What is the most famous train ride in Switzerland?

Glacier Express Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the entire journey will grant you with undisputed panoramic views of the country's most dramatic scenery, no matter the season.



The Glacier Express is widely considered the most famous train ride in Switzerland, often marketed as the "slowest express train in the world." Connecting the two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the journey takes approximately eight hours to cover roughly 290 kilometers. The route is a masterpiece of railway engineering, featuring 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges, including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Passengers travel in modern panoramic cars that offer unobstructed views of the Swiss Alps, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks. In 2026, the "Excellence Class" remains the most sought-after experience, offering a five-course meal and concierge service as the train climbs over the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters. While the Bernina Express is also world-renowned for its UNESCO heritage status, the Glacier Express remains the quintessential Swiss rail experience for its sheer variety of landscapes and its legendary connection between the Matterhorn and the glamorous Engadin valley, making it a "bucket list" item for global travelers.

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Glacier Express Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the entire journey will grant you with undisputed panoramic views of the country's most dramatic scenery, no matter the season.

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SBB is the primary operator of train services in Switzerland. Cross-border trains from Italy to Switzerland are operated by Trenitalia, trains from France to Switzerland are run by TGV Lyria, and connections from Germany to Switzerland are operated by Deutsche Bahn.

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The Bernina Express is a scenic train route that runs from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. It is a narrow-gauge railway that covers a distance of 122 kilometers (76 miles) and takes around four hours to complete.

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Current seat reservation prices for the Bernina Express train are: Summer: 1 June to 30 September – CHF 26.00. Shoulder: 1 March to 31 May and 1 October to 31 October – CHF 24.00. Winter: 1 November to 28 February – CHF 20.00.

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When is the best time to go?
  • The Bernina Express route runs all year round. Visit in spring to see green fields and farming villages in all their colorful beauty.
  • Visit during winter, and frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and local skiers are the main sights. In short, any time is a good time to take this ride!


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You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip - this is the highest railway across the Alps, yet the train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling.

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For short trips of an hour or two, I'll go in 2nd class. For longer journeys or busy times/routes (as Altamiro noted), I like 1st class. Seats are definitely more comfortable in 1st class, and there's more leg room and space overall. We bought first class once and didn't think it was worth the difference.

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Rail passes are almost always a smart buy for Switzerland, with its fairly high pay-as-you-go ticket costs and excellent transportation system. The Swiss Travel Pass is a particularly good deal, as it covers nearly all transport in Switzerland — not only trains, but buses, boats, and many high-mountain lifts.

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1. The Bernina Pass: This is where the train climbs to its highest point, offering some of the most iconic vistas of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, and alpine lakes. 2. Brusio Spiral Viaduct: Located between Poschiavo and Tirano, this remarkable spiral viaduct is a highlight of the journey.

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There is an accessible toilet in 1st class. The Bernina Express Bus offers a wheelchair lift and space. Please note that there is no barrier-free toilet.

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