Top 8 Scenic Train Rides In Switzerland
Snow-covered peaks on one side, sparkling blue lakes on the other, rolling green valleys stretching into the distance, few places in the world offer views like this, and the best way to see them is by train. Train rides in Switzerland aren’t just about getting to the destinations. They take you deep into the heart of the country’s natural beauty.
These scenic trains in Switzerland wind through towering mountains, past waterfalls, and alongside peaceful villages. Panoramic windows make every moment feel like a moving postcard. Some routes climb through glaciers, others follow deep valleys, and a few run along shimmering lakeshores. No matter the scenery you love most, there’s a journey that brings it to life.
These 7 scenic rides showcase Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Related: Top Things To Do and Places To Visit In Switzerland
1The Glacier Express
Photo courtesy of The Glacier Express
Route: Zermatt – St. Moritz (both directions)
Duration: 8 hours
For 95 years, the Glacier Express has been Switzerland’s most iconic train journey. Running since June 25, 1930, it connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, covering 291 kilometers in 8 hours. Known as the world’s slowest express train, it winds through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, offering breathtaking views of snowy peaks, deep valleys, and alpine villages.
The route reaches its highest point at Oberalppass (2,033m) and passes through the Furka Tunnel, the longest on the journey. Panoramic windows ensure uninterrupted scenery from start to finish.
On offer are three options, Excellence Class and 1st and 2nd class. All the options have the same panoramic windows, however, onboard, the ‘Excellence Class’ you are guaranteed window seats in a two-seater lounge compartment, panoramic windows, concierge service and tablet with Infotainment, including a five-course menu with wine accompaniment and drinks as well as exclusive access to the Glacier Bar, making the experience as indulgent as the views.
A Switzerland train tour wouldn’t be complete without this legendary ride, where every mile is a journey through the heart of the Alps.
2Jungfrau Railway
Route: Interlaken Ost/Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch
Duration: 3+ hours
The Jungfrau Railway climbs 1,400 meters up the Bernese Swiss Alps, reaching Jungfraujoch which is the Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters. Journey on this scenic train in Switzerland begins at Interlaken Ost or Grindelwald, passing through the Wengernalp Railway before connecting to the steep cogwheel train that takes you right to the top.
The ride covers 9 kilometers and takes a little over three hours, cutting through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. Carved-out windows in the tunnel offer spectacular views along the way. As you would expect, the scenery at the summit is breathtaking. Snowy peaks stretch for miles, and on clear days, you can see as far as Germany’s Black Forest and views of the Swiss Plateau as far as France. Jungfraujoch also features an ice sculpture gallery, a glacier walkway, and the world’s highest chocolate shop – The Lindt Chocolate Shop Jungfraujoch.
3The Bernina Express
Route: Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy) (both directions)
Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
The Bernina Express links Chur and St. Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy, offering one of the most stunning cross-border train journeys. The route winds through the Swiss Engadin Alps, crossing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, reaching 7,391 feet above sea level before descending into the warmer Mediterranean landscapes of Italy.
As a result of the unique engineering and track routing, the Albula and Bernina lines are declared as UNESCO World Heritage. The 4-hour journey aborad the Bernina express crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other scenic spots along this Switzerland train tour include the Morteratsch Glacier, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, and Alp Grüm.
Though The Bernina Express lacks a dining car, passengers can enjoy snacks and drinks from the minibar before stopping for lunch in Tirano. To help you decide which Swiss train tours suits you the best, it is worth noting that, the Bernina Express covers the exact same route as the Glacier Express between Chur and St. Moritz.
4The Golden Pass
Photo courtesy of David Bochud and The Golden Pass
Route: Lucerne – Montreux
Duration: 5.5 hours
Transfers: 2 (3 different trains)
The Golden Pass is one of the best train trips in Switzerland for travellers looking to see as much of Switzerland as possible in a single journey. Stretching 191 kilometers from Lucerne to Montreux, this route crosses six Swiss cantons, offering a mix of mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and charming towns.
This journey is split into three different trains, each offering a fresh perspective of Switzerland’s landscapes.
- Luzern to Interlaken
- Interlaken to Zweisimmen
- Zweisimmen to Montreux
The GoldenPass Line offers several distinct train services, the recently launched GoldenPass Express is a panoramic train connects Interlaken and Montreux up to four times daily, offering uninterrupted views without the need to change trains at Zweisimmen.
GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque both only operate between Montreux and Zweisimmen. The latter offers a nostalgic experience with ‘Pullman’ style carriages reminiscent of the 1930s.
5The Eurocity Transalpin
Photo courtesy of ÖBB
Route: Zurich – Graz (via Liechtenstein & Austria)
Duration: Around 9.5 hours
The Transalpin is a daily EuroCity train operated by ÖBB running between Graz via Zell am See, Kitzbühel and Innsbruck. It stops various times along the journey, offering stunning views of the Alps and scenic landscapes along the way.
The train follows the Arlberg Railway, linking Innsbruck with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, before continuing through the Ennstal Bahn railway, a slow and scenic stretch through the Enn Valley. Large panoramic windows in first-class coaches provide uninterrupted views of towering peaks, lush valleys, and mountain villages.
With air-conditioned coaches, a dining car, and at-seat service in first class, comfort is guaranteed. Whether you’re crossing borders or exploring alpine landscapes, the Transalpin is one of the most comfortable Swiss train tours, combining luxury with stunning scenery.
You can buy tickets for the Transalpin EuroCity train on the Austrian Railways website, or using an Eurail Pass.
6The Cogwheel Railway on Pilatus
Route: Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm
Duration: 30 minutes
The Cogwheel Railway on Pilatus holds the title of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a maximum gradient of 48%. Running between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm, this 30-minute journey climbs through alpine meadows, rugged rock formations, and high-altitude landscapes before reaching the summit at 2,132 meters.
Built in 1889, this engineering marvel operates between May and November. Outside this period, it can be by aerial gondola and cable way. At the top, along with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and hiking trails is the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant which provide a place to relax and grab a bite to eat.
To experience it all, take a paddle steamer from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Then, ride the cog railway up and descend by cable car and gondola to Kriens. This route offers stunning views at every step.
7 Gornergrat Bahn
Photo courtesy of Gornergrat Bahn
The easiest and quickest to get up close and personal with the Matterhorn is to take a 30 mins cogwheel train – Gornergrat Bahn. As one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, this cogwheel train takes you to 3100 meters, where you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of the Matterhorn, 360-degree views of other 28 other peaks over 4000 meters, and the Gorner Glacier.
8Rhine Gorge Train
Route: Reichenau station – Rhine Gorge
Duration: Varies by stops
Schedule: Saturdays & Sundays (seasonal)
The Rhine Gorge Experience Train is one of the most breathtaking train trips in Switzerland. Running seasonally (late April – October) on weekends, operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), the train runs between Ilanz and Reichenau, following the winding course of the Rhine River, taking passengers deep into the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon.”
Unlike traditional trains, on this Swiss train you can enjoy the panoramic views from open scenic carriages and take in the dramatic landscapes of rock formations, pine forests, and the winding Rhine River gorge without any distractions.
A Rhine Gorge ticket allows unlimited train and PostBus travel, making it easy to experience the region at your own pace, hop off at various stops to explore hiking trails, cycling paths, or scenic riverbanks. This Rhaetian Railway route also shares part of its track with the Glacier Express, adding to its appeal.
Tickets can be purchased here