When people think of Switzerland, they picture chocolate, cheese, and mountains—but for me, it’s always the trains. Nowhere else have I seen such a seamless combination of jaw-dropping scenery and smooth, punctual train rides.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to hop on some of the most iconic routes in the country, and along the way I’ve collected memories, photos, and yes—a few mishaps that made me laugh (later, not in the moment!).
Here’s my personal rundown of the rides that stood out the most, what I loved about them, and what went wrong so you don’t repeat my mistakes.
The Glacier Express (Zermatt → St. Moritz)
The Glacier Express is probably the most famous train ride in Switzerland, and for good reason. It’s known as the “slowest express train in the world,” but I think of it as a moving panorama that patiently shows you glaciers, deep valleys, stone viaducts, and alpine villages like a slideshow.
Sitting in those oversized windows feels almost cinematic. But here’s the thing—I made the rookie mistake of thinking my Swiss Travel Pass would cover everything.
I didn’t realize there’s a compulsory reservation fee for the Glacier Express, and without booking in advance, I missed out on the most photogenic window seats. Instead, I found myself leaning awkwardly across the aisle trying to capture the Rhine Gorge on camera.
Lesson learned: the pass gets you on the train, but reservations are non-negotiable. Still, once I sat back and stopped stressing about the “perfect” angle, the sheer beauty of the ride took over.
You can easily check train times or book tickets through Omio or Rail Europe.
The Bernina Express (Chur → Tirano)
If the Glacier Express is majestic, the Bernina Express is dramatic. This ride isn’t just about Switzerland—it takes you across the Alps into Italy, and the scenery changes so drastically that you feel like you’ve traveled through seasons in just a few hours.
The snowy Bernina Pass suddenly gives way to sunny Italian landscapes dotted with vineyards. I loved the spiral viaducts and the Lago Bianco with its shimmering turquoise water. However, my downfall on this trip was overconfidence with photography.
I carried my DSLR, two lenses, and even a tripod, convinced I’d capture “the shot.” Instead, I discovered the midday glare on the panoramic windows made my photos look like ghost stories.
To top it off, I nearly missed the return connection because I underestimated how long I’d want to wander around Tirano.
My advice? Don’t let the camera control the ride. Sometimes the best memory is just pressing your forehead against the glass and soaking it in.
☕ For hotels along this route, I usually check Booking.com
The Luzern–Interlaken Express
This ride is like Switzerland’s greatest hits album: serene lakes, rolling meadows, waterfalls, and peaks in the background. At just two hours, it’s not overwhelming but it’s consistently scenic, making it a great option if you don’t want an all-day commitment.
I used this train as a “recovery ride” after a few intense hiking days. The soft rhythm of the train and the lake reflections made it one of my most peaceful journeys. But of course, nature had a little prank ready for me.
I forgot to check the weather, and half the ride was swallowed by thick clouds and drizzle. Instead of turquoise lakes, I saw my own reflection in the window.
Pro tip: always have a backup plan (a good book, snacks, or a warm drink) because Swiss weather can be moody even on “perfect” days.
🎟️ You can easily reserve tickets via Omio or plan your day trips through Viator.
Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch
If you’ve ever seen pictures of Lauterbrunnen Valley, you already know why this train ride is magical. Starting from a valley with waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, you ascend through alpine villages like Wengen and Grindelwald, all while the iconic Eiger and Mönch mountains loom overhead.
Eventually, the train tunnels its way up to Jungfraujoch, famously called the “Top of Europe.” The views were unforgettable, but I wasn’t ready for the altitude. By the time I got up to Jungfraujoch, I felt light-headed and a bit nauseous.
Add that to the shock of the final stretch being mostly inside a tunnel with very little view, and I was underwhelmed for a moment. Still, when I stepped outside into the snowy plateau, I forgave the ride immediately.
My lesson: take it slow, drink plenty of water, and don’t expect every single moment to be picture-perfect.
