Katie and Pierce
While the Swiss are famous for their precision in many things, perhaps their greatest achievement is creating train routes that turn the challenging Alpine landscape into one of the world’s most remarkable travel experiences.
These are more than just train rides; they’re carefully crafted journeys through some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery. You’ll find yourself gliding past glaziers, climbing impossible slopes, crossing historic viaducts, and winding through mountain passages that seem too narrow to navigate. Each route offers its own unique perspective on Switzerland’s stunning Alpine geography.
Let’s explore some of Switzerland’s most spectacular train routes, where every turn brings a new beautiful vista!
1. Glacier Express
The legendary Glacier Express isn’t called the world’s slowest express train for nothing. This remarkable journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz takes a full 8 hours, but you’ll wish it lasted even longer.
Covering 291 kilometers of Alpine terrain, the train winds through 91 tunnels and crosses 291 bridges. The highlight comes at the Oberalp Pass, where you’ll reach the route’s highest point at 2,033 meters. Keep your camera ready for the UNESCO-listed Landwasser Viaduct and the Rhine Gorge, affectionately known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.”
2. Bernina Express
Ready for a cross-border adventure? The Bernina Express takes you from Switzerland to Italy in just 4 hours, but what a journey it is. This engineering marvel conquers 55 tunnels and 196 bridges along its 122-kilometer route.
The views are absolutely stunning. You’ll see the magnificent Morteratsch glacier, catch multiple angles of the famous Landwasser Viaduct, and enjoy spectacular views of the Bernina massif from the Montebello Curve. The train reaches its highest point at Ospizio Bernina, an impressive 2,253 meters above sea level, before making its way to Tirano via the remarkable Brusio Spiral Viaduct.
3. Golden Pass Line
The Golden Pass Line offers a perfect showcase of Switzerland’s diverse landscapes. This 191-kilometer journey from Lucerne to Montreux takes about 5.25 hours, but you’ll want to savor every minute.
Your journey divides naturally into three distinct sections. The first two hours take you from Lucerne to Interlaken, followed by an hour to Zweisimmen, and finally 2.25 hours to Montreux. Along the way, you’ll see everything from pristine Alpine peaks to the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva. The route passes through charming towns like Gstaad, with plenty of lush meadows, terraced vineyards, and traditional wooden chalets to admire.
4. Gotthard Panorama Express
Want the best of both worlds? The Gotthard Panorama Express combines a lovely boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a spectacular train journey through the Alps. This 5.5-hour adventure covers 182 kilometers of varied Swiss terrain.
Starting in Lucerne, you’ll first enjoy a scenic boat trip to Flüelen. Then the train portion begins, taking you through some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes. A unique highlight is the historic Wassen Church, which you’ll see from three different angles as the train spirals up the mountainside. The journey ends in Lugano, where Mediterranean vibes meet Alpine charm.
5. Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway might be shorter than some other routes, but it packs plenty of wonder into its 50-minute journey from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch. Including the connection from Interlaken Ost, the full trip takes about 2 hours.
This isn’t just any train ride. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of the massive Aletsch Glacier and the imposing Eiger North Face. The journey includes stops at both Eigerwand and Eismeer stations, where panoramic views will leave you speechless.
6. Gornergrat Railway
For the best views of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, hop aboard the Gornergrat Railway. This 33-minute journey from Zermatt up to Gornergrat covers just 9.3 kilometers, but climbs an impressive 1,484 meters in altitude.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Matterhorn, but it’s far from the only attraction. You’ll also see the magnificent Gorner Glacier, and on a clear day, you can spot 28 different peaks that top 4,000 meters. The route includes several stops where you can hop off to enjoy different viewpoints, including Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden.
7. Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus
Hold on tight for the world’s steepest cogwheel railway! This incredible feat of engineering tackles gradients of up to 48% during its 30-minute journey from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm.
The 4.6-kilometer route might be short, but it’s unforgettable. You’ll pass through dense forests and Alpine meadows, with dramatic rock formations and mountain vistas all around.Pro tip: try to grab a seat on the left side of the carriage during the ascent for the very best views.
