Switzerland by Train: The Ultimate Scenic Itinerary
This itinerary takes you on a breathtaking journey through Switzerland’s most iconic regions, combining legendary panoramic trains with local routes. Whether you have 5 days or 2 weeks, this guide can be adapted to suit your pace.
4/9/20264 min read
Switzerland by Train: The Ultimate Scenic Itinerary
Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world to explore by train. With punctual schedules, panoramic windows, and routes that wind through alpine valleys, glacial lakes, and postcard-perfect villages, traveling by rail here isn’t just transport—it’s part of the experience.
This itinerary takes you on a breathtaking journey through Switzerland’s most iconic regions, combining legendary panoramic trains with local routes. Whether you have 5 days or 2 weeks, this guide can be adapted to suit your pace
Why Travel Switzerland by Train?
Switzerland’s rail system, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), is widely considered one of the most efficient in the world. Trains are clean, fast, and seamlessly connected—even in remote alpine areas.
Here’s why train travel is the best choice:
Scenery everywhere: You’ll pass waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes.
No driving stress: Mountain roads can be tricky; trains eliminate that worry.
Sustainability: Switzerland leads in eco-friendly public transport.
Convenience: Frequent departures mean flexibility in your itinerary.
A Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended, offering unlimited travel and access to scenic routes.
Suggested Route Overview
This itinerary follows a loop through Switzerland’s highlights:
Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt → St. Moritz → Zurich
You’ll travel on iconic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Click here for the Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip Private Day Tour.
Day 1–2: Zurich to Lucerne
Start your journey in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major transport hub. Spend a few hours wandering the Old Town, visiting museums, or enjoying coffee along the Limmat River.
From Zurich, take a short one-hour train ride to Lucerne.
What to do in Lucerne:
Walk across the iconic Kapellbrücke
Explore the Old Town’s colorful frescoed buildings
Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
Visit Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for panoramic views
Lucerne is compact, charming, and a perfect introduction to Switzerland’s alpine beauty.
Click here for the Pilatus Guided Tour with Cable Car, Cogwheel and Lake Cruise.
Day 3–4: Lucerne to Interlaken
Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken via the scenic GoldenPass Line.
This route is one of Switzerland’s most underrated train journeys, offering:
Crystal-clear lakes
Rolling hills and alpine villages
Dramatic mountain backdrops
What to do in Interlaken:
Visit Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Take a trip to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Go paragliding or hiking in the region
Interlaken is an adventure hub, surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
Click here for the Interlaken Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot Experience.
Day 5–6: Interlaken to Zermatt
From Interlaken, take a train to Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn.
Highlights in Zermatt:
Ride the Gornergrat Railway for incredible Matterhorn views
Hike scenic alpine trails
Visit Glacier Paradise (Europe’s highest cable car station)
Zermatt is one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland and a must-see on any itinerary.
Click here for the Zermatt Village Matterhorn Day Tour with Mt. Gornegrat.
Day 7: Glacier Express to St. Moritz
This is the highlight of your journey: the legendary Glacier Express.
The full journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes about 8 hours and is often called the “slowest express train in the world.”
Click here for the Matterhorn - Glacier Paradise Ticket and Alpine Crossing Ticket.
What makes it special:
Panoramic windows for uninterrupted views
Crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels
Passing the famous Landwasser Viaduct
Traveling through the Oberalp Pass
It’s not just a train ride—it’s an unforgettable experience through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Day 8–9: St. Moritz and the Bernina Express
Spend some time exploring St. Moritz, known for its luxury resorts and stunning alpine setting.
Then take the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
Highlights of the Bernina Express:
The Brusio Spiral Viaduct
Views of the Morteratsch Glacier
Dramatic descent from glaciers to palm trees (as it reaches Italy)
You can ride all the way to Tirano in Italy or return to St. Moritz.
Click here for the St. Moritz Guided Tour with Bernina Red Train.
Day 10: Return to Zurich
From St. Moritz, take a train back to Zurich via Chur, enjoying one last scenic ride through the Swiss countryside.
Tips for Traveling Switzerland by Train
1. Book panoramic trains early
Popular routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express require seat reservations.
2. Use the Swiss Travel Pass
It simplifies travel and often includes free or discounted entry to attractions.
3. Travel light
Swiss trains have luggage storage, but smaller bags make transfers easier.
4. Sit on the right side (sometimes!)
Depending on the route, one side may offer better views—research ahead for the best seats.
5. Download the SBB app
The SBB Mobile app provides real-time schedules and platform information.
How Many Days Do You Need?
5–7 days: Focus on Lucerne, Interlaken, and one scenic train
8–10 days: Full itinerary including Glacier Express
10–14 days: Add extra hikes, mountain excursions, and slower travel
Final Thoughts
Switzerland by train is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Europe. Every journey feels like a cinematic adventure, with landscapes that constantly shift from lakes to mountains to glaciers.
This itinerary gives you a perfect blend of iconic routes, charming towns, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Lucerne, gazing at the Matterhorn in Zermatt, or crossing alpine passes on the Glacier Express, you’ll quickly understand why Switzerland is a dream destination for train travel.
