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."

Train & Rail Tours in Switzerland

10 best train tour packages in Switzerland

View Map
City & Culture
Tailor-Made Private 5 Days Swiss Tour to Golden Pass Line, Daily Departure
4.7 (3 reviews)
"What a wonderful experience! The drivers were well-versed in driving and the cars were more comfortable than we expected."
Billy, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Montreux, Geneva
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
From
US$5,179per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour

View Map
City & Culture
Swiss Splendors by Train
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lake Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, Zermatt, Matterhorn,Interlaken,Jungfrau,Brienz,Lucerne,Mount Pilatus,Zurich+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
From
US$4,859per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Swiss Train Escape
Duration
8 days
Destinations
St Gallen, Lucerne, Bern, Lake Geneva
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
13% Off
From $2,269
US$1,969per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
Scenic Switzerland by Train
5.0 (339 reviews)
"The scenery and fellow travelers were outstanding."
DONNA, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Lausanne, Zermatt,Matterhorn,St Moritz,Tirano+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
13% Off
From
US$3,689per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
The idyllic mountain world of the Jungfrau region
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, Wilderswil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Mount EigerGrindelwaldSwiss AlpsBernese HighlandsAlps+4 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$1,570per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Grand Round Trip by Train Between the Alps and Dolce Vita
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Schaffhausen, Montreux, Locarno, Lucerne, St Gallen
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$1,898per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Top of Europe and Titlis
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Interlaken, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Zug, Engelberg
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central Switzerland
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$1,450per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
8-Day Independent Tour of Switzerland Train Experience with 4-star Hotels
4.0 (1 review)
"Beautiful scenery. Hotel proximity to train stations was generally good."
William, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Montreux, Zermatt, St Moritz,Tirano,Lugano,Lucerne,Mount Pilatus,Mount Titlis+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
13% Off
From
US$4,679per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Highlights of Switzerland - Grand Train Tour of Switzerland from St. Moritz
Duration
8 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Mount MatterhornBernese HighlandsAlps+2 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$2,162per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Road Trip & Self-Drive
Glacier Express a La Carte - St. Moritz - Zermatt - St. Moritz
Duration
3 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zermatt
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Swiss Alps Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$1,073per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Contrasts of Switzerland
4.4 (20 reviews)
"Great tour of Switzerland. Lots of daily train travel."
MICHAEL, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, St Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne,Kuessnacht+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $5,275
US$4,748per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
8 Days Scenic Switzerland Train Tour with Glacier Express, Daily Start & 4-star Hotels
4.7 (3 reviews)
"I recommend Tour Radar to my friends."
Bashar, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Zermatt, Matterhorn,St Moritz+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Swiss Alps Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
10% Off
From
US$4,849per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Wonders of Switzerland & Austria 2026 - 15 Days
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Austria Germany Switzerland
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Alps
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
5% Off
From $10,360
US$9,860per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Lucerne
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Montreux, Interlaken, Spiez, Jungfrau, Lucerne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Swiss Alps Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
5% Off
From
US$1,041per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Glacier Express a la carte - from St. Moritz to Zermatt
Duration
3 days
Destinations
St Moritz, Zermatt
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Swiss Alps Alps
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
5% Off
From
US$884per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour