Many of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland could be mistaken as a miniature railroad display.

Covering big names like the Bernina Express and hidden gems like the Châtelard Line, find inspiration for your next rail adventure in our guide.

We recommend traveling in Switzerland on the Swiss Travel Pass, an all-inclusive pass covering most trains, buses, and boats. The Swiss Travel Pass was born as a tourist travel and museum pass.

For over a decade, unlimited travel and access to hundreds of museums have proven extremely popular. And it remains an affordable VIP pass to access some of Switzerland's most jaw-dropping Swiss train journeys.

Most Scenic Train Journeys in Switzerland

In December 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel opened to rail traffic, taking you from Zürich to Lugano before you had time to say "Chuchichäschtli."

But despite the time-saving tunnel, a train continues to cross the Gotthard on the historic line. The Gotthard Panorama Express connects Lucerne and Lugano by boat and train. From Flüelen to Lugano, a panoramic train offers breathtaking vistas of highlights along the way.

This includes the famous Church of Wassen. To navigate the difference in elevation, the train line has to make several loops inside tunnels. This church appears from a different vantage point whenever the train exits a tunnel.

The Gotthard Panorama Express runs from mid-April to mid-October, Tuesdays through Sundays, with hourly departures from Basel, Lucerne, Zürich, Lugano, and Locarno.

In my books, the Bernina Express train journey in Switzerland is a bucket-list experience! It combines the marvels of engineering with the natural beauty of Switzerland.

As your iconic red train glides from the ancient town of Chur through the UNESCO-protected nature, is passes 55 tunnels and 196 bridges along the way. The journey reaches its crescendo at Ospizio Bernina, where at 2,253 meters above sea level, time seems to stand as still as the local alpine lakes: Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair, and Lago Bianco.

What makes this experience truly unforgettable is the dramatic transition from glaciers to palm trees in just four hours. Watching the Morteratsch Glacier give way to the Mediterranean climate of Tirano feels like traversing seasons within a single afternoon. Whether you're capturing the engineering marvel of the Brusio Spiral Viaduct or stepping off briefly at Alp Grüm to breathe in the mountain air (highly recommended!), the Bernina Express delivers Switzerland's promise of precision and beauty in equal measure.

Here is a train line that connects two major tourist spots in Switzerland: Lucerne and Interlaken. This train line runs hourly throughout the year and requires no seat reservations.

After departing Lucerne, you will soon approach the stunning Lake Lungern with its turquoise waters. This is the site of a famous scene from the Netflix show Crash Landing On You. Get off at Kaiserstuhl for a quick walk to the chalet, then hop back onto the train an hour later.

You will then notice how the train activates the cogwheels to climb the Brünig Pass at 1008 meters above the sea. As it slows down, you will have plenty of time to see the spectacular views over both valleys.

A stop in Meiringen will take you back to the story of Sherlock Holmes and the tragic episode of the Reichenbach Falls. The town has a Sherlockian touch and is worth stopping over lunchtime. From there, it is all downhill to Brienz and, finally, Interlaken.

Hourly departures from Lucerne (LU) or Interlaken Ost (BE).

For the border crossers who wish to explore that vicinity of the Alps, the rack railway between Martigny (VS) and Chamonix (France) has it all: unique views, narrow tunnels, an international border, and a majestic arrival facing Mont Blanc and the glaciers.

Hourly departures from Martigny (VS).

The Franches-Montagnes is an underrated part of Western Switzerland. This vast plateau, more than 1000 meters high, has a strong identity, friendly people, and exciting traditions.

The "petit train rouge" is an element of pride for the population as it connects the entire region, from the watchmaking town of La-Chaux-de-Fonds to the Canton of Jura. The small company CJ (Chemins de fer du Jura) even organizes scooter and ski hires for more variety.

Hourly departures from La-Chaux-de-Fonds (NE) or Glovelier (JU).

Those traveling from Bern to the Valais will board the popular InterCity trains crossing the Lötschberg base tunnel.

