5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland: Ultimate Guide [2024]

Switzerland has one of the best railway systems in the world. The trains are punctual and comfortable; choosing them for your Switzerland itinerary is your best decision. However, a few train rides stand out among all Swiss trains.

When I visited Switzerland for the first time, I experienced riding on all 5 Swiss panoramic trains. After, I lived there for 3 years and rode the panoramic trains a couple of times more.

In this article, I’ll give you insights into each of them and whether they’re worth the ride. So choose one or two, sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular rides through beautiful Switzerland.

List Of The 5 Best Panoramic Trains In Switzerland

🚇 BERNINA EXPRESS
🚇 GLACIER EXPRESS
🚇 GOLDENPASS EXPRESS
🚇 VORALPEN EXPRESS
🚇 GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS

🎉 SPECIAL OFFER: Book tickets for your chosen panoramic train via Switzerland Travel Center and get a 5% discount (specifically for Voices of Travel readers): Make a panoramic train booking and use the code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘ at the checkout page to receive a 5% discount for the booking. Or contact me if you need help with bookings: info(at)voicesoftravel.com.

Panoramic Trains In Switzerland: Map

Below is a map to help you visualize the route of each scenic train. See whether it passes through the places you want to visit in Switzerland:

1. BERNINA EXPRESS

Bernina Express takes you from the Mediterranean Ticino canton to the mountainous Grisons. It’s known for passing through Europe’s highest-altitude railway.

You will start your journey in the small Italian town of Tirano and finish in Chur (the oldest Swiss city) or the other way around. It’s perfect for those arriving in Switzerland from Italy.
Bernina Express has panoramic cars with floor-to-ceiling windows for a better sightseeing experience, just like the other scenic trains.

And, of course, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery throughout the journey.

Map Of Bernina Express Route

Bernina Express: FAQs

Let me give you more details about the Bernina Express, its stunning route, places you’ll pass by, and how to book tickets. I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Bernina Express:

Where Does Bernina Express Start And End?

Bernina Express starts in Tirano (Italy) and ends in Chur (the oldest city in Switzerland). You can also start in Chur and finish in Tirano. It’s the official route of the Bernina Express.

Alternatively, you can start your journey in St. Moritz and finish in Tirano, or vice-versa.

Bernina Express Route & Highlights

Starting from Chur, you’ll be first amazed by the UNESCO heritage Rhaetian Railways trail with its Landwasser Viaduct. After, the train rolls through steep mountain cliffs down to Pontresina.

It then passes by picturesque Lago Bianco, surrounded by stunning glaciers, the Bernina massif, and mountain peaks. This is the best part of the Bernina Express ride, so have your camera ready.

Bernina Express then stops next to the Alp Grüm Restaurant with stunning views of Val Poschiavo. It then descends to the Brusio Circular Viaduct, eventually reaching the small Italian town of Tirano.

👉 READ ALSO: Switzerland In November: Best Things To Do & See

How Long Is The Bernina Express Train Ride?

The Bernina Express train ride takes 4 hours & 20 minutes from Tirano to Chur. You can also choose to do a part of this journey.

If you’re short of time, I recommend taking the Bernina Express from Tirano to Samedan/St. Moritz. It’s the most beautiful part of the entire route.

What Does The Bernina Express Cost?

A one-way ticket from Tirano to Chur on Bernina Express costs 63 CHF in the 2nd class or 111 CHF in the first class (price without seat reservation). If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the entire ride is included. You only have to pay an extra fee for the seat reservation.

The seat reservation cost is between 20 CHF and 26 CHF, depending on the season.

What Month Is Best For Bernina Express?

Bernina Express operates throughout the entire year. But the best months for this scenic train ride are June and September. These months are less crowded with tourists, and the landscape is the most beautiful.

In June, you can enjoy green Swiss hills with mooing cows, rivers, and waterfalls full of water from melting glaciers, snowy mountains, and beautiful meadows.

In September, Switzerland shines with autumn colors, adding to the entire experience.

Do You Need To Book Bernina Express In Advance?

Yes, you need to book Bernina Express in advance. Because it’s a panoramic train, a seat reservation is compulsory. So head to the Bernina website and book your seat today.

Is There Wifi On Bernina Express?

