Grand Train Tour of Switzerland (Itinerary, Info and Map)
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland offers visitors to this incredibly beautiful country a unique way to see all the highlights.
Although it’s called a Switzerland train tour, the Grand Tour is actually a self-guided trip that combines Switzerland’s most scenic train rides with all the key sights.
The Swiss Grand Train Tour comprises eight different legs, covering 1,280 kilometres, and visitors can choose to take as few or many of these trips as they like to create a bespoke itinerary reflecting their interests.
In this way, individual train tours in Switzerland can be designed just as the visitor pleases.
Whilst all eight sections can be completed in eight days, if time permits, we recommend you take a little longer to complete the route.
This is because taking the tour in eight days means travelling every day, leaving you short of time for seeing the sights and enjoying some time in each destination.
Ideally, a 14 day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is recommended for those who want to get the very best out of their trip through Switzerland.
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The entire Grand Train Tour of Switzerland visits ten destinations, passes by eleven lakes, and incorporates journeys on all five premium panoramic trains.
Travellers wishing to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland can either make all their own rail and hotel arrangements, or they can book one of the Switzerland train tour packages that are based on the Grand Tour route.
We’ll cover both options in more detail below.
What's in this Article
Booking a Switzerland train tour package
The easiest way to plan your Grand Tour of Switzerland by train is to book a pre-designed Grand Train Tour package. There are a number of different packages available, ranging from 3 days / 2 nights up to 9 days / 8 nights.
These self-guided tours of Switzerland include all rail travel on your chosen route as well as accommodation.
Travellers have the flexibility to amend the pre-designed itineraries to suit their own requirements. Additional days can be added and excursions can be included at each destination.
Travellers can also choose the standard of accommodation and room type they prefer and choose between first class and second class train travel.
One of the most popular Switzerland train tours is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – the Original. This 8 day / 7 night itinerary includes rides on five of the most scenic trains Switzerland has to offer, making it the ideal way to tour Switzerland by train.
Seat reservations on the premium panoramic train rides in Switzerland are also included.
The ‘Original’ Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package can be easily extended if you have additional time and would like to spend more time in each destination.
To make your Switzerland trip even easier, the tour can also be booked with luggage transport.
Simply leave your luggage in the hotel reception at the designated time each morning and it will be waiting for you at your destination hotel later the same day.
🇨🇭 Listen to our podcast episode about Swiss rail packages here.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland price
Having the option to customise the itinerary to your own requirements makes a Grand train tour of Switzerland hotel package very affordable.
Prices for a 3 day / 2 night ‘Stunning Waters’ Grand Tour start from just CHF 300 per adult, whilst the 8 day / 7 night Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – the Original package starts from CHF 1280 per adult.
> Click here to browse all 10 Grand Train Tour of Switzerland packages
EXCLUSIVE BONUS OFFER
Holidays to Switzerland readers can benefit from a 5% discount when they book one of Switzerland Travel Centre’s Grand Train Tour of Switzerland journeys. Simply quote the code HTSWISS in the Promo Code box when making your booking to qualify for the discount.
> Click here to browse the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itineraries.
Planning a DIY Switzerland Grand Train Tour
If you love the research side of planning your trips, and have the time to book each of the components of your Switzerland train itinerary separately, we recommend you consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass.
This all-in-one public transport ticket covers all of Switzerland by train, bus, boat and tram. With the Swiss Travel Pass there’s no need to purchase individual train tickets in Switzerland for each leg of the journey, as the pass allows you to hop on and off each train in Switzerland as you wish.
The Swiss Travel Pass incorporates all of the premium panoramic trains that run throughout the country, including the Luzern-Interlaken Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express. > Click here to buy your Swiss Travel Pass
(*Note: seat reservations – which are an additional cost – are compulsory for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express Prestige Class, and are recommended for all premium panoramic trains.)
Prefer to drive around Switzerland? Click here to see our 14-day itinerary of Switzerland by car.
The Original Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train Itinerary
The original 8-day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itinerary visits the most popular tourist destinations in the country and includes rides on the famous Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Line and Gotthard Panorama Express. (See our Transport section for detailed guides on each of the premium panoramic trains.)
