Tickets to Book Ahead
Which Switzerland activities, trains, and tickets you need book before your trip and where to buy them.
Tanya Deans
Summer, Switzerland
Some popular Switzerland activities need to be booked in advance, particularly scenic trains and attractions like Lindt Home of Chocolate.
Some of the links below are my affiliate links, meaning we get a tiny commission for promoting the activity. Thanks for your support!
Mountain Railways
These should be booked a few days in advance when you know the weather will be good. Most do not offer refunds.
Jungfraujoch - Book mountain train
Pilatus - Book mountain train
Oeschinensee - Book time window for gondola
Brienzer Rothorn - Book mountain train
Gelmerbahn - Book steep funicular train
Chocolate Factories
These can sell out weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Scenic Trains
GoldenPass Express (Interlaken – Montreux) - required seat reservation only (up to 3 months in advance) or book ticket and seat
Bernina Express (Chur – St Moritz or Tirano IT) - required seat reservation with or without ticket, can purchase 365 days in advance
Glacier Express (Zermatt – Chur – St Mortiz) - seat only (up to 93 days in advance, sold out for 2025) or tour including seat reservations (best way to get seats)
Luzern-Interlaken Express – reservations are optional and most seats cannot be reserved, so you can always get on the train without a reservation. Book seat reservation.
Gotthard Panorama Express (Luzern-Lugano) - required seat reservations
Travel Passes
These can be bought shortly before your trip and do not sell out.
Not sure what you should buy?
Book an Itinerary Review or Video Call with Tanya to discuss your options.
Á procura de coisas para fazer?
Confira meu guia para as melhores coisas gratuitas para fazer, bem como itinerários e dicas de viagem para tornar sua viagem inesquecível.