Yes, Bernina Express has wifi, so you can enjoy the full experience and upload your photos to Instagram.

PRO TIP: In case tickets are sold out for Bernina Express, but you want to experience the ride, you can also book the regular train operated by Rhaetian Railways. It’s the same route but doesn’t have a panoramic window. Yet, you can see everything and have a great experience.

👉 Book Bernina Express tickets via Switzerland Travel Center and get 5% discount using my code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘. Use the code at the checkout page!

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2. GLACIER EXPRESS

Glacier Express is the best panoramic train in Switzerland. It’s truly the most spectacular train ride I’ve ever done. Whether you do it in summer or winter, it’ll certainly not disappoint you.

Book a seat on the right side of the train (when departing from Zermatt) or the left side (when starting in St. Moritz). With a perfect seat, you’ll be closer to the highlights and stunning views.

Map Of Glacier Express Route

Glacier Express: FAQs

I’ve also answered some of your most frequently asked questions to create the best possible experience for you on the Glacier Express. I’ll describe the route, all highlights, amenities on board, the best month to travel, and stops.

Where Does Glacier Express Begin And End?

Glacier Express begins in Zermatt and ends in St. Moritz, or vice-versa.

Glacier Express Route & Highlights

📍 Andermatt

After departing Zermatt, a car-free village with the famous Matterhorn, passing through Furka Pass, the Glacier Express reaches a small town surrounded by Swiss Alpine Passes called Andermatt.

It’s in the heart of Switzerland, famous for the Devil’s Bridge, built by inhabitants with their own hands. It commemorates the most brutal battle between the Russians and Napoleon’s troops, where the Russians fell.

Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described Andermatt with the following words: “Of all the places I know, Andermatt is the dearest and most interesting to me.” 

📍 Oberalp Pass

Glacier Express then rises again, passing through the Oberalp Pass, making it to the highest point of the whole journey (2034m).

📍 Swiss Grand Canyon

Once it starts descending, you can look forward to the stunning Swiss Grand Canyon. Suddenly, the beautiful Rhine Gorge, formed during a massive landslide around 10,000 years ago, opens up on the left side of the train.

You can admire white rocks falling into the crystal-clear River Rhine.

📍 Chur

Further, the train reaches Switzerland’s oldest city – Chur, which takes us to another Swiss canton, Grisons.

📍 Landwasser Viaduct

It passes through a valley of many castles and ruins until we get to one of the most stunning parts of the journey – the UNESCO World Heritage train ride.

Slightly before getting to the next stop, Fillisur, you’ll spot one of the most spectacular bridges you might ever see, the Landwasser Viaduct. Its pillars are 65 meters high, and the viaduct is 142 meters long, constructed from natural dolomite lime.

📍 St. Moritz

After Fillisur, the scenery keeps being as picturesque as it has been until you reach your final destination – St. Moritz. It’s a smaller tourist town full of luxury shopping opportunities. Take a beautiful walk alongside St. Moritz Lake for those who love a bit more piece.

Congratulations, you have just passed 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, completing the Glacier Express route.

How Long Does It Take To Ride The Glacier Express?

Glacier Express takes 7 hours & 30 minutes to complete. It’s the longest panoramic train in Switzerland. It’s also the slowest train in the world.

How Many Stops Does The Glacier Express Make

Glacier Express makes 7 stops between Zermatt and St. Moritz. These stops are in the following places:

📍 Birg
📍 Andermatt
📍 Disentis
📍 Chur
📍 Tiefencastel
📍 Filisur
📍 Samedan

Which Part In Glacier Express Is Best?

The part from the Swiss Grand Canyon to the Landwasser Viaduct is the best part of Glacier Express. So, have your cameras ready for the breathtaking scenery.

What Month Is Best For Glacier Express?

Glacier Express operates throughout the year. The best months to ride Glacier Express are June and September.

In June, the meadows are green and full of flowers, the mountains are still snowy, rivers and waterfalls are full of water from melting glaciers, and the entire landscape is gorgeous.

September shines with autumn colors in Switzerland, so it’s another perfect month for the ride.

Winter offers a different scenery when everything is covered in snow. It’s also beautiful. So it depends on what kind of scenery you want to have.

How Much Does Glacier Express Cost?

