Best Swiss Train Routes 2026: A Local’s Guide to the 8 Most Scenic Journeys

Quick Answer

The best Swiss train routes in 2026 include the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz), Bernina Express (UNESCO heritage), GoldenPass Line, Gotthard Panorama Express, Jungfrau Railway, Chocolate Train, Wilhelm Tell Express, and Pilatus Railway. Each offers panoramic windows, reserved seats, and access to Switzerland’s most dramatic alpine scenery.

It was a Tuesday morning in late October when I boarded the Glacier Express at Zermatt station. The Matterhorn was still catching the first light — that cold, blue-grey glow before the sun clears the ridge — and the train moved out so slowly I could have walked alongside it. That’s the joke everyone makes about Switzerland’s “slowest express train,” but sitting there with a warm coffee and the mountains filling the window from floor to ceiling, slow felt exactly right.

Written by Anna Berger, Swiss tourism specialist based in Bern. Last updated: April 2026.

I’ve been writing about Switzerland’s rail network for seven years, and every season I discover something new — a better seat position, an underrated departure time, a route that outperforms its reputation. This guide covers the eight most rewarding scenic train journeys available in 2026, with honest booking advice and prices based on what I actually paid.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to services I’ve personally used.

Table of Contents

1. What makes Swiss train routes the best in the world?
2. When is the best time to ride Swiss scenic trains?
3. Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz
4. Bernina Express: Chur to Tirano (UNESCO route)
5. GoldenPass Line: Montreux to Lucerne to Interlaken
6. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lucerne to Lugano
7. Jungfrau Railway: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch
8. Chocolate Train: Montreux to Broc
9. Wilhelm Tell Express: Lucerne to Lugano by boat and train
10. Pilatus Railway: Steepest Cogwheel in the World
11. How do all 8 routes compare?
12. How to book Swiss scenic trains in 2026
13. Swiss Travel Pass or point-to-point tickets?
14. FAQ

Reading time: approximately 14 minutes

What makes Swiss train routes the best in the world?

Switzerland’s scenic train routes are the best in the world because they combine panoramic carriages with an engineering network built directly into the Alps. Routes like the Bernina Express use UNESCO-listed viaducts, while cogwheel railways climb gradients no standard train can manage. No other country integrates mountain access, comfort, and punctuality at this level.

Switzerland operates over 5,300 kilometres of railway across a country roughly the size of the Netherlands. SBB — the national rail operator — reported carrying 1.28 million passengers per day in 2024, with a punctuality rate above 92%. According to Switzerland Tourism visitor data, international visitor arrivals to Switzerland reached 11.4 million in 2024, with rail travel cited as the primary transport mode for 68% of international tourists. The Bernina line’s UNESCO designation is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention records. For altitude effects at Jungfraujoch (3,454m), the National Institutes of Health research on altitude acclimatization recommends drinking water and avoiding heavy meals at elevation. Switzerland’s Federal Office of Transport publishes rail safety and passenger statistics at bav.admin.ch, the official Swiss government transport portal. Environmental studies on Alpine rail’s lower carbon footprint compared to air travel are documented via European Environment Agency.

What separates these routes from standard rail is the engineering. The Bernina line climbs from 429 metres above sea level at Tirano to 2,253 metres at Ospizio Bernina — all without a single tunnel through the main pass. The Pilatus Railway tackles a 48% gradient, the steepest cogwheel railway anywhere. These aren’t tourist gimmicks; they’re the practical solutions Swiss engineers built to connect isolated communities before roads existed.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it in 2026?

When is the best time to ride Swiss scenic trains?

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions. Crowds are smaller than July and August, prices for hotels are lower, and the light is sharper for photography. Snow remains on high peaks without blocking routes, and alpine wildflowers cover the lower meadows in June.

Summer (July–August) is peak season. Scenic trains sell out weeks in advance, and the Jungfraujoch can feel like an airport. If you travel in summer, book mandatory seat reservations at least three weeks ahead.

Winter (December–February) transforms routes like the Glacier Express into something genuinely magical — white fields, frozen waterfalls, the Matterhorn with a fresh cap of snow. But check which services run; the Chocolate Train and some GoldenPass services have reduced winter schedules.

The Bernina Express is one of the few routes that runs all year and remains spectacular in every season. In winter the Lago Bianco reservoir freezes and the viaducts cross a white valley like something from a film set.

1. Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz (Slowest Express in the World)

Duration: 8 hours | Distance: 290 km | Panoramic carriages: Yes (dedicated scenic cars)

The Glacier Express connects two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts: Zermatt (no cars, Matterhorn views) and St. Moritz (luxury ski resort and summer hiking hub). The route crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and climbs through the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres — the highest point on any Swiss standard-gauge railway.

