Experience the world's most beautiful train ride through 1,280 kilometers of breathtaking Alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites
Full 8-section journey including Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass. Experience all major routes with reserved seating and exclusive access
Experience the most spectacular sections: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express with flexible travel dates
Journey on Switzerland's most spectacular mountain railways including cogwheel trains, funiculars, and historic steam lines through dramatic Alpine passes and engineering marvels
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is an epic 1,280-kilometer railway adventure that showcases the very best of Swiss landscapes, engineering, and hospitality. This magnificent circuit connects 8 scenic railway lines, taking you through 4 language regions and past 11 pristine lakes.
From the glacier-carved valleys of the Bernina Express to the engineering marvel of the Gotthard route, each section offers unique perspectives of Switzerland's dramatic Alpine scenery. The journey includes 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and crosses some of the world's most spectacular railway bridges and tunnels.
Whether you complete the entire circuit or choose select highlights, the Grand Train Tour promises unforgettable moments as you glide through snow-capped peaks, emerald valleys, charming villages, and alongside crystalline lakes that mirror the surrounding mountains.
Explore Routes
Journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps with panoramic views of 4,000-meter peaks, glaciers, and pristine mountain lakes from comfortable panoramic train cars.
Experience incredible feats of railway engineering including the Landwasser Viaduct, Gotthard Base Tunnel, and spiral tunnels carved into mountainsides.
Travel through all four language regions of Switzerland - German, French, Italian, and Romansh - experiencing diverse cultures in one journey.
Pass through 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Rhaetian Railway and Jungfraujoch, recognized for outstanding universal value.
Glacier Express (Zermatt – St. Moritz): Known as the "slowest express train in the world," this legendary route takes you through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels across the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and pristine Alpine valleys.
Bernina Express (St. Moritz – Lugano): Cross from glacial peaks to Mediterranean palm trees on this spectacular journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, featuring the famous circular Brusio spiral viaduct.
GoldenPass Express (Interlaken – Montreux): Travel from the heart of the Bernese Oberland to the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through three distinct landscape zones with panoramic views of lakes, vineyards, and snow-capped peaks.
Gotthard Panorama Express (Lugano – Lucerne): Combine scenic railway travel with a relaxing steamboat cruise across Lake Lucerne, experiencing Switzerland's historic north-south transport route through the Gotthard region.
View complete route map
Begin your journey in the car-free village of Zermatt, home to the iconic pyramid-shaped Matterhorn. This world-renowned mountain resort offers pristine Alpine charm and serves as the perfect starting point for the legendary Glacier Express route to St. Moritz.
The birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and twice host to the Winter Olympics, St. Moritz sits majestically in the Engadin Valley. This glamorous resort town connects multiple scenic routes and offers world-class hospitality amid sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Switzerland's most picturesque city combines medieval architecture with stunning lake and mountain scenery. The historic Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, and pristine Lake Lucerne create an unforgettable backdrop for your railway adventure through central Switzerland.
Nestled between Lake Geneva and Alpine peaks, Montreux offers a perfect blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean charm. Famous for its jazz festival and UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyards, this elegant resort town marks the western terminus of several scenic routes.
Make the most of your Swiss railway adventure with these essential planning insights:
Starting Points: Zurich, Geneva, Basel (major international airports)
Key Hubs: Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Montreux
Route Type: Circular tour allowing flexible start/end points
The Grand Train Tour connects Switzerland's most scenic railway lines in a magnificent 1,280-kilometer circuit through four language regions, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the Swiss landscape.
The complete 8-section tour can be completed in 8 days, but we recommend allowing 10-15 days to fully enjoy destinations, take side trips, and experience local culture without rushing.
The Swiss Travel Pass covers all Grand Train Tour routes, most local transport, and offers 50% discount on many mountain railways. It also includes free entry to over 500 museums and free travel for children under 16 when accompanied by parents.
Yes! The Grand Train Tour is designed as a flexible circular route. You can start from any major Swiss city including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, or any destination along the route.
Each season offers unique beauty. Summer (June-September) provides maximum visibility and access to high-altitude routes. Winter offers magical snow-covered landscapes. Spring and autumn feature fewer crowds and special seasonal colors.
While not mandatory, seat reservations are highly recommended for panoramic cars, especially during peak season and for the Glacier Express. Reservations ensure the best views and guarantee your preferred travel times.
Meals are not included on the trains, but there are many options available at each stop. You can also bring your own food and drinks on the train.
Pack layers for varying elevations and weather, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, camera, and a small day pack. The weather can change dramatically from lake level to high Alpine passes in the same day.