However, the mountain railway across the Lötschberg is still in use, with regional services running across it. The line offers impressive panoramic sweeps over the Rhône valley. (There are also a few dark sections in the Bernese Oberland.)

Hourly departures from Bern (BE), Thun (BE), Spiez (BE), and Brig (VS).

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland connects the country's most jaw-dropping panoramic rail routes into one unforgettable journey. This 1280-kilometer adventure strings together legendary train lines like the Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express.

The tour's flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. You can start anywhere, customize your stops, and choose between standard or panoramic carriages. You can enhance this rail adventure using the mobile app which ensures that you don't miss out on famous highlights and hidden gems.

Whether photographing Bern's terracotta rooftops, admiring the Aletsch Glacier, or experiencing the transition from glaciers to palm trees on the Bernina Express, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland showcases diversity in the most comfortable way possible: from the comfy seat of a train.

One last thing: Once you have enjoyed these trips, don't forget to return six months later. These train journeys in Switzerland are amazing all year round!

Seasonal Considerations for Swiss Train Journeys

Spring in Switzerland brings blooming landscapes and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for train travel. As Switzerland's true off-season, you'll find better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds at popular attractions. The weather gradually warms from March (around 6°C) to May (15-19°C), with longer daylight hours after daylight savings begins in late March.

Key considerations:

• Many mountain railways and cable cars may be closed for maintenance until late May
• April is considered the most budget-friendly month to visit Switzerland
• The Morges Tulip Festival on Lake Geneva is a highlight in April
• Narcissus blooms create stunning landscapes in May

Summer is peak season for Swiss train travel, so stations and hotels will be packed. But then again, summer shows off the best that Switzerland has to offer with often warm (but not too hot) temperatures, and long daylight hours.

Key considerations:

• The Swiss landscape will be lush and green, and alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers
• Summer is the only time to safely hike high in the Swiss Alps (best between June and September)
• Popular trains like the Glacier Express are more crowded and require advance reservations
• The Swiss Riviera on Lake Geneva, as well as villages in the Bernese Oberland and Grisons, host lively markets and cultural events
• Higher prices and more tourists at major attractions

Psst: Autumn in Switzerland likely offers the best balance for scenic train journeys. The weather is usually very pleasant, the fall foilage stunning, and there are way fewer crowds than during summer.

Key considerations:

• September to early November shows off Switzerland's golden autumn colors
• Train journeys through colorful fall foliage are perfect for Instagram
• Many panoramic trains continue operating until mid-to-late October
• The Central Alps Passes PostBus Route typically runs until early October
• More affordable accommodations compared to summer

Winter transforms Switzerland into a snowy wonderland. What could be more magical than a train journey in Switzerland passing through snow-covered landscapes?

Key considerations:

• Temperatures range from -5°C to 7°C. Snowfall in mountainous areas could cause delays for public transportation.
• The Glacier Express crossing the Oberalp Pass ultimate winter sceneries.
• Some panoramic routes like the Gotthard Panorama Express don't operate in winter
• Christmas markets add charm to winter train journeys

Insider tip: For the most comprehensive experience on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, note that the complete route is only possible from spring to autumn due to the seasonal operation of the Gotthard Panorama Express.

Photography Tips to Capture Scenic Swiss Trains

Capturing the perfect train photograph in Switzerland requires planning, patience, and the right techniques. Whether you're aiming to photograph the iconic Landwasser Viaduct or the Matterhorn from inside the Gornergrat train, these tips will help you create stunning images.

For train photography, timing is crucial. Check train timetables in advance to know exactly when trains will pass by popular spots. Remember that for many iconic locations, you'll need to choose between photographing the train from different angles, as there may not be enough time to capture both perspectives between train passages.

Several spots in Switzerland offer exceptional train photography opportunities. Remember to respect safety guidelines and only walk along tracks where there are official paths designated for visitors.

FAQ about Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland

Even more Resources for Train Journeys in Switzerland