All Swiss Scenic Train Routes Compared — 10 Legendary Journeys Through the Alps

TL;DR: Switzerland has 10 major scenic train routes. The Glacier Express (8h, CHF 207) and Bernina Express (4h, CHF 81) are the most famous, but the free-with-Swiss-Travel-Pass routes like GoldenPass Line, Luzern-Interlaken Express, and Centovalli Railway are equally stunning and require no reservations. Sitting on the correct side of the train makes all the difference — this guide tells you exactly which side for every route.

Quick Answer

If you only have time for one scenic train, take the Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano) — it is a UNESCO World Heritage route, shorter than the Glacier Express, and crosses the highest railway pass in the Alps without a tunnel. If you want the most iconic Swiss experience, the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz, 8 hours) is the classic choice. If you are on a budget, the GoldenPass Line (Montreux to Interlaken) and Luzern-Interlaken Express are completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass and require no reservation.

Table of Contents

• Master Comparison Table
• 1. Glacier Express
• 2. Bernina Express
• 3. GoldenPass Line and GoldenPass Express
• 4. Luzern-Interlaken Express
• 5. Gotthard Panorama Express
• 6. Centovalli Railway
• 7. Voralpen-Express
• 8. Chocolate Train
• 9. Cheese Train
• 10. Palm Express
• Best Seats Guide — Every Route
• Swiss Travel Pass Coverage Summary
• Booking Tips and Strategy
• Insider Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

Master Comparison Table

1. Glacier Express — Zermatt to St. Moritz {#glacier-express}

The most famous scenic train in the world.

The Glacier Express connects two of Switzerland's most legendary mountain resorts — Zermatt (home of the Matterhorn, 1,604 m) and St. Moritz (birthplace of winter tourism, 1,822 m) — in a journey that takes nearly 8 hours and crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and climbs over the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m.

Route

Zermatt — Visp — Brig — Fiesch — Andermatt — Disentis — Chur — Thusis — Tiefencastel — Filisur — St. Moritz

Key Facts

2026 Prices

With Swiss Travel Pass: Base fare covered. Pay only the reservation: CHF 39-49.

Scenic Highlights

• Rhine Gorge (between Reichenau and Ilanz): Called the "Swiss Grand Canyon," this 13 km gorge with white cliffs up to 400 m is best seen from the right side heading east.
• Oberalp Pass (2,033 m): The summit, with the source of the Rhine River. Snow-covered much of the year.
• Landwasser Viaduct (near Filisur): The iconic 65 m high, 136 m long curved stone viaduct that plunges directly into a tunnel — the most photographed railway bridge in Switzerland.
• Upper Valais vineyards (Visp to Brig): Terraced vineyards on the steepest south-facing slopes in Switzerland.

Best Side to Sit

Pro Tip

You do not have to ride the full 8 hours or pay the reservation fee. The most scenic section is Andermatt to Chur (about 3 hours), which you can ride on a regular regional train included free with your Swiss Travel Pass, no reservation needed. The Landwasser Viaduct and Rhine Gorge are both on this segment.

2. Bernina Express — Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano {#bernina-express}

UNESCO World Heritage, highest Alpine railway crossing.

The Bernina Express is the only train that crosses the Alps from north to south without a base tunnel, climbing to 2,253 m at Ospizio Bernina — the highest railway crossing in the Alps. The Albula/Bernina railway line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its extraordinary engineering through dramatic alpine landscapes.

Route

Chur — Thusis — Filisur — St. Moritz — Pontresina — Bernina Pass — Alp Grum — Poschiavo — Tirano (Italy)

Key Facts

2026 Prices

With Swiss Travel Pass: Base fare covered to the Swiss border (Campocologno). Pay only the reservation (CHF 14-16) plus approximately EUR 5 for the Italian section to Tirano.

