5 Most Scenic Train Routes In Switzerland

There is always a moment on a Swiss train when the view suddenly opens, and you catch yourself whispering, “Wow!”. It might be a bright blue lake, a tiny wooden village, or the first glimpse of the Alps rising in the distance. Switzerland knows how to show off, and its trains give you a front row seat.

That is why train travel here feels special. You are not rushing from one place to another. You are watching the country reveal itself slowly, scene by scene. And if you have checked out the best places to visit in Switzerland, you know how varied these landscapes are.

These scenic rides are more than transport. They are little adventures that make you pause, breathe and enjoy the journey.

So let’s explore the most beautiful train routes in Switzerland.

Glacier Express: Most Scenic Train Ride In Switzerland

The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train in Switzerland, and honestly, it deserves the hype. It runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, connecting two of the country’s most beautiful mountain towns. People often joke it's the “world’s slowest express train,” but that’s exactly what makes it special, you actually have time to drink in the views.

When you board in Zermatt, the first sight is the famous Matterhorn peak in the distance - a perfect send-off, and a hint of what’s to come. The route climbs steadily up to the Oberalp Pass, which sits at just over 2,000m. Along the way you’ll roll through snowy fields, steep cliffs, forested valleys and charming alpine villages. One of the standout moments: the Landwasser Viaduct, a stone bridge curving over a deep gorge - seen through panoramic windows, it feels almost unreal.

In terms of price and practical bits: a full-route ticket from Zermatt to St. Moritz is around CHF 159 in 2nd class and CHF 272 in 1st class, before seat reservation. On top of that, you’ll need a mandatory seat reservation: CHF 54 for 1st/2nd class and up to CHF 540 for the premium “Excellence Class”. The train doesn’t run every hour, it’s more of a special-journey experience. In summer, there are about two departures per day for the full stretch.

Bernina Express: UNESCO Scenic Train Switzerland

The Bernina Express isn’t just about rails and seats. It’s a journey that sweeps you from Switzerland into Italy, crossing alpine passes and dramatic landscapes that print themselves on your memory.

You hop on the train in either Chur or St. Moritz, and end up in Tirano (Italy). This train cuts north to south across the Alps, and yes, part of its track is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the route, you’ll see sights you won’t forget: the glacier at Morteratsch, lakes that look like mirrors of the sky (think Lago Bianco), and the unforgettable spiral-viaduct at Brusio that seems to twist the train through time.

In terms of cost and timing: A one-way ticket from Chur to Tirano starts around CHF 66 in 2nd class, CHF 113 in 1st. Seat reservations are required (even if you hold a rail pass). These cost about CHF 40–44 per person for the full route in high season. The train runs several times a day on this corridor, so you’ve got options, not just a single moment.

Why pick this one? Because it offers something different. If the Glacier Express gives you a full-day luxury ride through Switzerland’s heart, the Bernina Express gives you raw alpine drama, cross-border scenery, and landscapes that change like chapters in a book.

GoldenPass Express: Lucerne To Montreux

Now imagine boarding a train that doesn’t just take you somewhere, but keeps pulling your jaw open with each window view. That’s what happens when you hop on the GoldenPass Express from Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux.

Starting near the lake by Lucerne, you glide through forests and vineyards, climb past mountain ridges, and end up on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s a ride where tiles of Switzerland change under your seat.

The train whisks you along Lake Lucerne’s calm edge, then between Interlaken’s twin lakes, and finally descends into the vine-terraced slopes above Montreux. The coaches are built with big panoramic windows so you’re part of the landscape, not just looking at it.

In terms of cost and schedule: there are multiple departures daily between Lucerne and Interlaken and onward toward Montreux. One-way tickets for the Lucerne ↔ Interlaken leg start from about CHF 34 in 2nd class and CHF 58 in 1st class. Reservations are optional on most segments, though highly recommended during peak season for the best seats.

