Swiss Panoramic Train
10 Scenic Swiss Train Routes
Experience breathtaking Alpine landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage railways, and engineering marvels
1
Glacier Express
St. Moritz/Davos → Zermatt
Duration
8 hours
Highlights
291 bridges, 91 tunnels, Oberalp Pass (2,033m)
Best Feature
Crossing the dramatic Landwasser Viaduct
Season
Year-round, stunning in both summer and winter
2
Bernina Express
Chur → Tirano (Italy)
Duration
4 hours
Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage route, Brusio Circular Viaduct
Best Feature
Dramatic altitude change from glaciers to palm trees
Season
Year-round, with bus connections to Lugano in summer
3
GoldenPass Line
Lucerne → Montreux
Duration
5.5 hours
Highlights
Three different trains, varied landscapes
Best Feature
Panoramic views over Lake Geneva
Season
Year-round, especially beautiful in autumn
4
Gotthard Panorama Express
Lucerne → Lugano
Duration
5.5 hours
Highlights
Combines boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with train journey
Best Feature
Historic Gotthard route through the Alps
Season
April to October
5
Jungfrau Railway
Interlaken → Jungfraujoch
Duration
2 hours each way
Highlights
Europe’s highest railway station (3,454m)
Best Feature
Views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks
Season
Year-round, weather dependent
6
Luzern-Interlaken Express
Lucerne → Interlaken
Duration
2 hours
Highlights
Five crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls
Best Feature
Brünig Pass crossing with rack railway section
Season
Year-round, hourly service
7
Centovalli Railway
Locarno → Domodossola
Duration
2 hours
Highlights
“Hundred Valleys” route, 83 bridges, 31 tunnels
Best Feature
Wild romantic valleys and chestnut forests
Season
Best from April to October
8
Voralpen Express
Lucerne → St. Gallen
Duration
2.75 hours
Highlights
Rolling hills, Lake Zurich, Sitter Viaduct
Best Feature
Highest railway bridge in Switzerland (99m)
Season
Year-round
9
Mont Blanc Express
Martigny → Chamonix
Duration
1.5 hours
Highlights
Steep gradients, alpine villages
Best Feature
Spectacular Mont Blanc massif views
Season
Year-round, magical in winter
10
Chocolate Train
Montreux → Gruyères
Duration
7.5 hours (Full Day Trip)
Highlights
Cheese factory, Castle, Chocolate factory
Best Feature
Unlimited chocolate tasting included!
Season
May to September
Pro Tips for Swiss Train Travel
🎫 Best Travel Pass Options
- Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on most routes
- Half Fare Card: 50% discount on all tickets
- Saver Day Pass: Good for single long journeys
📝 Booking Advice
- Reserve panoramic seats 2-3 months in advance for peak season
- First class offers more space and better views
- Consider shoulder seasons (May/September) for fewer crowds
📸 Photography Tips
- Sit on the right side going south, left side going north
- Windows usually open in second class for better photos
- Early morning trains have the best lighting
💰 Budget Alternatives
- Regular trains cover similar routes without reservation fees
- Regional passes offer better value for specific areas
- Consider combining routes for multi-day adventures
🗓️ Seasonal Considerations
Summer
June – August
All routes operational, busiest period
Autumn
September – October
Golden larches, harvest season
Winter
December – March
Snow-covered landscapes, some routes closed
Spring
April – May
Wildflowers, waterfalls at their best
Start Planning Your Swiss Rail Adventure
These train routes showcase Switzerland’s incredible variety – from palm-lined lake shores to glaciers and high mountain passes, from gentle meadows to spectacular viaducts.
Pick a few routes, check timetables and seat availability, and book your tickets in advance, especially for the busy summer season.
