Why Choose Train Travel Through Switzerland?
Rail travel in Switzerland is designed to showcase the alpine scenery many travelers come to see
July 22, 2026
6 minute read
Train travel in Switzerland is more than just a way to get from one city to the next. Scenic railways and trains built for panoramic views make rail travel in Switzerland the highlight of many trips.
The Swiss rail network connects alpine towns, lakeside cities, and mountain regions on routes that bridge valleys, climb mountain passes, and follow rivers. These routes can provide a full day of breathtaking views all from the comfort of your seat.
What Is the Best Way to Travel Through Switzerland?
One of the best ways to travel through Switzerland is by train because you can access places and see terrain that isn’t easily accessible by car. Plus, you don’t have to worry about driving.
Train routes connect major destinations like Lucerne, Zermatt, and St. Moritz while taking you through the alpine terrain you come to Switzerland to see.
Some routes, including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, are designed for full scenic journeys, intentionally routed to highlight elevation changes and the country’s natural beauty.
Why Is Train Travel in Switzerland So Popular?
Switzerland's railways have a fascinating history that draws train enthusiasts from around the world.
Even if trains aren’t your passion, Switzerland’s scenic railways are an unbeatable way to travel. They take you into the scenery you see in pictures in a way that a car or plane can’t. Instead of asking “when will we get there,” you'll be thinking “I don’t want this to end” as you relax and let the views unfold all around you.
Scenic trains move slowly enough that you can follow the changes as you climb alpine passes and descend into different terrain on the other side. In fact, the Glacier Express is also called the slowest express train in the world, but that slow pace is the key to feeling immersed in the landscape.
How Swiss Scenic Trains Differ from Commuter Rails
Unlike commuter rails, Switzerland’s scenic trains are designed for leisurely travel through the mountains with comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and high-end services, like onboard dining and audio commentary, that make the trip feel like an experience, not just a way to get from point A to point B.
Which Scenic Train Routes Are the Best in Switzerland?
The best-known scenic train routes in Switzerland are the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Each highlights a different part of the Alps. Many tours choose one or the other, but Collette’s Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains tour includes both, plus a cruise on Lake Maggiore.
“Every day was a special adventure. This was my very first tour ever, and I loved all the experiences, history, culture.” — Rebecca P., Traveler on Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains.
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is an eight-hour journey that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing the central Swiss Alps.
You move from high, open alpine terrain into forested valleys and then into broader plains for an everchanging view. You’ll pass over bridges and through tunnels as you move across valleys and through mountain passes.
Highlights on the Glacier Express include:
Climbing toward the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route
Crossing stone viaducts that span deep mountain ravines
Traveling through the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is a shorter journey, but it covers one of the most dramatic elevation changes in the Alps.
“Seeing the Matterhorn was a definite highlight. The Bernina Express exceeded expectations.” — Jean G., Traveler on Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains.
The route connects Switzerland to northern Italy, climbing to over 2,200 meters before descending into a completely different climate zone. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage railway, recognized for the way the track works with the landscape instead of cutting through it.
Highlights on the Bernina Express include:
Glaciers and high alpine terrain that shift into warmer valleys
Open mountain passes instead of long tunnels
Spiral sections of track that allow the train to gradually change elevation
Is Train Travel in Switzerland an Eco-Friendly Way to Travel?
For eco-conscious travelers, train travel is a meaningful way to lower the impact of getting around once you arrive — and in Switzerland, it also happens to be one of the most spectacular ways to see the country. But rail travel is only part of the story. Travelers who want a journey with a strong sustainability angle may be especially interested in our Peaks of Europe small group Explorations tour.
Like all of Collette’s small-group Explorations tours, Peaks of Europe is carbon neutral, helping offset the environmental impact of travel while still giving you those big, unforgettable alpine moments. That makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want their trip to feel exciting, immersive, and more responsible — not like a compromise.
Learn more about how small-group Explorations tours are redefining what’s possible on a guided tour.
Is It Better to Plan Switzerland Rail Travel on Your Own or on a Guided Tour?
For many travelers, the decision comes down to how much coordination you want to take on. Planning rail travel independently gives you flexibility, but it also means:
Handling reservations on routes that require advance booking
Managing connections between trains that run on precise schedules
Coordinating rail travel with other things to do in Switzerland
On Collette’s guided tours of Switzerland, we take care of all of the logistics. Our tour designers are seasoned travelers with local connections. They know how to plan a trip that’s epic without being too exhausting, and they include cultural moments that you might miss on your own.
Learn more about guided tours to Switzerland and nearby countries.
FAQs About Train Travel Through Switzerland
Is It Better to Rent a Car or Take the Train in Switzerland?
Train travel is often preferred because it connects major destinations — there are lots of routes in Switzerland so you'll be able to get pretty much anywhere you'd like. Schedules are also very regular and reliable, and many follow scenic routes.
Which Swiss Scenic Train Route Is the Absolute Best?
The Glacier Express covers more distance and gives you a longer view across different regions, while the Bernina Express offers a more dramatic change in scenery and elevation over a shorter distance.
Will I Get Bored on the Train Ride?
Scenic trains are designed to keep you engaged with large windows and meal service.
Are Train Tours Good for People With Limited Mobility?
People with limited mobility can enjoy train tours but should notify staff at the time of reservation. You may need to step onto trains, walk through stations, and manage short transfers. Most of the travel time is spent seated.
Do Collette Tours Include the Glacier Express or Bernina Express?
Yes — tours like Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains include both routes as part of the journey.
Ready to Hop Aboard a Train in Switzerland?
If Swiss train travel is calling your name, you can check out our Switzerland tours or explore more guides on places to go in Switzerland or the best time to visit Switzerland.
