Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world where the journey is as magical as the destination. With snow-covered Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and postcard-perfect villages, taking the train here is not just about transport — it’s an experience of a lifetime. The Swiss railway network is world-famous for its punctuality, panoramic windows, and routes that wind through mountains, glaciers, and valleys.

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, here are the most scenic train rides you shouldn’t miss.

1. Glacier Express – Zermatt to St. Moritz

• Duration: ~8 hours

• Nickname: The slowest express train in the world

• Highlights:

  • Panoramic windows with Matterhorn views.

  • Crosses 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels.

  • Oberalp Pass at 2,033m — the highest point of the route.

• Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, bucket-list seekers.

• 💡 Tip: Sit on the right-hand side from Zermatt for the best valley views.

2. Bernina Express – Chur to Tirano (Italy)

• Duration: ~4 hours

• UNESCO World Heritage Route

• Highlights:

  • Spirals across the Landwasser Viaduct (65m high).

  • Passes glaciers and descends into sunny Tirano, Italy.

  • Contrasting landscapes: snowy peaks → Mediterranean towns.

• Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, cross-border travelers.

• 💡 Tip: Try the Allegra panoramic train for the full experience.

3. GoldenPass Line – Lucerne to Montreux

• Duration: ~5.5 hours (with connections)

• Highlights:

  • Starts with Lake Lucerne and Swiss chalets.

  • Ends in Montreux with vineyards and palm trees.

  • Combines German & French-speaking Switzerland.

• Best For: Culture enthusiasts, families, wine lovers.

• 💡 Tip: Try the Belle Époque carriages for a vintage luxury feel.

4. Gotthard Panorama Express – Lucerne to Lugano

• Duration: ~5 hours (boat + train)

• Unique Feature: Part of the journey is a lake cruise!

• Highlights:

  • Paddle steamer ride across Lake Lucerne.

  • Historic Gotthard route with spiral tunnels.

  • Ends in Italian-speaking Ticino with Mediterranean charm.

• Best For: Couples, slow travelers, mixed-experience seekers.

5. Jungfrau Railway – Interlaken to Jungfraujoch

• Duration: ~2 hours

• Known As: Top of Europe (Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m).

• Highlights:

  • Journey through Eiger & Mönch mountains.

  • Year-round snow, glaciers, and panoramic views.

  • Attractions at Jungfraujoch: Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory.

• Best For: Adventure lovers, families, first-time visitors.

• 💡 Tip: Go early morning for clear skies.

6. Rhaetian Railway (Albula & Bernina Lines)

• Duration: Varies (part of Glacier/Bernina routes).

• UNESCO World Heritage Engineering Marvel.

• Highlights:

  • Loops, tunnels, and spiraling viaducts.

  • Connects historic Graubünden villages.

  • Stunning blend of man-made engineering & natural beauty.

• Best For: History buffs, architecture lovers, train enthusiasts.

Book your Swiss scenic train tickets easily on Rail Europe – trusted by travelers worldwide

📅 Best Time to Take Scenic Train Rides

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Magical snowy landscapes, Christmas markets.

• Spring (Mar–May): Blooming valleys, fewer crowds.

• Summer (Jun–Aug): Clear mountain views, long daylight.

• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Golden forests, wine harvest season.

💰 Budget & Swiss Travel Pass

• Swiss Travel Pass → Unlimited travel on trains, boats, buses. Perfect for tourists.

• Scenic trains often need seat reservations (CHF 20–40).

• Budget hack: Many scenic routes overlap with local trains → cheaper & still beautiful.

🍴 Onboard Food Experience

• Dining cars serve Swiss specialties (fondue, rösti, wine).

• Glacier Express offers multi-course meals served at your seat.

• Backpackers can bring snacks from local bakeries (budget-friendly).

📝 Travel Tips

• Book panoramic seats at least 1–2 months in advance.

• For Glacier Express & Bernina Express:

  • Best seat = right-hand side from Zermatt, left-hand from Chur.

• Carry a light jacket – even in summer, alpine areas can be cold.

• Combine train journeys with stays in Swiss hostels, chalets, or luxury hotels.

🎟️ Swiss Travel Pass – The Key to Exploring Switzerland by Train

If you plan on experiencing more than one scenic route in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is a game-changer. It offers unlimited travel on the country’s extensive public transportation network, which includes trains, buses, and boats. For travelers who want to combine journeys like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line, this pass provides both flexibility and savings.

✅ What’s Included

• Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland.

• Free access to over 500 museums (including transport museums and cultural sites).

• Free travel on local trams and buses in cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern.

• Discounts of up to 50% on mountain excursions (e.g., Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat).

📌 Why Get It?

• Cost-effective if you’re traveling across multiple regions.

• Hassle-free – one ticket covers almost everything.

• Perfect for tourists who want to mix scenic rides with city sightseeing.

Check price: Save money and travel stress-free – book your Swiss Travel Pass now.

👉 Pro Tip: Pair your Swiss Travel Pass with scenic train routes and book your stays along the way on Tournami.com for the ultimate Swiss experience.

📌 Traveling by train in Switzerland is like watching a live movie — the Alps, lakes, vineyards, and villages roll past your window in perfect harmony. Whether you choose the luxury Glacier Express or the adventurous Bernina Express, these journeys are more than just travel — they’re unforgettable memories.

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