Imagine gliding through snow-capped peaks, past turquoise lakes, and across dramatic viaducts, all from the comfort of a luxurious train carriage with panoramic windows stretching to the ceiling. This isn’t a dream – it’s the reality of Switzerland’s legendary scenic train routes. More than just transport, these journeys are attractions in themselves, designed for sightseeing.

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, riding at least one of these “glass houses on wheels” should be at the top of your list. Let’s dive into the most famous ones:

The Glacier Express: The “Slowest Express in the World”

The Glacier Express lives up to its playful nickname by taking its sweet time to traverse some of the most spectacular alpine scenery. Connecting the glamorous resort town of Zermatt (home to the Matterhorn) with St. Moritz or Davos, this 8-hour journey is an engineering marvel. You’ll cross 291 bridges, go through 91 tunnels, and ascend the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters (6,670 ft) above sea level. Highlights include the dramatic Rhine Gorge (often called the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland”) and views of iconic mountains.

• Route: Zermatt – Brig – Andermatt – Chur – St. Moritz/Davos
• How to Book: Directly via the Glacier Express website or through SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).
• Seat Reservation: Mandatory for all passengers, regardless of ticket or pass. This is an additional cost.
• Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full fare of the journey, meaning you only pay for the mandatory seat reservation. The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off the base fare, and you still pay the full mandatory seat reservation fee.

The Bernina Express: Alpine Adventure to Palm Trees

From the glaciers of the Engadin to the palm trees of Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express offers a UNESCO World Heritage-listed experience. This breathtaking route, part of the Rhaetian Railway network, takes you over the dramatic Brusio Spiral Viaduct and through the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters (7,392 ft). It’s a journey of incredible contrasts and a favorite for many. In Tirano, you can connect to an optional Bernina Express Bus extension to Lugano.

• Route: Chur/St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy) – (optional bus to Lugano)
• How to Book: Directly via the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) website or through SBB.
• Seat Reservation: Mandatory for all panoramic car passengers. This is an additional cost.
• Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full fare from Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano. The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off the base fare. In both cases, the mandatory seat reservation is an additional cost.

The GoldenPass Express: Three Worlds in One Journey

The GoldenPass Line is famous for connecting three distinct regions of Switzerland, offering views of eight lakes and diverse landscapes. The brand new GoldenPass Express now offers a seamless, direct connection between Montreux and Interlaken Ost (no more changing trains!). This innovative train features special adaptable bogies, allowing it to switch gauges mid-journey.

• Route: Montreux – Gstaad – Zweisimmen – Interlaken Ost
• How to Book: Directly via the GoldenPass Express website or through SBB.
• Seat Reservation: Mandatory for all passengers on the new direct GoldenPass Express service, particularly for the premium “Prestige” class. This is an additional cost.
• Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full fare. The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off the base fare. In both cases, the mandatory seat reservation is an additional cost.

The Luzern-Interlaken Express: A Scenic Link

While technically a part of the broader GoldenPass Line, the Luzern-Interlaken Express operates on the central segment, linking the picturesque city of Lucerne with the adventure hub of Interlaken. It offers stunning views of several crystal-clear lakes, including Lake Brienz and Lake Lungern, as it climbs through the Brünig Pass.

• Route: Lucerne – Interlaken Ost
• How to Book: Via SBB or local ticket counters.
• Seat Reservation: Generally not mandatory for individual travelers, but recommended during peak season or for groups to guarantee a seat. This is an additional cost.
• Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card: Both the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card are fully valid for the fare. If you choose to reserve a seat, that cost is additional.

The Centovalli Express: A Scenic Route to Italy

Meaning “Hundred Valleys,” the Centovalli Express truly lives up to its name, winding through wild gorges, past cascading waterfalls, and across charming bridges between Locarno, Switzerland, and Domodossola, Italy. It’s a shorter, yet incredibly scenic, journey that offers a delightful alternative or extension to other routes.

• Route: Locarno – Domodossola (Italy)
• How to Book: Via the Centovalli Railway website or SBB.
• Seat Reservation: Generally recommended, especially during peak season, but often not mandatory. This is an additional cost.
• Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full fare. The Half Fare Card gives you 50% off the base fare. If you choose to reserve a seat, that cost is additional.

Understanding Bookings, Reservations, and Passes

• Booking Your Ticket: This covers the actual cost of riding the train. You can book directly on the specific train’s website, or more commonly, through the official Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website (sbb.ch).
• Seat Reservation: For the premium panoramic trains (Glacier, Bernina, GoldenPass Express), seat reservations are separate and mandatory. This is a specific fee to guarantee your seat, especially for the popular panoramic carriages, and is not covered by any pass. You typically make this reservation at the time of booking your ticket, or separately if you already have a pass.
• Swiss Travel Pass: This all-in-one pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland, plus free entry to over 500 museums. For panoramic trains, it covers the fare entirely, meaning you only need to purchase the mandatory seat reservation.
• Swiss Half Fare Card: This card gives you 50% off the regular price of train, bus, boat, and some mountain railway tickets for one month. For panoramic trains, you’ll pay 50% of the fare, plus the full mandatory seat reservation fee.

We have a detailed guide on choosing your ideal railway pass for Switzerland. Please check it out for more details.

Key Tip: Always book your seat reservations as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (summer, Christmas) or want specific seats (e.g., facing the direction of travel, or on a particular side for views).

Ready for Your Swiss Rail Adventure?

Switzerland’s panoramic trains offer a unique way to experience the country’s unparalleled beauty. Whether you choose the slow-paced grandeur of the Glacier Express or the dramatic contrasts of the Bernina Express, you’re guaranteed a journey that’s as memorable as the destination itself. So, pick your route, secure your seat, and prepare to be mesmerized by the glass-encased wonder of Swiss rail travel!