Must-knows about this 7-day rail itinerary

  • This do-it-yourself tour includes the famous Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and GoldenPass.
  • You’ll visit the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest station.
  • I’ve included a less well-known journey too: the Voralpen-Express.
  • This itinerary costs about CHF 1435 per person.
Recommended season: early January to late February and mid April to mid October
Transportation: Boat, Bus, Train
Duration: 7 to 21 days
Theme: Scenic trains

Quick itinerary overview Copy link to clipboard

If you follow the schedule I propose, this is how you'll travel per day:

  1. Zurich to St. Gallen, St. Gallen to Lucerne by Voralpen-Express, Lucerne to Interlaken by GoldenPass
  2. Interlaken-Jungfraujoch return trip
  3. Interlaken-Montreux by GoldenPass
  4. Montreux to Zermatt, return trip Zermatt-Gornergrat
  5. Zermatt to St. Moritz by Glacier Express
  6. St. Moritz to Lugano by Bernina Express train and bus
  7. Lugano to Lucerne by Gotthard Panorama Express train and boat, Lucerne to Zurich

Day 1: Voralpen-Express and GoldenPass northern leg

You’ll first take a regular train from Zurich to St. Gallen. Then change to the Voralpen-Express for a scenic ride across the pre-Alps to Lucerne. Finally, you will take the GoldenPass route to Interlaken Ost. The whole trip will take nearly 6.5 hours.

Day 2: Highest rail station in Europe: Jungfraujoch

From Interlaken Ost, you will take the spectacular railway to Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg, and finally reach the highest rail station in Europe: the Jungfraujoch.

After enjoying the view and the snow up here, you descend back to Kleine Scheidegg. Then you’ll take another route down to Grindelwald, passing the impressive Eiger North face. Alternatively, you can use the quicker Eiger Express cable car from the rail station of Eigergletscher to Grindelwald Terminal in the valley. From Grindelwald, you’ll take a direct train to Interlaken Ost. This day trip takes about 6 hours.

It is not worth going up the Jungfraujoch if it’s cloudy up there. Check our Interlaken page for bad weather activities.

Day 3: GoldenPass southern leg

You’ll make a magnificent trip from Interlaken Ost via the GoldenPass line to Montreux on Lake Geneva. The trip takes about 3h40.

If you choose to arrive early, there’s still time left to travel up to Rochers-de-Naye by cogwheel train. A visit to Chillon Castle is another good option for the late afternoon.

Day 4: Montreux to Zermatt

The train ride to Zermatt takes about 2.5 hours. That leaves time to do something extra, like a boat trip from Montreux to Lausanne. From Lausanne, you can take the train to Zermatt. This adds about 3 hours to today’s activities.

Another option is to arrive early in Zermatt and make a trip into the mountains, for a good view of the Matterhorn.

Day 5: Glacier Express

You’ll board the famous Glacier Express to enjoy the 6-hour ride up the Oberalp Pass and across the Rhine Valley to the historical town of Chur. Worrying whether you can get seats for this popular train? Read Annika’s reservation hacks here.

Day 6: Bernina Express

Another famous train: the Bernina Express offers a scenic ride across a varied landscape. The train takes you to Tirano, just across the Italian border.

From Tirano, the special Bernina Express bus takes you back into Switzerland, to the town of Lugano. This bus route is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. In winter, there’s no bus. You can use regular trains via Monza in Italy instead. These are not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

This journey takes about all day. You’ll arrive in Lugano around dinnertime.

Day 7: Gotthard Panorama Express

This is the last time you will cross the Alps this week. From the Italian-like climate and atmosphere in southern Switzerland, the Gotthard Panorama Express will take you back north. First, you’ll travel by train to Flüelen. There you will change to the boat to Lucerne.

The Gotthard Panorama Express operates from mid-April to mid-October. In other months, you can take regular regional trains, called “Treno Gottardo”, across the Gotthard mountain route. There are regular boats from Flüelen to Lucerne as well. Alternatively, you can take a train from Flüelen to Lucerne.

In Lucerne, you’ll take a train to Zurich. The complete trip of this day takes about 6.5 hours.

Practical tips to use and adjust this tour

Basic planning tips

  • The itinerary of this tour can be booked as displayed here. Use the shopping list to arrange all bookings that you need.
  • Of course, you can do this journey in reverse order.
  • We advise planning each segment of your trip with the timetable.

How to extend this journey

You can book extra nights in Zurich, Lucerne (to split day 1 or 7), Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, Chur, and Lugano. If you have time, I strongly recommend spending a couple of extra days in one or more of these towns. Each of these regions offers a lot to explore. This way, you can even create a 2- or 3-week Switzerland holiday!

Alternatives if you have less than 7 days available

  • You can get back to Zurich (or any other departure town in Switzerland) at the end of most travel days. For example: travel from Montreux to Zurich after day 3, from Zermatt after day 4, from Chur after day 5 (this is just a 1h15-journey), and so on.
  • You can take out the side trip to Jungfraujoch on day 2, and immediately move on to Montreux instead.
  • You can skip the Glacier Express and Bernina Express on days 5 and 6. Instead, travel from Zermatt to Locarno via the Centovalli Railway. Pick up the Gotthard Panorama Express from nearby Lugano or Bellinzona.
  • If you have just a couple of days, look into our 3-day Glacier Express journey.