The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz (and vice-versa) costs 152 CHF in the 2nd class or 268 CHF in the 1st class without a seat reservation.

Single seat reservation costs 49 CHF for both classes.

Is Glacier Express Free With Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, the ride on Glacier Express is free with a Swiss Travel Pass. You only have to pay an extra fee for the seat reservation, which is compulsory for everyone. The seat reservation costs 49 CHF.

Is There Wifi On Glacier Express?

Yes, Glacier Express has Wifi on board. It works well, so you can browse and upload photos to your Instagram throughout this long journey.

Is Glacier Express Worth It?

Yes, Glacier Express is 100% worth it. It’s the best panoramic train in Switzerland, offering the most breathtaking scenery and experience through the Swiss Alps.

👉 Book Glacier Express tickets via Switzerland Travel Center and get 5% discount using my code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘. Use the code at the checkout page!

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train (including Glacier Express)

3. GOLDENPASS EXPRESS

Great news! GoldenPass Line just got a whole lot better. As of 2023, authorities introduced a brand-new train called the GoldenPass Express. It connects Interlaken with Montreux in a single ride, which makes the GoldenPass train much more enjoyable and comfortable.

The GoldenPass Line train has slightly different scenery than the Glacier and Bernina Express. It’ll take you through the French-speaking part of Switzerland, through the Swiss green meadows full of flowers, medieval towns, and 8 stunning Swiss lakes.

Map Of GoldenPass Express

GoldenPass Line Express: FAQs

To know what to expect from GoldenPass Express, I’ve also answered your most frequently asked questions. I describe the route, important things, and whether it’s worth it, so check it out below:

Which Route Does The GoldenPass Line Follow?

The GoldenPass Line route starts in the historic city of Lucerne and ends in the jazz city of Montreux. It’s divided into 2 different parts.

Part 1: Zentralbahn From Lucerne To Interlaken Ost

The first part is covered by the Zentralbahn train from Lucerne to Interlaken. Highlights on this route are Brünig Pass before the train rolls down to the stunning Brienz Lake and the Swiss adventure capital, Interlaken.

For the connection between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost, use the SBB, the official website of Swiss railways, for booking, prices, and timetables.

👉 READ ALSO: 23 Incredible Things To Do In Jungfrau Region

Part 2: GoldenPass Express From Interlaken Ost To Montreux

The second part of the GoldenPass Line is called the GoldenExpress, which is the actual panoramic train. It’ll take you from Interlaken to the end destination, Montreux.

This spectacular ride offers green meadows and forests. It passes by beautiful medieval towns before the spectacular panorama of Lake Geneva opens up in front of you.

Does GoldenPass Go From Interlaken To Lucerne?

The journey between Interlaken and Lucerne officially belongs to the GoldenPass Line route. But on this part, the actual GoldenPass Line train doesn’t run. It’s covered by the Zentralbahn train. The actual Golden Express only runs between Interlaken and Montreux.

How Much Does The GoldenPass Train Cost?

A one-way ticket for GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux costs 53 CHF (2. class) and 93 CHF (1. class).

The compulsory seat reservation for the entire ride costs 20 CHF.

Is GoldenPass Line Included In Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, the GoldenPass Line is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. You only have to pay extra for the seat reservation, which is 20 CHF.

Is The GoldenPass Line Worth It?

Yes, GoldenPass Line is worth it. It’s great for those who enjoy Swiss green hills, medieval towns, and spectacular Swiss lakes.

It’s not for those who expect to ride through the Swiss Alps. If you want to ride through massive mountains, choose Glacier Express or Bernina Express.

👉 Book GoldenPass Express tickets via Switzerland Travel Center and get 5% discount using my code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘. Use the code at the checkout page!

👉 READ ALSO: 11 Cheapest Ways To Travel In Switzerland On A Budget

4. VORALPEN EXPRESS

We are now going further up to northern Switzerland, where another panoramic train takes you on a ride with many bridges and valleys. Honestly, Voralpen Express is not one of the most attractive panoramic trains.

Still, it’s the fastest way to get from the Bodamsee region to Central Switzerland. 

Map Of Voralpen Express Route

Voralpen Express: FAQs

Below are some facts and worthy notes to prepare for a ride on the Voralpen Express.

