– Lucerne | Interlaken | Montreux | Zermatt | St. Moritz | Tirano | Lugano | Luzern | St. Gallen –
Discover Switzerland on the 8-day “Grand Train Tour of Switzerland” in Europe’s most exciting panoramic trains. Marvel at the spectacular landscape during your trip and experience the cultural differences in this country with its 4 language regions.
Start location: Zurich, Switzerland End Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland
All about The Original Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
On the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, panoramic trains take you to all the highlights and sights in Switzerland, year-round.
The Bernina Express with the Morteratsch Glacier in the background.
Photographer: André Meier
The Grindjisee near Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background.
Photographer: Roland Gerth
Sunrise over the Rhine Gorge near Laax.
Photographer: Ivo Scholz
RhB passengers disembarking at Alp Gruem station, Poschiavo.
Photographer: André Meier
Route Overview
Hop on board the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and experience this epic journey through one of the most beautiful country in Europe.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland merges the most scenic train rides into one breathtaking route. Year-round, this train journey of 1,280 kilometres leads from the most charming Swiss cities to Alpine hotspots, through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and past word-famous sights and landmarks.
The Tour will cover 8 distinctive premium panoramic train Routes. From the Interlaken Express to the Glacier Express, each leg of the train system will hold you breathless with its own unique sceneries and experiences as it takes you through the different Cantos of Switzerland.
Route Highlights
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland showcases many of Switzerland’s highlights, including:
Legendary Panoramic Trains such as the Glacier Express, “the slowest express train in the world”, offering breathtaking views of Alpine scenery, passing deep gorges and crossing impressive viaducts.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route, including the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway and the Abbey District in St. Gallen.
Switzerland’s most popular holiday resorts such as Zermatt with the majestic Matterhorn mountain, glamorous St. Moritz, the picturesque city of Lucerne and Interlaken, gateway to the Jungfrau Region.
About Swiss Travel Pass
Exploring Switzerland has never been easier! For foreign guests, the all-in-one ticket Swiss Travel Pass is the key to Switzerland’s public transport network. This single ticket enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train.
With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young travellers up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount on the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.
Benefits:
Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat in Switzerland.
Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities.
Free admission to more than 500 museums.
Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.
Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions.
Up to 50% discount on SBB RailAway offers.
Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.
Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.
Your tour begins as you make your way from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne, by public transport. From here, you then take the famous Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken in the very heart of Switzerland. You spend tonight in Interlaken.
Highlights: Chapel bridge, panoramic train, Interlaken, view of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
Immerse yourself in the high alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock at Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
Make your way to Jungfraujoch by train, and enjoy the spectacular ride in the brand new Eiger Express cabin from Grindelwald. This might just be the highlight of your trip to Switzerland, an unforgettable experience on the roof of Europe – 3454 m above sea level.
A highlight of your journey awaits today, as you travel on the celebrated GoldenPass Line to Montreux on sparkling Lake Geneva. Overnight stay in this charming lakeside town.
Highlights: Zweisimmen, GoldenPass Express, Gstaad, Montreux, Lake Geneva
Today’s journey takes you southwards into the Alps as you make the ascent to lively Zermatt. Enjoy a day at leisure in this charming traffic-free village, set at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. Enjoy an overnight stay here.
Today you join The Glacier Express – one of the world’s most famous trains – for the incredible journey through lush valleys, mountain passes and the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Make the most of the spellbinding views from the train’s large panoramic windows as you make your way to the elegant resort of St Moritz, where you spend tonight.
Enjoy a journey on the Bernina Express, which takes you from St Moritz to Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, Ticino. In the panoramic carriages, be sure to admire the magnificent scenery of the Engadine Valley – from towering palm trees to foaming waterfalls. On arrival in Tirano (Italy), you continue your journey on the Bernina Express bus through Italy and on to the Swiss city of Lugano. Take the time to discover this lively city as you spend the night here.
Highlights: Lago Bianco, Brusio circular viaduct, Poschiavo, Alp Grüm, Lugano
Travel northwards from Lugano to Flüelen via Bellinzona today, as you take the marvellous Gotthard Panorama Express, in a panorama car to maximise the stunning views. In Flüelen you board the historic paddle steamer and take to the waters of Lake Lucerne for the atmospheric crossing to Lucerne, for an overnight stay.
Highlights: Swiss history in the Gotthard tunnel, Lake Lucerne, paddle steamer, Chapel bridge in Lucerne
Discover the rugged beauty of north-eastern Switzerland as you take the charming Voralpen-Express from Lucerne to St. Gallen. You then spend the night in this attractive city.
Highlights: High moorland near Rothenthurm, Rapperswil, Lake Zurich, Appenzellerland, St. Gallen
Today the itinerary concludes as you make your way to your onward destination in Switzerland by public transport. Alternatively, perhaps extend your stay in St. Gallen.
Highlights: St. Gallen Old Town, Abbey Library, History
This depends on your personal preferences. Each season offers something different:
Spring (April to May): Ideal for nature lovers, as landscapes bloom and temperatures are pleasant. There may still be snow at higher altitudes.
Summer (June to August): The best time to enjoy the full splendour of the Swiss countryside, especially if intending to hike or cycle. The weather is warm and days are long however, this is also peak season for visitors.
Autumn (September to November): Great for photography enthusiasts, as colours change to magnificent seasonal shades while the weather remains mild.
Winter (December to February): This season brings magical snowy landscapes and the opportunity to experience Switzerland’s winter sports resorts.
In general, spring and autumn mean pleasant weather, while summer is ideal for those that love sun and outdoor activities. Winter offers a unique opportunity to enjoy snow-covered Alpine landscapes.
Please note that it is only possible to complete the full Grand Train Tour of Switzerland from spring to autumn, due to the seasonal opening of the Gotthard Panorama Express route.
Yes, trains in Switzerland are suitable for passengers of all ages, including families with children but please do note the following important points:
Tickets: Children can benefit from reduced fares, depending on their age. Please contact our travel experts for more specific information about your booking.
Entertainment and Activities: Remember to bring something (books or games) to keep your children occupied.
Snacks and Refreshments: The Glacier Express, Goldenpass Express and Gotthard Panorama Express boat all offer catering options but we, nevertheless, recommend that you bring plenty of snacks and drinks for your children.
Yes, the trains are wheelchair accessible. Please contact one of our travel experts to organise your trip.
The Bernina Express with the Morteratsch Glacier in the background.Photographer: André Meier