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland 8-day itinerary
- Day 1: start anywhere in Switzerland > Interlaken
- Day 2: Interlaken > Montreux
- Day 3: Montreux > Zermatt
- Day 4: Zermatt > St. Moritz
- Day 5: St. Moritz > Lugano
- Day 6: Lugano > Lucerne
- Day 7: Lucerne > St. Gallen
- Day 8: St. Gallen > finish anywhere in Switzerland
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Sectors
There is no official start and finish point as visitors can choose to commence their journey wherever is most convenient. You can, of course, add additional overnight stays in your chosen locations to extend the duration of your Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
As Zurich is the gateway to Switzerland for most visitors, we have used it as the start and end point for this itinerary and have provided a day-by-day itinerary so you can see just how much of the country you can cover.
Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken
Premium Panoramic Trains used: Luzern-Interlaken Express
Distance/Journey time: 131km / 2h:45
Highlights of the journey:
After travelling from Zurich to Lucerne by a regular intercity train, passengers join the Luzern to Interlaken Express which connects two of Switzerland’s most desirable destinations.
En route, visitors pass glistening lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enjoy alpine vistas, as well as travelling over the Brunig Pass.
This scenic train in Switzerland journeys into the breathtaking Jungfrau region, and forms the first part of the GoldenPass Line that travels on to Montreux.
What to do in Interlaken
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Interlaken, such as rafting, paragliding and canyoning. For the best views over the city and lakes Brienz and Thun, a funicular ride to Harder Kulm is highly recommended.
Visitors can also take trips to Schnyige Platte, the Jungfraujoch or Brienz Rothorn, or take a train ride to gorgeous Lauterbrunnen.
Where to stay in Interlaken
- 3* Hotel Beausite > click here to check prices
- 4* Carlton Vintage Adults Hotel > click here to check prices
There are more hotels in Interlaken to suit all budgets in this article.
Interlaken – Montreux
Premium Panoramic Trains used: GoldenPass Express
Distance/Journey time: 120km / 3h:15
Highlights of the journey
As it departs Interlaken, the GoldenPass Express glides past Lake Thun before continuing to Zweisimmen in the Bernese Oberland, via the Simmen Valley.
Along the way, this panoramic train in Switzerland passes a range of rivers, clear mountain lakes and waterfalls. Travellers can also see pastures where cattle graze and majestic castles.
The glitzy resort village of Gstaad is an ideal place to stop off for a stroll and a meal, before reboarding for the final part of the journey.
The trip comes to an end when the train arrives in Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva.
What to do in Montreux
Popular activities in Montreux include lake cruises and visiting Chillon Castle, while some like to explore the nearby Lavaux vineyards.
Other day trips from the city include the Alimentarium in Vevey, the world’s first museum dedicated solely to food, as well as excursions to Rochers de Naye, Geneva and Gruyeres. The latter is where the famous Swiss cheese originated.
Where to stay in Montreux
- 3* Hotel Splendid > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel Eden Palace Montreux > click here to check prices
Browse more of the best hotels in Montreux in this guide.
Montreux – Visp – Zermatt
Distance/Journey time: 148km / 2h:30
Highlights of the journey
This leg of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland takes visitors through the magnificent Rhone Valley. The destination is Zermatt, but before arriving in the home of the mighty Matterhorn visitors will pass through Visp.
The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway then travels through the Nikolai Valley, climbing over 900 metres in altitude with the assistance of cogwheel technology.
What to do in Zermatt
Zermatt is famous for its car-free centre – as well as the majesty of the Matterhorn. There are spa springs and plenty of shopping to enjoy in the pretty resort of Zermatt.
To see the Matterhorn more closely, visitors can take a cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Alternatively, spending time on the Gornergratbahn is also popular.
Hiking and skiing – which is available all year round – are also popular activities in Zermatt.
Where to stay in Zermatt
- 3* Hotel Bristol Zermatt > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel Mirabeau & Spa > click here to check prices
Read more: Best hotels in Zermatt.
