The Ultimate Guide to a Train Vacation in Switzerland — from the Most Scenic Routes to the Best Train Lines

By Railbookers Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Read time: 4 minutes

Planning a train vacation in Switzerland? Learn about the country's most scenic rail routes, iconic trains, unforgettable excursions, and the best times to visit.

By: Brittany Chang

Switzerland: known for creamy milk chocolate, skiing, watches, and, of course, trains.

Switzerland is one of the world’s most famous destinations for rail enthusiasts, and for good reason: Its most popular trains bring travelers through the scenic Swiss Alps, promising panoramic views of luminous lakes, glittering glaciers, and small storybook villages along the way.

From the Matterhorn to St. Moritz to the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, there are plenty of places and ways to experience the mountainous country. If you don’t know where to begin, Railbookers has put together a must-read guide for any traveler who wants to see Switzerland by rail. Better yet: Railbookers will take care of all the details of your trip, from hand-selecting sightseeing excursions to booking you the best seats. We also provide around-the-clock, on-trip customer care, so you won’t need to spend a moment of your vacation worrying about your next plans.

But before we get there, let’s dive into the basics:

Trains

If you’ve seen photos of a train going through the picturesque Landwasser Viaduct railway, then you’re likely already familiar with the Glacier Express. It’s known as the “slowest express train in the world,” and in this case, that’s a good thing: Its panoramic windows offer stunning views of the country’s most beautiful Swiss Alps mountain ranges, lakes, and villages.

The Bernina Express, which runs between Switzerland and its northern neighbor, Italy, is another great option. The route, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, traverses 196 bridges, with views shifting from Italy’s palm trees to Switzerland’s gorges and glaciers.

The GoldenPass Express, on the other hand, is truly a golden pass to some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, including three mountains, eight lakes, and several of the country’s most picturesque towns.

Two notable additional mentions: the Jungfrau and Gornergrat cog railways.

The Jungfrau Railway climbs up to the tallest railway station in Europe, offering breathtaking views that extend as far as France and Germany and as close as Switzerland’s Mönch and Eiger mountains.

Disneyland enthusiasts, it’s time to meet the real Matterhorn. The Gornergrat Railway is Europe’s highest open-air railway, providing views of the Matterhorn throughout the entire half-hour journey.

Activities and Excursions

Switzerland’s rail journeys are best known for their scenic views, but let’s not forget: The mountainous country is also renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving arts community. If you don’t know where to start, Railbookers hand-selects and books local excursions for you.

Try the Swiss watchmaking class in Geneva, where a master watchmaker will teach you how to craft your own timekeeping piece to take home.

Foodies might love the seasonal gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne or the half-day Zurich tour, which includes stops at Lindt Home of Chocolate, the renowned chocolate factory, and a traditional four-course dinner featuring Swiss cheese fondue.

If you’re more adventurous, try the guided hike from Interlaken, which will require you to return to home base via a tandem paraglider and views of the Swiss Alps.

Pre- and Post-Trip Options

Beautiful rural landscape view on the green mountains and village in Switzerland

Switzerland is sandwiched between Italy, Germany, Austria, and France, leaving you plenty of pre- and post-Switzerland trip travel options. Railbookers’ Rail Experts will plan, coordinate, and book these extensions.

Routes

If you’re set on checking the Glacier Express off your bucket list, this five-day itinerary from Zurich to Geneva is a great starting point. You’ll be immersed in the sights of the Swiss Alps, taste the luscious chocolates of Zurich, and hear the sounds of birds flying through the many Swiss lakes along the way.

For a longer, deeper dive into Switzerland, the 10-day trip from Lucerne to St. Moritz, with stops in Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Montreux, and Zermatt, is the way to go. There’s a reason it’s called the “Best of Switzerland”: the itinerary will bring you on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Jungfrau Railway, and Golden Pass with opportunities to ride a cable car up to Mount Titlis, experience the luxury of St. Moritz, taste the wines at Lavaux vineyards, and take in the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Best Time of the Year

Wengen Switzerland mountain sunset view in autumn

Most Swiss trains run through all four seasons. The months of June to September are the most popular, according to Railbookers data. However, there’s no bad time to visit the Central European destination.

In the summer, you’ll be greeted with green fields speckled with wildflowers. In the fall, the fiery foliage and thinner crowds will make for a tranquil, once-in-a-lifetime vacation, while in the spring, you’ll find a mix of snowcapped mountains and vibrant blooming wildflowers. And in the winter, you’ll experience Switzerland in its most iconic form, from skiers on mountains to Christmas markets in Zurich.