Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland : Glacier Express vs Bernina Express & More

Planning your Swiss Alps train journey? Switzerland’s panoramic train routes offer unforgettable alpine experiences, but choosing between the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best scenic train rides in Switzerland, covering routes, costs, booking tips, and photography opportunities. Whether you’re a first-timer seeking dramatic mountain views or a photographer chasing UNESCO railway landscapes, we’ll help you select the perfect Alpine railway journey for your Switzerland itinerary. Discover which panoramic trains deliver the best value, when to book reservations, and how to maximise your Swiss Travel Pass benefits.

Quick Comparison: Which Swiss Scenic Train Is Right for You?

Train Route	Best For	Duration	Season	Highlights
Glacier Express	First-timers, grandeur seekers	7-8 hours	Year-round	Landwasser Viaduct, alpine valleys, slow panoramic experience
Bernina Express	Photographers, UNESCO lovers	4 hours	Year-round	Spiral viaducts, glaciers, Italy connection, dramatic curves
GoldenPass Express	Budget travellers, lake views	3-5 hours (segments)	Year-round	Lake Lucerne, vineyards, Bernese Oberland
Gotthard Panorama	Multi-mode experience	Full day	April-October	Lake cruise + mountain train combo

Glacier Express Guide: Switzerland’s Most Iconic Panoramic Train

• Route: Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz/Chur  
• Journey time: 7-8 hours  
• Why take it: The Glacier Express delivers Switzerland’s most expansive alpine scenery. Cross 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through glacier-carved valleys.

Key Highlights

• Landwasser Viaduct: Six-arch limestone masterpiece
• Oberalp Pass: 2,033m elevation with snow-capped peaks
• Rhine Gorge: Swiss Grand Canyon views

Booking & Costs

Panoramic coach reservations are mandatory. Expect CHF 49-290 per seat, depending on season and class. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the base fare; reservation fees apply separately.

Bernina Express Guide: UNESCO World Heritage Train from Switzerland to Italy

• Route: Chur → Tirano, Italy  
• Journey time: 4 hours  
• Why take it: Engineering marvel with spiral tunnels, the highest rail crossing in the Alps (2,253m), and seamless Italy connection.

UNESCO Highlights

• Brusio Circular Viaduct: 360-degree spiral track
• Morteratsch Glacier: Close-up alpine ice views
• Lago Bianco: Turquoise glacial lake at 2,253m

Note:  Choose the right side (Chur→Tirano) for glacier views; left side for lake shots.

GoldenPass Express: Best Budget Scenic Train in Switzerland

• Route: Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux  
• Journey time: 5 hours (full route)  
• Why take it: Combines mountain lakes, Bernese Oberland peaks, and Lavaux vineyard terraces at a lower cost than premium routes.

Route Segments

• Lucerne–Interlaken: Mountain lake panoramas
• Interlaken–Montreux: Vineyard hillsides, Lake Geneva views
• Budget advantage: Swiss Travel Pass holders get significant discounts. Panoramic seat reservations are optional but recommended (CHF 49-180).

Swiss Scenic Train Booking Guide: Tickets, Reservations & Costs

Expense Category	Glacier Express	Bernina Express	GoldenPass Express
Base fare (Swiss Travel Pass)	Covered	Covered	Covered
Panoramic reservation	CHF 49-290	CHF 49-270	CHF 49-180
Booking window	90 days advance	180 days advance	60 days advance
Peak season surcharge	+40%	+35%	+25%

How to Book Swiss Panoramic Trains Effectively

• Official websites: SBB.ch (all routes), GlacierExpress.ch, RhB.ch
• Advance booking: Panoramic coaches sell out 2-3 months ahead in summer
• Swiss Travel Pass: Purchase before booking seat reservations for maximum savings

Pro tip: Book Tuesday departures for fewer crowds and better window availability.

Using the Swiss Travel Pass for Scenic Train Journeys

The Swiss Travel Pass covers unlimited train travel, including scenic route base fares. Panoramic coach reservations remain separate.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• 3-day pass: CHF 252 (second class)
• Break-even point: 2+ scenic trains + city transport
• Additional value: Free museum entry, mountain railway discounts

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Switzerland Scenic Train Rides

• Waiting to book panoramic seats – Sells out 60-90 days ahead in peak season
• Wrong side selection – Research route-specific lighting before choosing seats
• Ignoring seasonal schedules – Gotthard Panorama operates April-October only
• Underestimating journey times – Glacier Express is 8 hours; plan meal stops
• Forgetting reservation fees, the Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t include panoramic surcharges

What to Pack for Your Swiss Scenic Train Adventure

• Layered clothing (temperature varies 15-20°C between valleys and passes)
• Binoculars (spot distant mountain peaks and wildlife)
• Snacks/water (onboard dining available but expensive)
• Power bank (for camera and phone charging)
• Travel adapter (Swiss Type J plugs)

Luggage allowance: Standard suitcases permitted; no advance baggage service required.

Bottom Line: Planning Your Switzerland Scenic Train Adventure 2026

Switzerland’s panoramic train routes deliver world-class alpine experiences through UNESCO heritage railways and engineering marvels. The Glacier Express suits travellers seeking comprehensive mountain immersion, while the Bernina Express appeals to photographers and Italy-bound visitors. Book panoramic reservations 2-4 months ahead, leverage Swiss Travel Pass benefits, and choose routes aligned with your photography goals and schedule. Whether crossing the Landwasser Viaduct or spiralling through Brusio’s circular track, these Alpine railway journeys transform Switzerland travel into unforgettable visual storytelling. Start planning your 2026 adventure with Pickyourtrail’s Switzerland tour packages for a comfortable and hassle-free experience. 

FAQ’s

Q: Which is better for first-time visitors: Glacier Express or Bernina Express?

A: Glacier Express offers Switzerland’s most comprehensive alpine experience with 8 hours of continuous scenery, making it ideal for first-timers. The Bernina Express delivers more dramatic engineering and tighter mountain compositions in 4 hours, perfect if time is limited.

Q: How far in advance should I book Swiss panoramic train reservations?

A: Book Bernina Express seats 4-6 months ahead for summer travel. Glacier Express reservations open 90 days in advance and sell out within 30-45 days during peak season (June-September). Winter bookings offer more flexibility.

Q: Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover scenic train reservations?

A: No. The Swiss Travel Pass covers base train fares but panoramic coach reservations cost CHF 49-290 extra depending on route, season, and class. Always budget for separate reservation fees when planning scenic train journeys.

Q: What’s the best time of year for Switzerland train photography?

A: September-October offers optimal conditions: clear skies, golden foliage, fewer crowds, and dramatic lighting. Winter (December-February) provides pristine snow landscapes on the Bernina Express, while June-July delivers lush green valleys but heavier tourist volumes.

Q: Can I travel between Switzerland and Italy on scenic trains?

A: Yes. The Bernina Express connects Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy) in 4 hours, offering seamless access to Lake Como. Italian regional trains from Tirano reach Como in 2.5 hours. Book both segments in advance during the summer.