This page was last updated by Arno on 24 February 2024.
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Must-knows about train trips in Switzerland

  • You rarely need reservations for Swiss trains. Just hop on and off with your travel pass or ticket.
  • A few panoramic trains do require reservations.
  • Rides in famous panoramic trains, such as the Bernina Express, are a real treat. Large windows, info about the route, and catering are often available.
  • Except maybe for the areas around larger cities, nearly all other train routes in Switzerland are scenic too.

Find your Swiss train trip

Glacier Express scenic train at the Furka Pass
Glacier Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 8:00
The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train across the Swiss Alps, between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Check our must-read info about the route, …
Jungfraujoch mountain station and Konkordiaplatz
Jungfraujoch
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The Jungfraujoch excursion isn’t cheap, but it’s spectacular. We explain how to bring down costs, how to get there from Wengen and Grindelwald, what to …
Bernina Express panoramic train at Morteratsch
Bernina Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The scenic Bernina Express train ride is a beautiful, varied journey between south-east Switzerland and northern Italy. Learn about tickets, reservations, the route and the …
GoldenPass on snowy spring day in Montbovon
GoldenPass
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 5:30
Several special GoldenPass trains run on this beautiful route between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Here’s all you need to know about the trains, scenery, costs, …
Central and Bernese Alps from Rigi Kulm
Rigi
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 3:00
The Rigi area can be reached by cogwheel train and offers magnificent views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Prepare with our planning guide.
Schynige Platte cogwheel train
Schynige Platte
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 2:30
During the scenic cogwheel train ride from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte, breathtaking views of the Jungfrau mountains unfold. Expect even better views and great hiking …
1st class seat in panoramic Gotthard Panorama Express coach
Gotthard Panorama Express
Scenic boat trip, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 5:30
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic boat and train journey between Lucerne and Lugano. Prepare with our info about the route, tickets, reservations and …
Lake Brienz and Bernese Alps seen from Brienzer Rothorn
Brienzer Rothorn
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 3:00
Prepare for an excursion to the Brienzer Rothorn in the Bernese Oberland. A steam train takes you up to panoramic views of Lake Brienz and …
Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau seen from Beatenberg
One day Jungfrau Region
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 7:00
Don’t have much time? See highlights of the Jungfrau Region in just one day, with our varied and scenic step-by-step itinerary.
Lake Geneva and mountains seen from Rochers-de-Naye
Rochers-de-Naye
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 3:00
How to take the trip by cogwheel train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye, which views over Lake Geneva and which restaurants await you there, and all …
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Switzerland’s main train routes

Train travel in Switzerland is an attraction in itself. We explain all about the famous panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, but about less well-known scenic gems too. You’ll also find information on the normal train routes that are most used by tourists.

Bernina Express at spiral viaduct near Brusio

Scenic trains

Our suggestions for scenic rail journeys in the Swiss Alps: the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass and more. Plus: insider …
A Glacier Express train near Oberwald

Travel guides – in Switzerland

Practical travel guides for the main tourist routes in Switzerland. We explain how to get from A to B in …
Rhätische Bahn train descending from Alp Grüm in a loop

Train

How to travel by rail in Switzerland: must-read info about the timetable, finding your way on the station, tickets, 1st …
MGB train in snow at Oberalp Pass

Winter train routes

Winter is a great time for scenic Swiss train journeys. Most panoramic trains operate in winter too, and you’ll have …

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.