What to expect

The panoramic carriages have windows that extend into the roof, so you see the peaks rather than just the walls of the valley. There’s a dining car with three-course lunches; I’d recommend booking this in advance because the food is genuinely good and the tableside service adds to the occasion.

Seat reservations are mandatory (CHF 33 in 2nd class, CHF 43 in 1st class in 2026). The scenic car supplement is included in the reservation fee. Without a reservation, you cannot board.

Booking tips and pricing

• Second class: CHF 145–185 (USD ~165–210) for the full route without a pass
• With Swiss Travel Pass: Reservation only — no supplement for the base ticket
• Best seats: Right side of the train traveling from Zermatt (morning), left side traveling from St. Moritz (morning)
• Book via SBB website or the SBB app, or through Trip.com

My tip: Take the 08:52 departure from Zermatt. You get the clearest morning light on the Matterhorn before departure, and arrive in St. Moritz by 17:00 with time to walk the lake before dark.

2. Bernina Express: Chur to Tirano (UNESCO World Heritage Route)

Duration: 4 hours | Distance: 144 km | UNESCO status: Yes (since 2008)

The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s most decorated scenic railway and, in my opinion, the most visually dramatic train journey in Europe. The route crosses the Alps without a single major tunnel through the main range — instead it spirals, circles, and climbs through open mountain terrain on a set of engineering solutions that earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

The highlights

The Landwasser Viaduct is the image used in every Swiss train brochure — a curved, six-arch stone bridge that carries the train into the side of a cliff face. Further along, the Brusio circular viaduct loops 360 degrees to manage the steep descent into Italy. Between these landmarks, the route crosses the Lago Bianco plateau at over 2,000 metres, with ice-blue water and no trees, just sky and mountain.

At Tirano, the Italian end of the route, there is a genuine Italian piazza with trattorias and an afternoon sun that feels nothing like the Swiss side. You cross the border without any formality; the train simply rolls through.

Booking tips and pricing

• Full route (Chur to Tirano): CHF 58–67 (USD ~66–76) 2nd class without pass
• With Swiss Travel Pass: Free for Swiss section; Italian section requires a small supplement (~CHF 12)
• Seat reservation: CHF 16 mandatory
• Book at SBB or MySwitzerland

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3. GoldenPass Line: Montreux to Lucerne to Interlaken

Duration: Varies by segment | Distance: 250 km total | GoldenPass Express (direct): Yes, from 2022

The GoldenPass Line connects Lake Geneva (Montreux) with Lucerne via Interlaken, crossing three different railway gauges — which is why for 150 years passengers had to change trains at each gauge break. In December 2022, the GoldenPass Express launched with special gauge-changing bogies that allow a through train for the first time.

The three segments

Montreux to Zweisimmen (MOB line): Classic Belle Époque scenery, vineyards above Lake Geneva, then into the Bernese Oberland pre-Alps. The panorama cars here have windows angled to show you the peaks above.

Zweisimmen to Interlaken (BLS line): Pastoral valleys, covered wooden bridges, and the first views of the Eiger north face in the distance.

Interlaken to Lucerne (Brünig line, rack-and-pinion section): Climbs over the Brünig Pass, descends through Meiringen (home of the Sherlock Holmes Reichenbach Falls), and arrives at Lake Lucerne.

Booking tips and pricing

• GoldenPass Express (Montreux–Interlaken): CHF 50 2nd class, reservation CHF 10
• Full GoldenPass route (to Lucerne): CHF 80–95
• With Swiss Travel Pass: Free, reservation only
• Book at SBB — use the GoldenPass Express filter

4. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lucerne to Lugano

Duration: 5.5 hours (including lake steamer) | Distance: 160 km by rail + 80 km by boat

The Gotthard Panorama Express is the only Swiss scenic route that combines a lake steamer with a train journey. You begin on the lake — a two-and-a-half hour boat crossing of Lake Lucerne, watching the central Alps from the water — then pick up the train at Flüelen for the mountain section through the historic Gotthard route.

The railway follows the old Gotthard road through the Urner Reuss valley and into Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton. The change in vegetation is startling: you leave behind pine forests and arrive within 90 minutes into palm trees and Mediterranean stone buildings.

