NL
The train to the Alps is comfortable, sustainable and takes you straight to ski areas, mountain villages and panoramic routes, without the stress of traffic jams or snow chains. From the Netherlands you can reach the northern Alps in as little as seven hours, with direct connections to destinations in France, Switzerland and Austria. Discover how to plan train journeys to the Alps smartly and which routes offer the best views along the way.
Why the train to the Alps is your best choice
Train journeys to the Alps are a logical choice for anyone looking for peace, reliability and convenience. You are guaranteed a seat, space for skis and luggage, and you do not need to worry about winter tyres or parking problems. On top of that, you save on fuel and time spent in traffic. Night trains also allow you to arrive well rested, while you can spend the daytime exploring the mountains.
The train also takes you directly to stations right in the middle of mountain villages such as Zermatt, Bourg-Saint-Maurice or Bludenz. From there you can connect on to smaller towns or start your Alps holidays straight away with hiking, skiing or touring. You also travel through spectacular landscapes you would never see from the motorway: viaducts, valleys and lakes glide past your window.
For people who want to plan their trip flexibly, regional trains and panoramic trains offer extra options. You combine ease with experience and are not affected by weather conditions that car travellers do have to deal with.
‘ Night trains save daylight hours and let you arrive feeling fresh. ’
Direct connections from the Netherlands to the Alps
From the Netherlands you have various direct or easy routes to the Alps. The Eurostar Snow is a popular option for the French Alps. This train departs on Saturdays from Amsterdam Centraal at 05:24 and takes you in around eight hours to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Moûtiers or Aime la Plagne. Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, as there is space for skis and equipment. The Eurostar Snow runs from 20 December 2025 to 4 April 2026.
For the Austrian Alps you can use the Alpen Express. This night train departs on Friday evening from The Hague, Amsterdam and other Dutch stations, and takes you directly to Bischofshofen, Bludenz or Kitzbühel. You return on Saturday evening, giving you eight full days on the slopes. The night train offers sleeping cars for comfort, or bar cars for a sociable atmosphere.
To the Swiss Alps you usually travel via Basel or Zurich, with onward connections to towns such as Zermatt or St. Moritz. Journey times vary between seven and fourteen hours, depending on your final destination. Night trains save daylight hours and allow you to arrive feeling fresh.
Most beautiful panoramic trains through the Alps
Once you are in the Alps you can take panoramic trains that carry you through breathtaking landscapes. These trains are not just a means of transport, but a sightseeing experience in their own right.
Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz
The Glacier Express is the best-known panoramic train in the Alps. This journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes seven hours and 45 minutes and leads you through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. From the large panoramic windows you look out over snow-covered peaks, deep gorges and green valleys. Reservations are compulsory on this train. The route is ideal to combine with hikes in both mountain villages, or as part of a multi-day round trip.
Bernina Express to Tirano
The Bernina Express runs from St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage route. The journey takes two hours and 15 minutes and takes you past glaciers, viaducts and Italian vineyards. You can also board in Chur for a longer journey of four hours. In summer, the train has open panoramic carriages so you can fully experience the surroundings.
Other special train routes
The Mont Blanc Express takes you from Martigny to Chamonix, with views of the highest mountain in the Alps. The Arlbergbahn between Innsbruck and Bludenz covers 135 kilometres and offers views of Austrian mountain peaks. For fans of historic trains: the Zillertalbahn is a steam train that runs to the Achensee via the oldest rack railway in Europe, with gradients up to 16 percent.
The Gelmerbahn is technically a funicular railway, but it is the steepest in Europe with a gradient of 106 percent. It takes you up to the Gelmersee, ideal for anyone in search of remote mountain lakes and challenging hiking routes.
Booking and travel tips for smart train journeys
Book your train tickets six to eleven months in advance to get the best prices. The Eurostar Snow is available from 10 July 2025. Compare prices across different platforms: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and Nightjet are often cheaper than NS International.
For panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express you must always reserve seats. You usually do this directly via the carrier’s website. Consider an Interrail pass if you want to combine several countries. With such a pass you can travel flexibly through five Alpine countries and adapt your route spontaneously along the way.
Choose night trains if you have long journey times. They save daylight hours and often accommodation costs as well. Book a sleeping car for comfort, or a seat in the bar car if you are looking for contact with other travellers. Outside school holidays, night trains are quieter and offer more space.
‘ Although many trains have a restaurant car, prices are often high. ’
What to take and how to prepare
You can take skis and equipment for free on winter-special trains such as the Eurostar Snow and Alpen Express. Check in advance whether your train has luggage space or whether you need to register large items. Bring a power bank, as not all trains have power sockets at every seat.
Download offline maps of your destination and route. That way you always have access to information if you are without internet on the way. Also take some food and drinks for longer journeys. Although many trains have a restaurant car, prices are often high.
