Top Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland

05 April 2025

Top Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland

Top Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland (With Budget Tips!)

Switzerland’s train journeys are more than just transportation — they’re part of the adventure. From snow-capped peaks to turquoise lakes and alpine villages, these scenic train routes are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Whether you're a backpacker or a romantic traveler, here's a guide to the most stunning train rides across Switzerland — plus tips on how to ride them without blowing your budget.

1. Glacier Express

• Route : Zermatt to St. Moritz
• Duration : ~8 hours
• Highlights : Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge (Switzerland’s Grand Canyon), 291 bridges, and 91 tunnels
• Budget Tip : Use the Swiss Travel Pass (seat reservation required) or break it into segments using regional passes

2. Bernina Express

• Route : Chur → Tirano (Italy) via St. Moritz
• Duration : ~4 hours
• Highlights : Landwasser Viaduct, Albula Pass, glaciers, and palm trees
• Budget Tip : For free scenery, take local trains along the same route (slower but same views)

3. GoldenPass Line

• Route : Lucerne → Interlaken → Zweisimmen → Montreux
• Duration : ~5.5 hours total (in 3 segments)
• Highlights : Lakes, rolling meadows, chalet villages, and panoramic windows
• Budget Tip : Book standard trains for each segment; no full ticket needed

4. Luzern–Interlaken Express

• Route : Lucerne to Interlaken
• Duration : ~2 hours
• Highlights : Brünig Pass, five lakes, waterfalls, and traditional villages
• Budget Tip : Covered by regional Tell-Pass or Swiss Travel Pass

5. Voralpen Express

• Route : Lucerne to St. Gallen
• Duration : ~2.5 hours
• Highlights : Rolling farmland, Lake Zurich, and scenic hill towns
• Budget Tip : No reservations needed; included in basic Swiss passes

6. Gornergrat Bahn

• Route : Zermatt to Gornergrat
• Duration : ~30 minutes
• Highlights : Views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers
• Budget Tip : 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass or free with Peak Pass

7. Jungfrau Region Local Trains

• Route : Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen / Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch
• Duration : Varies based on destination
• Highlights : Waterfalls, alpine meadows, glaciers, and the Top of Europe
• Budget Tip : Buy the Berner Oberland Regional Pass or Good Morning Ticket

Quick Tips for Budget Scenic Travel:

• Travel early or late in the day for fewer crowds
• Book regional passes if focusing on one area (Tell-Pass, Oberland Pass, etc.)
• Pack your own picnic and snacks
• Use SBB app for discounts and real-time updates

Coming Soon:

Lucerne in 24 Hours: The Perfect Day Itinerary by the Lake

Tags: Scenic trains Switzerland, Glacier Express guide, Bernina Express budget, Golden Pass Switzerland, train travel Alps, Switzerland panoramic trains