our holidays can easily be tailored to your own preferences.

Our combined offers

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.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Historic Tour

On this special edition of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, you'll enjoy Swiss hospitality at select Swiss Historic Hotels, each with its own unique story to tell. As you travel in the historic Belle Époque carriage of the GoldenPass Line, you will immerse yourself in another time.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Glaciers & Palm Trees

4 days / 3 nights.

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

3 days / 2 nights.

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.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures

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Further panoramic trains

Glacier Express offers

10 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Italy

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on September 12, 2024

Categories Italy

If you want to spend your next holiday surrounded by art, culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people, going to Italy has to be your top choice! Not only that, the country is perfect for traveling by trains, instead of flying to one particular place and settling for several days.

If you choose to explore Italy on a railway, not only will you get the opportunity to see many different cities, towns, and villages – you will also be rewarded with numerous scenic routes in between. These are our top 10 best train journeys here!

• Venice to Florence

Taking a train from one of the most popular places in Italy to another will probably come naturally once you set up your itinerary, but just in case you were doubting!

The ride is only two hours long, and once you leave Venice, you will get to see several equally impressive cities along the way. For example, Bologna, Prato, and Ravenna; all famous for their splendid architecture and colorful corners. You will also get a glimpse of Tuscany – a fairytale-like and the most picturesque region in Italy!

• Verona to Bolzano

Once you leave Romeo and Juliet and head to the beautiful town within the Alps, you should definitely do it on a railway! You will get to admire Renaissance architecture and numerous landmarks and the greenery of the Italian countryside. The train goes through several villages that reveal the authenticity of Italian terrain. There are also high-speed trains available! 

• Rimini to Bari

Italy trains are great for admiring the green landscapes of flora and fauna and the immense blue coast the country is famous for. If you take the train from Rimini to Bari, you will come across many cozy and vibrant fisher towns, lovely towns, and the overall stunning Adriatic Coast. You will also travel through Umbria and Lazio!

• Rome to Venice

A must-see for first-time travelers, this specific journey is as rewarding in its trip as it is in the finale! One of the truest “ enjoy the process ” rides in Italy takes you approximately four hours to complete, and the views along the way are to die for. Going through the scenic Apennine mountain rage, it stops at the most popular cities, such as Bologna, where you might have to change the train if you wish to explore more. However, if you do not want to step out and enjoy your Rome to Venice train in peace, there are options for that as well! 

As it cuts diagonally through the country, you will see cities, coastlines, and greenery, all packed together in one to ensure you have a feast for the eyes! 

• Rome to Sicily

Now this one is for the toughest ones! So often overlooked by the intimidating number of 11 hours, the train from Rome to Sicily is a great choice to see many stunning places, even if just catching a glimpse! 

These places include the tail of Mount Vesuvius, Calabria, and the Bay of Naples. The most exciting part about this particular journey is that this is one of the few ones in the world where the train gets on to the ferry to reach Sicily’s island. Downright bizarre and exciting! 

• Milan to Bolzano

The journey from Milan to Bolzano usually takes 3 to 5 hours, and while some might say that it is a while, you will not be bored for a moment! The first part of the trip will take you through several impressive towns filled with medieval culture and aura. In between, you will find many scenic villages with farms and wineries – all typical to the Italian countryside. 

However, you will have to get off and change trains at Verona to continue with your journey. Do not take it as an inconvenience, though! You will get to explore beyond what you planned! 

• Tirano to St. Moritz

With this one, we are traveling a bit further than the borders of Italy. This two-hour journey is considered to happen on one of the most scenic railway routes globally. You might have even heard the name of the most important train crossing these lines – the Bernina Express . It was even recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Routes, making it even more interesting to try out! Starting in Tirano, the train swooshes all the way to the resort of St. Moritz, Swiss Alps. The closer you get to the mountains, the more marvelous it gets! 

• Florence to Rome

While some think that having both of these cities on their itineraries is impossible for a single journey, often due to lack of time to explore them – you simply must! Especially when there are excellent trains waiting to take you, with the most romantic and fantastic sights along the way. 

Think about medieval towns and artsy cities, clean and lively piazzas , and a buzzing lifestyle. This is what awaits you. On the trip, you will cross the towns of Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, and several more. 

