Contents:
- Introduction to best train rides in Switzerland
- Quick facts
- list of the 5 best train rides in Switzerland
I would say, and many who have experienced it would agree without another word, that Switzerland is the place where not only all your chocolatey and cheesy dreams come true but also all your train travel dreams come true.
You may ask why train rides in Switzerland when there are quicker modes of transport. But darling, don’t you want to enjoy the most scenic views on the best train rides in Switzerland, especially when you are on vacation? Of course, you do!
Switzerland is given incredible landscapes, and we are given the opportunity to experience the best train rides in Switzerland.
Quick facts;
- Switzerland has one of the most elaborate railway network systems globally. In fact, over three thousand trains travel from or to the station of Zurich, a city in Switzerland itself.
- The railway network system of Switzerland has two main routes, domestic and international.
- All train services in Switzerland offer 1st and 2nd class service on their travels.
- The train ticket prices may differ depending on the class you choose, the length of the journey, and the options you get.
Now, I sense the question in your mind; “How do I choose which train I want to travel and which route I am going to pick?”. I have got you all covered below;
Here is the list of the 5 best train rides in switzerland;
1) The Bernina Express
It is one of the luxury train journeys as well as the most famous train journeys in Swiss.
Have you heard of the Alps? The Alps are the highest and most vast mountain range system in south-central Europe. The mountain range stretches approximately 1,200 kilometres in a crescent shape across France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. And the most striking mode to see the Alps is through the ride on the Bernina Express.
It is a 3 – 4 hour ride where the Bernina passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges throughout the journey. It begins in the mediaeval city of Chur to Lugano and ends in Italian-speaking Southern Switzerland.
You will see Lago Bianco, Brusio Circular Viaduct and many more unique places with picturesque views along the Bernina ride.
The Bernina Express functions from May to November.
2) The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is the world’s slowest express train and probably the best scenic train ride in Switzerland.
It is also one of the luxury train rides in Switzerland which covers the exact route of the Bernina.
It is nearly a 7-8 hours ride where the Glacier passes through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, three cantons (states) and two language regions connecting the popular mountain destinations of St.Moritz and Zermatt.
You will see the Landwasser Viaduct, Oberalp Pass and Albula Line which is a UNESCO World Heritage.
The Glacier runs once a day during winter and three times a day during summer. Two of the four summer trains complete the journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt. Especially the Glacier rides in winter will leave you in extended awe.
3) Golden Pass Line
It is a classic and spectacular journey in the Golden Pass Line. It will take you passing eight lakes, riding through six different cantons, crossing three mountain passes and connecting two language regions with each other. The journey connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.
It is about a 6 hours ride from Lucerne, the centre of Switzerland, to Montreux by Lake Geneva. You will see Lake Lungern and Bernese Oberland and the pleasing sights of the nature of Switzerland.
The Golden Pass Line runs eight times a day, all year round.
4) Cogwheel Railways
Cogwheels are weird short trains. It is designed to run in steep landscapes. The trains are fitted with one or more cog wheels or pinions that mesh with this rack rail.
When I say Cogwheel Railways, I mean the Cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus in Switzerland. These trains have a whole history behind them, and in.
Switzerland, the Cogwheel Railways are known to be the steepest cogwheel trains in the world, and it is pretty adventurous.
5) Voralpen Express
The Voralpen is less touristy. But in my experience, local least touristy things give you more authentic experiences. So if you are up for it, this is the ideal train you must take.
It is nearly a 2 hours ride from Eastern Swiss – St. Gallen to Central Swiss – Luzern, where you will see hills, charming villages and lovely orchards.
Moreover, there are scenic train rides from Interlaken to Thun and Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, which are – beautiful blue water sceneries.
A quick tip on the best train rides in switzerland
If you plan to experience many train rides effectively and efficiently, you might have to dive into the train ride passes.
If you plan a vacation in Switzerland and your to-do list does not include a train ride across Switzerland, you are definitely missing out. So without regretting the future, add the incredible train rides to the list.
Not all you have to do is choose the time of the year you want to visit Swiss, select the available train, and take the journey. We as travellers cannot see every part of the world, so whatever the train or whatever route you choose, a the end, it all will be worth it.
Quick last tip – Don’t hurry to expect to reach your destination so fast. Savour the journey. After all, it is living life. Is it not?!