Zermatt – Chur – St. Moritz
Premium Panoramic Trains used: Glacier Express
Distance/Journey time: 291km / 7h:45
Highlights of the journey
Train rides in Switzerland don’t come much more iconic – or scenic – than the Glacier Express. This is surely the most dramatic of all train journeys in Switzerland, not least because it’s the longest sector.
En route, travellers can marvel at typically Swiss panoramas including deep ravines, pretty villages, vast forests, 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, and the breathtaking Landwasser Viaduct.
The slowest express train in the world – as it is often known – also crosses the Oberalp Pass.
What to do in St. Moritz
St. Moritz is an elegant ski resort where visitors can take to the slopes in winter or hike in summer. Trips and activities on the lake are also popular.
It’s also a great place to take in the fresh mountain air while admiring sweeping views over the Swiss landscape. St Moritz also has a leaning tower that’s well worth a visit.
Where to stay in St. Moritz
- 3* Hotel Waldhaus am See > click here to check prices
- 4* Crystal Hotel St. Moritz > click here to check prices
St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano
Premium Panoramic Trains used: Bernina Express
Distance/Journey time: 183km / 6h:30
Highlights of the journey
Travel by train in Switzerland between St. Moritz and Lugano, and the journey will take you from the ski slopes of St. Moritz to the palm trees of Lugano, via Tirano in Italy and the 2253 metre high Bernina Pass.
The Rhaetian railway line, on which the Bernina Express runs, is one of only three in the world that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Lakes, switchback tunnels, and even an alpine garden can also be glimpsed along the way.
The Morteratsch Glacier is also a highlight.
What to do in Lugano
Lugano is a pretty Italian-influenced resort with an interesting Old Town and an enviable lakeside position. With something of a Mediterranean air, Lugano has a lovely palm-lined promenade.
Visitors can take a lake cruise, or sample some Italian-style Swiss dishes at the town’s fine selection of cafes and restaurants. Mountain excursions to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore are also popular.
Where to stay in Lugano
- 3* Continental Parkhotel > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel de la Paix > click here to check prices
Lugano – Flüelen – Lucerne
Premium Panoramic Trains used: Gotthard Panorama Express
Distance/Journey time: 182km / 5h:30
Highlights of the journey
Train tours in Switzerland don’t come much more diverse than the sector between Lugano and Lucerne. As the train rolls through the scenic landscape, visitors pass through the famed Gotthard panoramic route, then the impressive Reuss Valley.
At Flüelen, travellers board a modern motor boat or historic paddle steamer to glide across the waters of Lake Lucerne before reaching the city of Lucerne.
What to do in Lucerne
Lucerne is a city very much at the heart of Swiss history, so there’s lots to see and do in Lucerne. Many visitors like to take a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne.
As well as exploring the town on the shores of the lake, travellers can see Chapel Bridge or take a mountain excursion to Rigi, Titlis, Pilatus or Stanserhorn.
Where to stay in Lucerne
- 3* Hotel des Alpes > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel Astoria > click here to check prices
Browse more accommodation options in our Lucerne Hotels Guide.
Lucerne – St. Gallen
Distance/Journey time: 125km / 2h:15
Highlights of the journey
The Voralpen Express (Pre-Alps Express) takes travellers past some of the mightiest mountains of the Swiss Alps – including the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
This panorama train in Switzerland begins at Lake Lucerne, passing gentle rolling green hills as well as majestic peaks en route.
It also passes Rapperswil and the Rothenthurmer upland moors, before crossing Lake Zurich and the 99-metre high Sitter Viaduct before arriving in St. Gallen.
What to do in St. Gallen
The UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Abbey Library and District are a particular highlight of St. Gallen. Situated between Lake Constance and the Appenzeller region, St Gallen is a compact town that’s easy to explore on foot.
The biggest draws include the open-air, art nouveau pool, the baroque cathedral and the library’s Rococo Hall.
Read our guide to things to do in St. Gallen here.
Where to stay in St. Gallen
- 3* Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel Walhalla > click here to check prices
St. Gallen – Schaffhausen – Zurich
Distance/Journey time: 133km / 2h:30
Highlights of the journey
Your train journey through Switzerland will reveal an interesting truth – the fact that this landlocked European nation has a real maritime heritage. Lake Constance in particular has played a leading role.
