21 Best Train Trips in Switzerland: Scenic Rides Straight Out of a Fairytale

Maybe you're fantasising about Harry Potter-like scenery after playing Hogwarts Legacy on the PS5.

Or perhaps you've just binged the K-Pop drama Crash Landing on You, where Jeong-Hyeok plays the piano in the Swiss village of Iseltwald.

Whatever your reason for wanting a fairytale vacation in Switzerland, one thing remains true. There's nothing more magical than the country's panoramic trains.

When it comes to epic rail journeys, nowhere does it quite like Switzerland.

From the snow-dusted peaks of the Matterhorn to lakes so gorgeously blue they look Photoshopped, here are the best train trips in Switzerland:

All aboard. The world's most scenic trains await.

But Why Travel Switzerland by Train?

Still not convinced about train travel in Switzerland? Well, it's unlikely since you are on this article.

But in case you are, here's a little bit more motivation for you below:

First up, you've got...

• Unbeatable scenery: Many routes are more or less sightseeing tours. You get to go from point A to B and see incredible views at the same time. It's a win-win! For example, the Bernina Express goes from the alpine north to the Mediterranean south. Seriously, where else can you see glaciers in the Swiss Alps and palm trees in a single day?

• An extensive network: With over 5,000 kilometres of track, nearly every mountain hamlet is reachable. Plus, the Swiss train network is highly integrated. Trains easily connect with buses, boats, and cable cars. Precision and efficiency are mastered to a tee in Switzerland.

• Comfort and ease: Besides Swiss trains running like clockwork, whatever train you sit in will feel super cushy too. Even second class is ultra-clean and comfy. You'll have big windows that offer plenty of views and sufficient space to stretch. Of course, first class is quieter with a bit more room. But second class is honestly good enough already.

• Eco-friendly: Well, train travel coughs up a lighter footprint than flying. And it's way more relaxing too. Why not play your part for Mother Earth?

Switzerland’s Most Scenic Train Journeys

Photo: @thegingerwanderlust on Instagram

Okay, so let's get right into it.

Here are the best train rides in Switzerland that indisputably deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Glacier Express - The Slowest Express Train in the World

Slowest and express does sound contradictory. But in the case of the Glacier Express, that irony is a delightful one.

This legendary Swiss train is super slow - 42 kilometres/hour. But it's the opposite of speedy for a reason.

It's slow enough to savour every epic view. 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the 2,033-metre-high Oberalp Pass later, you'll be glad the Glacier Express is as steady and unrushed as it is.

Those picture-perfect views along the way of this eight-hour train ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz are ones to soak in.

Why Ride It

• Panoramic windows with unblemished views of the mountain scenery on the longest scenic train ride in Switzerland

• An iconic route linking the Matterhorn in Zermatt to the Engadine near St. Moritz

• The Rhine Gorge (aka the “Swiss Grand Canyon”) on the Upper Rhine River

The Experience

Photo: @ivanalukito on Instagram

• Plush interiors: carpeted floors, air conditioning, and seats that put economy airlines to shame

• Authentic Swiss dishes served straight from the onboard kitchen

• Pro tip: Sit right-hand side from Zermatt, left from St. Moritz for the best views

Practical Bits

• Reservations required: CHF 49

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail (you still have to pay for seat reservations)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Upgrade option: Excellence Class - only 20 seats, champagne, and a 5-course meal (CHF 490 surcharge). This alone makes it the most luxurious train in Switzerland.

• Journey time: 8 hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz

2. Bernina Express - A UNESCO Alpine Journey

The highest and the steepest railway in the Alps is worth any bucket list.

One of the great rail journeys of Switzerland, this iconic train takes you from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy, or vice versa, crossing the Rhaetian Alps along the way.

So you can basically cover the Mediterranean and alpine scenery in a single day trip on what's probably the most beautiful train line in the country.

No wonder the entire route is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And talk about serious value for money and killing two birds with one stone.

