*By Erin Nicole Davis*
There’s something truly magnificent about Swiss train travel, thanks to its storybook-like aesthetics – from towering peaks, winding creeks, enchanting forests, and waterfalls, to piercingly blue glacial lakes, vineyards, romantic villages, and quaint countryside homes. It’s the type of scenery that inevitably gets the imagination flowing, yet quiets the mind at the same time. Coupled with the gentle motion of the train, it’s truly a dreamy experience.
Looks aside, Switzerland’s extensive train network is known for its cleanliness and its down-to-the-minute efficiency – from its reliable regional commuter trains, to its scenic panoramic trains. Train travel is simplified with different ticket options, like the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel via train (with some exclusions), bus, and boat.
If you’re in the market to journey through a postcard-perfect landscape, here are some of Switzerland’s best trains.
9 Best Scenic Train Rides In Switzerland
1. Glacier Express
The scenic Glacier Express offers a direct, famously slow eight-hour journey between the picture-perfect mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. The 291-kilometer route passes through Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps, bypassing stops made by local trains. The stunning journey takes passengers through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, showcasing the dramatic Swiss landscape along the way via panoramic windows. On-board perks of the luxurious train include a bar, entertainment, champagne, and multi-course meals. The five-star treatment sets the stage for what’s in store in the sophisticated A-list favourite Zermatt and St. Mortiz. Find more info here.
2. GoldenPass Belle Époque
There’s something that feels distinctly regal about the timeless and iconic Belle Époque. The charming vintage interior of its carriages nods back to sophisticated early 20th century travel, with plush fabric seating, gold detailing, and intricate wood paneling. The train travels through the beautiful GoldenPass line between Montreux on Lake Geneva and Zweisimmen, a town in the Bernese Alps, passing through romantic villages, lakes, and dramatic alpine peaks on a two-hour journey. The charming aesthetic of the 1930s is paired with modern amenities, like power outlets, video screens, and air conditioning. The cherry on top is a wine cellar coach. Find more info here.
3. Bernina Express
The famed panoramic Bernina Express connects Chur, Switzerland with Tirano, Italy, taking passengers on a breathtaking four-hour journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Rhaetian Railway, through 55 tunnels, and over 196 bridges. The sleek red train is one of Europe’s most scenic trains, travelling across landscapes filled with memory-ingraining views of glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, rugged cliffs, gorges, lush valleys, dramatic viaducts, alpine lakes, and even palm trees. Find more info here.
4. Gornergrat Railway
The Gornergrat railway holds the title of the world’s first fully electrified cog railway and is Europe’s highest open-air railway. It links Zermatt with the summit of the Gornergrat, offering views of the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn throughout the 33-minute ride to the second-highest rail station in Europe (the first being Jungfrau). At the top, prime hiking and sightseeing awaits, with stunning views of the famed Gorner Glacier (the second-largest in the Alps), lakes, forests, and Zermatt. En route, the train windows open – perfect for capturing incredible photos. Find more info here.
5. Jungfrau Railway
The historic Jungfrau Railway line offers stunning sky-high views and features Europe’s highest railway station, which towers 3,453 metres above sea level in a landscape of ice, snow, and rock. The nine-kilometre line runs from Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland and up the pass between the dramatic Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, connecting the mountains via a seven-kilometre tunnel. Once they reach the top, guests are encouraged to stay a while, taking in the sweeping views – which span across the Alps and into France, Italy and Germany – an ice sculpture gallery, chocolate shop, and restaurant. Find more info here.
6. Mont-Blanc Express
The Mont-Blanc Express offers a truly magical experience, as it makes its journey through the Trient Valley between the charming Martigny, Switzerland and resort town Chamonix, France – one it has done for over a century. The 90-minute ride showcases the Swiss and French Alps in all their glory and is complete with views of gorges, mountain villages, waterfalls, steep valleys, and the spectacular Mont Blanc. The train makes stops at various alpine villages throughout the journey. Find more info here.
(@montblancexpress.ch)7. Voralpen-Express
The sleek, copper-coloured Voralpen-Express connects the historical cities of Lucerne and St. Gallen, bypassing Zurich, in a two-hour and 15-minute picturesque journey through the heart of the country and over Switzerland’s highest viaduct. While those famous front and centre mountain views are absent from this journey (well, they’re in the distance), it’s one filled with rolling hills of varying shades of green and colourful villages – best enjoyed in the warmer months and autumn. Highlights of the trip include views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, and the Rigi. Find more info here.
8. Centovalli Railway
The scenic Centovalli Railway features large windows to take in the incredible views, as it passes over 83 bridges and viaducts along its stunning route from Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, Switzerland. Along the way, you’ll come across rolling hills, the Melezza river, and waterfalls, and get up close and personal with the famed mountains. Backed by the stunning Swiss Alps, Locarno is filled with colourful buildings, historic architecture, and Italian flare (including comforting pasta and gelato spots). The star of the show is the piercing Lake Maggiore. Find more info here.
9. Rochers-de-Naye Cogwheel Train
The Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train offers a breathtaking journey from Montreux to Les Rochers-de-Naye. Passengers aboard the train can expect stunning views of the Swiss and French Alps, the glistening Lake Geneva, forests, villages, and peaceful rolling hills. At the highest point of the mountains – towering some 1600 metres – guests can explore an impressive garden with over 1000 alpine plants, take advantage of scenic hiking opportunities, or grab a bite or drink on a terrace. Find more info here.
It should be noted that many of Switzerland’s regional trains also boast the country’s renowned soul-soothing views as well. One of our all-time favourites, for example, is the stunning train journey from Zurich to summertime haven Lugano in the country’s south. Find out more about Switzerland’s train travel here.
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