It is the train that connects eastern and central Switzerland — without going through Zurich.
The Voralpen Express runs from St. Gallen to Lucerne through Switzerland’s rolling pre-Alpine foothills. In just over 2 hours, you pass fairy-tale lakes, cross the historic Toggenburg valley, and watch the landscape shift from gentle farmland to dramatic mountain views.
No reservations. No crowds. Just a comfortable ride through the Switzerland that tourists often miss.
Here is why the Voralpen Express deserves a spot on your radar.
The Journey: Through the Pre-Alps
The name says it all — “Voralpen” means “Pre-Alps.” This train takes you through the green, hilly region just before the high mountains begin.
St. Gallen → Herisau
- What You See: The train climbs into the Appenzell region. Rolling green hills and traditional farmhouses appear.
- Highlight: Just minutes after leaving St. Gallen, you cross the Sitter Viaduct. At 99 meters high, it is the highest railway bridge in Switzerland! Look down if you dare..
Herisau → Wattwil
- What You See: The train enters the Toggenburg valley — one of Switzerland’s most traditional and unspoiled regions. The mighty Säntis mountain (2,502m) dominates the skyline.
- The Vibe: Quiet farming villages, wooden chalets, cows with bells. Postcards come to life here.
- Pro Tip: Sit on the LEFT side for the best Säntis views.
Wattwil → The Ricken Tunnel
- What You See: The train climbs toward the Ricken Pass before plunging into an 8.6 km tunnel — one of the longest in the Swiss pre-Alps.
- Fun Fact: Before the tunnel opened in 1910, travelers had to take a long, winding detour over the pass.
Uznach → Rapperswil
- What You See: You emerge from the hills and suddenly — Lake Zurich appears. The train runs along the shore toward Rapperswil.
- Highlight: Rapperswil-Jona, the “City of Roses.” The medieval castle sits on a hill above the lake. If you look carefully, you can spot the wooden pedestrian bridge stretching across the lake.
Rapperswil → Pfäffikon SZ
- What You See: The train crosses the famous Seedamm — a narrow causeway that cuts across Lake Zurich. Water on both sides. Mountains ahead.
- Highlight: This is THE photo moment. Lake Zurich to your left and right, Alps in the distance.
Pfäffikon SZ → Arth-Goldau
- What You See: The landscape becomes more dramatic. You pass Lake Zug with views of Mount Rigi and the Mythen peaks.
- Pro Tip: Switch to the RIGHT side for Lake Zug and Rigi views.
Arth-Goldau → Lucerne
- What You See: The final stretch runs along the edge of the Alps. Mount Pilatus appears in the distance, signaling your arrival in Lucerne.
- Highlight: Arriving in Lucerne with the lake and mountains spread out before you.
What Makes It Special?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Two Major Lakes | Lake Zurich and Lake Zug — both visible from the train |
| Säntis Views | The highest peak in eastern Switzerland towers over the Toggenburg valley |
| The Seedamm Crossing | A causeway across Lake Zurich — water on both sides |
| Traditional Switzerland | The Toggenburg region is one of the most authentic farming areas in the country |
| Hourly Departures | Trains run every hour in both directions |
| No Zurich Transfer | Direct connection between St. Gallen and Lucerne — skip the busiest station in Switzerland |
The Price (Very Reasonable)
A standard one-way ticket from St. Gallen to Lucerne costs approximately:
- Second Class: CHF 48 – CHF 56
- First Class: CHF 82 – CHF 96
Rail Pass Discounts
| Pass | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass | 100% FREE. No reservation needed. Just hop on. |
| Eurail / Interrail | Fully included. No reservation required. |
| Half-Fare Card | 50% off the ticket price. |
Big Advantage: Unlike premium panoramic trains, the Voralpen Express requires ZERO reservations. Buy a ticket (or flash your pass) and go.
Is It Worth It?
ABSOLUTELY YES, if:
- You are traveling between St. Gallen and Lucerne. This is the most scenic direct route — no changing trains in Zurich.
- You want to see “real” Switzerland. The Toggenburg valley is farm country, not tourist country.
- You love lakes. Two stunning lakes in one 2-hour journey.
- You have a rail pass. The entire trip is free and reservation-free.