Scenic Highlights

• Landwasser Viaduct (near Filisur): 65 m high, 136 m long — the same iconic viaduct as the Glacier Express route.
• Morteratsch Glacier: Visible from the train, one of the largest glaciers in the Bernina range.
• Lago Bianco (Ospizio Bernina): A stunning alpine lake at 2,234 m, often frozen and snow-covered.
• Brusio Circular Viaduct: A unique 360-degree spiral viaduct where the train turns a complete circle to descend — an engineering marvel.
• Alp Grum viewpoint (2,091 m): Panoramic terrace overlooking the Poschiavo valley and the Palu Glacier.

Best Side to Sit

3. GoldenPass Line and GoldenPass Express {#goldenpass-line}

Montreux to Interlaken — Lake Geneva to the Bernese Oberland.

The GoldenPass Line connects the French-speaking lakeside elegance of Montreux with the heart of the Bernese Oberland, passing through the Simmental valley and the charming town of Gstaad. Since December 2022, the GoldenPass Express (MOB) runs a direct service from Montreux to Interlaken without changing trains, using gauge-changing technology.

Route

Montreux — Chateau-d'Oex — Gstaad — Zweisimmen — (change or GoldenPass Express) — Spiez — Interlaken Ost

Key Facts

2026 Prices

Scenic Highlights

• Lake Geneva panorama (departing Montreux): Views across the lake to the French Alps.
• Chateau-d'Oex: Hot air balloon capital of Switzerland (host of the International Balloon Festival).
• Gstaad: Glamorous Alpine village surrounded by pristine peaks.
• Lake Thun: The final stretch along the north shore with views of the Bernese Alps.

Best Side to Sit

4. Luzern-Interlaken Express {#luzern-interlaken-express}

The most scenic free ride with a Swiss Travel Pass.

This route connects two of Switzerland's most visited cities through the dramatic Brunig Pass, passing lakes, waterfalls, and the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. It is completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass and requires no reservation.

Route

Luzern — Hergiswil — Alpnachstad — Sarnen — Lungern — Brunig-Hasliberg — Meiringen — Brienz — Interlaken Ost

Key Facts

2026 Prices

Scenic Highlights

• Lungern Lake: An impossibly turquoise lake visible from the train as it climbs to the Brunig Pass.
• Brunig Pass descent: Steep cogwheel section with views into the Haslital valley.
• Lake Brienz: The final stretch along the shore of one of Switzerland's most vivid blue lakes.
• Brienzersee waterfalls: Giessbach Falls (visible from the train) drops 500 m in 14 cascades.

Best Side to Sit

5. Gotthard Panorama Express {#gotthard-panorama-express}

Boat and train: Lucerne to Lugano via the historic Gotthard route.

This unique journey combines a paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train ride through the historic Gotthard Pass route — the same corridor used by travelers for 700 years. The route avoids the Gotthard Base Tunnel and instead follows the original mountain railway over the pass.

Route

Luzern (boat) — Fluelen — Goschenen — Airolo — Bellinzona — Lugano

Key Facts

2026 Prices

Scenic Highlights

• Lake Lucerne paddle steamer: Pass the Rutli Meadow (birthplace of Switzerland) and William Tell's Chapel.
• Gotthard spiral tunnels: The train loops inside the mountain through engineering marvels built in the 1880s — you can see the same church steeple three times at different elevations.
• Ticino valley: Descend from German-speaking to Italian-speaking Switzerland, with palm trees and Mediterranean architecture.

6. Centovalli Railway {#centovalli-railway}

A hidden gem through 100 valleys.

The Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) Railway connects Locarno in Ticino with Domodossola in Italy, crossing deep gorges, chestnut forests, and villages perched on mountainsides. It is one of Switzerland's most underrated scenic routes.

Route

Locarno — Intragna — Camedo (Swiss border) — Re — Santa Maria Maggiore — Domodossola (Italy)

Key Facts

2026 Prices

Best Side to Sit

Both sides offer excellent views. Sit on the left side from Locarno for the best gorge views in the first half of the journey.

7. Voralpen-Express {#voralpen-express}

Lucerne to St. Gallen across the Pre-Alps.

The Voralpen-Express connects Central Switzerland with Eastern Switzerland, crossing the Pre-Alpine foothills with views of lakes, rolling hills, and the Appenzell Alps.

