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Forget the chocolate and luxury watches; for me, the true soul of Switzerland reveals itself along the tracks that wind through the Alps or weave through lush green valleys. The railway network here is renowned not only for its convenient connectivity but also for its breathtaking scenery. If you are longing for a poetic European journey, join Living Nomads in discovering five of the most iconic railway routes.
The Ultimate Key: The Swiss Travel Pass
Before hopping aboard any train, I have to tell you about the “magic ticket” known as the Swiss Travel Pass (STP). It is an incredibly convenient pass that offers unlimited travel across Switzerland’s network of trains, buses, and boats within the covered area. It is valid for many panoramic trains, though some routes may still require a reservation fee or a separate surcharge.
Why Buy a Swiss Travel Pass?
Instead of the hassle of buying individual tickets for every leg of your journey, the STP allows you to hop on and off eligible transport services without purchasing separate tickets for each trip. If you buy online, you can simply save the e-ticket or QR code on your phone to present during ticket checks; just remember to carry a valid form of identification.
Switzerland: Swiss Half-Fare Card
Maximum Savings: The price for a 3-day, second-class Swiss Travel Pass for adults (aged 25 and over) in 2026 is 254 CHF. If your itinerary involves multiple long-distance legs over a few consecutive days—such as traveling between Zurich, Zermatt, and St. …St. Moritz; the STP can be more convenient and cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets, depending on the timing and specific itinerary.
Included perks: You get free admission to over 500 museums, including Chillon Castle and the FIFA Museum. Additionally, trips up Mount Rigi and Stanserhorn are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
Mountain excursion discounts: The Swiss Travel Pass often offers discounts on various other mountain railways and cable cars. For instance, the journey to Jungfraujoch is discounted by 25% for the section not fully covered, while TITLIS cable car tickets are discounted by 50%.
Pass Categories to Choose From
Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat (3 to 15 Days)
We generally recommend choosing one of the following two types based on your itinerary:
- Consecutive: Suitable if you travel every day. Passes are available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.
- Flex: Ideal for those who wish to stay in one city for a longer period. You can choose 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days of travel to use at your discretion within a one-month period.
Glacier Express – The World’s Slowest Express Train
Don’t let the name “Express” fool you! The Glacier Express is famously known as the world’s slowest express train. The journey connecting the renowned resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz takes approximately 8 hours to cover a distance of 291 km.
The train takes you through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges. The highest point of the journey is the Oberalp Pass, situated at an altitude of 2,033 meters above sea level. In winter, the area is blanketed in snow, while summer transforms the landscape into lush green Alpine meadows and scenery.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend trying the Excellence Class. This is a premium service featuring comfortable reclining seats, guaranteed panoramic window views for every passenger, concierge service, and a dedicated Glacier Bar. Passengers are also served champagne, appetizers, and a seasonal five-course meal with wine pairings right at their seats.
Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip Private Day Tour
A quick note: Even if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, seat reservations for the Glacier Express are mandatory. For 2026, the reservation fee for the full route is 54 CHF for both First and Second Class. Excellence Class requires a First Class ticket or travel pass plus a reservation fee of 540 CHF. Reservations for First and Second Class open up to 93 days in advance, so it is best to book early if you are traveling during peak season.
Bernina Express – A UNESCO Heritage Journey
While the Glacier Express showcases the majestic beauty of the Alps, the Bernina Express offers a magical blend of Swiss glaciers and Mediterranean scenery, complete with palm trees in Tirano, Italy. The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Some Bernina Express trains depart from Chur—Switzerland’s oldest city—and travel directly to Tirano. According to the 2026 summer schedule, the train leaving Chur at 8:17 AM arrives in Tirano at 12:49 PM, a journey of approximately four and a half hours. Along the way, the train crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels.
A highlight not to be missed is the Landwasser Viaduct; this curved stone bridge leads directly into a cliffside tunnel and stands as one of the most iconic landmarks of the Rhaetian Railway network.
St. Moritz and Swiss Alps with Bernina Red Train from Milan
Another engineering marvel is the Brusio spiral viaduct. To gain elevation on steep terrain without a cog railway system, the tracks form an open-air 360-degree loop. From your window, you can watch the train curving along the loop amidst the valley.
Tips: If you cannot book the Bernina Express panoramic train, you can still take RhB regional trains along the Albula and Bernina lines, though you may need to transfer depending on your itinerary. Regional trains do not feature panoramic carriages, and seat reservations are not mandatory. However, for the St. Moritz–Tirano leg specifically, an optional seat reservation service is available for 5 CHF if you wish to guarantee a seat.
GoldenPass Express – Connecting Picturesque Lakes
This is a personal favorite of mine because it traverses countryside that looks straight out of the story of “Heidi.” The GoldenPass Express offers a direct connection between Interlaken Ost and Montreux—a journey of about 3 hours and 15 minutes—passing through the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad, and Pays-d’Enhaut regions before heading toward Lake Geneva.
Unique Variable Gauge Technology
Rochers de Naye cogwheel ticket from Montreux
The standout feature of the GoldenPass Express is its variable-gauge bogie technology. The railway line between Montreux and Zweisimmen uses a 1-meter gauge, while the section from Zweisimmen to Interlaken uses the standard 1.435-meter gauge. Thanks to this system, passengers no longer need to change trains at Zweisimmen; instead, they can remain in their seats for the entire journey, traveling seamlessly from the French-speaking region of Switzerland to the German-speaking region.