Voralpen Express Route & Highlights

The journey starts in St. Gallen, a historical city with its Abbey declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, the train rides through the highest railway viaduct, the 99-meter-high (324 feet) Sitter Viaduct. The panoramic ride ends in the historic city of Lucerne in Central Switzerland.

I was sitting on the left side and had nice views. The entire train ride takes 2 hours & 15 minutes.

If you want to complete the full Swiss Grand Train Tour, Voralpen Express should be on your list.

How Much Does Voraplen Express Cost?

The Voralpen Express from St. Gallen to Lucerne costs 48 CHF in the 2nd class and 84 CHF in the first class. You can book it through the official website of the Swiss Railways SBB. Just type in the cities (St. Gallen and Lucerne), and check which one is Voralpen Express in the notes.

Is Voralpen Express Fee With Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, Voraplen Express is free with a Swiss Travel Pass. You don’t even have to pay extra for a seat reservation. Just hop on the train and travel without reservations in advance.

👉 Book Voralpen Express tickets via Switzerland Travel Center and get 5% discount using my code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘. Use the code at the checkout page!

5. GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS

Gotthard Panorama Express is the last of our list’s 5 best Switzerland panoramic trains. It’s a fast and spectacular ride from Lucerne down south to Lugano. 

It’s my third favorite panoramic train in Switzerland after Glacier Express and Bernina Express. If you want to experience a variety of landscapes, ride a boat on a Swiss lake, ride through the world’s longest railway tunnel, and get to the beautiful canton of Ticino close to Italy, hop on the Gotthard Panorama Express.

Map Of Gotthard Panorama Express

Gotthard Panorama Express: FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you. So check the answers below and prepare for the ride of your lifetime with Gotthard Panorama Express. I’ll describe the route, boat section, and other important things.

Where Does Gotthard Panorama Express Start And End?

The Gotthard Panorama Express starts in Lucerne, Central Switzerland, and ends in Lugano, Ticino Canton.

The first part of the panoramic journey is covered by a boat. You’ll ride the boat on the Vierstätter Lake from Lucerne to Füelen. In Füelen, you’ll hop on the actual Gotthard Panorama Express train, which takes you to Lugano.

Gotthard Panorama Express Route & Highlights

You’ll enjoy this journey right from the beginning when a steamboat takes you from Lucerne across the Vierstätter Lake to Füelen.

After hopping on the Gotthard Panoramic Express train in Füelen, you’ll pass through the Gotthard Basistunnel, the world’s longest tunnel (57 kilometers long/35 miles long). Once you come out, you’ll reach Bellinzona, the only Swiss town hosting a medieval military complex with three fortifications.

The train ride ends in Lugano, called Monte Carlo of Switzerland.

How Long Is The Gotthard Panorama Express?

The entire Gotthard Panorama Express journey, including the steamboat, takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

The Gotthard Panorama Express train from Lugano to Füelen takes about 2 hours & 30 minutes. The steamboat from Füelen to Lucerne is about 2 hours & 45 minutes.

How Much Does Gotthard Panorama Express Cost?

The entire Gotthard Panorama Express from Lucerne to Lugano, including the steamboat, costs 160 CHF (without seat reservation). It’s for the 1st class, which is the only class offered. The 2nd class has the same price.

You’ll have to pay an extra fee of 16 CHF for the seat reservation on the train, which is compulsory.

Is Gotthard Panorama Express Free With Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, the Gotthard Panorama Express is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, including the steamboat. You’ll only have to pay an extra fee of 16 CHF for the seat reservation on the train.

Is Gotthard Panorama Express Worth It?

Yes, Gotthard Express is worth it. While it doesn’t offer as impressive scenery as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express, it gives you a perfect journey through Switzerland. You’ll also get to see the world’s longest railway tunnel, and the steamboat is an experience on its own.

PRO TIP: As with Bernina Express, if the seats for the Gotthard Panorama Express are sold out for your desired date, you can also book a regular train via SBB official website (Swiss railways). It’s the same route, only without panoramic windows. Change from a train to the steamboat to Lucerne in Füelen.

👉 Book Gotthard Panorama Express tickets via Switzerland Travel Center and get 5% discount using my code ‘AFFVOICESOFTRAVEL‘. Use the code at the checkout page!

