Switzerland’s Grand Train Tour: 5 Scenic Rail Routes, 1 Epic Alpine Journey

Switzerland is best explored at a slower pace, and few experiences capture that idea better than travelling across the country by train.

In 2026, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland marks its 10th anniversary, bringing together some of the country’s most spectacular rail journeys into one memorable itinerary.

Covering around 1,280 km, the Grand Train Tour connects eight iconic rail routes, taking travellers through vibrant cities, lakeside destinations, Alpine villages, dramatic valleys and high mountain passes. Rather than being a single train journey, it is a flexible network of scenic routes that can be combined into one continuous adventure.

One of its biggest advantages is flexibility. Travellers can complete the entire circuit or select individual sections based on their interests and schedule. The Swiss Travel Pass makes exploring easier by providing access to Switzerland’s extensive public transport network, including trains, buses and boats.

With growing interest in slower and more sustainable travel, the Grand Train Tour offers a way to make the journey itself part of the holiday. Here are three of the standout routes included in the experience:

Zürich – Lucerne – Interlaken: Luzern–Interlaken Express

The journey begins by connecting Zürich, Lucerne and Interlaken, taking travellers from Switzerland’s largest city towards the heart of the Alps.

The Luzern–Interlaken Express passes along Lake Lucerne and Lake Brienz, with views of steep mountainsides, waterfalls, forests and traditional Alpine settlements. As the train approaches Interlaken, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous, setting the stage for the spectacular landscapes further along the Grand Train Tour.

GoldenPass Line: Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux

The GoldenPass Line offers one of Switzerland’s most varied rail experiences. From Interlaken, the route crosses the Brünig Pass before continuing towards Zweisimmen and Gstaad, eventually descending to Montreux on Lake Geneva.

Along the way, the scenery changes dramatically—from Alpine meadows and traditional chalets to vineyards and the shores of Lake Geneva. The route also provides access to popular destinations including Gstaad, making it a highlight for travellers looking to combine mountain scenery with picturesque towns.

Bernina Express: St Moritz – Tirano/Lugano

The Bernina Express delivers some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire tour. Starting in St Moritz, the route climbs through the Engadin before crossing the Bernina Pass and descending towards Tirano in Italy.

The journey passes glacial landscapes, high-altitude lakes and spectacular gorges before reaching warmer, Mediterranean-style surroundings. The route is renowned for its steep gradients and remarkable engineering, while parts of the railway form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway.

Together, these routes showcase the extraordinary variety of Switzerland—from tranquil lakes and Alpine villages to glaciers, mountain passes and palm-lined valleys—making the Grand Train Tour a journey where the scenery is as important as the destination.