Blog
Romancing Switzerland by Rail
May 8, 2023
3 Minutes Read
Switzerland has a comprehensive and tightly knitted train network which links to bus and boat services to form the Swiss public transport system; this transport system covers even small and remote locations in the country.
You can take the trains and visit different cities, nature parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountain trails, glaciers, and lakes to enjoy the pristine natural beauty of Switzerland while keeping a low carbon footprint.
The Grand Train Tour provides a journey with 1,280km of magnificent scenic routes along the way and in the great comfort of the train service. You can hop on and off along the journey at designated points, as it links to 11 large lakes and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The public transport network is so well-timed with the train schedule that it simplifies planning and travelling on the Grand Train Tour (Note: the map and photos are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism).
You can take the trains and visit different cities, nature parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountain trails, glaciers, and lakes to enjoy the pristine natural beauty of Switzerland while keeping a low carbon footprint.
The Grand Train Tour provides a journey with 1,280km of magnificent scenic routes along the way and in the great comfort of the train service. You can hop on and off along the journey at designated points, as it links to 11 large lakes and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The public transport network is so well-timed with the train schedule that it simplifies planning and travelling on the Grand Train Tour (Note: the map and photos are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism).
More Convenience by Train
Swiss Travel Pass for the Grand Train Tour is a convenient ticket for use on Swiss public transport. The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days to meet various travel plans.
A luggage transfer service is also available for luggage handling between venues from one city to the next, so you can freely travel on the train and visit sites without your luggage.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app is free for download and usage as a tour travelling companion. Use the app to choose your route and check out all the must-see spots along the railway lines.
It is convenient at your fingertip. Contact us to find out more about the detail of the Swiss Travel Pass.
A luggage transfer service is also available for luggage handling between venues from one city to the next, so you can freely travel on the train and visit sites without your luggage.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app is free for download and usage as a tour travelling companion. Use the app to choose your route and check out all the must-see spots along the railway lines.
It is convenient at your fingertip. Contact us to find out more about the detail of the Swiss Travel Pass.
Scenic Rides on the Grand Train Tour
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland comprises several scenic train rides covering key routes, connecting a few magnificent Swiss cities, Alpine hotspots, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, large lakes, nature parks and other landmarks.
You can plan your visits based on the precise timing of the train service and plan your route accordingly by hopping on and off during the train rides to visit various sites. This train service is a convenient means to tour Switzerland.
Luzern-Interlaken Express
This premium panoramic train ride connects Luzern and Interlaken, two famous destinations. The train ride cuts through the scenic area with views of mountains, turquoise lakes and numerous waterfalls. Some main mountain excursions along the way are Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn and Harder Kulm.
Golden Pass
It starts from Interlaken along Lake Thun and through Simmen Valley to Zweisimmen. The GoldenPass Panoramic train then takes over from Zweisimmen cutting past magnificent castles and grazing cattle and winding down the hills to Montreux, which has a Mediterranean flair to the region. The main visitor sites are Jungfrau Region, UNESCO Lavaux Vineyards and Chillon Castle. GoldenPass Express is now operating with a direct connection between Montreux and Interlaken Ost, traversing from the Vaud Riviera to the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps via the Pays-d'Enhaut.
Glacier Express
This slowest express train travels across the Alps and connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. From Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, it takes an 8-hour ride through the mountainous Cantons of Valais, Uri and Grisons; the train cuts through 91 tunnels and glides over 291 bridges with views of picturesque valleys and deep ravines. Two of the many mountain excursions on the route are Gornergrat and Matterhorn glacier paradise.
Bernina Express
The journey starts on the train from St. Moritz; it cuts across language regions and cultures with a succession of highlights: the Morteratsch glacier and Lago Bianco at 2,253 metres in altitude. The train winds through the UNESCO World Heritage route of Rhaetian Railways, over the Bernina Pass and through scenic Val Poschiavo to Tirano, and provides a stunning sight of the Brusio Circular Viaduct. There are a few mountain excursions on this route, such as Diavolezza and Muottas Muragl. Travellers can extend their journey on the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano.
Gotthard Panorama Express
The Treno Gottardo runs hourly along the scenic Gotthard panorama route and operates all year-round connecting Lugano to Luzern; it provides impressive views of rugged mountains and deep blue lakes. From April to October, travellers can board the Gotthard Panorama Express, a scenic train, from Ticino along the Gotthard Panorama route and change to a boat ride in Flüelen. The boat ride through Lake Lucerne has majestic mountainous and lake views along the way to Luzern. The top sights on this route are Bellinzona Castles, Chapel Bridge and mountain excursions, such as Rigi, Stanserhorn and Titlis.
There are many other train routes on top of these five scenic train rides to help travellers plan their tour itineraries around the country. The pristine quality of natural resources, such as air and water, brings the word Swisstainable to life! There is no better way to experience sustainability than the Swiss way!
Our dedicated DMC travel experts can advise, and craft customised tour packages with complete destination management based on your customer's interests, preferences, or needs. We endeavour to deliver a memorable tour experience that your customers will cherish and treasure.
Our dedicated DMC travel experts can advise, and craft customised tour packages with complete destination management based on your customer's interests, preferences, or needs. We endeavour to deliver a memorable tour experience that your customers will cherish and treasure.
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