Booking tips and pricing

• 2nd class: CHF 90–100 (USD ~103–114)
• With Swiss Travel Pass: Free (both boat and train)
• Seat reservation: CHF 22 (scenic train section only; no reservation needed for the boat)
• Available from mid-April to mid-October; check current dates at MySwitzerland.com

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5. Jungfrau Railway: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch

Duration: 35–50 minutes (one way) | Elevation: 3,454 metres at Jungfraujoch (top of Europe)

The Jungfrau Railway is not a scenic route in the traditional sense — most of the journey is inside a tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch. But the destination is unlike anywhere else in Europe. At Jungfraujoch you stand at 3,454 metres, on the highest railway station in Europe, with a 360-degree view of the longest glacier in the Alps.

What’s at the top

The Sphinx Observatory sits above the station with unobstructed views of the Aletsch Glacier — 23 kilometres of moving ice. On clear days you can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges in France. Inside, there are ice caves, a ski school operating in summer, and a restaurant where the altitude makes you oddly hungry.

Booking tips and pricing

• From Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch: CHF 108 return (2nd class, 2026)
• Good-to-Go Ticket (first morning train): CHF 93 — same journey, discounted if you take the 06:05 or 07:03 from Grindelwald
• With Swiss Travel Pass: 25% discount (not free — Jungfrau Railway is privately owned)
• Book at Jungfrau.ch for the best prices and timed entry management

Weather tip: Check the Jungfrau webcam before you commit to the full-price ticket. Clouds above 3,000 metres can block the view completely.

6. Chocolate Train: Montreux to Broc

Duration: Full-day excursion | Type: Vintage Belle Époque carriage + modern coach

The Chocolate Train is Switzerland’s most indulgent day trip — a journey that ends with you inside the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc, eating as many samples as you can reasonably manage. The train departs Montreux in a vintage Belle Époque carriage (wooden seats, brass fittings, a certain romance) and travels through the Gruyère cheese region.

At Gruyères, you stop at the medieval village and the cheese dairy to watch Gruyère being made — the factual, industrial version, with round 35-kilogram wheels stacked in aging caves. Then back on the train to Broc and the Cailler factory, where the free samples at the end of the tour are genuinely unrestricted.

Booking tips and pricing

• Full excursion (Montreux and back): CHF 39 with Swiss Travel Pass, CHF 64 without
• Includes: Train, bus transfers, cheese dairy entry, chocolate factory entry and samples
• Season: May to October (selected days — check SBB Glacier Express page)
• Book at least two weeks ahead; this sells out in summer

7. Wilhelm Tell Express: Lucerne to Lugano by Boat and Train

Duration: 5.5 hours | Type: Lake steamer (Lucerne to Flüelen) + panoramic train

The Wilhelm Tell Express is the classic combination of Switzerland’s two most iconic transport forms — the lake steamer and the mountain railway. Named after the Swiss national legend, the route begins on Lake Lucerne’s steamer service, a genuine vintage white paddle steamer with deck chairs and a restaurant below.

After crossing the lake, the train section follows the Gotthard route through central Switzerland into Ticino. This route is largely the same as the Gotthard Panorama Express but with a longer boat journey and the emphasis on the Tell legend — the route passes through the regions where the historical William Tell story is set.

Booking tips and pricing

• 2nd class: CHF 75–90 without pass
• With Swiss Travel Pass: Included; reservation CHF 22 for train section
• Season: May to October
• Book via SBB or Aviasales for packaged Switzerland rail itineraries

8. Pilatus Railway: Steepest Cogwheel Railway in the World

Duration: 30 minutes (Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm) | Gradient: Up to 48%

The Pilatus Railway holds the world record for the steepest cogwheel railway, with a maximum gradient of 480 per mille (48%). This means for every metre you travel forward, you rise 48 centimetres. The carriages are designed at an angle so passengers sit level despite the extreme slope.

The destination — Pilatus Kulm at 2,073 metres — offers one of the most dramatic summit views in central Switzerland. On clear days you see 73 named peaks, Lake Lucerne spread below, and the Swiss plateau stretching north to the Jura mountains. The hotel at the summit is the highest in the Lucerne region and worth an overnight stay if you want to watch the sunset above the clouds.

Booking tips and pricing

• Return from Alpnachstad: CHF 72 (2nd class) in 2026
• With Swiss Travel Pass: 50% discount
• Dragon Ride (combined boat + Pilatus + gondola + boat): CHF 120 — a full-day loop from Lucerne recommended
• The cogwheel railway runs May to November only (weather-dependent)
• Book at Pilatus.ch

How do all 8 Swiss scenic trains compare?

Prices are 2026 estimates based on SBB and operator published fares. Book direct to confirm current pricing.

