Switzerland isn’t a place where trains are just transport—they’re part of the experience. Few countries make train travel this scenic, this smooth, and this relaxing. The landscapes are so varied and perfectly framed through the windows that it often feels like the whole country was designed to be seen from a railcar. These routes pass snowy peaks, deep valleys, green pastures, and quiet lakes, all without any rush. Swiss trains run on time and are easy to navigate. Here are five of the best train journeys in Switzerland that turn a simple ride into something memorable.
5 Best Train Journeys in Switzerland
Glacier Express – Zermatt to St. Moritz
The Glacier Express links two popular resort towns: Zermatt and St. Moritz. The route crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and climbs to 2,033 meters at the Oberalp Pass. This journey takes around eight hours and is often called the "slowest express train in the world."
What makes this ride special is how deliberately it moves through the landscape. You’ll see the dramatic Rhine Gorge and glide across the Landwasser Viaduct, where the train curves into a cliff tunnel. Panoramic windows give you clear views of everything—from craggy peaks to quiet mountain villages nestled far below.
The Glacier Express has a calm, unhurried rhythm. While full meals are available on board, the main appeal is the constant scenery. Many travelers opt to ride a segment, such as Chur to Brig, for a shorter but still impressive taste of the route.
Bernina Express – Chur to Tirano
The Bernina Express is known for its contrast. It begins in Chur and ends in Tirano, crossing the Alps without the help of a cogwheel system. Along the way, you climb to 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass, then drop into valleys lined with vineyards and stone houses on the Italian side.
One of the most iconic spots is the circular viaduct at Brusio. It loops down in a spiral, allowing the train to manage a steep descent without losing traction. From glacier lakes to sunlit valleys, the changing scenery keeps the ride interesting from start to finish.
The train ride lasts about four hours and uses carriages with large windows, making every shift in landscape easy to follow. It’s one of the few routes where you can feel the shift in climate, culture, and scenery within a short span.
GoldenPass Line – Lucerne to Montreux
The GoldenPass Line runs from Lucerne to Montreux, with stops in Interlaken and Zweisimmen. It’s not a single train but a series of connected routes, each offering something different. You begin in the lakes and mountains of central Switzerland and end near the vineyards and warmer climate of Lake Geneva.
Between Zweisimmen and Montreux, the train drops through hills and forests with wide views over Lake Geneva. The descent is slow and steady, giving time to enjoy the scene. Some coaches are built in a Belle Époque style, complete with wood and brass interiors, adding a nostalgic feel to the ride.
The whole journey takes about five and a half hours. Along the way, you'll pass farmhouses, meadows, and peaks—all framed by wide windows. It’s a smooth ride, great for those who want to see a range of Swiss scenery without having to plan too much.
Voralpen Express – St. Gallen to Lucerne
The Voralpen Express connects St. Gallen and Lucerne, cutting across eastern and central Switzerland. It’s less known than other scenic routes but just as rich in views. This train travels through soft hills, forested areas, and quiet villages with far fewer crowds.
The ride is peaceful and local in feel, with no panoramic windows or special upgrades. That’s part of its appeal. You travel like a resident, watching the countryside roll by without flash or fanfare. One highlight is the Sitter Viaduct, the highest railway bridge in Switzerland, offering a wide view over valleys and trees.
It’s about two and a half hours long and works well as a short trip for those staying in Lucerne or St. Gallen. You’ll see typical Swiss scenery: pastures, lakes, rolling fields, and scattered homes. It feels calm, natural, and grounded in everyday life.
Gotthard Panorama Express – Lucerne to Lugano
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a combination of boat and train travel, showing two sides of Switzerland in one journey. It starts with a paddle steamer ride across Lake Lucerne, a peaceful trip past wooded hills, lakeside hamlets, and quiet coves. Afterward, you board a panoramic train that follows the old Gotthard route to Lugano.
Instead of racing through the modern base tunnel, this train takes the scenic route. It winds around spiral loops, crosses bridges, and passes through the original 1882 Gotthard Tunnel. The slow pace allows plenty of time to absorb the changing landscape and subtle details along the way.
By the time you arrive in Lugano, the Italian-speaking south of Switzerland, the shift in culture and scenery is clear. The Gotthard Panorama Express is seasonal and aimed at leisure travel, so schedules are limited, but the experience feels personal and well-paced.
Conclusion
Train journeys in Switzerland offer more than convenience—they open up the land in a way no other travel method can. With glass-paneled carriages, mountain passes, lakeside towns, and slow descents into valleys, these rides make you feel like part of the scenery. Each of these routes—whether you're heading to the Italian border or staying closer to home—offers its rhythm and mood. What they share is the chance to see Switzerland not as a blur but as something unfolding at just the right speed. For anyone who wants to see the country well, the train is the best place to be—peaceful, scenic, reliable, and truly unforgettable.
