Switzerland by Train: Top 5 Scenic Rail Routes You Must Experience

The World Capital of Alpine Rail Travel

There is no better way to explore Switzerland than through its legendary, clockwork-precise railway network. Panoramic rail cars with wrap-around glass ceilings glide past snow-draped alpine peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and fairytale pine valleys.


1. The Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz)

Known as the *"Slowest Express Train in the World"*, this 8-hour journey traverses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and climbs over the 2,033-meter Oberalp Pass.

* Highlight: Gaze up at the iconic Matterhorn before winding through the Rhine Gorge ("The Swiss Grand Canyon").

2. The Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano, Italy)

A UNESCO World Heritage route connecting the glaciers of Switzerland to the warm palm trees of northern Italy.

* Highlight: The dramatic 360-degree Brusio Circular Viaduct where the train loops down through the valley floor.

3. The GoldenPass Panoramic (Lucerne to Montreux)

Connecting German-speaking central Switzerland to the French-speaking vineyards of Lake Geneva.

* Highlight: Passing the mirror-like waters of Lake Brienz and descending through terraced vineyards into Montreux.

4. Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe

An engineering marvel that tunnels directly through the Eiger and Mönch mountains to reach Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters.

* Highlight: Step onto the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the European Alps.


5. Gornergrat Railway (Zermatt)

Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train climbing from Zermatt village to the 3,089-meter summit ridge.

* Highlight: Unrivalled panoramic vistas of 29 peaks rising above 4,000 meters.

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The Swiss Travel Pass Advantage

With a single Swiss Travel Pass, you enjoy unlimited travel across trains, boats on Lake Geneva/Lucerne, postal buses, city trams, and free entrance to over 500 museums nationwide. AirTravis packages include pre-validated passes delivered directly to your email.

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> View our complete [Switzerland Alpine Package](/travel/switzerland-package) with pre-booked rail passes, Zurich/Lucerne/Zermatt stays, and flight coordination.