The most breathtaking train journeys in Switzerland
If there’s one country that has truly perfected the art of train travel, it’s Switzerland. While rail journeys through Italy, Germany, Austria, and France all have their charm, there’s something about a Swiss train ride that feels like stepping into a moving postcard — where every curve reveals another breathtaking scene.
With more than 3,000 miles of railway crossing dramatic alpine peaks, shimmering lakes, and charming mountain villages, Swiss trains aren’t just a way to get around — they’re an experience in themselves. Known for their impeccable punctuality, spotless comfort, and panoramic routes, they make exploring Switzerland both effortless and unforgettable.
Imagine sipping coffee as the Bernina Express glides past glacial valleys, or watching sunlight spill over the vineyards of Lavaux from your window seat. Even a simple connection from Zurich to a ski resort or a day trip from Interlaken to another canton feels like a curated scenic tour.
And the best part? With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can journey across the country as freely as the mountain winds. One convenient ticket opens the door to unlimited train rides, buses, boats, and even mountain excursions — giving you the freedom to explore Switzerland at your own pace.
Whether you’re chasing alpine adventures, cultural landmarks, or just the joy of watching the world roll by, Swiss train travel isn’t just transportation — it’s a story you’ll never forget.
The best train rides in Switzerland
Naming the best train rides in Switzerland is seldom a hard task. There’s a reason you’ll see similar routes on top five lists around the world: it’s because they’re absolutely amazing and never run the risk of being cliche no matter how many tourists line the train cars.
- Jungfrau Railway, it’s world-famous and the Sphinx Observatory is an out-of-this-world sight.
- Bernina Express, the best way to travel through the Swiss Alps — no offense to our hiking and mountaineering friends.
- Mont Blanc Express, short, sweet, and doesn’t skimp on the views.
- Glacier Express, the near-eight hour picturesque ride will make you a believer in the slow travel trend.
- Brienz Rothorn Railway, a traditional cogwheel railway and over a century old.
Other scenic train rides in Switzerland
Here are a few lesser-highlighted routes that deliver highly addictive views:
- Gotthard Panorama Express, the most beautiful way to reach the Italianate Ticino from central Switzerland.
- Schynige Platte Railway, a relaxed, hour-long jaunt through alpine forests and pastures.
- Gornergrat Railway, the world’s first fully electric cog railway ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
- Berner Oberland-Bahn, a cheap yet charming way to get to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
- Vitznau-Rigi Kulm, Europe’s first mountain railway.