Dress in layers. Trains can be warm, but stations in the mountains are cold. Keep your travel documents and passport close to hand, especially at border crossings. Check whether you need a vignette or special tickets for regional trains at your final destination.
Combining train journeys with hikes and sights
Many mountain villages and hiking routes are directly accessible from train stations. Zermatt is car-free and a base for hikes towards the Matterhorn. St. Moritz offers luxury and access to high-altitude trails and lakes. Bludenz is close to the Arlberg region and is suitable for summer and winter hikes.
Plan stopovers in cities such as Innsbruck or Chur to explore historic centres or to continue on to smaller places. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road can be reached by regional buses from train stations, and the Achensee lies on a historic railway line. This way you combine tranquillity, nature and cultural highlights in a single trip.
Many travellers opt for round trips in which they combine several panoramic trains with hiking days. Book hotels or other accommodation close to stations for easy logistics. That way you make optimal use of your travel time without stress.
Frequently used routes and journey times at a glance
- French Alps (Bourg-Saint-Maurice): Departure Amsterdam 05:24, arrival after eight hours. Ski storage available.
- Glacier Express (Zermatt–St. Moritz): Duration seven hours and 45 minutes, 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Reservation compulsory.
- Bernina Express (St. Moritz–Tirano): Duration two hours and 15 minutes, UNESCO World Heritage route.
- Austrian Alps (Bludenz): Night train from The Hague and Amsterdam, departure Friday evening, return Saturday evening. Suitable for eight days of skiing.
These routes offer reliability, comfort and beautiful views. They are suitable for solo travellers, families and groups who want to plan their journey in advance.
‘ Many travellers report that the views on train journeys to the Alps beat those from the car. ’
Practical experiences and common situations
Travellers often say that night trains are efficient because you arrive rested and can get started straight away. Families appreciate the space and the ability to walk around during the journey. Young people and groups often choose the sociable atmosphere of bar cars, while those seeking peace prefer sleeping compartments.
Changing trains can be difficult if you have a lot of luggage. Minimise transfers by choosing direct connections or booking routes with longer transfer times. That way you have enough time to move your belongings and find the right train. Always check your platform and train formation in advance via apps or information boards.
Many travellers report that the views on train journeys to the Alps beat those from driving. You see landscapes that remain hidden from the motorway. Take a camera or smartphone to capture moments, but also simply enjoy the views without a screen.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about routes, destinations, preparation and other nature holidays. Discover more articles and plan your next trip with reliable tips that help you travel smarter and more comfortably.
Frequently asked questions
Use international booking sites such as Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB/Nightjet and NS International in parallel to compare prices, routes and times, and book preferably 6–11 months ahead for the lowest fares. Where possible, choose night trains (such as Alpen Express or Eurostar Snow) so you combine travel costs with an overnight and have more time at your destination. Consider Interrail if you want to combine several Alpine countries or resorts in one trip, especially outside peak periods. Minimise transfers by choosing direct or near-direct connections to hubs such as Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Innsbruck, Bludenz, Zermatt or St. Moritz.
The most comfortable night train options to the Alps are generally the Alpen Express (to, among others, Bludenz, Bischofshofen and Kitzbühel) and other Nightjet-type connections with sleeping cars. Advantages include boarding in the evening and arriving in or near the ski area the next morning well rested, being able to take plenty of luggage (such as skis) and having no stress about traffic jams or weather. Disadvantages often include higher ticket prices than day trains, limited operating days in the season and sometimes cramped sleeping cabins or shared compartments. There are also fewer direct night train routes than daytime routes, which means your choice of destinations is more limited.
Some of the most beautiful panoramic train routes in the Alps are the Glacier Express (Zermatt–St. Moritz) and the Bernina Express (Chur/St. Moritz–Tirano), both with large panoramic windows, countless bridges and tunnels, and spectacular mountain scenery. Other recommendations include the Mont Blanc Express and the Arlbergbahn between Innsbruck and Bludenz. Great stopovers for extra experiences include Zermatt, St. Moritz and Chur (for hiking and mountain railways), and Tirano on the Italian side for a Mediterranean atmosphere. For a historical or nostalgic extra, you can take a side trip on steam or mountain railways such as the Zillertalbahn or the Gelmerbahn up to the Gelmersee.
Take as little as possible and split your luggage between one large suitcase or backpack and a small daypack with valuables, snacks and travel documents; make sure whatever you need during the journey is on top. Use wheeled suitcases or a sturdy backpack, and check in advance whether your train has large luggage racks or ski racks. Essential for comfort are reserved seats or sleeping berths, sufficient legroom, access to a bar or restaurant car and, where possible, power sockets at your seat. For long journeys to the Alps, night trains with sleeping cars are ideal so that you arrive well rested.