Route

Luzern — Rotkreuz — Arth-Goldau — Pfaffikon SZ — Rapperswil — Wattwil — St. Gallen

Key Facts

2026 Prices

8. Chocolate Train {#chocolate-train}

A day trip of Swiss chocolate indulgence.

The Chocolate Train is a themed excursion organized by MOB (Montreux-Oberland Bernois Railway) that combines a scenic train ride in vintage Belle Epoque or modern panoramic carriages with visits to a cheese factory and the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc.

Route and Program

Montreux — Montbovon — Gruyeres (cheese factory visit) — Broc (Maison Cailler chocolate factory) — return to Montreux

Key Facts

2026 Prices

9. Cheese Train {#cheese-train}

Explore the Gruyere region by rail.

Similar to the Chocolate Train, the Cheese Train is a themed day excursion focused on the cheese-making traditions of the Gruyere region.

Route and Program

Montreux — Chateau-d'Oex — Gruyeres (visit cheese factory, medieval castle, and village) — return to Montreux

Key Facts

2026 Prices

10. Palm Express (PostBus) {#palm-express}

By road from St. Moritz to Lugano over the Maloja Pass.

The Palm Express is not a train but a PostBus route — a scenic coach journey over the Maloja Pass from the Engadin to Ticino. It is the only "scenic route" that travels by road, and it is completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Route

St. Moritz — Maloja Pass (1,815 m) — Chiavenna (Italy) — Menaggio (Lake Como, Italy) — Lugano

Key Facts

2026 Prices

Best Seats Guide — Every Route {#best-seats-guide}

Pro tip: On panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express), the windows extend up into the roof, so both sides get excellent views. The "best side" recommendations above are for the absolute prime photo opportunities.

Swiss Travel Pass Coverage Summary {#swiss-travel-pass-coverage}

Best free rides with Swiss Travel Pass: GoldenPass Line (regular trains), Luzern-Interlaken Express, Voralpen-Express, Centovalli (to border), and Palm Express. These five routes cost nothing beyond your pass.

Booking Tips and Strategy {#booking-tips}

When to Book

• Glacier Express: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-September). Winter reservations are usually available last-minute.
• Bernina Express: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer. The train is smaller than the Glacier Express and sells out faster.
• GoldenPass Express: Book 2-4 weeks ahead. This is a newer service and demand is high.
• Gotthard Panorama Express: Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Only runs April-October with one daily departure.
• Chocolate/Cheese Train: Book 1-2 weeks ahead. Limited departures on selected days only.

Where to Book

1. SBB website (sbb.ch): All routes except themed trains
2. Glacier Express website (glacierexpress.ch): Glacier Express reservations
3. Rhätische Bahn (rhb.ch): Bernina Express reservations
4. MOB (mob.ch): GoldenPass Express, Chocolate Train, Cheese Train
5. SBB Mobile app: Most routes bookable in-app

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Ride the route on regular trains. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes are served by regular (non-panoramic) trains that are free with the Swiss Travel Pass and require no reservation. The views are the same — the windows are just standard-sized instead of panoramic.
2. Ride the most scenic segment only. On the Glacier Express, ride Andermatt to Chur (3h) instead of the full 8h route. On the Bernina Express, ride St. Moritz to Tirano (2h) instead of from Chur.
3. Travel in winter. Reservation fees are CHF 5-10 lower, trains are less crowded, and the snow-covered landscapes are arguably more beautiful.
4. Book round-trip on the Bernina Express. If returning from Tirano to St. Moritz, take the regular regional train back — same route, no reservation needed, free with STP.

Insider Tips

1. The Luzern-Interlaken Express is the best-kept secret in Swiss rail travel. It runs hourly, costs nothing with the Swiss Travel Pass, passes through stunning scenery, and is rarely crowded. Many travelers skip it because it does not have "Express" branding like the Glacier or Bernina.

2. Combine the Bernina Express with the Palm Express for a loop. Take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, then the Palm Express bus from St. Moritz to Lugano (or reverse). This creates a spectacular two-day loop through the Alps.

