Switzerland’s Premium Panoramic Train Journeys

A Quick Guide to the Most Beautiful Rail Routes in Switzerland…

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Even if you have no interest in watches from a horological, financial or stylistic point of view, you’ve probably heard of the phrase ‘like a Swiss watch’. It’s usually used to refer to the quality and reliability of something, and it will come as no surprise to hear that it works just as well with a Swiss train. When you take the train in Switzerland, you can be sure of it running smoothly and on-time. But beyond that, you can also be sure of amazing views at every turn that will have the book you intended to read lying forgotten in your bag.

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For those wanting to really experience the crème de la crème of Swiss rail, then look no further than their premium panoramic journeys. These aren’t simply a way to get from A to B. Often, they’re not even the quickest connection available. They’re journeys designed to be savoured: panoramic windows, seamless service and views you’d struggle to get any other way. They pass through high mountain passes, deep valleys and lakefront vineyards - allowing you to experience incredible landscapes all from the comfort of your seat.

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Glacier Express

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• Route: Zermatt - St. Moritz
• Journey time: about 8 hours

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Often referred to as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express is a full-day journey across the Swiss Alps - and one of the most iconic rail experiences in the world. The route connects two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts, winding its way through remote valleys, over dramatic passes and across countless bridges and tunnels (well, not literally countless… 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, to be exact).

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There are many highlights but arguably the standout is the Landwasser Viaduct in the Albula landscape of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll also pass through the Rhine Gorge, known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon”, all whilst enjoying wide, uninterrupted views thanks to the specially designed panoramic carriages.

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The commentary onboard fills you in on the landscape and, depending on which travel class you go for, meals are served directly to your seat. As the most well known of the Swiss panoramic routes, it’s also the most in-demand… so you’ll have to get in quick for the best seats!

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‍Bernina Express

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• Route: Chur or St. Moritz - Tirano (Italy)
• Journey time: around 4 hours (plus option to continue by bus to Lugano)

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Another Rhaetian Railway classic, the Bernina Express departs Chur and travels through the same UNESCO-listed Albula landscape as the Glacier Express before rolling in to St. Moritz. From there, the train continues climbing to reach the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres. It’s the highest railway crossing of the Alps and the highest non-cogwheel railway in Europe.

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This route is a masterpiece of mountain railway engineering. Instead of using gears, the train loops and winds its way up, eventually dropping down to the Italian border town of Tirano via the spiral Brusio Viaduct. You go from glacial wilderness to vineyards and palm trees in just a few hours, all without changing trains. After a characteristically delicious lunch in Italy, you can then continue on to Lugano via the Bernina Express Bus and experience the mediterranean side of Switzerland.

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Gotthard Panorama Express

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• Route: Luzern - Lugano
• Journey time: 5 and a half hours

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Part lake cruise, part historic train ride, the Gotthard Panorama Express is all about slowing down and appreciating the route rather than simply reaching your destination. It begins with a paddle steamer across Lake Luzern - one of Switzerland’s most scenic - before joining the train in Flüelen to cross the original Gotthard route.

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Most trains between northern and southern Switzerland now travel through the 57km base tunnel (the world’s longest and deepest), but this one takes the high line, with dramatic spirals and bridges that show off some of the most impressive early railway engineering in Europe. The Gotthard route considered a marvel of its time when construction was completed in 1882, and it still feels that way today.

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Onboard commentary keeps you informed along the way, and the panoramic coaches give you a full view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to combine Luzern and Ticino into one very scenic day, and a must-do for any history buffs - particularly since the route passes through Bellinzona, a Ticinese town famous for its UNESCO-listed medieval castles.

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GoldenPass Express

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• Route: Montreux – Interlaken
• Journey time: around 3 and a half hours

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The newest of Switzerland’s premium panoramic routes, the GoldenPass Express now runs seamlessly from Montreux to Interlaken without the need to change trains - something that wasn’t technically possible until recently. The breakthrough came thanks to a clever piece of Swiss engineering: variable gauge bogies, which in layman’s terms means that trains can automatically adjust wheel width and carriage height to switch between different rail systems at Zweisimmen.

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From a passenger perspective, it’s the views that steal the show. The train begins in Freddie Mercury’s favourite town of Montreux, climbs into rolling pastures and traditional chalets near luxurious Gstaad, then descends into the impressive lakes and peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

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It’s a relatively quick ride, but packed with scenic contrast - ideal for anyone wanting a full alpine journey without dedicating an entire day to it.

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Luzern-Interlaken Express

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• Route: Luzern - Interlaken
• Journey time: 2 hours

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This may be the shortest of the bunch, but it certainly earns its panoramic label. The route links central Switzerland with the Bernese Oberland, passing five lakes, the Brünig mountain pass and countless photo stops along the way.

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Because the route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and runs hourly in both directions, it’s one of the most flexible panoramic trains to fit into your trip - whether you’re travelling east–west across the country or just after a beautiful day trip between Luzern and Interlaken.

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Planning your trip

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Each of these routes can be booked on SwissPasses.com, where you can also find more information on the amazing route you take, the different travel classes available and the pricing for each. All of these panoramic journeys are available in both directions and are included in the Swiss Travel Pass - although a seat reservation is still required (for the GoldenPass Express and Luzern-Interlaken Express, the seat reservation is highly recommended but not mandatory).

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If you’re planning a trip that involves more than one route - or you’re unsure how to fit them together into a larger itinerary - get in touch. We’re always happy to help with planning the scenic way round.

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