Switzerland's Most Beautiful Rail Journeys
Switzerland is home to some of the world's most spectacular railway journeys. Your Swiss Travel Pass gives you access to these breathtaking routes, with panoramic trains offering unforgettable vistas of mountains, lakes, and picturesque villages.
Glacier Express
Route: St. Moritz to Zermatt (or reverse)
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 291 km (181 miles)
Highlights: Rhine Gorge ("Swiss Grand Canyon"), Oberalp Pass, Andermatt, Landwasser Viaduct
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Fully covered (reservation fee required)
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express takes you through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows ensure you won't miss any of the spectacular alpine scenery.
Bernina Express
Route: Chur to Tirano, Italy (or reverse)
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 144 km (90 miles)
Highlights: Brusio Spiral Viaduct, Bernina Pass, Landwasser Viaduct, Alp Grüm, Ospizio Bernina (highest point at 2,253m)
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Fully covered (reservation fee required)
The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage journey that connects northern and southern Europe, traversing the Alps through dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and palm trees. The route includes the highest railway crossing in Europe.
GoldenPass Express
Route: Montreux to Interlaken (or reverse)
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Distance: 115 km (71 miles)
Highlights: Lake Geneva, Château de Chillon, Gstaad, Lake Thun
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Fully covered (reservation fee required)
The GoldenPass Express connects the French-speaking and German-speaking regions of Switzerland through vineyards, alpine pastures, and charming villages. The route features innovative technology that allows the train to change gauge between different track systems.
Gotthard Panorama Express
Route: Lucerne to Lugano (or reverse)
Duration: 5.5 hours (combined boat and train)
Distance: 182 km (113 miles)
Highlights: Lake Lucerne (by boat), Gotthard Pass, historic Gotthard tunnel, spiral tunnels at Wassen
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Fully covered (reservation fee required)
This unique journey combines a steamboat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a train ride on the historic Gotthard route. The train portion includes impressive engineering feats like spiral tunnels that help the train gain altitude.
Chocolate Train
Route: Montreux to Broc and Gruyères (round trip)
Duration: Full-day excursion (May-October)
Distance: 82 km (51 miles)
Highlights: Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc, Gruyères cheese factory, medieval town of Gruyères
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: 50% discount
The Chocolate Train operates in vintage 1915 Pullman cars or modern panoramic cars, taking you through the picturesque countryside to visit Switzerland's famous chocolate and cheese producers. The journey includes tastings and factory tours.
Tips for Scenic Train Journeys
- Make reservations early - These popular routes book up quickly, especially during peak season (June-September)
- Consider the direction - Some routes offer better views in one direction than the other
- Travel in shoulder seasons (April-May or October) for fewer crowds
- Check the weather forecast before booking for optimal visibility
- Bring a camera with plenty of memory for the countless photo opportunities
- Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time updates and route information