Why pick this route? Because if you’re travelling in Switzerland and are staying near Zurich or Lucerne, it’s both immediately accessible and beautifully varied. You’ll taste lakes, mountains, vineyards and villages, all before dinner. And if you’re building a bigger Swiss itinerary (think: cities plus nature), this is a perfect piece of the puzzle.

Gornergrat Railway: Best Matterhorn View Train

When you’re in Zermatt and you gaze at the majestic Matterhorn, one ride stands out above the rest: the Gornergrat Railway. You board in Zermatt and climb to the summit of the Gornergrat (3,089 m). The views? Pure alpine magic.

The journey is short and sweet — about 30 – 40 minutes from Zermatt to the top. Along the way you pass through forests, high-alpine terrain and eventually open onto platforms where every turn of your head reveals a new peak. It’s perfect for sunrise or sunset photos of the Matterhorn.

Pricing is seasonal: in winter (November – April) the return trip costs about CHF 96, and in summer (May – October) around CHF 132. Discounts apply if you hold a Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass. Trains depart frequently — roughly every 30 minutes in most seasons.

Why go for this one? Because if you’re all about the Matterhorn and want something quick yet unforgettable, this train is your best bet. It’s easy, spectacular and doesn’t eat up a whole day.

Jungfraujoch Railway: Top Of Europe Train Experience

The Jungfraujoch Railway is one of those rides you never really forget. You start in Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald and slowly climb your way into a world that looks nothing like the valley you left behind. The train winds its way past views of the Eiger’s north face, which feels so close you almost lean back when you look at it.

As you get higher, the landscape turns white and wide. The Aletsch Glacier appears like a frozen river stretching far into the distance. When you finally reach Jungfraujoch, you’re standing at Europe’s highest railway station. It’s surreal. Snow. Silence. Huge views. Even in summer.

This trip is on the pricey side, and most travellers know that before they go. But the train runs year-round and there are several departures per hour from both valleys, so it’s easy to fit into your day. The whole process is smooth and very Swiss.

If it’s your first time in Switzerland, this is one of the big must-dos. It gives you that classic snow-and-glacier moment and one of the most famous viewpoints in the entire country. It feels like visiting the top of the world — and in a way, you are.

How To Combine Switzerland’s Scenic Train Routes Into One Trip

If you want to turn all these scenic trains into one big Swiss adventure, there’s a route that flows beautifully without any backtracking. Start in Lucerne. Spend a morning by the lake, wander the old town, then hop on the GoldenPass Line. This takes you through calm lakesides and rolling hills to Interlaken, and then on to Montreux with its vineyards spilling down toward Lake Geneva.

From Montreux, it’s an easy journey to Zermatt. Once you’re there, take the Gornergrat Railway for those close-up Matterhorn views. It’s a short ride but it feels like a reward for making it all the way into the Alps.

Then comes the grand finale. Board the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. It’s a full-day journey, slow and scenic, and the perfect ending to a trip that’s all about enjoying Switzerland through the window of a train.

This itinerary works so well because everything connects naturally. Lakes, vineyards, glaciers, mountain passes — all in one sweep across the country. No loops. No complicated transfers. Just a smooth 5–10 day route that shows you the best of Switzerland at a comfortable, enjoyable pace.

FAQs About Scenic Train Routes In Switzerland

1. Do I need seat reservations on these trains?

Yes, for most panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, reservations are mandatory. The GoldenPass Line is more flexible and often doesn’t require them, except during busy seasons.

2. What is the best time of year for scenic train travel in Switzerland?

Summer and early autumn give the widest variety of views — green valleys, blue lakes and clear mountain passes. Winter rides are beautiful too, especially for snowy landscapes around Zermatt and the Jungfrau region.

3. Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid on these train rides?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the train fare on most routes, but you still need to pay separately for seat reservations on premium panoramic trains. It can still save you a lot if you’re traveling across several regions.

4. What is the most scenic train ride in Switzerland?

The Glacier Express is often considered the most scenic train ride in Switzerland overall because it covers huge landscapes in one full-day trip. But the Bernina Express is just as iconic if you want dramatic mountain passes and a route that crosses into Italy.