Scenic Train Routes

Window to the Alps

Switzerland offers world-class scenic train routes.

• The Swiss rail network covers 3,200 miles. Every town and alpine village is connected by law.
• No high-speed trains operate. Trains run at moderate speeds for maximum landscape viewing.
• The Glacier Express links Zermatt and St. Moritz in 8 hours. Standard fares start at CHF 152 (second class).
• The Gornergrat Bahn climbs 4,900 feet from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Return tickets cost CHF 88.
• The Jungfraubahnen reaches Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest station. Return fares from Interlaken start at CHF 95.
• Even short routes, like Luzern to Interlaken (2 hours), offer panoramic lake and mountain views.
• Annual SBB timetable changes affect connections. Schedules are published in German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
• Trains connect with lake steamers, postbuses, and funiculars for access to remote areas.
• Large windows and slow speeds provide uninterrupted views of glaciers, forests, and ski slopes.
• Swiss trains run year-round. Winter brings snowy vistas; summer reveals green valleys and wildflowers.

Iconic Panoramic Journeys

Switzerland’s most iconic scenic trains offer unique routes and panoramic carriages.

• Glacier Express: Connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. Journey time: 8 hours. Runs year-round. Crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m). Panoramic windows. Onboard dining. 2nd class, 1st class, and Excellence Class (CHF 420+). Reservation required.

• Bernina Express: Links Chur to Tirano (Italy). Duration: 4 hours. Operates daily, all seasons. Traverses the Landwasser Viaduct and Bernina Pass (2,253 m). UNESCO World Heritage route. Panoramic coaches. Reservation fee (CHF 20–26).

• GoldenPass Line: Connects Montreux, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, and Lucerne. Three train changes. Total time: 5.5 hours. Runs daily. Features Belle Époque and modern panoramic trains. VIP seats at the front available. No reservation required for standard seats.

• Gotthard Panorama Express: Combines boat (Lucerne–Flüelen) and train (Flüelen–Lugano). Train section: 2.5 hours. Operates April–October. Historic Gotthard route with spiral tunnels. Panoramic carriages. Reservation mandatory (CHF 16).

• Gornergrat Bahn: From Zermatt to Gornergrat summit. 33 minutes. Highest open-air cog railway in Europe (3,089 m). Views of the Matterhorn. Runs year-round.

• All routes feature large windows for alpine views. SBB updates timetables annually. Advance booking recommended in peak seasons. Trains run at moderate speed for optimal sightseeing.

Hidden Gems on Rails

Gornergrat Bahn climbs from Zermatt to 3,089 meters. Panoramic views of the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier. Journey time: 33 minutes. Return ticket: CHF 88 (2024). Trains run year-round, every 24–48 minutes.

Jungfraubahnen links Lauterbrunnen, Kleine Scheidegg, and Jungfraujoch. Highest station in Europe at 3,454 meters. Return fare from Interlaken: CHF 210. Journey time: 2 hours. Trains depart hourly.

Regional lines offer alpine scenery with fewer crowds:

• Lötschberg RegioExpress: Spiez–Brig via Kandersteg. Crosses the old Lötschberg tunnel. Journey: 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Pre-Alpine Express: St. Gallen–Lucerne. Passes rolling hills, lakes, and small villages. Journey: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Benefits of lesser-known routes:

• Lower ticket prices
• More local stops
• Flexible connections to postbuses and lake ferries

Combine major lines (e.g., Glacier Express) with regional routes for unique itineraries. Use SBB mobile app for schedules and fares. Swiss Travel Pass covers most routes.

Planning Your Scenic Itinerary

Switzerland’s SBB network covers all regions. Annual timetable changes occur each December. Check updated schedules on the SBB website or SBB Mobile app. Major scenic routes—such as Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass—require advance seat reservations. Reservation fees vary: Glacier Express CHF 39–49 (2024), Bernina Express CHF 20. Standard tickets do not guarantee seats on these panoramic trains.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on most trains, buses, and boats. Prices start at CHF 244 for three days (2024). Regional passes, such as the Tell-Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass, cover specific scenic areas. Point-to-point tickets are available for single journeys. Purchase tickets at SBB counters, vending machines, or online.

Combine trains with lake steamers (e.g., Luzern–Flüelen on the Gotthard Panorama Express), PostAuto buses, or mountain railways (e.g., Gornergrat Bahn, Jungfraujoch). Connections are coordinated for smooth transfers.

For maximum scenic value:

• Travel during daylight hours for best views
• Choose panoramic carriages when available
• Plan for at least one mountain railway segment
• Check for seasonal closures (some routes close in winter)

Allow extra time for connections in alpine regions. Luggage transfer services are available for multi-day trips. Always confirm train times close to your travel date.

Smart Strategies for Travelers

Best times for routes:

• Glacier Express: Winter (Dec–Mar) for snow scenes; summer (Jun–Sep) for green valleys. Avoid spring (Apr–May) due to maintenance closures.
• Bernina Express: Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds. Summer has wildflowers; winter features snowy passes.

Packing essentials:

• Bring layers. Trains pass through varying altitudes and temperatures.
• Carry a camera with a polarizing filter for glare-free photos.
• Binoculars help spot distant peaks.

Securing seats and views:

• Reserve panoramic seats for Glacier Express and Bernina Express (CHF 39–49 reservation fee in 2024).
• Left side offers best views Zermatt–St. Moritz; right side for reverse.
• Book early in high season (July–August, December holidays).

Luggage and connections:

• Use SBB’s Fast Baggage service (CHF 22 per item) for same-day transfers between major stations.
• Allow at least 10 minutes for platform changes at hubs like Chur or Brig.

Accessibility and families:

• Most scenic trains are wheelchair accessible. Check SBB "Reisebegleitung" for assistance.
• Family compartments and play areas available on select InterCity and scenic trains.
• Strollers allowed onboard; fold for storage in luggage racks.

Quick Reference & Essential Resources

Key facts:

• SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) operates all major scenic routes: www.sbb.ch
• Annual timetable changes each December. Check the SBB Mobile app for updates.
• Route maps and panoramic train info: www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/train-journeys/
• Tickets: Book via SBB, Glacier Express, or Bernina Express official sites. Prices vary by route and class.

Checklist:

• Confirm route schedules before travel.
• Reserve seats for Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
• Carry Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card for discounts.
• Combine trains with PostBus or lake steamers for remote areas.
• Check weather conditions for best views.