Train holiday in Switzerland: an unforgettable journey through the Alps

A train holiday in Switzerland is like travelling through a living painting. Comfort, efficiency and breathtaking landscapes come together here. The country offers one of the most sophisticated rail networks in the world, allowing you to relax and travel sustainably while enjoying iconic mountain peaks, deep-blue lakes and atmospheric towns and cities. It is the ideal way to experience the country’s diversity without the stress of a car holiday. Read on and discover how to put together your perfect train journey through this Alpine scenery.

Exploring Switzerland by rail is one of the most comfortable and rewarding ways to travel. The landscape glides past while you enjoy an exceptional level of punctuality and service. For anyone looking for more inspiration about train journeys, our website offers a wealth of information to help you plan your next trip. From the famous panoramic trains to smart travel passes, Switzerland is completely geared towards rail travellers.

Why Switzerland is the ultimate rail destination

Switzerland and trains are inextricably linked. The country has perfected the art of rail travel, combining an extremely dense infrastructure with landscapes that lend themselves perfectly to train journeys. Where driving in the mountains can be a challenge, the train gives you access to the most remote valleys and the highest mountain passes. The trains are designed to give travellers the best possible views, with large panoramic windows that blur the boundary between inside and outside. This way, the journey itself becomes just as big a part of the experience as the destinations.

The Swiss rail network: efficiency and reach

Switzerland’s public transport network, operated by SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen), is renowned worldwide for its punctuality and density. Trains, buses and boats are perfectly coordinated, allowing you to travel across the entire country with a single ticket. Trains run at a high frequency, often every half hour, even on regional lines. This tightly knit network means that virtually every town, every village and even many mountain summits are accessible. Swiss precision translates into a reliable timetable you can depend on, which is crucial for a carefully planned holiday.

Iconic panoramic lines: a journey for the senses

When people think of a train journey through Switzerland, they often picture the famous panoramic trains. These specially designed trains run along the country’s most spectacular routes and are an attraction in their own right. They offer a first-class experience with extra-large windows, comfortable seats and sometimes even culinary packages.

Some of the best-known routes are:

• Glacier Express: This “slowest express train in the world” links St. Moritz with Zermatt in a journey of around 7.5 hours. The train passes through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct.
• Bernina Express: This route from Chur to Tirano (Italy) is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a masterpiece of railway engineering. The train climbs over the Bernina Pass to an altitude of 2,253 metres.
• Golden Pass Panorama Express: This line connects Montreux on Lake Geneva with Lucerne in central Switzerland. The route takes you past shimmering lakes, traditional farmhouses and green alpine meadows.

Mountain railways and cog railways: to the highest peaks

In addition to its regular railway lines, Switzerland has an impressive network of mountain railways and cog railways. These trains are specially built to cope with the steepest gradients and take you to viewpoints that would otherwise be difficult to reach. A ride on a cog railway is a special experience, as the train slowly climbs upwards along dizzying drops. Famous examples include the Jungfrau Railway, which climbs to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres, and the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt, with unforgettable views of the Matterhorn.

The Swiss Travel Pass explained: smart travel and savings

For travellers who plan to use public transport a lot, the Swiss Travel Pass is a real advantage. This all-in-one pass offers unlimited travel by train, bus and boat throughout the country for a set period (3, 4, 8 or 15 days). In addition, the pass provides free entry to more than 500 museums and discounts on most mountain railways. The logic behind it is simple: convenience and cost savings. You do not have to buy separate tickets and can hop on and off spontaneously. For panoramic trains, a seat reservation and a supplement are often required, but the basic journey is covered by the pass.

Strategic hubs: your base for adventure

Smart planning of your train holiday starts with choosing one or more strategic bases. Major railway stations in cities such as Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and Brig act as hubs from which you can easily explore different regions. From Interlaken, for example, you can quickly reach the Jungfrau region for walks and mountain excursions. Lucerne is the perfect starting point for boat trips on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) and visits to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. By concentrating your stay in locations with good rail connections, you make optimum use of the time you can spend discovering the surrounding area.

Combining for the perfect trip: hikes, lakes and cities

A train holiday in Switzerland combines perfectly with other activities. Many hiking trails start and end at a railway station, allowing you to enjoy beautiful day walks without relying on a car. For example, get off at a small mountain station, walk through a valley and take the train back at the end of the day. The boat services on the large lakes such as Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun are fully integrated into the public transport system and offer a relaxing change of pace. Do not forget the cities either; a visit to historic Bern, cultural Basel or charming Lausanne is the perfect complement to the country’s natural beauty.

Practical tips for an unforgettable train journey

Good preparation makes your trip even more enjoyable. Reserve seats for the popular panoramic trains well in advance, especially in high season. The SBB Mobile app is a handy tool for planning your journey and checking current departure times. Although the trains are always punctual, it is wise to take short transfer times into account. The best time to travel depends on your wishes: summer (June–August) is ideal for hiking, while spring and autumn offer beautiful colours and fewer crowds. In winter, the landscape is transformed into a fairytale setting, perfect for a journey on, for example, the Glacier Express.

Plan your Swiss rail adventure now

With its combination of punctuality, comfort and a landscape that constantly surprises, Switzerland offers a train holiday that takes your travel experience to the next level. It is a country that seems made to be discovered by rail. Whether you choose an organised tour or map out your own route with a Swiss Travel Pass, the possibilities are endless. Start planning your trip today and discover why a train holiday through Switzerland is among the most special travel experiences Europe has to offer.