Quick Answer
Switzerland by train is the world’s best rail experience. Network: 5,300 km of railways. Trains punctual to the minute. Top scenic journeys: 1. Glacier Express (Zermatt-St. Moritz, 8h, 3,000m peaks, 291 bridges, CHF 152 + reservation), 2. Bernina Express (St. Moritz-Tirano Italy, UNESCO railway, panoramic windows, CHF 65), 3. GoldenPass Line (Lucerne-Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux, 5h30, 3 lakes), 4. Jungfraujoch railway (Top of Europe 3,463m highest, CHF 235), 5. Gotthard Panorama Express (Lucerne-Lugano), 6. Wilhelm Tell Express (boat + train Lucerne-Italy). Swiss Travel Pass: 4-15 days CHF 244-475. Half-Fare Card: CHF 165/year — 50% off. Best season: summer (June-September) for clear views, winter (December-March) for snow drama. Don’t miss: panoramic windows, dining cars on Glacier + Bernina, free WiFi.
Top scenic railways
- Glacier Express: Zermatt-St. Moritz. 8 hours. 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, Oberalp Pass 2,033m. Panoramic windows. CHF 152 base + CHF 39 reservation. Famous Bistro car.
- Bernina Express: St. Moritz-Tirano (Italy). 4 hours. UNESCO World Heritage railway since 2008. Through Alpine + Mediterranean climate zones. Open-air panoramic windows. CHF 65 + CHF 26 reservation.
- GoldenPass Line: Lucerne-Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux. 5h30. 3 lakes (Lucerne, Brienz, Geneva). Crystal Belle Époque carriages.
- Jungfrau Railway (Jungfraujoch): Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch. Highest railway in Europe (3,454m). 50 min one way. CHF 235 from Interlaken (return).
- Gotthard Panorama Express: Flüelen-Lugano via boat + train. North-South cultural transition.
- Wilhelm Tell Express: historic boat across Lake Lucerne + train through Gotthard. CHF 187.
- Bernina + Centovalli: from Tirano to Locarno. Combines high mountain + chestnut forests.
- Pre-Alpine Express: Lucerne-St. Gallen via 4 lakes.
Glacier Express details
- Departure stations: Zermatt (3,089m start at Gornergrat) and St. Moritz (1,775m).
- Highlights: Oberalp Pass 2,033m (highest point), Landwasser Viaduct (curved 65m bridge over river), Rhine Gorge Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”.
- Panoramic windows: floor-to-ceiling glass for full views.
- Class options: 2nd class CHF 152, 1st class CHF 268, Excellence Class CHF 470 (gourmet meal + champagne).
- Reservation MUST: CHF 39 mandatory.
- Direction matters: Zermatt → St. Moritz views best (right side morning).
- Time: 8 hours one way. Some break in Andermatt or change cars.
Bernina Express details
- UNESCO World Heritage 2008: “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula and Bernina Landscape”.
- Bernina Pass 2,253m: highest point. Glaciers visible.
- Trail goes through 4 climate zones: Alpine to Mediterranean.
- Open-air observation cars: available summer.
- From Tirano (Italy): connect to Milan or Como.
- Round-trip: day trip St. Moritz – Tirano – St. Moritz possible. CHF 65 + CHF 26 reservation each way.
- Best in winter: snow + frozen lakes most spectacular.
GoldenPass Line details
- Through 3 cantons: Lucerne (German) → Interlaken (German) → Montreux (French). 3 cultural worlds.
- Iconic carriages: Belle Époque (vintage), MOB Panoramic (modern).
- 3 lakes visible: Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, Lake Geneva.
- Total time: 5h30 with one or two changes.
- Recently: direct route Interlaken-Montreux without changes (since 2023).
- Best done in 2 days: overnight in Interlaken.
Train passes
- Swiss Travel Pass: 4-15 days CHF 244-475. Unlimited travel + free + many mountain railways.
- Half-Fare Card: CHF 165/year. 50% off ALL train + cable + mountain railways.
- Eurail Switzerland Pass: for non-residents.
- Most-included scenic trains: Glacier Express + Bernina Express + GoldenPass = base ticket included with passes; only reservation extra (CHF 39 + CHF 26 + CHF 30).
- Mountain railways NOT included: Jungfraujoch CHF 235 separate. Klein Matterhorn separate.
- Half-Fare Card sweet spot: for longer Switzerland trips with selective high-mountain.
Practical info
- Punctuality: Swiss trains 95% on time. Plan tight connections confidently.
- Reservations: required for Glacier + Bernina + GoldenPass during summer. Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
- Best season: summer for clear views (June-September). Winter for snow drama.
- Direction matters: Glacier Express east-going (Zermatt-St. Moritz) views best.
- Photo strategy: sit on best side, but views work both directions.
- Dining: classic Swiss food in restaurant cars. Order ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most scenic Swiss train?
Glacier Express (Zermatt-St. Moritz, 8h, 291 bridges) is most famous. Bernina Express (UNESCO) most dramatic. GoldenPass for cultural variety. All worth the experience.
Is Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
Yes for 4+ days train travel. CHF 244-475 covers Glacier + Bernina + GoldenPass base + many mountain railways. Saves CHF 200+ vs individual tickets.
Glacier Express east or west direction?
East-going (Zermatt → St. Moritz) considered best. Right side window has Matterhorn views first half + Landwasser viaduct best from this direction.
Reservations needed for scenic trains?
Glacier Express + Bernina Express: yes mandatory (CHF 39, CHF 26). GoldenPass: optional but recommended summer. Book 1-2 weeks ahead high season.
How long for Switzerland by train?
Minimum 5 days for Zermatt + Glacier Express + Interlaken. Ideal 10-14 days with all major scenic trains + cities. Switzerland small enough.
Best season for Swiss train trips?
Summer (June-September) for clear Alpine views + open-air observation cars. Winter (December-March) for dramatic snow scenes — Bernina particularly stunning. October fall colors.
Recommended on Amazon
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- Lonely Planet Switzerland — comprehensive country guide.
- Swiss train pass guide — maximize value.
- Glacier Express guidebook — detailed journey.