A multiple-day train tour in winter

This train journey can be made in winter too, although you’ll have to make some adjustments to the Gotthard Panorama Express segment and the Bernina Express bus journey. Alternatively, check our winter train itinerary.

Map of the entire train route

This map provides a general overview of the route. For detailed routes, you can review the maps on each of our scenic train pages.

Maps are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Map

Prices and shopping list Copy link to clipboard

Price indication

This tour costs about CHF 1435 per person, based on all items on the below shopping list. Details:

  • I assume a 2nd class 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
  • I used Glacier Express and Bernina Express seat reservation fares for the high season. Reservations are cheaper in the low season.
  • A reservation and the obligatory upgrade ticket to 1st class for the Gotthard Panorama Express are included.
  • The other scenic trains in this itinerary do not require reservations.
  • My estimate is based on 2-person rooms in 3-star hotels in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, Chur, Lugano, and Zurich. I assume prices in high season including breakfast.
  • Children under 16 travel for free: simply order a free Swiss Family Card when getting your Swiss Travel Pass.
  • Expenses for food, drinks, souvenirs and additional activities, that aren't fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, are not included.

The amount you'll actually pay depends on the choices you make and the season in which you travel. It can be higher or lower than my estimate.

Shopping list

If you make the tour as described, this is what to book:

To bookDetails and prices
The 8-day Swiss Travel Pass includes free traveling between all towns, even by scenic trains. Mountain trips are discounted.Swiss Travel Pass
Seat reservations for the Glacier ExpressGlacier Express
Seat reservations for the Bernina ExpressBernina Express
Seat reservations and upgrade to 1st class for the Gotthard Panorama ExpressGotthard Panorama Express
25% discounted return ticket between Wengen/Grindelwald and JungfraujochJungfraujoch
Hotel in Interlaken, 2 nights Hotels Interlaken
Hotel in Montreux Hotels Montreux
Hotel in Zermatt Hotels Zermatt
Hotel in ChurHotels Chur
Hotel in LuganoHotels Lugano
Optionally: hotel in ZürichHotels Zurich

The best months for this train journey Copy link to clipboard

This tour can be made year-long. The best months in my opinion are:

  • Mid-April to mid-October to make the tour exactly as described. This is when nearly all of the trains, buses and boats operate.
  • January and February for a winter experience. You'll likely see snow on the high-altitude segments of this journey, such as the excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ride over the Bernina Pass.

In other months than mid-April to mid-October, you'll have to make some adjustments to the route:

  • You'll have to take regional trains on the Gotthard mountain route, instead of the Gotthard Panorama Express train.
  • The Bernina Express bus isn't available, so you'll have to take regional trains via Monza in Italy.

Travel packages you may like too Copy link to clipboard

If you're interested in this train tour, you may like these Swiss train packages as well:

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package
Scenic train tripIndependent multi-day tour
All the famous Swiss panoramic trains in one package. Customize your holiday by adding nights and mountain excursions. Select your preferred hotels. You'll get a 5% discount with the promo code AFFMYSWISSALPS.

Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com

  • Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
  • Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
  • Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
  • Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Compose your own Glacier Express travel package
Compose your own Glacier Express travel package
Scenic train tripIndependent multi-day tour
Just travel on the Glacier Express or combine it with other panoramic trains. Customize the package by adding nights in the towns you like, selecting excursions, and picking your preferred hotels. You'll get a 5% discount with the promo code AFFMYSWISSALPS.

Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com

  • Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
  • Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
  • Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
  • Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Discounted customizable scenic train packages
Discounted customizable scenic train packages
Scenic train tripIndependent multi-day tour
Fully customizable packages including the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass line, Gotthard Panorama Express and/or Voralpen-Express. Choose your preferred hotels, number of nights, and excursions in each town. Apply the promo code AFFMYSWISSALPS for a 5% discount.

Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com

  • Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
  • Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
  • Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
  • Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Grand Train Tour
8-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Self-Guided from Zurich
Scenic train tripIndependent multi-day tour
Explore the cultural differences within the country and its 4 lan- guages, all the while taking in some spectacular countryside and staying in beautiful Swiss towns. It’s a great opportunity to visit the very best of Switzerland on some of the most exciting scenic trains in Europe.

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Glacier Express
4-Day Glacier and Bernina Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich
Scenic train tripIndependent multi-day tour
On the Glacier and Bernina Express you will travel across impressive viaducts, through winding and helical tunnels on a journey offering views of mountain lakes, steep cliffs and pristine forests.

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
This list includes external links to our trusted partners.

