Dreaming of visiting the land of fondue and breathtaking snow-capped vistas?
The best way to explore Switzerland’s beauty is aboard it's unique and scenic train routes, making your holiday truly unforgettable.
From a chocolate-themed train to one that winds through the stunning Swiss Alps, here’s a list of 8 must-see train journeys in Switzerland you won’t want to miss!
1. Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is arguably Switzerland's most iconic and luxurious scenic train ride. Often called the slowest express train in the world this journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of the country’s most stunning landscapes, regardless of the season.
Duration: 8 hours
Route: Zermatt - St. Moritz
2. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express offers stunning panoramic views of alpine landscapes, frozen lakes, and vast green fields. This unforgettable ride takes you through spiral loops, 55 tunnels, and 196 bridges, traveling from Chur to Tirano in Italy. As you journey along, the scenery changes dramatically, from the snow-capped peaks of the Bernina Pass to the Mediterranean-like views of the Poschiavo Valley near Tirano. For an even more immersive experience, the train features an open-air carriage, allowing you to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Duration: 4 hours
Route: Chur - Tirano
3. GoldenPass Line
This scenic route connects six Swiss cantons, offering countless photo opportunities along the way. The journey is divided into three sections, requiring two train changes, but we highly recommend completing the entire route from Lucerne to Montreux, passing through picturesque towns across the country. In addition don’t miss a ride on the GoldenPass Belle Époque.
Duration: 5 hours
Route: Lucerne - Montreux
4. Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway
Hop aboard the Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway, also known as the Queen of the Mountains, for stunning alpine views and fresh mountain air. Established in 1871, it’s one of Europe’s oldest mountain railways.
Duration: 30 minutes
Route: Vitznau - Rigi Kulm or Goldau - Rigi Kulm
5. Brienz Rothorn Bahn
Step back in time with a ride on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a historic steam railway that has been in operation for over a century. The train climbs through alpine meadows and forests to the summit, offering stunning open-air carriage views. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Central Switzerland and the Bernese Alps as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Duration: 1 hour
Route: Brienz - Rothorn Kulm
6. Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a unique journey combining both boat and train rides, offering a distinctive scenic experience.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Route: Lucerne (by boat) - Flüelen - Göschenen - Lugano or Arth-Goldau - Flüelen - Göschenen - Lugano
7. Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
Take a scenic journey to Jungfraujoch, where you’ll visit Europe’s highest train station. Start in Interlaken on the Bernese Oberland Railway, then transfer twice to the Wengernalp Railway before hopping onto the steep Jungfrau Railway cogwheel train. Enjoy views of turquoise lakes, charming Swiss villages, and magnificent snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Duration: 2 hours
Route: Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen / Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg - Jungfraujoch
8. Schynige Platte Railway
For an uninterrupted view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, ride the Schynige Platte Railway to the Schynige Platte viewpoint. This traditional cogwheel railway is the oldest in the Jungfrau region and takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and offers sweeping views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Duration: 50 minutes
Route: Wilderswil - Schynige Platte
