Key Takeaways
- Glacier Express is the world's slowest express train, 8 hours through the Alps
- Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route
- GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne and Montreux via Interlaken
- Swiss Travel Pass covers most scenic trains
- Best season: May–October (summer greenery, autumn colors)
1. Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is known as the "world's slowest express train." Covering approximately 290 km across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, it is Switzerland's most famous scenic train.
Route Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Zermatt → St. Moritz (or reverse) |
| Distance | Approx. 290 km |
| Duration | Approx. 8 hours |
| Operator | Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn / Rhaetian Railway |
| Fare | CHF 152 (second class), reservation fee CHF 44 |
| Highlights | 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, Landwasser Viaduct |
Best Seats
Seat Selection Tips
Zermatt → St. Moritz: Choose right side (better views)
St. Moritz → Zermatt: Choose left side
Panoramic windows: First class has larger panoramic windows
Book early: Reserve 3 months ahead for peak season
2. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route, traveling from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland across the Alps to Tirano in Italy.
Route Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chur/St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy) |
| Distance | Approx. 170 km (St. Moritz segment) |
| Duration | Approx. 4 hours |
| Operator | Rhaetian Railway |
| Fare | CHF 63 (second class), reservation fee CHF 14 |
| Highlights | 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, Brusio Spiral Bridge |
Best Seats
Seat Selection Tips
St. Moritz → Tirano: Choose right side
Tirano → St. Moritz: Choose left side
Panoramic car: First class has larger windows
Open-air car: Open in summer, best for photography
3. GoldenPass Line
The GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne and Montreux via Interlaken, one of Switzerland's most classic scenic routes.
Route Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux |
| Distance | Approx. 200 km |
| Duration | Approx. 5 hours |
| Operator | Swiss Federal Railways / BLS / MOB |
| Fare | CHF 70 (second class), Swiss Travel Pass included |
| Highlights | Lake Brienz, Jungfrau, vineyard terraces |
4. Other Scenic Trains
Gotthard Panorama Express
- Route: Lucerne → Locarno (or reverse)
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Highlights: Gotthard Tunnel, Lake Lugano
- Fare: CHF 50 (second class)
Cogwheel Mountain Railways
- Jungfrau Railway: Europe's highest railway station (3,454 m)
- Gornergrat Railway: Iconic Swiss peak
- Pilatus Railway: World's steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient)
5. Fares & Rail Passes
Swiss Travel Pass Includes
- ✅ Glacier Express (reservation fee required)
- ✅ Bernina Express (reservation fee required)
- ✅ GoldenPass Line (fully included)
- ✅ Gotthard Panorama Express (fully included)
- ✅ All cogwheel railways (50% discount)
Individual Tickets
| Train | Second Class | First Class | Reservation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Express | CHF 152 | CHF 268 | CHF 44 |
| Bernina Express | CHF 63 | CHF 110 | CHF 14 |
| GoldenPass Line | CHF 70 | CHF 120 | Not required |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | CHF 50 | CHF 88 | Not required |
6. Best Seasons
Season Comparison
| Season | Pros | Cons | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers, fewer tourists | Some alpine routes may be closed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Lush greenery, all routes open | Most tourists, book early | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Colorful foliage, fewer tourists | Some alpine routes may be closed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Spectacular snowscapes, ski season | Some routes closed, variable weather | ⭐⭐⭐ |
7. Booking Tips
Booking Checklist
- Book 3 months ahead (especially for summer)
- Choose panoramic car (first class)
- Reserve window seat (right or left depending on direction)
- Consider Swiss Travel Pass (better value)
- Book meals (available on some trains)
- Bring a jacket (air conditioning is cold)
- Prepare your camera (scenery is stunning)
Important Tips
Swiss scenic trains are extremely popular — book 3 months ahead for summer (July–August). Some alpine routes may close in winter due to weather; confirm before traveling. Swiss Travel Pass is the best choice for Swiss scenic trains, covering not only trains but also buses, boats, and museums.