Travel tickets you need for this tour Copy link to clipboard

RhB train with panoramic coaches near Punt Muragl, Oberengadin

Swiss Travel Pass

Your complete Swiss Travel Pass resource, with insider tips, an overview and map of what's included, how it works, prices, …

Activities on this route Copy link to clipboard

Glacier Express scenic train at the Furka Pass

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train across the Swiss Alps, between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Check our …
Jungfraujoch mountain station and Konkordiaplatz

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch excursion isn't cheap, but it's spectacular. We explain how to bring down costs, how to get there from …
Bernina Express panoramic train at Morteratsch

Bernina Express

The scenic Bernina Express train ride is a beautiful, varied journey between south-east Switzerland and northern Italy. Learn about tickets, …
GoldenPass on snowy spring day in Montbovon

GoldenPass

Several special GoldenPass trains run on this beautiful route between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Here's all you need to know …
1st class seat in panoramic Gotthard Panorama Express coach

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic boat and train journey between Lucerne and Lugano. Prepare with our info about …
Traverso locomotive - Voralpen Express

Voralpen-Express

The Voralpen-Express is a scenic train journey between Lucerne and St. Gallen in north-eastern Switzerland. Find out what to expect …

The areas and towns you'll cross Copy link to clipboard

Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as seen from Männlichen

Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau Region south of Interlaken is unique. It combines green valleys, high snow-capped mountains and a dense network of …
Rosenlaui valley towards Grindelwald, Wetterhorn and Eiger from Hasliberg

Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is a popular Swiss holiday region south-east of the city Bern. You'll find a very diverse landscape …
Lake Lucerne region seen from Stanserhorn

Lake Lucerne

The Lake Lucerne region in Central Switzerland is a wonderful holiday area close to Zurich. The large lake, the city …
Jungfrau covered by spring snow from Kleine Scheidegg

Alps

The Swiss Alps are diverse, spectacular and easy to visit. The mountain transport network takes you to countless breathtaking spots.
Panorama of the Upper Engadine from Muottas Muragl

Engadine

The Engadine is a high-altitude valley in the canton of Graubünden. This is where you'll find the famous resort of …
Lake Geneva seen from Corseaux in spring

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a sunny, vibrant holiday region in western Switzerland. Get to know Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux, the beautiful …
Aletsch Glacier seen from Moosfluh in September

Valais

The Valais is a spectacular region in southern Switzerland, home to the famous Aletsch Glacier and the Matterhorn. There are …
Boulevard with sailboats in Ascona, Lake Maggiore

Ticino

The southern canton of Ticino is where you can experience the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. We'll explain what to expect …
Boat on Lake Lugano and Monte Brè from Lugano-Paradiso

Lake Lugano

The Lake Lugano region in southern Switzerland is Italian-like in architecture, food and atmosphere. Learn all about the lake and …
Lower Engadine seen from Vnà, Val Sinestra

Graubünden

Graubünden is a large canton in the south-east of Switzerland, with lots of unspoilt valleys and alpine nature to explore. …
Höheweg main street in center of Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken is the central town in the Bernese Oberland, and the gate to the famous Jungfrau Region. We share our …
Matterhorn and Zermatt at dusk

Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free, luxurious alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is somewhat secluded, but you can …
Chapel Bridge/Kapellbrücke over river Reuss in Lucerne

Lucerne

Lucerne is an appealing city in Central Switzerland. It's ideal for first-time visitors: the historic town center, lake and nearby …
Zurich and its lake seen from Uetliberg

Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. There is a lot to see and do, including boat trips, museums, luxury …
St. Moritz in the Upper Engadine, Graubünden

St. Moritz

St. Moritz is an upper-class alpine town. Located in the magnificent Upper Engadine valley in Graubünden, the town is a …
Montreux seen from Lake Geneva boulevard toward Veytaux

Montreux

Montreux is a pretty town on eastern Lake Geneva, with one of the most beautiful lake promades of Switzerland. It's …
View of Monte San Salvatore from Ciani Park, Lugano

Lugano

The city of Lugano is located on a lake in a very scenic area in the Ticino, southern Switzerland. Lugano …

Related information Copy link to clipboard

Glacier Express train at Versam-Safien

Glacier Express packages

Simply book one Glacier Express travel package that contains all you need: seat reservations, tickets, hotel bookings, and more.
View over Wengen and tops of western Lauterbrunnen Valley

Wengen

Wengen is a car-free alpine village in the Jungfrau Region, surrounded by hiking trails in summer and ski slopes in …
Street in Grindelwald center with Wetterhorn view

Grindelwald

Grindelwald in the Jungfrau Region has all tourist facilities you can wish for, and is at a very scenic spot …
Lake Geneva and mountains seen from Rochers-de-Naye

Rochers-de-Naye

How to take the trip by cogwheel train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye, which views over Lake Geneva and which restaurants …
The Chillon Castle in Veytaux near Montreux

Chillon Castle

The medieval Chillon Castle is one of the must-sees in the Montreux area. We explain all about the admission fee, …
Steam boat on Lake Geneva seen from Territet

Boat Lake Geneva

Plan your boat ride on the largest lake of Switzerland: Lake Geneva. We explain about the cruises on the western …
Lauterbrunnen village with Staubbach Fall

Lauterbrunnen

The small and scenic village of Lauterbrunnen is the gateway to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and to the mountain villages Wengen …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10610 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

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.