What is the ultimate form of travel? You know, something that doesn’t just get you from point A to B, but puts the ‘C’ in comfort, the ‘D’ in discovery, the ‘E’ in elegance, and…well, you see where this is going.
As it happens, it all depends on the destination. And if you ask Switzerland by Travelive’s Country Manager Anna Liverpoulou, nothing puts you on the right track to revealing Switzerland’s Alpine beauty across the seasons like its panoramic railway journeys.
Which is why they make for such a quintessential part of anyone’s Swiss adventure. And why Anna would like to invite you aboard each one to see how they can take your travelers from station to (forgive us for this one) sensation!
“A Swiss holiday simply wouldn't be complete without a panoramic train journey. More than just a way to travel between destinations, these iconic rail experiences offer a front-row seat to Switzerland's extraordinary beauty, revealing its changing landscapes, cultural contrasts, and Alpine wonders in a way few other experiences can. Whatever the season, the journey itself becomes an unforgettable part of the adventure.” — Anna Liverpoulou, Country Manager, Switzerland by Travelive
Glacier Express
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing through Andermatt and Chur.
It may be the slowest Express train in the world, but that just gives you more time to savor the scenery.
Over approximately eight hours (don’t worry, there are bathrooms on board), the Glacier Express travels 180 miles between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.
Highlights include the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, the dramatic Rhine Gorge (often called the Swiss Grand Canyon), and the breathtaking Oberalp Pass. Meanwhile, comfortable carriages with panoramic windows and at-seat dining make the journey even more enjoyable.
And for those looking to take things up a notch, Excellence Class also offers premium onboard amenities and elevated dining. As if you’d expect anything less from the pinnacle of Alpine travel!
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered peaks, frozen landscapes, and breathtaking Alpine panoramas turn the journey into a magical winter escape.
- Spring (March to May): A beautiful seasonal transition as snow-capped mountains contrast with increasingly lush green valleys. Late April and early May are particularly scenic.
- Summer (June to August): Vibrant green meadows, dramatic gorges, crystal-clear lakes, and magnificent mountain views make this an ideal time to admire the Swiss Alps in all their glory.
- Autumn (September to early October): Rich autumn colors transform the mountain landscapes, creating spectacular scenery and wonderful photo opportunities.
Additional Note: The Glacier Express takes an annual break in autumn.
Bernina Express
Route: Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy.
Talk about beauty and brains.
Running along the Rhaetian Railway’s UNESCO-listed Albula/Bernina line, the Bernina Express is as much a triumph of engineering as it is a feast for the eyes.
Connecting Switzerland with Italy, this remarkable railway journey winds its way through the Alps, navigating steep gradients and dramatic changes in elevation, including the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct, where the tracks curve into a complete loop to gain altitude.
Beyond its technical feats, it also happens to be quite a looker, treating travelers to some of Switzerland’s most varied landscapes as it brings the country’s northern and southern regions together.
But above all, the Bernina Express represents a poignant coming together of man and nature, with the accomplishments of one allowing for the appreciation of the other.
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered viaducts, glittering glaciers, and dramatic mountain passes blanketed in pristine Alpine snow create a spectacular winter journey.
- Spring (March to May): Landscapes awaken as snow-capped peaks contrast with emerging green valleys and warmer days bring a fresh perspective to the Alpine scenery.
- Summer (June to August): Turquoise Alpine lakes, majestic glaciers, and breathtaking mountain panoramas make this a particularly photogenic time to travel.
- Autumn (September to November): Golden autumn colors sweep across picturesque valleys, while snow-dusted peaks add a dramatic touch to the landscape.
GoldenPass Express
Route: Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, passing through Gstaad.
Good things come to those who wait, and this one’s been over 100 years in the making.
The GoldenPass Express finally brings together two of Switzerland’s most picturesque destinations in a direct railway journey, made possible by ingenious technology that allows the train to travel across different track gauges without passengers having to change trains.