Why Ride It

• The iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a spectacular bridge that plunges into a cliff face

• You'll also feel on top of the world at the Lago Bianco at the 2,253-metre summit

• The Brusio Spiral Viaduct - where the train loops 360 degrees over itself, an engineering marvel

The Experience

Photo: @dani_pavel on Instagram

• Massive panoramic windows offering gorgeous 180-degree views of the scenery

• Your trip is usually narrated too, so you'll know the historical and natural significance of the epic beauty

• You can ride the train all year round, with either frosty winter scenery or lush summer greenery

Practical Bits

• Reservations required: CHF 28 (off-season), 36 (peak)

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail (you still have to pay for seat reservations)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Pro tip: Regional trains also run the same route without reservations. It's a nice idea if you want to hop on and off in villages like Poschiavo.

• Journey time: 4 hours from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano

3. Gotthard Panorama Express Train (Mid-April to Mid-October)

The Gotthard Panorama Express train in Switzerland is special for more than one reason.

First, you board a steamboat on the deep blue waters of Lake Lucerne, flanked by the mighty Rigi and Pilatus. Then you continue by rail on the historic Gotthard mountain route - a journey that’s as much about heritage as scenery.

Like the Bernina Express, this ride shifts from snow-capped peaks in the north to palm trees in Ticino in the south. Two climates, two cultures, in a single day.

Just take note that the Gotthard Panorama Express doesn't go through the Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland's deepest train tunnel at 2,450 metres, which is actually for high-speed trains).

Why Ride It

• Spiral tunnels that reveal the church of Wassen again and again, like a scene from a Disney movie

• Oversized panoramic windows made for videos but scenic views you’ll actually want to put your phone down for

The Experience

Photo: @thereseelgquist on Instagram

• Seasonal and regional cuisine served on the steamboat

• Presentations and light shows on board that bring the Gotthard Railway’s history to life

Practical Bits

• Reservations required: CHF 24

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (seat reservation fee still applies). Eurail covers 50% of the boat from Lucerne to Flüelen

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card (reservation fee still required for the premium train)

• Journey time: 5.5 hours total (2.5 hours by boat from Lucerne to Flüelen + 3 hours by train from Flüelen to Lugano)

4. GoldenPass Panoramic - From Lucerne to Montreux

Hands down, one of the best train rides in Switzerland is the alpine GoldenPass panoramic train.

And it really isn’t one train but a combo of different train rides linking Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux.

Think of it as the Swiss train version of Spotify Wrapped; something like your greatest-hits playlist of epic scenery.

We're talking lakes, waterfalls, vineyards, and the French-speaking Swiss Riviera, with its castles and museums.

Why Ride It

Photo: @jacqrose8 on Instagram

• You get to hop on the vintage and romantic Belle Époque train reminiscent of 1930s luxury Orient Express trains

• You get to pass by the picture-perfect Lake Lungern and Lake Brienz as well as the adventure hub that is Interlaken

• The "Prestige" class is really a class of its own, with heated seats, extra privacy, and exquisite food

The Experience

Photo: @klaudia_fiolova on Instagram

• Some trains have limited Gran Vue seats at the front of the train for a special driver's POV of the tracks

• The train itself is designed to make riders feel at one with nature, with elevated chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows

Practical Bits

• Pro tip: Reservations are not mandatory on all GoldenPass line trains. But book ahead if you want Belle Époque or Prestige seats.

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail (seat reservation fee still applies for most sections)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card (reservation fee still required for certain parts of the GoldenPass line)

• Journey time: 5-6 hours from Lucerne to Montreux (via Interlaken and Zweisimmen)

Epic Train Travel in Switzerland Beyond the Icons

5. Filisur to Davos

Traversing the Rhaetian Railway's Albula/Bernina route, the Davos to Filisur train journey is worth setting aside time for.

The route is where you'll pass the 210-metre-long, 90-metre-high Wiesen Viaduct too (yep, it's one of the most photographed spots in the country).

Why Ride It:

Photo: @@to.blerone_photo on Instagram

• Train enthusiasts will love the old-school equipment used on the "nostalgia" train, with the first-class section built way back in 1903

Practical Bits:

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (reservation fees aren't required as it is a standard Swiss public transport route)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 25 minutes from Filisur to Davos

6. Luzern-Interlaken Express

Photo: @lavenderose.pixframes on Instagram

Two hours is all it'll take.

But the Luzern-Interlaken Express will whisk past some of the best sights of the Swiss countryside.

