Train & Rail Tours in Switzerland
Switzerland's famous rail network makes getting around part of the adventure itself. These train journeys reach remote mountain stations and scenic routes that cars can't access. This includes cogwheel railways that climb steep Alpine slopes. What makes Swiss rail tours special is the engineering behind routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, where panoramic windows frame constantly changing landscapes. You get comfortable travel plus practical Alpine access since trains reach car-free mountain villages and high-altitude viewpoints that really define Switzerland's character. Journey lengths work for different travel styles, from focused scenic routes to complete rail adventures.
Excellent
- Choose from 30 Switzerland tours
- 500+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- J
John • traveled in September, 2024
We modified the recommended itinerary in Lausanne by replacing the Lavaux "Toy" Train tour with a boat cruise with lunch from Lausanne to the Laveax area and return.
Tailor-Made Private 5 Days Swiss Tour to Golden Pass Line, Daily Departure - T
Timothy • traveled in September, 2025
Craig was a fantastic tour guide and the saving grace of the trip. There were just too many people to make any kind of connection with most. There were just oo many stops on such a short tour. Saint Moritz and Geneva could've been drive by's perhaps, but there was no time to really see much of either place. Also, some of the participants were not physically up to the task. Two people were in walkers as an example,, but others also struggled with the physical demands, though those demands were not great. As a side comment, this tour had a lot of busing and train riding and we would've preferred to have more walking.
Contrasts of Switzerland - B
Bruce • traveled in August, 2025
Terrific tour better than expected. Tina, tour guide, was great, knowledgeable and understanding. Optional excursions well worth it. Hotels and provided meals ok, more than adequate.
Scenic Switzerland by Train
10 best train tour packages in Switzerland
Compiled by
MelissaSwitzerland travel expert at TourRadar
- Tailor-Made Private 5 Days Swiss Tour to Golden Pass Line, Daily Departure
- Contrasts of Switzerland
- Best of Switzerland
- Swiss Splendors by Train
- Swiss Train Escape
- Scenic Switzerland by Train
- 8-Day Independent Tour of Switzerland Train Experience with 4-star Hotels
- Wonders of Switzerland & Austria 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Vienna to Zurich)
- Highlights of Switzerland - Grand Train Tour of Switzerland from St. Moritz
- Bernina and Glacier Express winter Magic
Tailor-Made Private 5 Days Swiss Tour to Golden Pass Line, Daily Departure
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“What a wonderful experience! The drivers were well-versed in driving and the cars were more comfortable than we expected.”
Billy, traveled in April
Rail adventures weave through Switzerland, from Zurich to Geneva via the Golden Pass Line. The historic cogwheel railway climbs to Europe's highest station at Jungfrau, connecting the charming cities of Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux.
Duration 5 days Destinations Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Montreux, Geneva Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$4,699
Contrasts of Switzerland
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Organized, strong communication skills, listens and cares.”
Albert, traveled in April
Swiss rails connect Zurich to St. Moritz via Chur, continuing on the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt. The route crosses Oberalp Pass, follows the Golden Pass to Interlaken, and explores the Brünig Pass to Lucerne.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zurich, St Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $5,295
12% Off- US$4,660You save $635
Travel through Switzerland's Bernese Alps by cogwheel trains, scenic railways, and boat cruises with a three-day Swiss Travel Pass included. Board the Luzern-Interlaken Express passing emerald Lakes Thun and Brienz, then take a cogwheel train up Mount Rigi to Rigi Kulm before heading down to a guided cheese cellar tasting in the alpine village of Itznau. Switzerland's famous rail routes connect Zurich, Bern, Grindelwald, and Lucerne, with cable car rides and a boat trip across Lake Lucerne also included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zurich, Bern, Grindelwald, Lucerne Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
12% Off- US$4,860
Swiss rail routes showcase the majestic Matterhorn via Gornergrat Railway, while the Loetschberg line winds to Interlaken near Eiger and Mönch peaks. The Eiger Express ascends to Jungfraujoch, complemented by Lake Lucerne cruises and historic cogwheel trains.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lake Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
12% Off- US$4,729
The Voralpen Express cuts through Switzerland's Pre-Alps, passing charming villages, clear lakes, and green hillsides between St. Gallen and Lucerne. Check out the UNESCO-listed Abbey District in St. Gallen with its baroque Cathedral and world-famous library, then walk across Lucerne's iconic 14th-century Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) spanning the River Reuss. Historic Chillon Castle sits on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, and Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town features the Zytglogge clock tower plus Pyrenean brown bears at BärenPark.
