Panoramic Rail Routes of Switzerland

On arrival into Geneva Airport, it’s an easy walk to Geneva Airport Station for the beautiful journey east along the lake to Montreux. For those already in the city a transfer will take you straight from the hotel. In Switzerland the train is king and traveling by rail is very easy. Trains are clean, on time and always depart from the same platform, so there’s very rarely any confusion. It’s also much quicker than negotiating mountain roads by car. The journey time between Geneva and Montreux is only around 1hr 20 minutes and it’s a lovely run along the shore so try to sit on the right-hand side for the best views.

On arrival it’s an easy walk to the hotel, or a private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.

Note that alternative routes from other larger cities such as Zurich can be arranged at no extra cost. Trains also run from France and northern Italy.

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy Montreux at your leisure. You might want to just enjoy a coffee and a stroll along the promenade, which, in summer, is lined with flowers and sculptures, or maybe head to Chillon Castle, one of the most famous and picturesque in Switzerland, dating back to the 14th century.

This morning you will board the Goldenpass Express in 1st class for the beautiful journey to Interlaken. The journey is just over 3hr from the Vaud Riviera on Lake Geneva to the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps. While the route is over 100 years old the trains are fresh and modern with large windows and raised seats all to help maximize the views. Highlights include the charming timber-framed stations, Vernex Lake and the dramatic rock formation of the Diemtigtal Nature Park. On arrival it’s a short walk to the hotel, or a private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town at your leisure.

Free day to enjoy Interlaken. Set on the shores of Lake Brienz and surrounded by mountains, the town is known as the capital of outdoor adventure in Switzerland, everything is on offer here from a gentle stroll in the hills to mountain biking and skydiving.

As you will be in possession of a Swiss Rail Pass we recommend taking the train and cable up the Schilthorn via the pretty car-free village of Murren. The panoramic revolving restaurant at the summit, Piz Gloria, was featured in the 1969 James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The views across the valley are unforgettable and the champagne brunch is definitely worth waking up early for! Due to the sometimes unpredictable weather in Switzerland, we do recommend booking activities on arrival to avoid disappointment.

Enjoy one of the most incredible day excursions Switzerland has to offer and travel by rail to the top of the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 11,332ft. The summit, which includes the Top of Europe Restaurant and museum, overlooks the eternal snow of the Aletsch Glacier and from here there is an almost continuous line of over 13,1230-foot-high peaks and views down to Swiss Mittelland towards the Vosges, a true sight to behold. On the return journey, you may choose to jump off halfway down and enjoy one of the many hiking routes around Grindelwald.

The journey time up to the summit is about two hours. Be sure to pack some warm clothes so you can enjoy the outside viewing platforms in comfort.

Depart Interlaken by train to Brig where you will join the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. This is a very easy transfer across the platform and a lovely cafe right opposite if you have some time to wait.

Billed as Europe’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express is truly one of the world’s great train journeys. Taking 8.15 hours to travel just under 150 miles, the route runs from Brig to St Mortiz the country’s most glamorous resorts. Along the route, the spectacular mountain scenery unfolds outside the train’s panoramic sightseeing windows, as you sit back and enjoy a luxury 5-course menu with accompanying wines. For an aperitif, some delicious cocktail or to exchange with fellow travelers, the Glacier Bar is the perfect place to visit. Thanks to the compass on the ceiling none of the many turns will be missed. On arrival in St Moritz, it’s an easy transfer to your hotel.

For those wishing to extend their time in Switzerland we advise at least two nights here to enjoy the lake or some hiking.

This morning return to the station in St. Moritz and enjoy the spectacular journey south to Tirano in Italy. This is one of Switzerland’s if not the world’s most beautiful train rides. The trip takes approximately 4 hours covering a distance of 40 miles, through 55 tunnels, and a whopping 196 bridges! The main highlights include the Bernina Pass, past the Morteratsch Glacier, reaching its highest point at Ospizio Bernina,7,391 feet above sea level, where even in the height of summer icebergs dot the lake. While on the descent the train runs round the famous nine-arched Brusio Spiral Viaduct opened in 1908.

On arrival in Tirano, there is time for lunch before the return journey to St. Moritz

After some free time in St Moritz, board the train for the easy, but beautiful journey to Zurich via Chur. Journey time is approximately 3 hours with services running every hour. On arrival, we can arrange transfers to either the airport or your hotel at an additional cost. Alternatively, you might want to return to Geneva, with direct trains from Zurich running every 3 minutes and taking just under 3 hours.