Switzerland's most
beautiful scenic trains
Switzerland has more spectacular mountain railways than anywhere else on Earth. Here is your honest guide to the main ones — which to choose and why, from your city.
Switzerland's great scenic train routes
Bernina Express
Tirano → St. Moritz · UNESCO Heritage
The most dramatic mountain railway in Switzerland. Crosses the Bernina Pass at 2,253m, loops over the famous Brusio Viaduct, runs alongside glaciers. The journey from Tirano (Italy) to St. Moritz takes approximately 2.5 hours. UNESCO World Heritage status since 2008.
✓ From Milan / Como · ✓ All seasons · ✓ Panoramic coaches available
Glacier Express
Zermatt → St. Moritz · 8 hours
The world's slowest express train — deliberately. The 8-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through the heart of the Alps. You dine on board while watching glaciers and gorges pass by your panoramic window.
✓ Iconic route · ✓ Dine on board · ✓ Zermatt + Matterhorn access
See options →Golden Pass Line
Montreux → Lucerne · Lake Geneva to Lake Lucerne
Switzerland's most varied scenic route — from the French-speaking Lake Geneva vineyards, across the Bernese Oberland passes to the Swiss-German heartland around Lucerne. The panoramic train changes character every hour.
✓ Lakes + mountains + vineyards · ✓ Best for cross-Switzerland travel
See options →Jungfrau Railway
Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch · Inside the mountain
The final section of the Jungfraujoch journey — from Kleine Scheidegg to the Top of Europe — travels entirely through a tunnel bored inside the Eiger and Mönch. Windows cut into the rock allow views of the Eiger glacier mid-journey. The engineering alone is extraordinary.
✓ Part of Jungfraujoch experience · ✓ Year-round · ✓ Via Grindelwald
Which scenic train is right for you?
| Route | Duration | Best from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernina Express | 2.5h (Tirano–St. Moritz) | Milan, Como | Day trip from Italy border |
| Glacier Express | 8h full route | Zermatt or St. Moritz | Luxury rail experience |
| Golden Pass | 3–5h (partial routes) | Montreux, Lucerne | Cross-country scenic travel |
| Jungfrau Railway | 30 min (final section) | Interlaken, Grindelwald | Part of Jungfraujoch day |