Switzerland was made for train travel. Few countries in the world combine stunning landscapes, precision rail networks, and panoramic routes quite like this one. In a single day, you can travel past turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, alpine villages, vineyards, waterfalls, and snow-covered mountain peaks — all without ever needing a car.
What makes Swiss rail travel so special is not only the scenery itself, but the way the journey becomes part of the destination. Trains glide through beautiful landscapes, crossing historic bridges, winding through mountain tunnels, and climbing into high alpine passes that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Even short regional routes often feel incredible.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or coming back, you will not be bored by the Swiss landscape. So let’s check the most scenic rides and get you some more info on how to organize your trip.
Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Most Famous Train
The Glacier Express is easily the most iconic train journey in Switzerland. Often called the “slowest express train in the world,” this panoramic route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz through some of the country’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. The full journey takes around eight hours, but the scenery constantly changes. Large panoramic windows allow uninterrupted views of deep valleys, traditional Swiss villages, mountain rivers, forests, and snow-covered peaks.
One of the highlights of the Glacier Express is crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, one of Switzerland’s most photographed railway bridges. The train also climbs through the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Unlike faster transport options, the Glacier Express is about slowing down and experiencing the landscapes gradually. Dining service onboard adds to the experience, especially during afternoon sections when the light across the Alps becomes especially beautiful.
You must reserve seats well in advance, especially during summer and autumn. Window seats on the right-hand side when traveling from Zermatt toward St. Moritz generally offer some of the best views. The prices start at 50,00CHF and you can book the tickets directly on the official website. If you buy the Swiss Travel Pass, this route is covered!
Bernina Express: The One and Only Rail Journey
Connecting Switzerland with northern Italy, this route travels from Chur or St. Moritz all the way to Tirano through spectacular alpine scenery and UNESCO-listed railway engineering.
What makes the Bernina Express unique is the contrast in landscapes. You begin among glaciers and snowy mountain peaks before eventually descending into palm trees and Mediterranean-style Italian villages.
The train crosses the famous Brusio spiral viaduct, curves around mountain lakes, and climbs to the Bernina Pass at more than 2,200 meters above sea level — without using cogwheel technology. During summer, the landscapes is full of green valleys, wildflowers, and turquoise alpine lakes.
If you wish you can stop in St. Moritz or Tirano for one or two nights to fully enjoy the journey rather than rushing through it in one day. Tirano itself makes a wonderful entry point into northern Italy and can easily connect with Lake Como itineraries.
The Bernina Express is particularly spectacular between June and September, though winter journeys through snowy landscapes are equally unforgettable. You can book the tickets in advance directly on the official website.
GoldenPass Express:
Lakes, Vineyards, and Alpine Villages
The GoldenPass route offers a softer and more romantic side of Switzerland. Connecting Montreux with Interlaken, this scenic railway passes through vineyards, mountain villages, forests, and lakeside landscapes that feel straight out of a movie.
The journey begins above Lake Geneva in Montreux, where vineyards cascade down toward the water. As the train climbs into the mountains, the scenery changes from lake landscapes to traditional Swiss chalets and alpine valleys.
One of the biggest upgrades for 2026 travelers is the newer GoldenPass Express service, which allows more seamless travel between regions without requiring as many train changes. Panoramic carriages make the experience even more immersive.
Check the official website and choose between many inspiring options for your travel. If you are searching for scenic train ride combined with charming towns, lake views, and slower travel experiences, you will definitely enjoy it.
The Gotthard Panorama Express
Would you like to combine train and boat travel? Hop on the Gotthard Panorama Express which offers one of the most unique experiences in Switzerland. This route combines in fact a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne with a scenic rail journey through the historic Gotthard route toward Ticino in southern Switzerland. The contrast between central Switzerland’s alpine scenery and Ticino’s Mediterranean atmosphere makes this trip super worth it.
The train travels through spiral tunnels, historic mountain routes, and green valleys while onboard commentary explains the engineering and history behind the Gotthard railway line. Large panoramic windows allow you to fully enjoy the scenery.
One of the best aspects of this route is arriving in Lugano, where the atmosphere suddenly feels more Italian than Swiss. Palm trees, warm weather, and lakeside cafés create a completely different mood from the mountain landscapes earlier in the day. For summer 2026 itineraries, the Gotthard Panorama Express works perfectly for travelers combining Lucerne, Lugano, and northern Italy. Check out the official website and book your tickets!
Jungfrau Railway: Journey to the Top of Europe
The Jungfrau Railway is less about long-distance scenic travel and more about reaching one of the most incredible mountain destinations in Europe.
