Memorable Train Lines in Switzerland in 2024

Apart from Heidi, mountains, chocolate, watches, and cheese, if there is one characteristic to highlight about Switzerland, it would be its public transportation system. Being the densest system in the world, the slogan of the Swiss Railway during the 1950s was on the spot: "Who's clever, travels by train."

About the history of train lines in Switzerland

Train travel has been essential for developing the economy and tourism in Switzerland during the 19th century. This safe and ecological transportation was beautifully integrated into the Swiss landscape, with viaducts crossing valleys and tunnels piercing through mountains.

At the time, train travel provided an almost magical and practical way to make the journey from point A to point B. Remember, people were still getting around with horse-drawn carriages at the time.

The historic arrival of the first train in Zermatt in 1891:

(Photograph copyright Zermatt Tourism)

And this magical nature of trains is precisely why I would like to showcase some memorable train lines in Switzerland. If you have never heard about the concept of "touristic trains," let me explain how it works: it is like a cruise on rails with a level of luxury that appears more superb than those fancy swimming pools on the decks of big ships.

The idea of tourist trains is to keep the historical and traditional touch of a train composition and enhance it with a memorable experience. As you will see, some train lines in Switzerland specialize in cheese or chocolate, while others cross the panoramic beauty of the Swiss landscape.

Beautiful scenery and tasty, world-famous chocolate make for an unforgettable experience as you travel on the Swiss Chocolate Train. Your train journey begins in Montreux on the Swiss Riviera and then takes you to Gruyères, home to the renowned Gruyères cheese.

(Photograph copyright Goldenpass)

While there, you will visit a cheese-making factory and see the majestic Gruyères Castle. From there, it is onward to Broc for a visit to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory, where you will indulge in delicious treats. There is a popular factory outlet with unbeatable prices on Swiss chocolate, so make sure to bring your pocket money...

Hands down, one of my favorite memorable train lines is the scenic Bernina Express in eastern Switzerland. This journey invites you to relax as you glide through the countryside, enjoying sweeping vistas of Alpine crossings, dramatic gorges, timeless bridges, and no less than 55 winding tunnels.

A particularly beautiful stretch of this UNESCO World Heritage route is the section between Pontresina and Poschiavo, where the train passes Lago Bianco. Make sure to sit on the right-hand side to see the glittering lake and the towering Morteratsch Glacier.

Among this landscape of glaciers, meadows, and rock fields, why not stop at Ospizio Bernina before descending to the old town of Poschiavo? With the station at 2253 meters above the sea, the Bernina Express is officially considered the highest railway line in Europe. It connects northern and southern Europe, bridging various language regions and cultures.

Your final destination will be Tirano, Italy, where you may return by train. Alternatively, hop on the Palm Express bus service during summer, taking you all the way to Lugano in Switzerland's south.

Why not consult our ultimate guide to the Bernina Express while you're at it?

How to Use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Bernina Express in 2024

Meet the most famous train in the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express. It is often referred to as the slowest express train in the world. In 7.5 hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa), you will be gliding through untouched Alpine countryside, over roaring mountain streams, and past towering rock walls.

One of the ultimate highlights surely is the crossing of the Landwasser Viaduct. But along the way, the Glacier Express will cross no less than 291 bridges, pass through 91 tunnels, and surmount the Operalp Pass near Andermatt.

The train line reaches a staggering altitude of over 2000 meters above the sea. Another highlight is the Rhine River Gorge, a Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

(Photograph copyright Rhätische Bahn, Erik Süsskind)

This panoramic train line with its tall windows is a journey to remember, with exciting towns waiting at both ends. One of these is the elegant resort town of St. Moritz, with its attractive air of exclusivity. Another is Zermatt, home of the world's most photographed mountain, the majestic Matterhorn.

My advice: Treat yourself to a first-class upgrade. Apart from large and comfy seats, you can order food off the menu, which will be served at your seat. 

Now, it is time for you to make up your mind... Which of these train lines in Switzerland are you going to try out?

Additional Switzerland train resources