Keep in mind that even though the journey itself is only 1.5 hours, the prices for tickets are a lot steeper. So, be prepared for that! 

• Abruzzo to Molise

The perfect route for nature lovers, Transita Line between Abruzzo and Molise crosses several famous national parks and reserves, covering about 70 km of wildlife and flora. Not only will you get a glimpse at the sites like the Majella National Park, but you will also get to enjoy the mountains looming over you as you look through the window. The journey is extremely short and relatively cheap, so even if it ends up an impromptu trip, it will still be convenient and comfortable! 

• Trenino Verde of Sardinia

Last but not least, we have an interesting choice for you! While the Trenino Verde never leaves the majestic region of Sardinia, it is quite possibly the best way to explore the island! Though you might enjoy the crowds and the buzzing of the most popular places here, sometimes it is quite important to explore something in peace and serenity. And jumping on Trenino Verde will offer you access to secure and remote areas that are otherwise unreachable for tourists, so think outside of the box and take in as much as Sardinia offers.

Here! Hopefully, you’ll find something suitable for you, so your Italian holiday is everything you hope for! Purchase train tickets as early as possible. It will guarantee you a seat and save money. Have a nice ride!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Huge new £21billion train line to connect two of Europe’s prettiest cities

• Hope Brotherton , Travel Reporter
• Published : 8:01, 14 Sep 2024
• Updated : 11:29, 14 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

A NEW train line is set to launch in 2032, making the connection between two popular holiday hotspots in Europe a lot faster.

Train journey times between Paris and Milan will be slashed by three hours when the Turin-Lyon high-speed railway opens in eight years.

Stretching for 167 miles, the new train route hopes to improve passenger services and increase opportunities for freight transport .

Although direct trains already operate between Paris and Milan , these services take seven hours.

This means journeys between the two cities will be reduced to four hours and 30 minutes, roughly.

Journey times between other holiday destinations are also set to improve, with services between Paris and Milan said to take four hours - saving 90 minutes.

Read More on Trains

Eurostar passengers face longer train journeys this summer - here’s why

Four best train journeys in the world from scenic UK views to 200mph routes

Trains will journey through the Alps in the Mon d’Ambin Base Tunnel.

Stretching for 56.8km, the Mon d’Ambin Base Tunnel will become the longest tunnel of its kind when it opens.

Not only will the new railway improve journeys for passengers, it will also take freight traffic off the read in turn helping to reduce local air pollution .

The project is already slated to cost an eye-watering €25billion (£21billion).

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Roughly 40 per cent of the project is being funded by the European Union - although this contribution could increase to 55 per cent in the coming years.

Despite the good news for passengers and freight services, the new rail plans have been met with fierce backlash by some locals.

Residents in the French town of Chimilin are set to be divided by the new stretch of railway.

According to Time Out , residents from the French town have been opposing the development of the new railway lines since 1992.

This is because residents believe the rail project could result in "economic uncertainty" for the town.

OTHER EUROPEAN ROUTES

Earlier this year, ÖBB announced the launch of three new sleeper trains departing from  Munich ,  Salzburg  or  Vienna  to top destinations in  Italy .

Passengers can choose to visit  Bologna ,  Florence , or  Rome  on the sleeper services.

These new sleeper services are set to come into force on September 10.

Meanwhile, a new 15-hour sleeper train is set to connect Brussels to the Italian Alps  next year, running overnight.

They hope the seasonal service will attract skiers and snowboarders from the UK.

And a new sleeper service is set to run between  Lisbon and Madrid , linking the two cities for the first time in a decade.

The news comes after prime ministers in both countries endorsed plans to improve  cross-border rail connections .

A train service, which was operated by  Renfe , used to link the two capitals until the route was scrapped in 2020.

The route is slated to be fully operational by 2034 - marking 14 years since the two countries were connected by a direct rail service.

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Sun travel's favourite train journeys in the world.

Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

"After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire

Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

"Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

"Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

"From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

"The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray

Dutch train operator GoVolta  hopes to launch train routes from Amsterdam to Berlin and Copenhagen in 2025.

And Czechia public transport operator Leo Express has revealed plans to connect Belgium to  Slovakia  via a 19-hour train journey.