Pro tip: bring sunscreen and sunglasses! You can find great travel accessories and data plans through Airalo eSIM (use code MUHAMM7693 for US$3 off) or Global YO eSIM.
The Gornergrat Railway (Zermatt → Gornergrat)
This cogwheel railway is short but spectacular. Starting in Zermatt, it winds its way up to the Gornergrat ridge, offering unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. For me, this ride felt like the essence of Switzerland condensed into one neat package.
I made it a point to catch the early morning train so I could see the first rays of sun lighting up the Matterhorn. It was magical—except for the one time I showed up and the mountain was completely hidden by stubborn clouds.
I stood freezing with my camera ready, hoping for a miracle that never came. Another small mishap? I underestimated the sunburn risk. At that altitude, the UV is no joke—I left with red cheeks that even Swiss chocolate couldn’t console.
🏨 Stay overnight nearby via Booking.com or find scenic hotels through Trip.com.
Mount Rigi (Vitznau → Rigi Kulm)
Compared to the big-name trains, the Mount Rigi cogwheel train feels more down-to-earth. It doesn’t have the glamour of the Glacier Express, but it’s cozy, scenic, and perfect if you don’t want a whole-day excursion. The forests, meadows, and lakes unfolding below made me fall in love with the slower side of Swiss rail travel.
One time, though, the train broke down briefly on the way up. Nothing serious, but I watched my carefully planned sunset slip away while we waited for the all-clear. I laughed later, but at the time I was staring daggers at the driver.
The good news? The views were still there, even if I didn’t catch the golden hour. Sometimes Switzerland reminds you that nature—not timetables—sets the rules.
✈️ For trip planning, I often compare flights and routes via Skyscanner or Kiwi.com.
Lessons Learned From My Swiss Train Mishaps
Looking back, my little misadventures were part of the story. I learned that Swiss trains are wonderfully efficient, but weather, altitude, and over-planning can still trip you up.
The biggest tip I’d give anyone? Don’t stress about “the perfect ride.” The scenery will impress you no matter what, so lean into the rhythm of the journey and let Switzerland do the rest.
FAQs About Train Rides in Switzerland
1. Do I really need a Swiss Travel Pass?If you’re riding multiple scenic routes, yes. It saves money and simplifies travel. But remember—premium trains like the Glacier and Bernina Express require an extra reservation fee.
2. When’s the best time of year for scenic trains?May to October is the safest bet, with clear skies and open mountain passes. Winter rides can be beautiful but are limited and risk being clouded over.
3. Do I have to ride the panoramic trains, or can I use regular ones?Regular regional trains often use the same tracks, and the views are nearly identical. The difference is comfort and window size. If you want flexibility, locals trains can be a great alternative.
4. How far in advance should I book?For iconic routes like Glacier Express and Bernina Express, book at least a few weeks ahead in peak season. For smaller cogwheel rides like Rigi or Gornergrat, you can usually book same day.
5. Any must-bring items for these rides?Layers (weather changes fast), water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. And don’t forget patience—the mountains like to test it sometimes.
Conclusion – Why Swiss Train Rides Stay With You
At the end of the day, my train journeys in Switzerland weren’t just about getting from point A to point B. They were about slowing down, watching the world outside transform every few minutes, and realizing that sometimes the journey itself is the destination.
Because the truth is, Swiss train rides are as much about the experience as they are about the scenery. You don’t remember the perfect photo you took; you remember the laughter when your view was a cloud or the quiet awe when the peaks suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Yes, I messed up reservations, got rained on when I wanted sunshine, and even turned a little lobster-red on the Gornergrat—but those hiccups are what made the stories memorable.
So, if you’re planning to ride trains in Switzerland, go prepared but stay flexible. Pick a couple of iconic journeys like the Glacier or Bernina Express, mix them with smaller rides like Rigi or Lauterbrunnen, and leave space for spontaneity.
I promise—whether you catch golden sunlight on the Matterhorn or find yourself sipping coffee while staring at misty lakes, it will feel magical.
In Switzerland, the trains don’t just take you places. They give you stories to bring home.