3. The Gotthard Panorama Express boat segment is the real highlight. The paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne (Luzern to Fluelen) is one of the finest boat rides in Europe. If you cannot book the full Gotthard Panorama Express, take the regular boat (free with STP) and then a regular train through the Gotthard.

4. Pack a picnic for the Glacier Express. The on-board restaurant is overpriced (CHF 43 for a three-course lunch). Bring your own food and wine — there is a fold-out table at every seat.

5. The Centovalli Railway is dramatically underrated. It crosses 83 bridges and plunges through wild gorges that rival anything on the Bernina Express. And it is completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

6. Window seats on the Bernina Express are everything. Book early to get window seats — the middle seats in the panoramic cars have restricted views. Row 1 and the last row in each car are the best.

7. In winter, the Bernina Express through snow is magical. Lago Bianco at 2,234 m is frozen solid, the Morteratsch Glacier gleams white, and the train sometimes runs through snow corridors higher than the windows.

8. The GoldenPass Express prestige cars have forward-facing windows. The front car (Prestige class, CHF 45 supplement) has a full glass front wall, giving you a driver's-eye view of the track ahead. Book seat 11 or 12 for the absolute best view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which scenic train is the best? A: The Bernina Express is the most varied (glaciers, alpine lakes, Mediterranean descent, UNESCO heritage, spiral viaduct). The Glacier Express is the most iconic and longest. The GoldenPass Line is the most accessible (free, no reservation). There is no single "best" — it depends on your route and preferences.

Q: Do I need to ride the full route? A: No. All scenic routes can be ridden in segments on regular trains. The scenery is the same — the "Express" trains just have panoramic windows and meal service.

Q: Are scenic trains wheelchair accessible? A: The Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express all have wheelchair spaces. Book in advance and request assistance. Regular Swiss trains are generally excellent for accessibility.

Q: Can I bring luggage on scenic trains? A: Yes, there is luggage storage on all scenic trains. For large luggage, use SBB's luggage forwarding service (CHF 12 per piece) to send bags ahead to your hotel.

Q: What if the weather is bad? A: Cloudy or rainy weather can obscure mountain views, especially on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. However, the trains run in all weather, and dramatic cloud formations can be equally spectacular. You can rebook or cancel reservations up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: Can children ride scenic trains? A: Yes. Children under 6 are free. Children 6-15 are free with the Swiss Family Card (when accompanied by a parent with a Swiss Travel Pass). Without the Family Card, children 6-15 pay 50% fare.

Q: Do scenic trains have WiFi? A: The Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express have WiFi. The Bernina Express and other routes have limited or no WiFi. Mobile reception is intermittent in tunnels and deep valleys.

Q: Is the Excellence Class on the Glacier Express worth it? A: At CHF 470 all-inclusive, the Excellence Class includes a 7-course meal, personal guide, window-side seating for every passenger, and a glass-roofed observation area. It is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but the views from regular 1st class are nearly identical.

Q: How do I get from Tirano back to Switzerland after the Bernina Express? A: Take the regular regional train from Tirano back to St. Moritz (same route, 2h 09min, free with Swiss Travel Pass, no reservation needed). Or take a bus from Tirano to Lugano via the Bernina Pass road.

Q: Can I combine multiple scenic routes in one trip? A: Absolutely. A classic combination is: Day 1: GoldenPass (Montreux to Interlaken), Day 2: Luzern-Interlaken Express + Lake Lucerne boat, Day 3: Glacier Express (to St. Moritz), Day 4: Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano).

Q: What is the difference between the GoldenPass Line and the GoldenPass Express? A: The GoldenPass Line is a marketing name for the traditional route with a change at Zweisimmen (different gauges). The GoldenPass Express (launched Dec 2022) is a direct train using gauge-changing bogies — no transfer needed. The Express requires a reservation (CHF 21) while regular GoldenPass Line trains do not.

Related Guides

• The ULTIMATE Swiss Travel Pass Guide
• Photography Guide to Switzerland
• Switzerland on a Budget
• Swiss Lakes Guide

Source: ch.tours | Last updated: 2026-03-03 | Data: SBB, Rhätische Bahn (RhB), Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), MOB, MySwitzerland.com