In this post I’ll be providing you with a comprehensive list of the best scenic train rides in Switzerland, and for each one the most important details to know before you consider purchasing a ticket there.
Switzerland offers some of the most amazing nature scenery in the world and one of the best ways to see it is through the many scenic train rides there. Let’s get to the list:
Switzerland’s best scenic train rides:
- Bernina Express
- Glacier Express
- Jungfrau Railway
- Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus
- Gornergrat Railway
- Golden Pass Line
- Gotthard Panorama Express
- Voralpen-Express
- Mont Blanc Express
- Luzern-Interlaken Express
- Wengernalpbahn Railway
Bernina Express:
- Route: Chur to Tirano, Italy, via St. Moritz
- Duration: Around 4 hours
The Bernina Express offers panoramic views across 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels, traversing the stunning Bernina Pass and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. This UNESCO World Heritage route is a testament to the beauty of the Swiss Alps, providing a contrasting journey from high alpine scenery to Mediterranean atmospheres. Some may argue that this is also one of the best scenic train rides in the world.
Glacier Express
- Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Duration: Around 8 hours
The Glacier Express is ironically the longest and slowest ride on this list but it offers an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps, connecting two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts which are Zermatt and St. Moritz. The route is famed for its panoramic views of the Matterhorn, deep gorges, and breathtaking landscapes.
Jungfrau Railway:
- Route: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch
- Duration: Approximately 35 minutes
The Jungfrau Railway is Europe’s highest railway station. This cogwheel train offers unparalleled views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains. The journey is a gateway to the highest parts of Europe and through the short trip, you will see amazing attractions like the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace.
Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus:
- Route: Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm
- Duration: 30 minutes for ascent, 40 minutes for descent
This is another cogwheel railway on the list but the scenic views are what make it an amazing train ride worth taking. This train climbs Mount Pilatus, offering spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. At the summit, panoramic vistas of the Swiss landscape are seen all around you.
Gornergrat Railway
- Route: Zermatt to Gornergrat
- Duration: 33 minutes
Since we’re all including Cogwheel train rides, this one needs mention as well! The Gornergrat Railway is another gem to check out. It ascends to the Gornergrat, providing stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. It’s one of the highest open-air railway lines in Europe, making it a must-see for visitors to Zermatt.
Golden Pass Line:
- Route: Lucerne to Montreux
- Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours
Linking the German-speaking region of Lucerne with the French-speaking Montreux, this journey offers diverse views of Switzerland’s landscapes, including several lakes and the picturesque towns of Interlaken and Zweisimmen.
Gotthard Panorama Express:
- Route: Lugano/Bellinzona to Fluelen (by train), then Fluelen to Lucerne (by steamboat)
- Duration: 5.5 hours
Combining a train journey with a steamboat ride across Lake Lucerne, this express traverses the heart of Switzerland’s Alpine region, offering views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. The journey includes the world’s longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Tunnel which adds to the scenic train ride experience.
Voralpen-Express:
- Route: St. Gallen to Lucerne
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
This train ride showcases the beauty of the Swiss countryside, with highlights including verdant hills, azure lakes, and traditional villages. The route offers a seasoned blend of nature’s best, with a steep descent in Arth Goldau, a very popular town for sightseers.
Mont Blanc Express:
- Route: Martigny to Chamonix
- Duration: 90 minutes
The Mont Blanc Express offers dramatic views of mountain passes and deep gorges. It captures the essence of Swiss train travel, highlighting the spectacular landscapes of the Swiss and French Alps, both of which are stunning in different ways.
Luzern-Interlaken Express:
- Route: Lucerne to Interlaken
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
This express takes passengers through Switzerland’s heartland, offering views of forested wilderness, mountain ranges, and idyllic lakesides. The modern and comfortable carriages ensure a pleasant journey with refreshments available en route. At around a 2 hour ride, it’s both long enough to enjoy a pleasent trip, but short enough to still have plenty of energy to explore other areas after.
Wengernalpbahn Railway:
- Routes: Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald, and Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen – Lauterbrunnen
- Duration: 20+ minutes from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald
This railway offers two scenic journeys from Kleine Scheidegg, providing exceptional views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Whether heading to Grindelwald or descending to Lauterbrunnen through Wengen, passengers are treated to some of the most iconic Alpine vistas in Switzerland.
Each of these train rides in Switzerland offers a unique perspective on the country’s diverse and stunning landscapes, from lush valleys and serene lakes to towering mountains and picturesque villages. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day trip or an adventurous journey across the Alps, these scenic trains provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty of Switzerland.
For those looking to explore these routes further, including booking information and specific schedules, I recommend visiting the official Swiss Travel System website or the individual train service websites for the most up-to-date details.