Listen: Best Scenic Trains in Switzerland
5 Top Scenic Swiss TrainsPress the play button to listen to the full conversation below.
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Transcript
Switzerland is one of the rare places where taking the train is the main event.
It’s not just transportation—it’s the highlight of the trip.
And if you’re planning a Swiss vacation, these scenic trains are where the magic happens.
Today we’re diving into five of the most spectacular rail journeys in Switzerland, all of which you can include in a Railbookers itinerary.
These aren’t just scenic—they’re stress-free, fully connected, and built for "comfort!"
Big panoramic windows, relaxed schedules, and routes that carve through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Let’s start with the Bernina Express. This train connects Curr in Switzerland to Tirano, Italy—and crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, one of Switzerland’s most photographed bridges. It climbs to the Bernina Pass, with glacier views, mountain lakes, and those signature red carriages that look amazing in photos.
It’s UNESCO-listed for a reason. This isn’t a commuter route—it’s made for travellers who want to enjoy the ride. Railbookers often pairs the Bernina with other routes, so it fits beautifully into a longer Swiss or Italy combo trip.
Next is the Glacier Express, linking Zermatt and St. Moritz across 8 hours of uninterrupted beauty.
People call it the “slowest express train in the world”—but that’s the point. It moves through alpine valleys, tight gorges, snowy peaks… and the scenery changes constantly. It’s all about the long, luxurious journey.
Perfect for travellers who want a full-day train experience that feels like a vacation in itself. And if you really want to treat yourself, ask about "Excellence" Class on the Glacier Express - that's the most luxurious way to enjoy the train with gourmet food and drink, incredibly comfortable seating and much more.
Then there’s the Jungfrau Railway, which takes you up to Europe’s highest train station—Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.”
You pass through tunnels in the Eiger and Mönch, and when you reach the summit, you get glacier views, snow walks, and 360-degree mountain vistas. It’s dramatic but still totally accessible. And the return journey through Lauterbrunnen—with its waterfalls and sheer cliffs—is honestly just as stunning.
Heading to central Switzerland now—the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway is famous for being one of the steepest in the world.
You go from lakeside Alpnachstad to the summit of Pilatus in under 30 minutes.
At the top? Panoramic trails, cafés, and even a mountaintop hotel. It’s the kind of half-day trip that feels like a full-blown alpine adventure.
Last one—the Gornergrat Railway, which starts in car-free Zermatt and climbs to one of the best viewing points for the Matterhorn.
It’s a short ride, but the payoff is massive. On clear days, you can see 29 different 4,000-meter peaks. There's plenty to do at the summit as well, but the view alone is worth the trip.
It’s a must for anyone visiting Zermatt—and Railbookers can easily build it in.
What ties all of these together is the combination of scenery and simplicity.
You don’t need a car, you don’t need to hike—just sit back, enjoy the views, and arrive somewhere spectacular.
And that’s where Railbookers really shines. They bundle these scenic rail rides into complete trips—hotels, trains, transfers, and all the support you need—so it’s seamless.
So if Switzerland’s been on your radar, this is your sign.
These aren’t just train rides—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should be on any traveller's bucket list.
Check out railbookers.com today and have their experts put together your perfect Swiss alpine adventure!