The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is perhaps the most recognised scenic train in Switzerland. Famous for its bright red carriages and sweeping glass windows, this journey connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, two beloved alpine resort towns known for skiing, mountain lodges and lakeside walks. Although the ride lasts around eight hours, the route is captivating from start to finish. Long valleys, deep gorges and snow-topped mountains accompany you for almost the entire journey.
Highlights include crossing nearly 300 bridges and passing through more than 90 tunnels. Travellers particularly look forward to the Landwasser Viaduct, a curved structure perched above a deep ravine, and the Rhine Gorge, often described as Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon.” The train's slow pace lets you enjoy every moment and capture plenty of photos before arriving in St. Moritz.
The Bernina Express
Another standout is the Bernina Express, which connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. This four-hour journey is a favourite among travellers for its dramatic alpine scenery and gentle descent into northern Italy. The train climbs more than 7,000 feet as it travels over the Bernina Pass, giving passengers panoramic views of snowy landscapes, glaciers and turquoise lakes.
The route passes iconic sights such as the Morteratsch Glacier and Lago Bianco before winding through the Val Poschiavo. Once in Tirano, travellers can enjoy Italian cafés, historic churches and charming streets before taking the train back or exploring further into northern Italy. The Bernina Express is especially stunning in winter when the entire landscape glistens under fresh snow.
GoldenPass Line
For travellers who want to see a wide range of Swiss scenery, the GoldenPass Line offers a journey through lakes, vineyards, countryside and alpine peaks. This route is divided into three easy legs, connecting Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisimmen and Montreux.
The first segment from Lucerne to Interlaken brings you past lakes and villages framed by the towering peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The second section continues through rolling meadows and quiet towns on the way to Zweisimmen. Finally, the journey to Montreux showcases vineyards, the hills of the Fribourg region and sweeping views of Lake Geneva. With each leg offering different landscapes, the GoldenPass Line is ideal for travellers looking to experience the variety of Switzerland in one memorable trip.
Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway is one of Switzerland’s most exciting mountain train journeys, climbing to the highest railway station in Europe. Even without skiing, travellers enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding the Jungfrau region. The route brings you past dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and snowy slopes as you ascend the mountain.
At the summit, you reach Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” On clear days, you may see as far as the Black Forest in Germany. The area also features ice exhibits, viewing platforms and a chocolate shop for a sweet treat. On the return to the valley, the route through Lauterbrunnen offers more alpine views and beautiful waterfalls cascading down steep rock walls.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a unique combination of travel by water and rail. Your journey begins with a scenic boat cruise from Lucerne across Lake Lucerne, a peaceful experience surrounded by mountains and traditional Swiss towns. Once in Flüelen, you board the train and continue through central Switzerland’s historic railway corridor.
A highlight of this route is travelling through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest and deepest railway tunnel in the world. Emerging from the tunnel, you will be greeted by the landscapes of southern Switzerland including vineyards and small villages. The journey ends at Bellinzona, home to three UNESCO-listed castles that offer insight into the region’s history.
Voralpen Express
For a shorter yet equally scenic excursion, the Voralpen Express makes a beautiful day trip between St Gallen and Rapperswil. Despite being a commuter route, it features some of Switzerland’s most striking viaducts and lake views. The journey begins in the historic city of St Gallen before travelling towards the Sitter Viaduct, the country’s highest railway viaduct.
The route also passes Lake Walen, whose cliffs and blue waters create an unforgettable backdrop. Travellers end their journey in Rapperswil, a charming lakeside town known as the “City of Roses.” The Voralpen Express typically runs hourly, making it simple to fit into a flexible holiday itinerary.
Mont Blanc Express
If you want to see the iconic Mont Blanc, Europe’s tallest peak, the Mont Blanc Express is the journey for you. Beginning in Martigny, the train climbs through alpine forests, gorges and rocky slopes before arriving in Chamonix, France. The views of Mont Blanc along the way are exceptional, especially in winter when the peaks appear crisp and bright.
Chamonix is a charming alpine town with shops, cafés and access to cable cars that lead to more lookout points. This rail journey is ideal for travellers who want to combine Switzerland and France in one day while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery.