Departing from Kleine Scheidegg, this cogwheel railway climbs through the mountains toward Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the “Top of Europe.” The experience itself is unforgettable, with trains passing through tunnels carved directly into the Eiger and Mönch mountains.
Once you arrive at Jungfraujoch Glacier, panoramic views of glaciers and surrounding alpine peaks feel almost surreal. Even during summer, snow covers much of the landscape, creating a huge contrast with green valleys below. Make sure to bring warm clothes because temperatures drop significantly on the top.
Because of its popularity, visiting early in the morning is strongly recommended. Weather conditions also matter greatly, as clear days provide far better visibility. You should also book your tickets at least couple of days in advance on the official website.
If you have enough time, you should combine the Jungfrau Railway with stays in Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, or Grindelwald, all of which are connected by scenic mountain railways and offer some of the best hiking in Switzerland.
The Voralpen Express: The Underrated Scenic Train
While routes like the Glacier Express receive most of the attention, the Voralpen Express remains one of Switzerland’s hidden rail gems.
Running between Lucerne and St. Gallen, this route passes through rolling hills, lakes, forests, and smaller Swiss towns that feel more local and less touristy. The scenery is gentler than the high Alps but equally beautiful in a completely different way. One of the highlights is crossing the Sitter Viaduct, the highest railway bridge in Switzerland. The route also passes through traditional rural landscapes – a taste of local life.
Because the Voralpen Express is less crowded and more affordable than some panoramic routes, it works especially well for those of you traveling on a budget. Looking foe a scenic Swiss rail experiences without the premium tourist pricing? Here you go! Check the website for the best deals.
The Mont Blanc Express
If you are looking for a scenic route that crosses international borders, the Mont Blanc Express might be an option. It connects Switzerland and France through the Alps. Traveling between Martigny and Chamonix, the train winds through mountain valleys, forests, waterfalls, and alpine landscapes beneath Mont Blanc itself. Unlike some luxury panoramic trains, the Mont Blanc Express feels more authentic and regional. Large windows still provide incredible scenery, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and local. Check the Mont Blanc Express website and book your tickets in advance.
This route is ideal for hikers and outdoor travelers because it connects directly with some of the best alpine trails in both Switzerland and France. Summer is especially popular for combining the train journey with hiking around Chamonix or the Swiss Valais region.
Why Train Is the Best Way to Travel in Switzerland?
Switzerland continues to lead Europe in sustainable and scenic rail travel. The train travel is not only one of the easiest ways to move around the country but also one of the most rewarding.
Swiss trains are famously punctual, comfortable, and deeply integrated with ferries, mountain railways, buses, and cable cars. This allows you to build flexible itineraries without needing a rental car.
Another major advantage is the scenery itself. Unlike flying or driving through tunnels and highways, Swiss train routes are designed to showcase the landscapes. Even ordinary regional trains often pass lakes, waterfalls, vineyards, and mountain villages.
If you are planning multiple routes, the Swiss Travel Pass remains one of the best investments. It includes unlimited travel on many trains, ferries, and buses while also offering discounts for mountain excursions. Scenic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express usually still require seat reservations, but the pass can significantly reduce overall transportation costs. I definitely recommend to buy it through the official website. The prices start at around 300 EUR for a three days pass. Totally worth it if you are planning on traveling by train in Switzerland.
Tips for Scenic Train Travel in Switzerland
Planning ahead can make a huge difference when traveling through Switzerland by rail. Summer remains the busiest season, particularly between June and September. Scenic trains often sell out weeks in advance, especially panoramic routes.
Choosing the right side of the train can also improve the experience. On some routes, lake or mountain views are better from one side depending on the direction of travel.
Packing layers is important because temperatures can vary dramatically between cities and high alpine regions, even during summer.
One of the best travel strategies is combining scenic train rides with overnight stays in smaller villages rather than only major cities. Places like Wengen, Spiez, Pontresina, or Morcote often become the most memorable parts of a Swiss itinerary.
Avoid rushing through too many routes too quickly. Spending time by lakes, exploring villages, and taking scenic detours often creates a much richer experience than simply checking famous routes off a list.
Switzerland transforms train travel into something far beyond transportation. Every route feels designed to connect travelers not only with destinations but with the landscapes themselves. From glacier valleys and alpine lakes to vineyards and mountain villages, the country offers some of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.
The beauty of Swiss rail travel lies in the journey itself — slow mornings watching mountains pass by, quiet afternoons crossing lakeside valleys, and evenings arriving in small villages surrounded by peaks. It is the kind of travel that makes you want to keep looking out the window long after the train has stopped.
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