👉 READ ALSO: 8 Best Mountains In Switzerland To Visit

How To Book Swiss Panoramic Trains

You’ll have to visit their official websites to book these scenic trains.

Select the travel date and the number of people; you’ll get to choose a specific seat, class, departure point, and end destination.

With some, you can also choose different services on board, such as breakfast, lunch, or extra attendance.

PRO TIP: If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, each train ride is free of charge for you (included in the Swiss Travel Pass). You’ll only have to buy a compulsory seat reservation on the official website of each train.

My Experience With Swiss Panoramic Trains & Tips

I highly recommend doing the Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes. It’s worth paying an extra fee for the seat reservation with these two scenic trains and sitting in the unique train car with huge sightseeing windows. The same goes for GoldenPass Express. These three panoramic trains also have unique routes that no regular trains in Switzerland cover in one journey.

As for the other scenic train rides (Voralpen Express & Gotthard Panorama Express), you can do the routes even with regular trains. The journey is spectacular, and you can avoid paying the seat reservation fee.

PRO TIP: The best deal is to get the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex if you travel in Switzerland for at least 3 days.

➡ Book your Swiss Travel Pass here and save on the Swiss panoramic trains.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you have the best possible experience on one of these trains and beyond.

Which Panoramic Train In Best In Switzerland?

The best panoramic train in Switzerland is the Glacier Express. It offers the best views, is the longest, and has a great experience on board with food, drinks, and commentary about the places you’ll see on the way.

How Many Panoramic Trains Are There In Switzerland?

Officially, there are 5 Swiss panoramic trains. The Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and Voralpen Express.

However, Switzerland offers many more spectacular train rides with scenic views. These include the ride from Alpnachstad to Mt. Pilatus, the Jungfraujoch train (Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch), Wengeneralp (Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg), Gornergrat train (Zermatt to Gornergrat), and the train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye.

Are Panoramic Trains Included In Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, all panoramic trains are included in the Swiss Travel Pass. The only extra fee you have to pay for all Swiss panoramic trains is the seat reservation. It’s compulsory, without it, you can’t travel on the panoramic trains.

Does Swiss Pass Cover All Trains In Switzerland?

Yes, the Swiss Pass covers all trains in Switzerland. The only extra cost you’ll have is on the Swiss scenic trains. These have compulsory seat reservations and fixed costs that everyone has to pay, regardless of having a Swiss Pass or a half-fare card.

How Much Does A Train Ride In Switzerland Cost?

The cost of a train ride in Switzerland varies depending on your travel distance. Prices start from 30 CHF and can get up to 300 CHF for a single ride.

In most cases, it’s not worth paying for a single train ticket in Switzerland, as it’s expensive. The best deal is to get some form of a pass, such as a Swiss Travel Pass or a Saver Day Pass.

What Is The Cheapest Scenic Train In Switzerland?

The cheapest scenic train in Switzerland is the Voralpen Express. The second cheapest and most beautiful scenic train is the Bernina Express, between Chur and Tirano.

Can You Take A Train Around Switzerland?

Unfortunately, no one train travels around Switzerland. So you’ll have to travel on different trains to see the entire Switzerland.

The best way to travel by train through Switzerland is to follow the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. It’s an organized tour that you can do yourself and see all the Swiss highlights.

The Grand Tour includes all 5 scenic trains, the most beautiful Swiss towns, the best mountain excursions, and the most stunning Swiss Lakes.

Wrap-Up: 5 Best Swiss Scenic Trains

These are the 5 best scenic trains in Switzerland that you should add to your Swiss itinerary. Being in Switzerland, not riding a panoramic train would be a big mistake. So choose one or two and cover the journey in your Swiss itinerary on one of these scenic trains.

My favorite panoramic rides are Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

I loved every single part of the Glacier Express journey. And let me tell you, I didn’t even eat because I constantly stared out the window.

Right after, it’s the Bernina Express, especially thanks to the scenery between Lago Bianco and Samedan. Those Swiss highlights with crystal-clear lakes and the fact that you’re in the middle of nowhere made it feel so special.

If you need more help planning or want a designed itinerary tailored to your travel needs, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com.

Happy Travels!