Prestige Class – Luxury Beyond Expectations
In Prestige Class, the seating area is elevated 40 cm higher than in standard classes to provide a more expansive view. The seats are heated and adjustable, ensuring passengers can always face the direction of travel.
Hallstatt, Salzburg, Alps & Lakes Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
Along the route, you will pass through Alpine scenery and traditional villages around Gstaad and Pays-d’Enhaut, before catching sight of Lake Geneva as the train approaches Montreux. Note that the GoldenPass Express does not pass through the Lavaux terraced vineyards.
Gotthard Panorama Express – A Combination of Train and Boat
This journey is more than just a train ride. It is a unique combination of boat and train travel that takes you back through Swiss history. In 2026, the Gotthard Panorama Express operates daily from April 18 to October 18, connecting Lucerne, Flüelen, Bellinzona, and Lugano.
Starting in Lucerne, you board a steamboat or motor vessel to cross Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee). Along the way, you will admire tranquil bays and landmarks steeped in Swiss history, such as the Rütli Meadow and the Schiller Stone. Upon docking at Flüelen, you transfer to a first-class panorama train to continue your journey southward.
This historic Gotthard route is renowned for its spiral tunnels and winding tracks designed to navigate steep elevation changes. You will see the Wassen Church appear outside your window three times from different angles—a fascinating experience that showcases impressive 19th-century railway engineering.
Zurich Engelberg & Lucerne Full-Day Bus Tour
Note: The Gotthard Panorama Express panorama carriages offer first-class seating only. For the 2026 season, a seat reservation costing CHF 24 is mandatory for the panorama train leg, in addition to a valid first-class ticket.
Jungfrau Railway – Touching the “Top of Europe”
Although short compared to the other routes mentioned, the Jungfrau Railway is a “must-do” journey. This cogwheel train takes you to Jungfraujoch, home to Europe’s highest railway station at an altitude of 3,454 meters.
The Jungfrau Railway line spans approximately 9 km, with 7.6 km running through tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains. On the traditional route, you board the train at Kleine Scheidegg, pass through Eigergletscher, and continue up to Jungfraujoch. Nowadays, many travelers opt for the Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher, then transfer to the Jungfrau Railway to save time.
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Roundtrip Ticket
On the ascent to Jungfraujoch, the train makes a brief stop—lasting about five minutes—at Eismeer (3,160 m), allowing passengers to admire the icy landscape through viewing windows.
Upon arriving at the “Top of Europe,” you will be amazed by:
Sphinx Observatory: Situated at an altitude of 3,571 m, it offers panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and—weather permitting—sights stretching as far as Italy, France, and Germany.
Ice Palace: A network of tunnels and chambers carved directly into the Jungfraufirn glacier, featuring various ice sculptures.
Plateau: Step out into the open air amidst the snow and ice to view the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks exceeding 4,000 m, and take a photo with the Swiss flag.
Swiss Ski Experience for Beginners in the Jungfrau Region
Note on pricing: The journey to Jungfraujoch is not fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. While the pass covers standard rail routes to the Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen areas, it offers only a 25% discount on the non-covered portion of the trip up to Jungfraujoch. Consequently, the additional cost varies depending on your departure point, chosen route, and the time of year.
From May 1 to October 31, 2026, seat reservations on the Jungfrau Railway are mandatory and cost 10 CHF per person. Outside of this period, reservations are still recommended during good weather or on busy days.
Tips for Booking Swiss Trains and Crucial Things to Know
To ensure your Swiss train journey goes smoothly, keep these handy tips from Living Nomads in mind:
Download the SBB Mobile App: This app is incredibly useful for train travel in Switzerland. You can check schedules, platform numbers, train status, and real-time updates. Swiss Travel Passes purchased via an SBB account can also be displayed directly within the app.
Seat Reservations: Most standard Swiss trains do not require seat reservations, but panoramic routes have different rules. Reservations are mandatory for the Glacier Express and the panoramic carriages of the Bernina Express. The GoldenPass Express requires reservations for Prestige Class and recommends them for 1st and 2nd class. The Gotthard Panorama Express requires reservations for 1st-class panoramic carriages. For the Jungfrau Railway, reservations are mandatory from May 1 to October 31, 2026.
Luggage: Standard trains have luggage storage areas, though space can be limited during peak hours. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, consider SBB’s luggage transport service. The station-to-station service starts at 12 CHF per item (up to 23 kg), though luggage is usually available for pickup at the destination station after about two days rather than on the same day.
Punctuality: The Swiss railway system operates on a strict schedule, so be sure to arrive at the platform before departure and check the platform number on the app or electronic display. Don’t miss your train just because you’re busy taking photos!
Traveling by train in Switzerland isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; the journey itself is a wonderful part of the trip. Each train carriage is like a mobile cinema, with massive windows serving as screens that showcase the most vivid natural scenery.
With this detailed guide, you are all set for an adventure along Switzerland’s legendary railway lines. Don’t forget to visit Klook to book your Swiss Travel Pass in advance and enjoy great deals on local activities.
Wishing you a journey filled with smiles aboard Swiss trains!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lucerne you can refer to
- Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich
- Half Day Trip to Mount Titlis with Cable Car from Lucerne
- Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Lucerne
- Lucerne Walking Tour
- Swiss Museum of Transport Entrance Ticket in Lucerne
- Swiss Travel Pass
Are you looking for more top things to do in Lucerne: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Lucerne travel blog — The fullest Lucerne travel guide for a great trip to Lucerne for the first-timers and let’s check it out here.