In particular, you'll see five of the country's most spectacular lakes, including Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lungern.

Why Ride It:

Photo: @pimarj on Instagram

• It's unquestionably one of the best alpine trains in Switzerland, with jaw-dropping views across the Brünig Pass

• The train also uses cogwheel technology to wheel itself up the steep Brünig Pass

Practical Bits:

• Covered by: the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail Pass (seat reservations aren't mandatory but recommended)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 2 hours from Lucerne to Interlaken

7. Grütschalp to Mürren

Taking only 20 minutes, Grütschalp to Mürren is undeniably among the top short scenic train rides in Switzerland.

In particular, this train will haul you along the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, so get ready for some seriously impressive views.

Why Ride It:

• If you're heading to the car-free village of Mürren, then hopping on this train makes the most sense as it's the primary mode of transportation there

• There are ground-level railcars and upgraded stations for people with disabilities, making it inclusive for everyone

Practical Bits:

• Covered by: the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail Pass

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 20 minutes from Grütschalp to Mürren

8. Montreux to Rochers de Naye

Photo: @gabrielemartirosian on Instagram

365 days a year, winter or summer, the Montreux to Rochers de Naye will take your breath away.

This cogwheel train uses a rack-and-pinion system to wind through tunnels and climb to over 2,000 metres, with views of Lake Geneva, the Swiss and French Alps, and access to extensive hiking trails.

Why Ride It:

• Visit the “La Rambertia” Alpine Garden, home to rare alpine flora

• Meet the marmot colony at the summit (yes, the same critter from that viral “arghh” video)

Practical Bits:

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (50% discount applies for the Haut-de-Caux to Rochers-de-Naye section)

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 55 minutes from Montreux to Rochers de Naye

9. Schynige Platte

Get ready for a blast to the past with the Schynige Platte.

Evoking the spirit of the Belle Époque (à la "the beautiful era"), this ride has plenty of old-school cool and old-world charm dating back to 1893.

Plus, there are incredible views to boot. Highlights include the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Lakes Brienz and Thun.

Why Ride It:

• Your destination is the starting point for hikes like the Panorama Trail, plus that’s where you can embark on the hike to Grindelwald First

• Hear daily alpenhorn blowing, a traditional lip-reed wind instrument once used by herders to communicate

Practical Bits:

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass, but only at a 50% discount

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 1 hour from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte

Mountain Railways in Switzerland

10. Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway

If you're planning a Switzerland mountain train binge, why not go for the OG?

This scenic train was actually the first cogwheel railway in Europe and a milestone in mountain excursions. It is also one of the oldest trains in Switzerland.

And today, it still climbs the “Queen of the Mountains” with plenty of vintage charm.

From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of the Alps, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and the Mittelland Plateau - plus panoramas stretching across 13 lakes on a clear day.

Why Ride It

• A historic ride that’s been running for over 150 years

• Scenic views that combine lakes, mountains, and valleys in one journey

• Easy to pair with a Lake Lucerne boat trip for the ultimate day out

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass

• Discounts: 50% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card and Eurail Pass

• Journey time: 30 minutes from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm

11. Interlaken to Jungfraujoch Train

Glaciers, icy peaks, and views straight out of a postcard - the Jungfraujoch train in Switzerland is pure mountain eye candy.

This ride takes you to the highest train station in Switzerland but in Europe, perched at 3,454 metres.

And yes, there’s snow all year. The Jungfrau Bahn runs 365 days a year, so you can tick this off your list no matter the season.

Why Ride It

• Step onto the Sphinx Observatory, with a viewing platform that spans the Aletsch Glacier, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau

• Wander through the Ice Palace, where glittering tunnels and animal ice sculptures feel like a scene from Frozen

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (free from Interlaken to Grindelwald or Wengen, then 25% off to Jungfraujoch). Jungfrau Travel Pass (covers trains to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen plus the Eiger Express gondola/train to Eigergletscher, but a connecting ticket is still required). Eurail Pass (25% discount on the standard route via Kleine Scheidegg)

• Discounts: 50% off the entire journey with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 2 hours from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch (with changes)

12. Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway

How about riding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway? Well, it's a must-add to any Switzerland train trip itinerary in our books.