How to book Swiss scenic trains in 2026

The SBB app is the single most useful tool for booking Swiss trains. It covers every route, shows real-time availability, and lets you buy mandatory seat reservations alongside your ticket. Download it before you arrive; it works offline for ticket storage.

Booking options

SBB website and app (sbb.ch): Best for straightforward point-to-point tickets and reservations. Shows panoramic car availability. English interface works well.

Swiss Travel Pass: Purchased before arrival through MySwitzerland or rail agents in your home country. Covers unlimited travel on SBB network for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

Interrail / Eurail Pass: Valid on SBB trains (not Jungfrau Railway). Mandatory reservations still required for scenic routes. Good value if combining multiple European countries.

Seat reservations: Mandatory for Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express. Optional but recommended for Chocolate Train. Book as early as possible in summer — scenic cars sell out.

Third-party booking via Trip.com: Useful for bundling rail passes with accommodation, particularly for multi-city Swiss itineraries.

Swiss Travel Pass or point-to-point tickets: which is better?

The Swiss Travel Pass is worth buying if you plan to travel on 3 or more consecutive days. For shorter visits or if you’re only doing one or two scenic routes, point-to-point tickets often cost less.

When the Swiss Travel Pass wins

• You’re in Switzerland for 4+ days and plan to travel daily
• You want to use urban transport (trams, buses) in cities — it’s included
• You’re combining scenic trains with city days (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva)
• You plan to take boats on the major lakes — included

When point-to-point makes more sense

• You have 1–2 days and only want the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
• You’re based in one city and doing day trips only
• You’ve found advance-purchase fares under the pass cost

Quick calculation: A 4-day Swiss Travel Pass costs CHF 244 (2nd class adult). If your planned journeys add up to more than this, the pass wins. List every journey including city trams — the urban transport inclusion often tips the balance.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It? An Honest Review

FAQ

How far in advance should I book scenic train reservations in Switzerland?

For July and August travel, book at least three to four weeks in advance. For spring and autumn travel, one to two weeks ahead is usually sufficient. The Jungfraujoch fills fastest — book that first.

Can I use a Eurail Pass on Swiss scenic trains?

Yes, Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on SBB trains and most scenic routes. You still need to pay mandatory seat reservations separately (CHF 16–43 depending on route). Jungfrau Railway gives only a 25% discount with any rail pass.

Is the Glacier Express worth the price?

Yes, if you’re traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz or want a full-day alpine experience. The panoramic windows, dining car service, and route variety make it a genuinely distinctive journey. If you’re not going to both endpoints, consider shorter scenic alternatives.

What is the best scenic train for families with young children?

The Pilatus Dragon Ride (boat to Pilatus by cogwheel, gondola down) is excellent for children. The Chocolate Train is popular for obvious reasons. The Bernina Express is long but manageable with engaged kids for the first two hours.

Do Swiss scenic trains run in winter?

The Glacier Express and Bernina Express run year-round. The Chocolate Train, Gotthard Panorama Express, and Wilhelm Tell Express are seasonal (April/May to October). The Jungfrau Railway runs year-round but is most popular in summer.

How long does the Bernina Express take?

The full Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano takes 4 hours. From St. Moritz to Tirano takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Most visitors combine it with a day in Tirano before returning by PostBus or train to St. Moritz.

Can I stop along the way on scenic trains?

With a Swiss Travel Pass or Interrail pass, yes — you can break your journey at any station. With a point-to-point ticket, you need to book the specific segments. For the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, reservations are route-specific so stopping requires new reservations.

What is the highest train station in Europe?

Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 metres above sea level, is the highest railway station in Europe. The Jungfrau Railway reaches it via a tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch massifs. The journey from Kleine Scheidegg takes approximately 35–50 minutes.

Book your Swiss train adventure

Switzerland’s scenic trains are best experienced in person. No photo prepares you for the silence of the Bernina plateau in October, or the way the Matterhorn appears around a curve on the Glacier Express approach to Zermatt. These aren’t tourist attractions bolted onto an existing rail network — they’re the original reason the lines were built.

Start with the Bernina Express if you can only do one. Add the Glacier Express if you have two days. Layer in the Jungfrau Railway on a clear morning, and save the Pilatus cogwheel for a late afternoon when the light is low and the summit turns orange.

For the best accommodation near the major routes, search options on Trip.com which covers Swiss hotels along all eight corridors.

For flights into Switzerland’s three main airports (Zurich, Geneva, Basel), compare options on Aviasales.

Anna Berger writes about Switzerland travel at SwitzerlandVibe.com. For more Swiss rail guides, see the Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary and the full Swiss Travel Pass analysis.

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