Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland: Compare Five Journeys
Illustration: a planning schematic, not a photograph or a geographical map. The diagram highlights the subject of this guide; it does not guarantee a specific train, stop, connection or ticket inclusion.
Choose a scenic railway around the places you want to stay, the time you have and the season. A long panoramic train can be a highlight, but a shorter journey may fit your itinerary better and leave more time outdoors.
Five routes at a glance
| Journey | Route | Best planning use |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier Express | Zermatt–St. Moritz | A full day crossing the Alps |
| Bernina Express | Chur or St. Moritz–Tirano | A high-alpine route continuing into Italy |
| GoldenPass Express | Montreux–Interlaken Ost | A scenic link between Lake Geneva and the Bernese Oberland |
| Luzern–Interlaken Express | Lucerne–Interlaken Ost | A shorter scenic transfer between two common visitor bases |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | Lucerne–Flüelen by boat, then to Ticino by train | A seasonal combined lake and historic railway journey |
Glacier Express: allow a full travel day
The complete journey normally takes around eight hours. Consider overnight stops at both ends instead of adding a long return afterward. A valid transport ticket or accepted pass and a separate reservation are needed.
2026 autumn notice: no Glacier Express service is scheduled from 11 October to 4 December inclusive. See the Glacier Express guide and official timetable before arranging travel.
Bernina Express: choose the correct starting point
The normal Chur route combines the Albula and Bernina lines; St. Moritz–Tirano focuses on the Bernina section. Choose Chur if the Albula route is part of your objective, but check diversions. Tirano is in Italy, so include onward transport and required travel documents in your plan.
RhB lists trains 951 and 952 as diverted through Vereina from 29 October to 13 November 2026. Do not assume those departures pass the Landwasser Viaduct. See the Bernina Express route guide for booking distinctions.
GoldenPass Express: Montreux to Interlaken
The direct service crosses between Montreux and Interlaken Ost without a change at Zweisimmen. It is useful when traveling between western Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. First- and second-class seat reservations are recommended; Prestige requires one.
The wider GoldenPass corridor includes other services. Verify the train name and changes in your result, especially if continuing to Lucerne. Our GoldenPass Express guide explains the through service.
Luzern–Interlaken Express: a manageable scenic transfer
Zentralbahn describes a journey of around one hour 50 minutes between Lucerne and Interlaken. This makes it a useful choice when you want scenery without dedicating most of a day to a train. Search the actual travel date and check reservation availability if your party wants to sit together.
In Interlaken, use the correct arrival station for onward travel. Build in time for luggage, orientation and any connection into the Jungfrau region.
Gotthard Panorama Express: check the seasonal calendar
This combines Lake Lucerne boat travel with the historic Gotthard railway route. It is different from taking a faster train through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. The 2026 season is listed as 18 April to 18 October. Check train class, reservation and boat connections together.
Build a route that works
- Place overnight stops first, then join them with scenic journeys.
- Check operating dates before comparing fares.
- Compare the complete travel day, including connections to the scenic route.
- Allow flexibility for mountains and weather-dependent excursions.
- Check your pass coverage and each separate reservation or supplement.
For the booking details, use the panoramic train planning checklist. Compare passes using the Swiss Travel Pass guide; no pass should be assumed to pay for itself after one scenic journey.
Official sources and update note
Facts checked on 11 October 2026. Timetables, fares, availability and conditions may change; verify the selected travel date before purchase.
