5 Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland: A Couple’s Guide to Epic Views

When someone says, “picture your happy place,” I envision sitting on a cozy train as Switzerland’s Alps rolling past my window. The idea of sipping on hot chocolate (or coffee for my coffee lovers) catching glimpses of jagged peaks and shimmering lakes sounds like heaven on earth. 

With over 3,000 miles of tracks crisscrossing this tiny country, train rides across Switzerland is a rail lover’s paradise. They present you with the perfect mix of relaxation, gorgeous landscapes and adventure, whether it’s the Glacier Express winding through snowy passes or the Jungfrau Railway hauling you up to Europe’s highest station. 

With short jaunts and all-day train rides, there’s a train track for every mood. So here are the 5 best scenic train rides in Switzerland with routes, incredible sights, and tips on tickets so you can plan a trip together that’ll linger in your memory long after the last stop. Let’s roll!

Why Switzerland’s Trains Are a Big Deal

Switzerland’s railway system is a marvel. The train tracks thread through mountains, valleys, and postcard-perfect towns like it’s no big deal despite the steep inclines and snowy winters. These aren’t just trains, they’re your ticket to some of the wildest scenery on Earth. You’ve got everything from quick two-hour train rides to epic eight-hour journeys, all framed by panoramic windows that make you feel like you’re gliding through the Alps…which in a sense you are! Some Swiss trains even up the antics with luxe perks like meals served right at your seat. 

For couples like us who crave nature, a dash of history, or just love partaking in immersive views, these rides are a non negotiable for any Switzerland itinerary.

The Top Scenic Train Rides to Jump On

1. Glacier Express: The Slow Ride Worth Every Second

This one’s a bucket-list legend. Clocking in at eight hours and 291 kilometers from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express weaves through the heart of the Swiss Alps. You kick off the ride in Zermatt, where the Matterhorn towers like a jagged sentinel, and wind up in the elegant town of St. Moritz. 

The train chugs along at a leisurely pace hence the “slowest express train in the world” tag, and it passes snow-dusted peaks, terraced vineyards clinging to hillsides, and rocky gorges. The Landwasser Viaduct bridge steals the show with its six stone arches towering 213 feet over the Landwasser River, especially with the forest backdrop. Then there’s the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s answer to the Grand Canyon, with limestone cliffs plunging down toward the water. And to cap it all off is Oberalp Pass up at 6,670 feet.

The Glacier Express has panoramic windows that stretch nearly to the roof, giving you unbroken seamless vantage points to watch the world pass you outside. If you go first class, you’re treated to plush seats and a three-course meal (think Swiss cheese and wine) served at your table. In the summer, the Glacier Express runs up to four times a day and once a day during the winter.

You can book the Glacier Express through Swiss Activities or a Swiss Travel Pass; during the busier seasons we suggest making reservations for around 23 CHF extra.

2. Bernina Express: Alps to Italy in One Go

The Bernina Express is a wild, border-hopping ride into Italy. It takes about four hours and crosses 156 kilometers and you can start your trip either in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city with its cobblestone charm, or you can make the trip shorter by starting in St. Moritz. Either way, the final destination is in Tirano, Italy but there’s also an optional 90-kilometer bus leg to Lugano, Switzerland too if you’re up for a full day. 

Buerina Express absolutely delivers with alpine villages with wooden chalets, ruined castles perched on cliffs, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct (yes another viaduct!) a spiral bridge that loops like a coiled snake. This is the perfect train ride for photography. At Ospizio Bernina, you’ll be 7,392 feet up and at Europe’s highest railway crossing surrounded by snowy peaks and icy lakes. Then the train swoops down into Italy where you’ll trade the  Alps for Mediterranean warmth. As a bonus, you can visit the legendary phenomenal Lake Como by taking a 30 minute drive from either Lugano or Tirano. You can also get there by train too but it will take longer.

The Bernina Express takes you through Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mind-bending engineering. The Rhaetian Railway consists of 55 tunnels through mountains and 196 bridges over idyllic water. All in all, it is a route that’s been wowing generations since 1910. The red panoramic train cars are a signature for Bernina Express and as you ride the train you’ll feel the shift from frosty Switzerland to sunny Italy in real time. 

This website gives more information about the Bernina Express, but tickets can be bought via Swiss Activities or Eurail, with reservations at 20–36 CHF. The St. Moritz-Tirano stretch only runs May to November, but Chur is available all year round. Buses to Lugano are available from February to November but they’re offered daily during the summer. The main season is between mid May to mid October. The low season is slightly cheaper and it’s from mid December to May.

3. Golden Pass Line: Lakes and Towns

The Golden Pass Line showcases Switzerland’s diversity. It is a six-hour railway route across 191 kilometers from Lucerne to Montreux and involves multiple different trains. You start in Lucerne, a popular town for tourists next to Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus. From there, the Golden Pass glides past eight lakes including Brienz and Thun. The route takes the Brünig Pass which lifts you into mountainous territory while Giessbach waterfalls cascade down nearby cliffs. Continuing on, the train takes you through Bernese Oberland’s rolling hills dotted with cows and chalets before you hit Gstaad’s upscale charm and elegance. Finally, the Golden Pass wraps up with Montreux on Lake Geneva, a Riviera-esque spot with palm trees and a mellow vibe, bridging German and French-speaking regions.

The Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway (MOB) Belle Époque train is a historical treat. It is a part of the Golden Pass Line but it only operates between Montreux and Zweisimmen.The vintage 1930s-style carriages with plush green seats feel like traveling back in time to the Orient Express days. This train ride is quieter in November when the foliage turns golden, so if you love fall and prefer fewer people, then this is the perfect time to book your trip! 

Book through Swiss Activities or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Again I advise making reservations if you plan to ride during the peak season between May and October.

4. Jungfrau Railway: Top of Europe Travel

The Jungfrau Railway is a short but intense ride. It’s about two hours one way from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, but what makes this Swiss train ride stand out is the fact that this cog railway climbs through the Eiger, a notorious mountain known for its deadly north face that has tested climbers since the ‘30s. You start in the town of Interlaken, tucked between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and then ascend up 11,332 feet to Europe’s highest train station. There is a seven-kilometer tunnel through the Eiger that spits you out onto snowy peaks that seem to go on forever. Up there perched like a sci-fi lookout is the Sphinx Observatory. You can also visit the 23-kilometer Aletsch Glacier, a shimmering ice river cradled by giants like Jungfrau and Mönch.

The Jungfrau Railway is steep, chilly, and feels otherworldly. Up top, you can hike trails or just stare off into the distance. On clear days you can even see Germany and France in the distance. Round trip tickets are 200 CHF via Jungfrau Railways, but a Swiss Travel Pass can give you a bit of a discount. For this train ride, the weather is key. Clouds can cloak the distant mountain ranges, so check the forecasts, but ultimately it will be worth it no matter what the weather is like.

5. Gotthard Panorama Express: Boat Meets Train

This one’s a two-part adventure by boat and train. The Gotthard Panorama Express takes about five hours and also goes from Lucerne to Lugano, but this time, your journey starts off with a steamboat across Lake Lucerne. The 38-kilometer boat ride glides past Rütliwiese, a historic meadow, and Tell’s Chapel, all while the water mirrors and reflects the surrounding  jagged peaks. In Lugano, you’ll switch over to a 183-kilometer train following the historic Gotthard route. You’ll pass the Baroque church of Wassen with its spire pops against the cliffs and then onto Bellinzona’s UNESCO-listed castles. Have fun in Lugano’s Italian-speaking Ticino.

The boat and train ride combo promised a unique experience. You’d spent about three hours on the water and two and a half hours riding on the train. The Gotthard Panorama Express runs April to October, Tuesday through Sunday, with reservations at 24 CHF via Swiss Activities or a Swiss Travel Pass (first class scores 50% off the boat).

Bonus Regional Rides

You can easily journey by the regular trains across Switzerland for a lot of towns we haven’t covered. Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is a quick hop through green hills and past the 984 foot Staubbach waterfall. Going from Lausanne to Montreux takes a breezy 30 minutes and you get to travel along Lake Geneva and cozy vineyards. It’s especially a great choice if you’re visiting Montreux around Deciment for the Christmas markets. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Visp to Zermatt is another incredible train ride. You can bask in the beauty of alpine peaks and the Matterhorn’s iconic pyramid.

Swiss Train Tickets & Logistics

Where to Grab Tickets

The SBB app or website is your go-to for easy purchases for a lot of the train tickets. For the Glacier Express, use Swiss Activities. Eurail or Interrail passes work but they might tack on additional fees. The Swiss Travel Pass is the all-access pass for unlimited trains, buses, boats, although Jungfrau’s final stretch still is a little extra. A Half Fare Travelcard (120 CHF for a month) slashes 50% off all fares and breaks even with one Glacier Express ride making it perfect if you’re train-hopping.

Timing It Right

Spring April through June and autumn September through mid October are some of the best times for scenic train rides in Switzerland. You’ll be able to enjoy mild weather and thinner crowds along with enchanting wildflowers and golden autumn leaves. If you’re planning your train ride in the summer between July and August, plan ahead by reserving your tickets to avoid the train cars filling up before you get there. As for winter, December through February, remember that not all of the trains run as regularly and also check for delays.

Panoramic vs. Regular Trains

While there are some regular trains that might follow part of some of the same routes, choosing these trains with their panoramic huge windows let you really take in everything. The Glacier Express, Bernina, Golden Pass all have panoramic windows. Don’t forget about first class on Glacier Express or Belle Époque which both offer cushy seats and elbow room. It’ll be nice for the long rides.

9 Breathtaking Mountain Views You Can’t Miss.

Add Some Fun

These train rides can easily tie into more activities and excursions around Switzerland. Jungfraujoch has plenty of hiking trails or skiing if you bundle up for the cold. The Golden Pass drops you near Gstaad’s posh resorts where you can enjoy a spa day or do some shopping. Gotthard’s boat leg begs for a picnic, so pack some bread and cheese or sandwiches. And if you guys love castles then stop in Bellinzona and make a day trip or two out of it.

Why These Rides Are Worth Your Time

If there was ever a train ride you need to take, it would be one of these five…although preferably it would be all of them! Glacier Express is a slow waltz through the Alps, meal included, whereas Bernina gives you a great opportunity to see some of Italy’s countryside. For couples like us who love to just sit back and enjoy the surrounding land, these train rides are perfect. Share down below your favorite train ride whether it’s in Switzerland or elsewhere in the world! I’d love to add it to my travel bucket list!

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