Which scenic trainride in Switzerland should you do?

🚆 Introduction

When travelling to Switzerland you might consider taking a scenic train ride, which is a fantastic choice! Whether you choose the legendary Glacier Express, the world-heritage Bernina Express or the elegant GoldenPass Train, each ride offers panoramic views and a unique way to experience Switzerland’s beauty. All three are part of the iconic Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and can be enjoyed with Switzerland’s rail passes or as standalone experiences. One thing is for sure: You'll need a little bit of time when going on a journey like this, because the goal isn't to get to a place as fast as possible. The goal is to experience and soak up the journey.

🎫 Pricing & Pass Details (2025–26)

🚃 Glacier Express (Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz)

• 2nd Class Full Price: CHF 159 (base fare)

• 1st Class Full Price: CHF 272 (base fare)

• Seat Reservation (mandatory for all classes): CHF 54

• Half-Fare Card: 50% off but reservation remains (CHF 54)

• Swiss Travel Pass / Saver Day Pass / GA: Base ticket covered, pay reservation only

• Note: Excellence Class also exists but at a much higher surcharge.

👉 This is the longest and most iconic Swiss scenic train — slow yet panoramic across mountains, valleys and 291 bridges. They call it the slowest express train in the world, as the full journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa takes around 8 hours. You can also hop on or get off at one of the other stops of course,

🚃 Bernina Express (Chur / St. Moritz ↔ Tirano)

• 2nd Class Full Price: CHF 66 (Chur–Tirano) or CHF 33 (St. Moritz–Tirano)

• 1st Class Full Price: CHF 113 (Chur–Tirano) or CHF 57 (St. Moritz–Tirano)

• Seat Reservation: Mandatory for panoramic cars (CHF 32–38)

• Half-Fare Card: Ticket reduced/discounted but reservation full price

• Swiss Travel Pass: Ticket covered, pay reservation only

👉 Offers UNESCO world-heritage alpine scenery, crossing the Bernina Pass and into Italy. You can choose here from where you want to start, wether it's Chur or St: Moritz. My hot take on this one is that you can also do the route without paying the reservation fee if you hop onto one of the regular trains that go the exact same route. Bonus: On these trains you can open the windows!

🚃 GoldenPass Train / GoldenPass Express (Montreux ↔ Interlaken)

• 2nd Class Full Price: CHF 56 for Interlaken–Montreux

• 1st Class Full Price: CHF 96 for Interlaken–Montreux

• Seat Reservation: Optional (CHF 20 per person)

• Half-Fare Card: 50% ticket discount; reservation is the same price (CHF 20)

• Swiss Travel Pass/ GA / Day Saver Pass: Ticket covered, reservation is optional

• Prestige Class (Express): More exclusive seating with mandatory reservation (+CHF 49)

👉 Elegant panoramic route. Dou can choose between different trains. My favourite is the Golden Pass belle epoque. It has a vintage carrier and looks absolutely stunning if you like to travel like 100 years ago. The Golden Pass is basically a regular train that commuting people use as well, so I recommend getting a seat reservation. My tip: if you choose the Belle Epoque, look into the timetable and book exactly this train, not every train is a belle epoque. + For this train I recommend booking First Class as it's even more beautiful!

❓So which one should YOU do?

The question lies in my opinion only in the destinations you're seeking because they are all truly equally stunning. The most popular one is the Glacier Express because it connects the two touristic places of St. Moritz and Zermatt. This is a great way of travelling to your next destination.

The Bernina Express is especially great for those staying in Chur or St. Moritz and wanting to do a trip in the area and explore the surroundings. You end up in beautiful Tirano in Italy and can either stay over or go straight back the same day. (Cons: you're doing the same route twice)

The Golden Pass is great for those staying in the French part of Switzerland (especially Montreux) and wanting to move more in the direction of central Switzerland or vice versa. And of course for those seeking the Belle Epoque Train for a special experience.

📌 Some thoughts for Planning

Seat Reservations

• Glacier Express & Bernina Express: Mandatory — must be booked ahead (sold out often in high season).

• GoldenPass Express: Reservation recommended or required for the Prestige section

Half-Fare Card vs Swiss Travel Pass

• The Half-Fare Card reduces the ticket price by 50% but you still pay mandatory reservation fees where applicable (Glacier & Bernina).

• The Swiss Travel Pass/Saver Day Pass or the GA covers the base fare, you only have to pay for the reservation.