With its charming alpine villages, 11 large lakes, picturesque valleys and some of the highest mountains in Europe, Switzerland is a spectacularly beautiful country. One of the best ways to enjoy unforgettable views of this Alpine region is from the comfort of a train. It’s also one of the most efficient—and sometimes only—ways to travel through Switzerland’s unique geography.

While train travel can be expensive, there are a variety of train tours and rail packages that greatly reduce the cost, as well as minimize the hassle of figuring out train schedules and reservations. Whether you want to scale the heights of Jungfraujoch, zip along the shores of Lake Lucerne or catch dramatic views of traditional alpine valleys—here’s a guide to amazing Swiss rail experiences you won’t want to miss.

Best Scenic Trains in Switzerland

While regular trains travel most everywhere in Switzerland, there is also the option to travel on scenic trains on some of the most breathtaking routes. Discover domed-roof, panoramic express lines that offer spectacular 180-views and provide comfort for all classes of tickets.

See the spectacular fall foliage in autumn. Witness Switzerland blanketed in tranquil snow in winter. Spring is the most postcard-worthy time when you can see a combination of green valleys, spring blooms and snow still on the mountain tops. Or, enjoy the greenest and sunniest time of year in summer. Whichever season you visit, these scenic train lines run year-round and are one of the best ways to see Switzerland.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is a thrilling train that traverses 186 miles (300 km) through narrow valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels and over almost 300 bridges! The route travels between the storied ski resort of St. Moritz and beautiful Zermatt, a stunning mountain resort that lies at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn. Start the route at Zermatt as part of this eight-day Swiss rail holiday. You can also combine the Glacier Express with a couple days in Paris with this rail vacation package.

Bernina Express

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bernina Express is a historical railroad which passes through a remarkable combination of landscapes. Beginning in Chur and traveling just four hours to Tirano in Italy, experience everything from high alpine scenery to a palm tree-lined Mediterranean paradise. Starting at the glaciers of Piz Bernina, experience the highest railway crossing in the Alps and a climb to over 7,391 feet above sea level feet before descending to just 1,408 feet in Italy. Along the way, experience the entire breathtaking mountain region of Graubunden.

Combine the Bernina Express with the Glacier Express for a four-day rail holiday you won’t forget.

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a unique experience that blends a scenic first-class train with a vintage steam boat. Enjoy a relaxed cruise across Lake Lucerne before boarding a panoramic train through the Gotthard route. During this five-and-a-half hour trip through the south of Switzerland, travel from the German-speaking areas of Lucerne and Uri to the Italian speaking region of Ticino. Along the way, you’ll discover some wonderful feats of train engineering including spiral loops, bridges and tunnels. Enjoy the Gotthard Panorama Express as part of this five-day Swiss rail vacation package.

Golden Pass Line

On the Golden Pass Line, you’ll get to see some of the best of Swiss scenery—tranquil lakes, huge mountains, charming villages and picturesque wine estates. This major route connects Lucerne with Lake Geneva in Montreux and passes through some of Switzerland’s most popular spots along the way including Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. While it does require you to take three different trains for the full route, you can get a nice mix of domed-roof panoramic trains and elegant vintage trains with beautiful wood-paneled interiors.

Other Swiss Attractions & Day Trips by Train

In addition to the scenic express lines, don’t miss these day trips by train while in Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch

At over 11,000 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level, Jungfraujoch is a must-see attraction on any vacation to Switzerland. While it’s not the highest peak in Switzerland, it’s the highest you can get mechanically (It’s also the highest train on the continent!). Called the “Top of Europe,” this glacial pass between Jungfrau and Monch mountain offers spectacular views of the Alps. Also, there are plenty of fun activities at the top: See magical ice sculptures at the Ice Palace. Go shopping for delicious treats at Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. At Alpine Sensation, learn about the amazing history of the miners and railway workers who worked here nearly 100 years ago.

The best time to get clear views at Jungfraujoch is to travel in the morning. While it can be expensive, there are great deals right now with deep discounts on morning trains from Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen/Wengen.

Interlaken

With a name meaning “between the lakes,” Interlaken is an idyllic town situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Located in the Jungfrau region, it’s also a great base for seeing many of Switzerland’s top attractions. Take the morning train to Jungfraujoch. Go on a private day tour that includes the beautiful Giessbach Falls and the fairytale castle Grandhotel Giessbach. Or, head to the world-famous Ballenberg, an open-air folk museum featuring traditional cottages, mountain huts, log cabins, artisan displays and historic school houses.

If you’re in Italy, enjoy a day trip to Interlaken from Milan on high-speed rail with this tour. Or, visit Interlaken as part of a vacation package.

Mount Rigi

Experience jaw-dropping views of Lake Lucerne framed by the beautiful Alps on a Rigi Railways cogwheel train. The higher you ascend, the more spectacular the views, until you reach the final stop: Rigi Kulm. There is a short trail to the highest point on the mountain, boasting the best panoramic views of this alpine area. Coming down from the top of the mountain, you have the option to take the Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad Aerial Cable Car for more stunning scenery. Enjoy a combination train and cable car tour from Vitznau / Weggis. Or, add a ferry ride across Lake Lucerne on this tour for a truly unforgettable and relaxing day.

Tips for Traveling by Train in Switzerland

Switzerland’s train system is one of the most efficient in Europe (what do you expect from the world’s greatest clockmakers?) As a result, trains almost always run on time and there is no room for being late. To ensure you won’t miss your train, it’s very important to arrive at least 20 minutes early before the departure time of your scheduled ticket. This will ensure you have enough time to find the right platform.

Many train packages also include invaluable instructions. It’s important to follow these completely to ensure the best travel experience. While the train conductors do speak English, they unfortunately do not have the time to help each passenger through their itinerary (again: punctuality). The best guide for finding your platform is to reference the monitors at each station listing the next departing trains and corresponding platforms.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you do not travel as part of a vacation package, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great bargain. This all-in-one ticket allows you to travel by rail, road and waterway throughout the whole of Switzerland, with several extra perks to boot. It’s valid for the consecutive number of days selected, beginning with the first time you redeem the pass at a bus / train station or boat pier in Switzerland. While the Swiss Travel Pass is also good for a number of scenic trains, you’ll still need to make reservations as those lines are very popular. These reservations can be made with an extra cost.

For more things to do and trips ideas in Switzerland, click here.