Train Trip Through Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Train Journey Through Switzerland: The Grand Train Tour

Switzerland is the land of spectacular mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. But did you know that you can explore this beautiful landscape in the most relaxing and sustainable way possible? Hop aboard one of the most beautiful train routes in the world: the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. This unique train journey takes you past breathtaking views, iconic cities, and Hidden gems.

What is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland?

The Grand Train Tour is a 1,280-kilometer journey, divided into 8 beautiful stages. Along the way, you’ll pass through:

  • 11 lakes
  • 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • 4 language regions

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to travel in a comfortable and eco-friendly way. You can choose to take a single leg of the route or the entire tour. The Grand Train Tour is an unforgettable experience.

Jungfraujoch-Sphinx: Switzerland's Most Beautiful Train Trips

The 8 Highlights of the Grand Train Tour

1. From Zurich to Interlaken (2 hours and 51 minutes)

Travel past sparkling lakes and waterfalls as the train climbs through the Alps. From Lucerne, board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, which crosses the Brünig Pass via a cogwheel railway. Highlight: a trip to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station. With the“Eiger Express,” a new cable car, you can reach the Jungfraujoch from Interlaken in an hour and a half. Trains from Zurich to Lucerne depart several times an hour, and trains from Lucerne to Interlaken run every hour.

2. From Interlaken to Montreux (3 hours and 15 minutes)

First, you’ll pass Lake Thun on your way to Zweisimmen, and from there, the GoldenPass Panoramic takes over. On the GoldenPass Panoramic, you’ll discover rolling meadows, castles, and the picturesque Lake Geneva. You’ll travel through the vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO), past Chillon Castle, and arrive in the sophisticated town of Montreux.

3. From Montreux to Zermatt (2 hours and 31 minutes)

This route takes you to the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. The train climbs 900 meters using cogwheel technology. Zermatt, a car-free village, offers excursions in the Alps year-round.

4. From Zermatt to St. Moritz (7 hours and 46 minutes)

On the famous Glacier Express, you’ll travel through the Alps toward St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. Enjoy the rugged beauty of the Alps and stop in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city.

5. From St. Moritz to Lugano (6 hours and 46 minutes)

The Bernina Express takes you over the Bernina Pass and past the turquoise Lago Bianco. Via Tirano in Italy, you’ll reach Lugano on picturesque Lake Como.

6. From Lugano to Lucerne (5 hours and 30 minutes)

The Gotthard Panorama Express combines train and boat travel. You’ll travel from Ticino through the Reuss Valley to Flüelen, where you’ll transfer to a steam or motorboat across Lake Lucerne. This train runs from April through October. The train offers onlyfirst -class tickets. As an alternative, the Treno Gottardo runs year-round via the Gotthard Panorama Route to Lucerne.

7. From Lucerne to St. Gallen (2 hours and 17 minutes)

On the Voralpen-Express, you’ll travel past the Sitter Viaduct, Switzerland’s highest railway bridge. The route offers stunning views of the Alps and the picturesque town of Rapperswil. From Lake Lucerne, with the Alps in the background, you’ll travel to St. Gallen. You’ll pass the Sitter Viaduct, which, at 99 meters, is Switzerland’s highest railway bridge.

8. St. Gallen to Zurich (2 hours and 34 minutes)

Follow the shore of Lake Constance and visit the impressive Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Europe’s largest waterfall. You’ll end your journey in Zurich: the perfect way to wrap up your Swiss train trip.

Train Journey Through Switzerland on a Map

Sustainable travel by train in Switzerland

What makes the Grand Train Tour even more special is its commitment to sustainability.

Switzerland promotes eco-friendly tourism by:

  • Water Conservation and Waste Reduction at Train Stations.
  • Special discounts for travelers arriving by train.
  • Numerous hiking and biking trails along the railroad tracks.

Practical Tips for Your Train Trip Through Switzerland

How do you get to Switzerland?

  • From the Netherlands, you can travel to Zurich in 8.5 hours with layovers in Frankfurt and Basel.
  • You can also take the night train to Zurich. The Nightjet departs daily from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem to Zurich.
  • You can buy tickets at NSInternational.nl
  • From Basel or Zurich, there are direct connections to other cities.

Of course, you can do the stages separately, back and forth, or in reverse. You can stop along the way and spend the night wherever you like.

Tickets for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

You can take the entire Grand Train Tour of Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)

Swiss Travel Pass

With the Swiss Travel Pass , you can travel as much as you want by train, bus, and boat. Included:

  • Free admission to more than 500 museums.
  • Up to 50% off mountain excursions.
  • Prices start at €250 for 3 days.
  • Travel freely on Premium panoramic trains (excluding seat reservations and/or surcharges).
  • Free use of public transportation in more than 90 cities (including boats).
  • The pass costs approximately €250 if you travel on consecutive days and approximately €285 if used within a month (Flex Pass).

Reservations

You must make reservations in advance for the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and the Gotthard Panorama Express. Reservations are not required on the GoldenPass Line, but they are recommended.

Click here for tickets and schedules for the various legs of the tour. The Swiss Grand Train Tour also has a handy app where you can find all the information about the sights and routes.

You can also book Switzerland’s Grand Train Tour as part of various package deals that include accommodations. For example, you can complete the entire tour in 8 days. Click here to view the various package options offered by the Swiss National Tourist Office’s official partner.

*Photo credits for the photos above: Swiss National Tourist Office

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland offers an unforgettable travel experience filled with nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you choose a short leg of the journey or the full tour, this trip is a must for every train enthusiast and nature lover.

Where to Stay Along the Route of Your Train Trip Through Switzerland

Switzerland has many beautiful campgrounds with glamping accommodations. You’ll also find plenty of sustainable B&Bs. Our picks for boutique and eco-hotels along the way:

Madelon Seignette - author

About the author

Madelon Seignette

With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.

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