6 Most Scenic Train Journeys of Switzerland

1. Glacier Express

Probably Switzerland's best-known scenic train ride, the Glacier Express is also lovingly known as the world's slowest express train. This train connects the two famous winter destinations of Zermatt and St. Moritz whilst passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges!

Classes: You can opt for either 2nd class, 1st class or Excellence Class.
The first and second classes have panoramic windows, so you will not really miss any of the scenery from either. In both classes, you can call for meals at your table. The only difference is the seating, which is plusher and more spaced out in 1st class. The 2nd class has two columns with two seats each on either side of the aisle, and the 1st class has a column of two and a column of one.

The Excellence Class is an all-window-seat cabin and includes an aperitif, a 5-course meal and bar service. I have not travelled in it myself, but if you are feeling exceptionally splurgy or are celebrating a special event, this would be a great way to do so. A ride on the Glacier Express Excellence Class would definitely take one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland to a new elevated level.

Duration: The journey from Zermatt to St Moritz takes 7.45 hours. If you are pressed for time, you can also make the trip from Zermatt to Chur, which takes 5.30 hours.

Frequency: There are four trains in the summer (though 2 of them do not cover the full route from Zermatt to St Moritz) and one or two trains in the winter. Between the two seasons, the train does not typically operate from mid-October to the first week of December.

Reservation: You need to have a ticket and a reservation for the train. However, if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, you only need to purchase the reservation since the pass covers the journey. You can buy the pass and the reservation here.

Along the Way:
Zermatt: This typically Swiss town is home to the most photographed mountain in the world. Whether you are arriving, departing, or in Zermatt, you will see the towering triangular massif of the Matterhorn. If you are in Zermatt for a day or more, you should visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn) to get the best views and photographs of the Matterhorn.
Walk the quaint streets packed with souvenir shops, boutiques and cafes and visit the historical quarter of town called Hinterdorf.

Oberalp Pass: Connecting the towns of Andermatt and Disentis, this pass is where the Glacier Express reaches it highest elevation of 2044 metres.

Rhine Gorge: Travelling between Disentis and Chur, the train passes the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon. The area offers some of the most stunning scenery, including limestone cliffs and the winding Rhine River.

Chur: Known to be Switzerland's oldest town with a history of over 5000 years, this town has a beautiful cathedral and a charming Old Town. If your journey ends here, you can spend some time exploring before your onward journey. Chur is very well connected to other towns like Lucerne and Zurich.

Albula Line: This is probably the most exciting part of the journey. Along this UNESCO Heritage Site, the train passes over sights that have become the most iconic images of the Glacier Express route.

The Landwasser Viaduct: At 65 metres and with six limestone arches, this is arguably the most photographed viaduct and leads directly into a tunnel.

Solis Viaduct: The Highest bridge on the Rhaetian Railway, this viaduct stands at 85 metres height and has 11 limestone arches.

St Moritz: One of the most sought-after destinations, this town offers abundant glitz, glamour and natural beauty. Whether it's walking, hiking, skiing, or just taking in the views of the beautiful Lake St. Moritz, there is something for everyone here.

2. Bernina Express

Go from snow-clad Alpine terrain to the balmy warmth of Italy on the Bernina Express. This instantly recognizable scarlet train connects the towns of Chur and St Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. In the summer months, they also have the added journey from Tirano back to Lugano in Switzerland by bus.

Classes: The train offers 2nd and 1st class cabins. Both classes have panoramic windows, ensuring you don't miss out on the great views. The 2nd class has two seats on either side of the aisle, and the first class has a column of two and a column of one.

Duration: The route from Chur to Tirano (144 kms) is called the Bernina Express long route and takes around 4 to 4.30 hours.
The route from St Moritz to Tirano (122 km) takes 2.30 hours and is called the Bernina Express short route.
The bus journey from Tirano to Lugano takes 3 hours.

Frequency: The number of trains operating differs with seasons and routes, which can get tricky. However, typically, it goes like this-
Chur to Tirano - two trains in the summer and one in winter.
St Moritz to Tirano - three in summer and 1 in winter. However, in winter, it is not a daily operation.

The Tirano to Lugano bus operates one daily service from March to October and Thursdays to Sundays from mid- February to March and October to November.

Reservation: Like other scenic trains, you need to have a ticket and reservation for the Bernina Express. However, if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, you only have to purchase the reservation. This can cost between SFr 25 to 40 with an additional SFr 14 to 16 for the bus. You can check the current costs and purchase the reservations here.

Along the way:
The Bernina Express route from Chur to St Moritz is the same as the Glacier Express, so you travel across the amazing Solis and Landwasser viaducts.

Bernina Pass: Located between St Moritz and Poschiavo, the train reaches its highest point at Ospizio Bernina station at 2253 metres with amazing views over the Lago Bianco.

Alp Grum: An almost 15-minute halt at this station (2091 metres) made out of limestone gives the opportunity to get out and take some photographs of the stunning surroundings, including the Palu See (lake) and the Piz Palu (glacier).

