Switzerland by panorama train: the ultimate tour of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

© Swiss Travel System AG, 2018 - Jonathan Heyer

Carriages weaving between alpine peaks and turquoise lakes, panoramic windows framing the iconic Matterhorn and its 4478-meter summit like a painting, the soothing clickety-clack of rails—far from stress and car horns… That’s the magic of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic, a spectacular 7-day, 6-night journey through the most beautiful Swiss and Alpine landscapes aboard legendary panoramic trains.

Starting in Lucerne, you’ll discover charming wooden chalet villages, palm trees in Lugano (Ticino), mountain life in St. Moritz, the iconic Glacier Express line, as well as terraced vineyards and sweeping views over the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva.

If you love train travel and nature, and want to feast your eyes at every turn—without a car, stress, or logistical headaches—this tour is for you. Let’s dive into one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys: the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

Why travel Switzerland by train?

Total immersion—no car needed

With 29,000 kilometers of train tracks, roads, and boat routes, Switzerland has the densest public transport network in the world. Even its remotest valleys and highest peaks are easily accessible. And it boasts one of the world’s most punctual and scenic rail networks.

Thanks to the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, you can travel across the country without ever renting a car or worrying about routes or parking. Swiss trains take you from lake to lake, peak to peak, and city to city—effortlessly.

Train vs plane or car: which wins?

By train, the journey is part of the adventure. No need to spend hours at the airport or search for parking while burning fuel. Instead, relax in a rolling cocoon where you can read, gaze out the window, or snap photos of marmots peeking out from the hillsides. All without blowing your carbon budget: you save around 220 kg CO₂ eq/person compared to flying (about 80% less), and 50.6 kg CO₂ eq/person compared to driving (around 61.5% less).

In fact, rail contributes just 0.2% of CO₂ emissions from transport in Switzerland, thanks to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

© Zentralbahn AG - Simon Kim

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is the opposite of a rushed city break. Think slow travel and premium comfort: panoramic trains with wide seats, large windows, and sometimes even at-seat service. It’s a gentler, more conscious way to travel—deeply connected to the land.

And the tour is turnkey: it includes panoramic train rides (including the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express), hotel nights, and breakfast. You’re all set for an unforgettable journey.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic: 7 Days on Switzerland’s Legendary Scenic Routes

Before jumping into the full itinerary, let’s break it down in numbers:

• 1280 km across the Alps
• 5 UNESCO sites along the way
• 6 hotel nights
• 7 days of discovery

You’ll ride Switzerland’s most spectacular panoramic lines:

• Glacier Express
• Bernina Express
• Luzern–Interlaken Express
• GoldenPass Express
• Gotthard Panorama Express

And to get 5% off, use the code “AFFHOURRAIL” when booking!

Itinerary, Stops & Budget

What are the stages of the tour?

The journey starts in Lucerne and follows this loop:
Interlaken – Montreux – Zermatt – St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano – Lucerne

Tour details - © switzerlandtravelcentre.com

How long is the trip?

It lasts one week and breaks down as follows:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lucerne & travel on Luzern–Interlaken Express
• Day 2: GoldenPass Express to Montreux
• Day 3: Stay in Zermatt
• Day 4: Glacier Express to St. Moritz
• Day 5: Bernina Express to Tirano + bus to Lugano
• Day 6: Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne
• Day 7: Departure from Lucerne

How much does the Grand Train Tour Classic cost?

Expect to pay around CHF 1,430 (approx. €1,450) in 2nd class with a Swiss Half Fare Card. While not cheap, it’s competitive versus booking everything separately for 7 days. The price includes scenic train reservations (GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express train & bus, Gotthard Panorama Express) and 3-star hotel stays with breakfast (in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne).

© Swiss Travel System

Best Time to Travel & When to Book

We recommend going between June and October (the tour runs from April to October). Demand is high in peak season (July to September), so book as early as possible—especially if you want a window seat for the best views!

Lucerne, Zermatt, Glacier Express… Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Lucerne – Interlaken

Begin in charming Lucerne, easily reached by train (approx. 4h35 from Paris with one transfer).
Hop aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a 2-hour ride past lakes and forests. You’ll skirt Lake Lungern and watch the mountains grow closer.
Night in Interlaken, nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun at the foot of the Jungfrau.

Day 2: Interlaken – Montreux (GoldenPass Express)

This iconic 3-hour journey takes you from Bernese Oberland to the Vaud Riviera, past vineyards, alpine meadows, forests, and chalets.
Tip: Choose an apéro platter when booking your GoldenPass Express seat.
Arrive in Montreux on Lake Geneva. Enjoy a lakeside stroll or visit Chillon Castle.

Also read: GoldenPass Express: 4 days to discover Switzerland on a luxury panoramic train

Day 3: Montreux – Zermatt

Head for the iconic mountains. The train drops you in Zermatt, the car-free village at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn (aka the Toblerone peak). Explore at your own pace before spending the night there.

Day 4: Zermatt – St. Moritz (Glacier Express)

The highlight: 8 hours on the “slowest express train in the world.”
It crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, summits the Oberalp Pass (2033 m), and offers jaw-dropping views of gorges, forests, villages, and dizzying viaducts.

© Glacier Express AG - Stefan Schlumpf

Tip: You can choose a daily menu or à la carte (meals not included).
Night in chic St. Moritz (Graubünden canton).

Also read: Switzerland by train: 4 days aboard the legendary Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Day 5: St. Moritz – Tirano (Bernina Express)

Head south aboard the Bernina Express, reaching 2253 m at the Bernina Pass and descending into Italy’s Tirano in just 4 hours—from glaciers to palm trees!
Highlight: the Brusio spiral viaduct, a marvel of engineering.
Tip: No dining car, just a snack trolley—bring your own lunch!
Then hop on the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano (total trip ~5h40).

© Switzerland Tourism, 2019, Fotograf: André Meier

Night in Lugano, a lovely Swiss-Italian town in Ticino.

Day 6: Lugano – Lucerne (Gotthard Panorama Express)

Travel in 1st-class panoramic carriage on the historic Gotthard Panorama Express to Flüelen, famed for its spiral tunnels and hillside villages.
Then cruise across Lake Lucerne aboard a vintage paddle steamer.
Tip: Snacks and drinks available onboard; lunch on the boat is optional but recommended (reserve by phone or online).
Night in Lucerne—your loop is complete.

Day 7: Lucerne

Time to head home or extend your stay using public transport. We suggest a final morning exploring the medieval old town, walking the Musegg Wall, or enjoying one last rösti on a terrace.

To book—and get 5% off with the code “AFFHOURRAIL”—click here:

This article was written in partnership with Switzerland Travel Centre. For more, visit their website: switzerlandtravelcentre.com!