Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Experience the world's most beautiful train ride through 1,280 kilometers of breathtaking Alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Total distance Route sections UNESCO sites
1,280 km 8 lines 5 sites
Tour group in a Swiss train station

Choose your Swiss railway adventure with

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4.7 (500+)

From Zurich: Interlaken & Jungfrau Day Trip

Full-day journey from Zurich through the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.

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From Lucerne: Jungfraujoch & Top of Europe

Day trip from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch with cogwheel trains and panoramic Alpine views.

from $260 per person Book Now
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From Milan: Bernina Train Tour to St. Moritz

Guided Bernina Express experience from Milan to St. Moritz via UNESCO-listed Alpine railway.

from $210 per person Book Now
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Why choose the Grand Train Tour?

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Unmatched Alpine scenery

Ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps with panoramic views of 4,000-meter peaks, glaciers, and mirror-like lakes from comfortable panoramic trains.

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Engineering marvels

Cross iconic structures like the Landwasser Viaduct, spiral tunnels, and historic mountain railways that define Swiss engineering excellence.

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UNESCO & cultural diversity

Travel through four language regions and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, experiencing Switzerland’s rich blend of cultures in a single journey.

Where the Grand Train Tour runs

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, across the Swiss Alps
  • Start from major Swiss gateways like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel — all with excellent international air connections and direct rail links.
  • Key hubs along the route include Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Montreux, making it easy to customize your itinerary.
  • The route forms a flexible circuit of around 1,280 km, so you can join or leave the Grand Train Tour at many different points.
  • Use a Swiss Travel Pass or point-to-point tickets, and reserve panoramic seats on premium trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express when possible.

FAQ

How long does the complete Grand Train Tour take?

The complete 8-section circuit can be done in about 8 days, but many travelers allow 10–15 days to include stopovers, side trips, and time to explore key destinations.

What’s included with the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all regular Grand Train Tour routes, most local transport, many boats and buses, and includes museum entries plus discounts on mountain railways.

Can I start the Grand Train Tour from any city?

Yes. Because the route is a circuit, you can start from Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, or any major hub along the way, then connect the remaining sections as you go.

When is the best time of year to travel?

Summer (June–September) offers long days and fully open high-mountain routes, while winter brings snowy scenery. Spring and autumn are ideal for fewer crowds and colorful landscapes.

Do I need to reserve seats in advance?

Seat reservations are strongly recommended for panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, especially during peak season and holidays.

Are meals included on the trains?

Most tickets do not include meals, but many panoramic trains offer on-board dining or at-seat service. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks.

What should I pack for the journey?

Pack layers for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, a light day pack, water bottle, and a camera. Weather can shift quickly between valley floors and high Alpine passes.

About the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is an epic 1,280-kilometer railway adventure connecting 8 of the country’s most scenic lines. In a single journey you can experience 4 language regions, 11 shimmering lakes, and some of the most dramatic mountain passes in Europe.

From the glacier-carved valleys of the Bernina Express to the engineering marvels of the Gotthard route, every section offers a different perspective on Switzerland’s Alpine landscapes. You’ll cross iconic viaducts, wind through spiral tunnels, and glide past historic villages and resort towns.

Whether you complete the full circuit or pick out highlight sections, the Grand Train Tour delivers a seamless blend of scenery, culture, and Swiss rail perfection.

Panoramic Swiss train winding through high mountain landscapes

Other iconic Swiss rail attractions

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4.8 (1,500+)

Glacier Express

The classic panoramic route between Zermatt and St. Moritz with deep valleys, high passes, and countless bridges and tunnels.

from $160 per person Find tickets
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4.8 (2,000+)

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Ride the famous cogwheel trains up to Europe’s highest railway station for ice, snow, and glacier views year-round.

from $220 per person Find tickets
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4.9 (1,200+)

Bernina Express

UNESCO-listed Alpine route between St. Moritz and Tirano with spiral viaducts, glaciers, and Mediterranean valleys.

from $180 per person Find tickets
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