Brusio Spiral Viaduct: Just before crossing over into Italy is one more marvellous piece of engineering. The Brusio Spiral viaduct enables the train to do a 360-degree turn, effectively crossing over itself. This viaduct has nine arches that span 10 metres each.

Lugano: If you take the Bernina Express bus from Tirano to Lugano, you will see a totally different side of Switzerland. Lugano has a sunny Mediterranean climate and palm-lined promenades. If you have some time here, you can visit the lovely Swiss Miniatur, and the Parco Ciani (a park spanning 63000 sqm) near the lake. You can also visit Foxtown, the luxury outlet mall in Mendrisio.

3. Golden Pass Express

Slightly lesser known than the previous two trains covered but just as beautiful a journey, is the one on the Golden Pass Express. Connecting Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland to Montreux on Lake Geneva, this journey takes you past Alpine peaks and shimmering lakes to the palm-lined shores of Lake Geneva.

Classes: There are three classes on offer- 2nd class, 1st class and Prestige class.
The 2nd class cabins have panoramic windows and two seats on each side of the aisle.
The 1st class cabins have slightly larger panoramic windows and two seats in one column and one seat in one column giving it a more spacious feel.
The Prestige class also has a 2+1 seating, but the seats have an elevation, giving a better view. In addition, the seats can be rotated to face the direction of travel and are leather-bound and heated for ultimate comfort.

Duration: The journey from Interlaken to Montreux takes roughly 3.15 hours.

Frequency: There are 4 services in each direction all year round.

Reservation: The train journey is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. If you already hold the pass, then all you need is a reservation. The reservations cost Sfr 20 (1st and 2nd class) and SFr 49 (Prestige class).
1st and 2nd class cabins do not mandatorily require a reservation. However, a reservation is highly recommended in the high season and can be purchased here.

Along the way:
Interlaken: Set between the two lakes of Thun and Brienz, this picturesque town is one of the most popular resorts in the country. It is the base for mountain excursions like the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn and a hub for adventure activities like paragliding and skydiving.
One can also visit picturesque Swiss villages around Interlaken, such as Lauterbrunnen, Iseltwald, and Grindelwald(the base for the Grindelwald First excursion).

Spiez: This beautiful town along Lake Thun is known for the Schloss Spiez (castle), a picturesque bay and vineyards. If you are doing a day trip on the Golden Pass Express, you can choose to do the return on regular trains and get off to explore Spiez.

Gstaad: This town with its beautiful chalets and flower bedecked balconies has been known to attract the rich and famous to holiday and even stay there. It has a lovely pedestrian main street dotted with designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants and cafes. In winter, it is a much sought-after skiing destination.

Montreux: The lakeside town along the shores of Lake Geneva can be a base from which to travel to nearby regions. Visit the Chillon Castle, Switzerland's most visited monument, take a photo with the statue of Freddie Mercury that proudly stands along the lake promenade, or even make a day trip to Lausanne or Geneva.

4. Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is probably the most unique Swiss panoramic journey. It is a combination of a boat and train which connects the town of Lucerne in central Switzerland to Lugano in the country's south.

Stepping onto the historical steamboat gives a sense of stepping into the pages of a Mark Twain novel. Once you step off at Fluelen, you will transfer to the Gotthard Panorama Express, which will take you via the famous Gotthard tunnel to Lugano.

Classes: The boat offers both 1st and 2nd class but the train offers only 1st class seating.

Duration: The boat journey from Lucerne to Fluelen takes 2.45 hours and the train journey from Fluelen to Lugano takes 2.30 hours.

Frequency: There is only one service per day (excluding Mondays) in each direction, typically from mid-April to mid-October.

Reservations: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire route. The boat can be boarded without a reservation. However, the train needs a reservation, which costs SFr 24 and can be purchased here. Since it is a 1st class train, you will also need to buy a 'class upgrade' if you hold a 2nd class pass.

Along the way:
Lucerne: This charming town known as the 'Gateway to Central Switzerland' is home to some of the most iconic structures of the country - the gorgeous wooden Keppelbrucke (Chapel Bridge) which is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and the Lion Monument; a giant sculpture of a dying lion pierced with a sword.
Lucerne is also the starting point of the very popular mountain excursions- Mt. Titlis and Mt. Pilatus. It is also home to the Swiss Museum of Transport, Switzerland's most visited museum.

Church of Wassen: Before the train enters the Gotthard Tunnel, it makes two turning loops that give you a view of the church of this little town called Wassen. The church is seen from 3 different angles and elevations and has become a symbolic image of this portion of the journey.

Gotthard Tunnel: The reason for mentioning a tunnel in this section may seem a bit odd. However, as you pass by the tunnel, you are entertained with some storytelling via illustrative panels and light effects that tell you the history of the Gotthard Railways and the engineering feat of the tunnel. I found this really unique.

Bellinzona: Soon after exiting the tunnel, you reach the capital of Ticino, Bellinzona. The place is known for its three medieval castles- Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro- part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lugano: As already described under the Bernina Express.
In addition, if you have some time in Lugano, you can visit Bellinzona (roughly 20 minutes by train) as a day trip from here.

5. Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Connecting Interlaken, surrounded by mountains, to the lakeside town of Lucerne, the premium Lucerne-Interlaken Express is probably one that every traveller can easily fit into their program. Unlike other panoramic trains, it offers great frequency and does not require any expensive reservations to be made well in advance. It may be a smallish journey in terms of duration, but it is so big on the views!

Classes: The train offers 1st and 2nd class cabins. Both classes offer panoramic windows and are equally comfortable (in my opinion). However, if you prefer a slightly quieter atmosphere and a little bit more legroom, you can opt for 1st class.

Duration: The journey from Luzern to Interlaken Ost takes roughly 1.50 hours.

Frequency: There are hourly trains in each direction from around 6 am to 8 pm all year round. You can also consider combining the Lucerne-Interlaken Express with the Golden Pass Express and continue onward from Interlaken to Montreux.

Reservations: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the journey. Reservations are not necessarily required but recommended in high season. If you wish to reserve, costs differ per season, range from SFr 12 to Sfr 16 and can be purchased here.

Along the Way:
Interlaken: As described above under the Golden Pass Express.
It would be nice to have a couple of nights here so that you can cover the lovely Bernese Oberland region and its most popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe and Harder Kulm.

Jungfrau

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Brunig pass: At Meiringen, you find the train reversing before heading towards the Brunig Pass. At 1008 metres, this is the highest point on the journey with great views over the lush forested surroundings. The train switches from its normal mode and engages its cogwheel technology to navigate the steep incline across the pass.

Lakes: Depending on the direction of the journey, you will either start or end the journey, passing the shores of the shimmering turquoise blue waters of Lake Brienz.
Among the other gorgeous lakes along the way is the Lungerersee (Lake Lungern), surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills. The Alpnachersee (Lake Alpnach) is near the south of Lake Lucerne and close to Alpnachstad, from where you take the steepest cogwheel train to Mt Pilatus. Finally the Vierwaldstattersee (Lake Lucerne) is surrounded by mountains like Mount Rigi and Burgenstok and across which stands the most iconic Chapel Bridge.

Mount Pilatus

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Lucerne: As described above under the Gotthard Panorama Express.
Whether you start or end your journey here, give yourself the time to explore this historic town and some of the famous mountains surrounding it.

6. Voralpen Express

If you think all panoramic train journeys are about seeing 4000-metre-high snowbound Alpine peaks, think again. Lesser-known and less touristy than the above trains, the Voralpen Express connects Lucerne in central Switzerland to St. Gallen in Eastern Switzerland. The journey takes you past forests, flower-filled meadows and traditional Swiss villages. Its hourly operation between the towns enables you to hop on without a reservation. Keep in mind that there are no fancy panoramic windows or onboard commentary but that doesn't make the journey any less stunning.

Classes: The train has 1st and 2nd class carriages. The first class is a bit quieter and more spacious.

Duration: The distance of 125 km is covered in 2.15 hours.

Frequency: There are hourly trains in each direction all year round.

Reservations: The journey is covered under the Swiss Travel Pass, and you do not need a reservation.

Along the way:
St. Gallen: This town has a UNESCO World Heritage listed Abbey District. The Convent of St. Gall is the centrepiece of this city. The library is one of the richest and oldest ones in the world. The town also has a charming Altstadt(Old Town) and a Wildpark featuring native Swiss animals like marmots.

Rapperswil: Rapperswil, also known as the City of Roses, is a beautiful lakeside town. The town boasts of public gardens with over 15000 rose bushes, a charming Old Town and a 13th-century castle perched on a hilltop with views over Lake Zurich.

Arth Goldau: A tiny town but a vital railway junction, Arth Goldau is at the base of Mount Rigi, also known as the Queen of the Mountains. It also has a nature and wildlife park with various native and wild animals.

Lucerne: As described above in the Gotthard Panorama Express. You'll likely spend a few nights in this charming lakeside town. Stroll along the scenic promenade, sample treats from local chocolatiers, and capture unforgettable photos of the iconic Chapel Bridge. And of course, don’t miss the surrounding mountains—they beckon to be explored.

This sums up my favourite panoramic train journeys. I hope this helps you plan your next trip to this fantastic country. Start by purchasing your Swiss Travel Pass and choosing one or more of the above train journeys that fit your program. Then, just sit back, relax (with a good Swiss wine), and let Switzerland work its magic.

Protips:
As you can see in the above list, the Swiss Travel Pass is valid on all the panoramic trains. It gives you a great price advantage since you are not required to purchase pricey tickets and just pay for the reservations instead. Besides the advantage of the panoramic trains, the Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited travel on all kinds of public transport, entrance to hundreds of museums and great discounts on all major mountain excursions.

Regarding the reservations, you can opt for reservations in the class of your pass. If you have a 2nd-class pass, you can opt for a 2nd-class reservation. However, if you hold a 2nd-class pass and wish to travel 1st class on the panoramic trains, you have to purchase what is known as a 'class upgrade'.