Duration 8 days Destinations St Gallen, Lucerne, Bern, Lake Geneva Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
12% Off- US$1,999
Scenic Switzerland by Train
494 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views were stunning. The weather was nice...except the view of the Matterhorn.”
Nanette, traveled in April
Swiss rails wind from Lucerne's lake views to Zermatt's Matterhorn vistas. The route includes the Glacier Express's 91 tunnels, Bernina Express's UNESCO route, and Gornergrat's spectacular 3,089m summit views.
Duration 9 days Destinations Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Lausanne, Tasch, Zermatt, Tirano, St Moritz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $3,969
6% Off- US$3,719You save $250
8-Day Independent Tour of Switzerland Train Experience with 4-star Hotels
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful scenery. Hotel proximity to train stations was generally good.”
William, traveled in September
The Swiss premium rail network unfolds from the Golden Pass Line to the Glacier Express. The route ascends to Jungfraujoch (3,452m), passes through the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, and glides along UNESCO-listed Alpine routes on the Bernina Express.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zurich, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Montreux, Zermatt, Lugano, St Moritz, Lucerne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
6% Off- US$4,369
Duration 15 days Destinations Austria, Germany, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,662
3% Off- US$10,394You save $268
The legendary Glacier Express connects St. Moritz to Zermatt in style. The Golden Pass Express continues through Montreux to Interlaken, before crossing the Brunig Pass to Lucerne. The package includes panoramic coach reservations and Swiss Half Fare Card.
Duration 8 days Destinations St Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
3% Off- US$2,195
Duration 5 days Destinations Chur, Brig, Zermatt Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
3% Off- US$1,964
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours in Switzerland
What are the most scenic train routes in Switzerland?
The Glacier Express stands out as Switzerland's signature rail experience connecting Zermatt to St. Moritz. The 8-hour journey crosses 291 bridges through 196 tunnels with views of the Matterhorn and Alpine peaks along the way. The Golden Pass Line links Interlaken to Montreux showcasing lakes Swiss villages and mountain ranges. The Bernina Express route between St. Moritz and Tirano takes passengers across the Bernina Pass where glaciers and Alpine streams dot the landscape. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The trains were exceptional and the scenery of Switzerland was exactly why we decided on this tour!"
What type of accommodations can I expect on Swiss rail tours?
Swiss rail tours focus on quality 4-star hotels in prime locations. St. Moritz offers lakeside stays at the historic Hotel Schweizerhof while Interlaken features the Hotel Krebs with direct views of the mountains. A unique option is the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm perched atop Mount Pilatus reached by the world's steepest cogwheel train. Most properties sit near train stations and city centers making exploration easy. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The hotels were all excellent with perfect locations - especially loved the mountain-top stay at Pilatus-Kulm with incredible Alps views."
What are the best seasons for taking a train tour in Switzerland?
June through September brings reliable weather ideal for mountain excursions and train travel. While the Glacier Express runs year-round some scenic routes like the Bernina Express reduce service in winter. April and May offer spring flowers and smaller crowds. December transforms the landscape with snow and holiday markets in towns along the routes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We took the Golden Pass Line in September - perfect weather for views of the lakes and mountains plus the fall colors were stunning in the Bernese Oberland."
What are the key stops and attractions along Swiss rail routes?
The rail network connects Switzerland's most sought-after destinations. Zermatt provides front-row views of the Matterhorn while St. Moritz delivers classic Alpine resort atmosphere. Lucerne draws visitors to its medieval Chapel Bridge. Popular excursions include Jungfraujoch from Interlaken Lake Geneva from Montreux and Switzerland's oldest settlement Chur. The Bernese Alps feature stops at Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Loved how the trains connected all the highlight destinations - from lakeside Montreux to car-free Zermatt each stop offered something unique."
How much time should I plan for key train journeys in Switzerland?
The Glacier Express takes 8 hours between St. Moritz and Zermatt moving at a pace that lets passengers take in the views. Plan 4 hours for the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano. The GoldenPass Line connects Montreux to Lucerne via Interlaken in about 5 hours. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Don't rush the train journeys - they're an experience in themselves. The Glacier Express was a full day but absolutely worth it for the incredible mountain views and onboard dining."
How many days do I need for a comprehensive Switzerland train tour?
A complete Swiss rail experience requires 7 to 11 days. An 8-day trip usually covers the major routes including the Glacier Express Bernina Express and GoldenPass Line with stops in Zermatt St. Moritz and Lucerne. As one TourRadar customer noted "Had an amazing time in Switzerland and met new wonderful friends. Everything was organized and safety was top priority."