Switzerland's Scenic Rails: A Panoramic Train Adventure
Discover the best panoramic train ride in Switzerland. Switzerland is notable for its magnificent scenery and as the saying goes, the best place to enjoy them is by taking a train ride. If you intend to cross glaciers, soar over steep mountain slopes, or enjoy beautiful lakes, these trains will take you on an incredible journey. These are the best scenic trains in Switzerland that you should take.
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Bernina Express
- Location: Chur – Tirano (Italy)
- Distance: 144 km
- Time: ~4 hours
- Preço: ~CHF 70–150 (one way, depending on class and season)
O Bernina Express is one of the most stunning panoramic train rides in the world. It takes you from the Swiss Alps to the warm Italian town of Tirano. You’ll see glaciers, lakes, and the famous Brusio spiral viaduct, where the train loops around itself. The route is so spectacular that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Glacier Express
- Location: Zermatt – St. Moritz
- Distance: 291 km
- Time: ~8 hours
- Preço: ~CHF 150–250 (one way, depending on class and season)
O Glacier Express is all about taking it slow and enjoying the views. It crosses 291 bridges, and 91 tunnels, and climbs up to 2,033 meters at the Oberalp Pass. The large panoramic windows give you incredible views of deep valleys, alpine meadows, and mountain peaks. It’s one of the most famous train journeys in Switzerland.
GoldenPass Express
- Location: Montreux – Interlaken
- Distance: 115 km
- Time: ~3 hours
- Preço: ~CHF 70–90 (one way)
This GoldenPass Express panoramic train connects the French-speaking and German-speaking parts of Switzerland. You’ll start by Lake Geneva, travel through vineyards, and climb into the mountains, passing beautiful villages like Gstaad. Some trains offer “prestige class,” where you sit higher up for even better views.
Gotthard Panorama Express
- Location: Lucerne – Lugano
- Distance: ~182 km (train + boat)
- Time: ~5.5 hours (2.5h boat + 3h train)
- Preço: ~CHF 80–150 (one way)
This journey combines a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train through the Gotthard Pass. You’ll pass through the old Gotthard tunnel, which was once the longest in the world. It’s a great way to travel between the north and south of Switzerland while enjoying amazing views.
Luzern-Interlaken Express
- Location: Lucerne – Interlaken
- Distance: 98 km
- Time: ~2 hours
- Preço: ~CHF 35–50 (one way)
O Luzern Interlaken Express train connects two of Switzerland’s most famous tourist destinations. Along the way, you’ll pass five crystal-clear lakes and countless waterfalls. The ride is short but packed with fantastic scenery, making it a perfect option for those with limited time.
Brienz Rothorn Railway
- Location: Brienz – Rothorn Kulm
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Time: ~1 hour (one way)
- Preço: ~CHF 50–100 (round trip, depends on season)
O Brienz Rothorn Railway is a real mountain railway, climbing to 2,244 meters with a historic steam train. It’s the only one in Switzerland still operating with steam engines. The views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding peaks are simply breathtaking.
Schynige Platte Railway
- Location: Wilderswil – Schynige Platte
- Distance: 7.3 km
- Time: ~50 minutes (one way)
- Preço: ~CHF 40–80 (round trip)
O Schynige Platte railway is an old-school cogwheel train that takes you to one of the best viewpoints in the Jungfrau Region. From the top, you get a stunning panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. There’s also an alpine garden and plenty of hiking options at the summit.
Which train ride Should You Take?
If you want glaciers and high mountains, go for the Bernina Express or Glacier Express. For a mix of lakes and mountains, the GoldenPass or Luzern-Interlaken Express is perfect. If you like historic trains, try the Brienz Rothorn or Schynige Platte Railway. And for a unique boat + train combo, the Gotthard Panorama Express is the way to go.