The journey between St. Gallen and Zurich travels along the lake’s shore for 40 kilometres. After that, it traces the route of the Rhine past Schaffhausen, home of the Rhine Falls and Munot Fortress. The falls are the largest in Europe.
Should time allow, a side trip to the pretty medieval town of Stein am Rhein is highly recommended.
What to do in Zurich
Zurich is the financial and industrial hub of Switzerland, and as such is sometimes overlooked by visitors. However, it also boasts a fascinating Old Town – the Altstadt – that dates back to pre-medieval times.
The Old Town is bisected by the Limmat River, and this has waterside promenades. The Rathaus dates back to the 1600s, and a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse – one of Europe’s most expensive shopping strips – is a must.
The city is built beside Lake Zurich which is popular for boat cruises and water sports.
Where to stay in Zurich
- 3* Hotel Adler > click here to check prices
- 4* Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich > click here to check prices
Browse more of the best hotels in Zurich in this article.
Adding more days to your Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Itinerary
As mentioned above, the original Grand Train Tour of Switzerland route can be completed in eight days, however we suggest allowing more time in some destinations.
For a 12-day Switzerland by train itinerary, add additional nights in Interlaken, Zermatt, Lugano and Lucerne. If you have 15 days available for your journey by train through Switzerland, stay two nights in each destination.
More Grand Tour of Switzerland by train itineraries
If you don’t have a full week available or don’t want to travel the entire Grand Train Tour route, you can choose to travel on the sectors that are of particular interest to you.
To make it easier to choose an alternative itinerary, a number of shorter Grand Train Tour package options are available. Click on the tour name below for further details and see below for our bonus offer:
- Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – The Original – 8 days / 7 nights
- Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – The Classic – 7 days / 6 nights
EXCLUSIVE BONUS OFFER
Holidays to Switzerland readers can benefit from a 5% discount when they book one of Switzerland Travel Centre’s Grand Train Tour of Switzerland journeys. Simply quote the code HTSWISS in the Promo Code box when making your booking to qualify for the discount.
> Click here to browse the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itineraries.
Travel all year round
No matter what time of year you plan to take your Switzerland holiday, you can enjoy your very own Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
The Swiss railways – and therefore the premium panoramic trains – operate year round* so even during the winter months it’s possible to enjoy these spectacular Swiss train journeys.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in winter takes in all the seasonal highlights of Switzerland, including pure white snow, frozen lakes and glaciers. Click the tour names below for further details:
*The Glacier Express does not operate between mid-October and around 9 December. There are no Bernina Express bus services in December and January. The Gotthard Panorama Express only operates from mid-April until mid-October. Regular trains operate on the Glacier Express and Gotthard Panorama Express routes year round.
Don’t forget to quote the code HTSWISS in the Promo Code box when making your booking to qualify for a 5% discount on package holidays.
No matter what season you travel, touring Switzerland by train makes for the most memorable of holidays.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland App
Ready to plan your own Grand Train Tour of Switzerland? It is highly recommended that anyone undertaking this rail journey downloads the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app.
The free app is available in seven languages, including English, German and Chinese.
Using the app gives travellers access to exclusive offers via digital coupons and helps to make sure you get the best from all the key sights.
The app will guide you as you make the journey, taking in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lakes, alpine panoramas, glaciers and Swiss cities. Fun facts and top tips are given throughout, and you can tick off where you’ve been via the ‘been there’ function.
You can also play by collecting rewards and stamps, which you can then share via social media. Those who become a ‘Master of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland’ will even receive a surprise reward at the end of the journey!
Final Thoughts about the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
Following the suggested eight sectors of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a convenient way to see all the highlights the country has to offer – from north to south and east to west.
Should you not have time to cover the whole route, simply choose the sectors that connect the destinations you wish to visit and tailor your Swiss rail itinerary to suit.
Whether you prefer a DIY approach and want to purchase your Swiss Travel Pass or rail tickets and accommodation separately, or would rather book a package which includes transport and accommodation, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is the ideal way to explore this scenic country.
Get your 5% discount by quoting the code HTSWISS in the Promo Code box when making your booking with Switzerland Travel Centre.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Podcast Episode
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