And what a journey it is! From the vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva to lush Alpine valleys, charming mountain villages, and the chic resort town of Gstaad, the route serves up a succession of Swiss postcards in locomotion, showing its panoramic windows exactly what they were made for.
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered villages, peaceful forests, and magnificent mountain panoramas create a picture-perfect winter escape.
- Spring (March to May): Blooming wildflowers, fresh green meadows, and picturesque Alpine villages welcome the season, with the Lake Geneva region particularly beautiful.
- Summer (June to August): Verdant valleys, sparkling lakes, vineyard-covered hillsides, and charming villages unfold against a magnificent Alpine backdrop.
- Autumn (September to October): Golden forests and colorful vineyards transform the landscape, while postcard-worthy villages make the journey especially scenic. Late September and October are particularly spectacular!
Luzern-Interlaken Express
Route: Lucerne to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland.
It may be the shortest Swiss rail journey, but that certainly doesn’t stop it from being one of its most spectacular.
Connecting two of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, the Luzern-Interlaken Express packs an impressive amount of scenery into a journey of just under two hours! During this time, the train manages to skirt the shores of five crystal-clear lakes, pass cascading waterfalls, and wind through lush Alpine landscapes before crossing the scenic Brünig Pass.
With turquoise waters, charming lakeside villages, and magnificent mountain panoramas unfolding beyond its panoramic windows, this is one short ride that’s bound to leave a long-lasting impression
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered villages, tranquil forests, and majestic mountain vistas lend the journey a peaceful winter charm.
- Spring (March to May): Fresh green landscapes, blooming nature, and sparkling lakes bring a welcome splash of color to the route.
- Summer (June to August): Turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush Alpine scenery make for a particularly spectacular ride.
- Autumn (September to November): Golden forests, crisp mountain air, and colorful lakeside landscapes give the journey a beautiful seasonal character.
Gotthard Panorama Express
Route: Lucerne to Lugano, combining a Lake Lucerne cruise with a panoramic railway journey.
A journey as diverse as it is magnificent, the Gotthard Panorama Express isn’t just a route, it’s a passage of unity, linking the Alpine landscapes of Central Switzerland with the Mediterranean charm of Ticino. And what better way to do that than by combining a leisurely cruise across Lake Lucerne with a scenic railway journey along the historic Gotthard route?
Over approximately five and a half hours, travelers move from the tranquil waters and mountain scenery of Central Switzerland to the palm-lined promenades and Italian atmosphere of Lugano, passing through the legendary 9.3-mile-long Gotthard Tunnel along the way.
From aperitivi to fondues in less than a day, the Gotthard Panorama Express offers a taste of Switzerland’s cultural contrasts that bridges the gap instead of minding it.
- Winter (December to February): The Gotthard Panorama Express does not operate during the winter months, making this a seasonal experience to plan for the warmer part of the year.
- Spring (March to May): From mid-April, the journey returns, pairing a scenic Lake Lucerne cruise with a panoramic train ride through landscapes gradually awakening to spring.
- Summer (June to August): Enjoy the best of both worlds, from the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne and dramatic Alpine scenery to the sun-kissed, Mediterranean-influenced landscapes of Ticino.
- Autumn (September to October): Early autumn brings colorful landscapes, crisp mountain air, and beautiful views along the historic Gotthard route before the seasonal service concludes in mid-October.
Travelive Tip
Swiss panoramic trains are always in high demand, and popular departures can sell out quickly. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your travelers' preferred dates and times.
All Aboard!
Well, we seem to have reached the end of the line.
Yet for those seeking some of the most seamless, comfortable, and picturesque ways to discover Switzerland throughout the seasons, the train is yet to leave the station.
So, if you’re looking to offer your travelers a ticket to some of Switzerland’s most scenic experiences, get in touch with Anna and our Switzerland by Travelive team at switzerland@travelive.com and let us help you get their Swiss adventure rolling!