With a 48% gradient, the train's nearly vertical ascent to the peak is hair-raising and scenic in equal measure.

This groundbreaking engineering marvel will take you up 1,600 metres through alpine meadows, forests, and rock formations to the Pilatus Kulm summit.

Why Ride It

• The only public railway in the world using the Locher Rack system, designed to master such extreme steepness

• Panoramic summit views of Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, and even Germany’s Black Forest on clear days

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (50% discount on the cogwheel and cable car portion up to the summit)

• Discounts: 50% off the full journey with the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 30 minutes from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm

13. Gornergrat Bahn

No train holiday in Switzerland is complete without a ride on the Gornergrat Bahn.

Here’s why.

It’s the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. And along the way, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn - the legendary peak that once appeared in the Toblerone logo.

Families will love it too. This short, steep ride has all the fun stuff: tunnels, bridges, and jaw-dropping alpine scenery.

Why Ride It

• Gornergrat station is the highest open-air one in Europe, with sweeping views of glaciers and 29 peaks over 4,000 metres

• The route passes alpine pastures at Riffelberg and stone pine forests at Riffelalp, each with its own postcard-perfect charm

Practical Bits

• Discounts: 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 44 minutes from Zermatt to the summit

14. Brienzer Rothorn Railway

Are you a sucker for some old-school cool? Then the Brienz Rothorn Railway steam train is a must.

This vintage steam train in Switzerland has been chugging up the mountains since 1892. Open-air carriages, clouds of smoke, and the whistle echoing through the valley make it a ride straight out of another era.

At the summit, you’ll catch sweeping views of the Bernese Alps, Central Switzerland, and the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz below.

Why Ride It

• Experience one of the last daily steam services in Switzerland, complete with historic locomotives

• The 2,350-metre Rothorn peak is a superb starting point for hikes of all levels

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Berner Oberland Pass (free travel included)

• Discounts: 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card

• Journey time: 1 hour from Brienz to the Rothorn Kulm summit

Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland: Seasonal & Unique Journeys

15. Furka Steam Railway

Be transported back in time to the golden age of steam railways with the Furka Steam Railway.

A super nostalgic journey with its century-old vintage cogwheel locomotive that chugs you along the jaw-dropping alpine scenery of the Swiss Alps.

Why Ride It

• You'll feel like you're in an old movie with the retro coaches and their polished wooden seats

• Much of the route passes by a remote and rugged part of the Swiss Alps, all untouched by modernity

Practical Bits

• Covered by: the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card (fare reduction only)

• Journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes (with a stop of 30 minutes at the summit station in Furka)

16. Swiss Chocolate Train

Photo: @lizlovesfarms on Instagram

Now how often is it that you really get to ride a "chocolate" train?

One of Switzerland's quirkier rides, this all-day excursion gives you scenic travel and a luxury experience at the same time.

And of course, you guessed it, you'll be savouring plenty of chocolate and cheese on this decadent trip.

Why Ride It

• Sit on elegant, first-class retro Pullman coaches from another century with Belle Époque glamour

• Visit the Gruyère cheese dairy and have a tasting at the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory

• You'll visit plenty of the French-speaking part of Switzerland - that means vineyards, valleys, and lakeside towns

Practical Bits

• Covered by: the Swiss Travel Pass (35% of the rail segment, but you must still pay the reservation fee + tastings). The Eurail Pass only covers the train portion of this trip

• Discounts: 25% off with the Swiss Half Fare Card (rail trip only)

• Journey time: Full-day excursion of 7.5 to 9 hours as a round trip from Montreux

17. Swiss Cheese Train

So, we've covered chocolate. Let's move on to cheese. How do winter fondue trips to Château-d’Œx sound?

Fabulous, we know. Similar to the chocolate train, this is a scenic and historic train journey with antique-style Pullman coaches, 1920s Belle Époque glam, and eye-popping alpine scenery.

