The Ultimate Guide to a Train Holiday in Switzerland — from the Most Scenic Routes to the Best Train Lines

By Railbookers Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Read time: 4 minutes

Planning a train holiday in Switzerland? Learn about the country's most scenic rail routes, iconic trains, unforgettable excursions, and the best times to visit.

By: Brittany Chang

Switzerland: known for creamy milk chocolate, skiing, watches and, of course, trains.

Switzerland is one of the world’s most famous destinations for rail enthusiasts, and for good reason: Its most popular trains take travellers through the scenic Swiss Alps, promising panoramic views of luminous lakes, glittering glaciers and charming storybook villages along the way.

From the Matterhorn to St. Moritz to the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, there are plenty of places and ways to experience the mountainous country. If you don’t know where to begin, Railbookers has put together a must-read guide for any traveller who wants to see Switzerland by rail. Better yet, Railbookers will take care of all the details of your holiday, from hand-selecting sightseeing excursions to booking you the best seats. We also provide around-the-clock, on-trip customer care, so you won’t need to spend a moment of your holiday worrying about what comes next.

But before we get there, let’s dive into the basics:

Trains

If you’ve seen photos of a train crossing the picturesque Landwasser Viaduct, then you’re likely already familiar with the Glacier Express. It’s known as the "slowest express train in the world", and in this case, that’s a good thing: Its panoramic windows offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps’ most spectacular mountain ranges, lakes and villages.

The Bernina Express, which runs between Switzerland and its northern neighbour, Italy, is another excellent option. The route, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crosses 196 bridges, with views shifting from Italy’s palm trees to Switzerland’s dramatic gorges and glaciers.

The GoldenPass Express, on the other hand, is truly a golden ticket to some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, including three mountains, eight lakes and several of the country’s most picturesque towns.

Two additional highlights are the Jungfrau and Gornergrat cog railways.

The Jungfrau Railway climbs to the highest railway station in Europe, offering breathtaking views stretching as far as France and Germany and as close as Switzerland’s Mönch and Eiger mountains.

Disneyland enthusiasts, it’s time to meet the real Matterhorn. The Gornergrat Railway is Europe’s highest open-air railway, providing uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn throughout the entire half-hour journey.

Activities and Excursions

Switzerland’s rail journeys are best known for their spectacular scenery, but let’s not forget: The mountainous country is also renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and thriving arts community. If you don’t know where to start, Railbookers hand-selects and books local excursions for you.

Try the Swiss watchmaking class in Geneva, where a master watchmaker will teach you how to craft your own timepiece to take home.

Food lovers might enjoy the seasonal gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne or the half-day Zurich tour, which includes stops at Lindt Home of Chocolate, the renowned chocolate factory, and a traditional four-course dinner featuring Swiss cheese fondue.

If you’re looking for adventure, try the guided hike from Interlaken, where you'll return to base by tandem paraglider while taking in unforgettable views of the Swiss Alps.

Pre- and Post-Holiday Options

Beautiful rural landscape view on the green mountains and village in Switzerland

Switzerland is bordered by Italy, Germany, Austria and France, giving you plenty of options for extending your journey before or after your Swiss holiday. Railbookers’ Rail Experts will plan, coordinate and book these extensions for you.

Routes

If you’re set on ticking the Glacier Express off your bucket list, this five-day itinerary from Zurich to Geneva is an excellent place to start. You’ll be immersed in the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps, sample Zurich’s delicious chocolates and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature around the country’s many lakes along the way.

For a longer and more in-depth journey through Switzerland, the 10-day itinerary from Lucerne to St. Moritz, with stops in Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Montreux and Zermatt, is the perfect choice. There’s a reason it’s called the "Best of Switzerland": the itinerary includes the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Jungfrau Railway and GoldenPass Express, along with opportunities to ride a cable car to Mount Titlis, experience the luxury of St. Moritz, sample wines in the Lavaux vineyards and take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Best Time of Year

Wengen Switzerland mountain sunset view in autumn

Most Swiss trains operate throughout all four seasons. The months from June to September are the most popular, according to Railbookers data. However, there’s really no bad time to visit this Central European destination.

In summer, you’ll be greeted by green meadows dotted with wildflowers. In autumn, fiery foliage and fewer crowds create a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime holiday, while spring brings a beautiful mix of snow-capped mountains and colourful blooms. In winter, you’ll experience Switzerland at its most iconic, from skiers carving down mountain slopes to magical Christmas markets in Zurich.