- You want a quieter experience. Far fewer tourists than the Glacier or Bernina Express.
MAYBE NOT, if:
- You expect luxury panoramic windows. This is a regular regional train with standard (but large) windows.
- You want high-altitude drama. The train never climbs above 800 meters — no glaciers or snowfields here.
- You only have time for one scenic train. The “big three” (Glacier, Bernina, GoldenPass) offer more dramatic mountain scenery.
The Best Seat Strategy
| Section | Best Side | Why |
|---|---|---|
| St. Gallen → Wattwil | LEFT | Best views of Säntis mountain |
| Rapperswil → Pfäffikon | BOTH | Lake Zurich on both sides during the Seedamm crossing |
| Pfäffikon → Arth-Goldau | RIGHT | Lake Zug and Mount Rigi views |
| Arth-Goldau → Lucerne | RIGHT | Pilatus views approaching Lucerne |
Pro Tip: The train is rarely full. Move around to catch the best views on both sides.
Best Time to Ride
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Green meadows, blooming flowers, snow still on Säntis |
| Summer (June-August) | Lush landscapes, perfect for lake views, cows in the pastures |
| Autumn (September-October) | Golden forests, misty mornings, harvest season |
| Winter (November-March) | Snow-covered hills, Säntis gleaming white, cozy atmosphere |
What to Do at Each End
In St. Gallen
- Explore the Abbey District (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its stunning Baroque library.
- Wander the car-free Old Town with its famous painted bay windows (Erker).
- Take a day trip to the Appenzell region for traditional Swiss culture.
- Ride the cable car to Säntis for panoramic views of six countries.
In Lucerne
- Walk the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe.
- Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
- Ride up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi — both accessible by gondola and train.
- Explore the charming Old Town and watch the swans on the lake.
Combine It With…
The Voralpen Express connects perfectly with other Swiss adventures.
Eastern Switzerland Loop
- Zurich → St. Gallen (regular train, 1 hour)
- St. Gallen → Lucerne (Voralpen Express, 2.5 hours)
- Lucerne → Zurich (regular train, 45 minutes)
A perfect one-day loop through eastern and central Switzerland.
Pre-Alps to High Alps
- St. Gallen → Lucerne (Voralpen Express)
- Lucerne → Interlaken (Luzern-Interlaken Express)
- Interlaken → Jungfraujoch (Jungfrau Railway)
From rolling green hills to the “Top of Europe” in one day.
Lake-to-Lake Day
- Spend the morning in Rapperswil (get off the Voralpen Express halfway)
- Explore the castle, rose gardens, and wooden bridge across Lake Zurich
- Continue to Lucerne in the afternoon
The Voralpen Express stops in Rapperswil, so you can easily split the journey.
Practical Tips
- Train Operator: The Voralpen Express is run by SOB (Schweizerische Südostbahn), not SBB — but all Swiss rail passes are valid.
- First Class Option: First class is comfortable but not dramatically better. Second class is perfectly fine.
- Food: The new trains have “Bistro Zones” with vending machines for coffee and snacks. Not a full restaurant, but good for a quick fix.
- Bikes: Bike spaces are available — great for cyclists exploring the Toggenburg or Lake Zurich region.
- Connections: In Arth-Goldau, you can connect to the Rigi Railway — the first mountain railway in Europe.
Alternative: The Treno Gottardo
If you want a longer adventure, consider continuing beyond Lucerne on the Treno Gottardo — a scenic regional train that crosses the Gotthard Pass to Ticino.
Route: St. Gallen → Lucerne (Voralpen Express) → Locarno (Treno Gottardo)
One epic journey from German-speaking eastern Switzerland to the Italian-speaking south — all included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Summary
The Voralpen Express is not famous. It is not fancy. But it is a perfect example of what makes Swiss train travel special: a regular regional train that just happens to pass through some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.
Two lakes. Mountain views. Traditional villages. Zero reservations. Zero stress.
If you are traveling between St. Gallen and Lucerne, do not take the boring route through Zurich. Take the Voralpen Express — and let Switzerland surprise you.
Ready to go? Check schedules on the SBB website or the SBB Mobile app. No reservation needed — just show up and enjoy the ride.