Why Ride It

• Check out a live demo of traditional cheese-making where 200 litres of milk turns into Le Chalet Bio cheese

• You'll enjoy plenty of savouring too, with a fondue tasting after the cheese is made

• Pay a visit to the Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut, a folk museum with local arts and crafts

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Swiss Travel Pass (35% discount but for the rail segment only. Seat reservation fees still apply for panoramic trains. Museums and tastings cost extra)

• Journey time: 4 hours round trip from Montreux

Entering Switzerland by Train

18. Transalpin from Austria to Switzerland

Photo: @hejphil on Instagram

When it comes to train tours between Switzerland and Austria, the Transalpin is hard to beat.

Most Alpine routes run north to south. This one flips the script, carrying you east to west across some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery.

The payoff?

A kaleidoscope of landscapes. You’ll roll through Innsbruck, cross tiny Liechtenstein, and glide past jagged peaks and shimmering lakes before pulling into Zurich.

Why Ride It

Photo: @csomabencelaszlo on Instagram

• Travel cross-country in style with a posh dining car and an on-board restaurant

• First-rate panoramic coaches with massive windows made for soaking up the Alps

• Highlights include the Arlberg Railway and the dramatic Enn Valley

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Eurail Pass (entire route)

• Journey time: 9 hours 35 minutes from Graz to Zurich

19. Centovalli Railway from Italy to Switzerland

Two beautiful countries, a journey that crosses 83 bridges and viaducts, all through 31 tunnels.

All while whizzing past waterfalls, chestnut forests, vineyards, and reaching snow-capped mountains?

Count us in!

The Centovalli Railway is a slow travel route that's probably one of the most gorgeous ways to train travel across borders.

Why Ride It

• Your expedition will take you through deep gorges and some of the most rugged landscapes you'll lay eyes on

• You'll pass by the Italian Vigezzo Valley, known as the "Valley of Painters" for inspiring legions of artists

• Also, it's a chance to see plenty of remote and quaint towns out of a fairytale storybook that were once isolated

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Eurail Pass and Swiss Travel Pass (entire route)

• Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes from Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, Switzerland

20. Mont-Blanc Express

Photo: @giuliaravanini on Instagram

Scenic yet practical, the Mont-Blanc Express has linked Chamonix, France to Martigny, Switzerland for more than a century.

This narrow-gauge train twists through steep alpine terrain, climbing gorges and ridges that look impossible for rails.

The reward?

Front-row views of jagged peaks, waterfalls, and valleys carved by glaciers.

Why Ride It

Photo: @giuliaravanini on Instagram

• Whiz past alpine villages in France and Switzerland, each framed by mountain backdrops

• Cross the dramatic Trient Gorge, where the train hugs the cliffside above a rocky ravine

• Ride year-round: wildflowers in spring, lush valleys in summer, blazing colours in autumn, and a snowy wonderland in winter

Practical Bits

• Covered by: Eurail Pass (entire route)

• Journey time: 1 hour 41 minutes from Chamonix, France to Martigny, Switzerland

Bonus: Riding All the Best Scenic Train in Switzerland

21. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland (Semi-Guided)

Can’t decide which scenic train to ride?

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland saves you the headache.

How so?

Well, it's a package that bundles the best of the best into one epic 10-day loop.

You’ll tick off Lucerne, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Zurich, riding legendary trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express along the way.

Plus, you'll get to see Matterhorn, Jungfrau, Eiger, lakes, forests, and valleys - all stitched together with panoramic trains. It’s semi-guided but flexible, too, which is pretty cool.

That means a good mix of structured adventures in places like Lucerne and Zermatt with free time to explore Switzerland at your own pace.

Pricey? Yes. But worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Definitely.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Swiss Rail Adventure

Switzerland’s railways aren’t just a way to get around. They’re part of the adventure. From the Glacier Express to quirky rides like the Cheese Train, each journey shows off a new side of the Alps.

Here’s how to wrap your trip:

• Mix a few big-name scenic routes with local day trips.

• Balance panoramic trains with mountain cogwheels.

• Use passes smartly - pick one that matches your pace.

Pair train journeys with other things to do in Switzerland - mountain hikes, lake cruises, fondue nights - and you’ve got a trip that blends culture with scenery.

And if you’re still torn between passes?

Check out our guides on where to buy the Swiss Travel Pass and breaking down the differences between the Swiss Half Fare Card vs the Swiss Travel Pass to help you decide.