All Aboard the 10 Most Jaw-Dropping Rail Day Trips in Switzerland

Switzerland, the land of jaw-dropping beauty, the stunning Lake Geneva, and Lake Lugano, and trains that run like clockwork, has a treat in store for adventurous travellers. If you're craving awe-inspiring sights and a dash of old-world charm and quintessential Swiss town sights, hop aboard one of Switzerland's scenic rail day trips and prepare to have your breath taken away.

If you're lost for things to do in Switzerland, you might want to check out these scenic train routes. From charming mountain villages to shimmering lakes and dramatic alpine panoramas, Switzerland's rail network unveils a world of natural wonders. Brace yourself for encounters with the best places to visit, like lovely mountain villages, sparkling lakes, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains that will make your heart skip a beat. So sit back, relax, and let the rails transport you to a world of natural wonders that will have you lost for words at every turn.

Here are 10 scenic trains Switzerland has to offer (good news: you can book some of them with the Swiss Travel Pass!)

On your next holiday, make the most out of the best places to visit in Switzerland by booking a Swiss Travel Pass.

Unlock the full potential of your Swiss adventure with Klook's Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss alpines, charming old towns and villages with cobbled streets, cultural attractions, flower gardens, and wonderful city views are something to watch out for as you enjoy unlimited train rides, boats, and buses.

By securing your transportation tickets through Klook, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts with your pass, making your journey even more delightful. Whether you opt for the Consecutive Pass, which automatically activates on your chosen date, or the Flexible Pass, which requires manual activation, exploring awe-inspiring attractions to visit in Switzerland has never been more convenient. Simply display your Swiss Travel Pass e-ticket on your smartphone when a ticket inspector requests, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty that awaits you at every turn.

Need more info on how the pass works? Check out our lovely Swiss Travel Pass guides below:

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Bernina Express, the epitome of train adventures in Switzerland. This remarkable route connects Chur to Poschiavo and even extends to Tirano in Italy, offering an extraordinary experience you won't soon forget. Step into the panoramic, red carriages of the train and prepare to be mesmerised as you traverse the Swiss Engadin Alps, treated to astonishing vistas that will leave you speechless. From the iconic Landwasser Viaduct with its six colossal limestone arches to snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages, the sceneries unfolding along the journey are awe-inspiring.

The Bernina Express has held a well-deserved place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, alongside the Albula line. Brace yourself for a four-hour spectacle as you cross an impressive 196 bridges, zoom through 55 tunnels, and conquer the mighty Bernina Pass at a breathtaking elevation of 7,391 feet above sea level.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary train journey aboard the Glacier Express, renowned as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World' and hailed as one of the most scenic routes you can embark on your next visit in Switzerland. This captivating expedition connects Zermatt's charming mountain resort towns, home to the iconic Matterhorn and St. Moritz, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

As the train winds through the picturesque landscape, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas that will leave you breathless. Prepare to feast on remarkable sights like the majestic Matterhorn and the idyllic Matter Valley. Take in the grandeur of sheer rock walls as you pass through the town of Visp, and catch glimpses of the shimmering River Rhone shortly after departing from Brig.

Where else to go sightseeing in Switzerland than on the Gotthard Panorama Express? The excitement begins as you cross the legendary Gotthard Tunnel, a marvel of engineering dating back to 1882. As you travel north, watch for the iconic Wassen Church, which can be spotted from three different angles, thanks to its cleverly designed loop tunnels that have gained worldwide fame.

But the thrill doesn't end there! Hop aboard a steamboat and enjoy a smooth sail across the picturesque Lake Lucerne. Along the way, you'll pass by historical gems like Rütliwiese, Schillerstein, and Tell Chapel, each exuding original Swiss charm. As the day winds down, you'll find yourself in Lucerne's harbour next to the famous Chapel Bridge.

Fun fact: You can also experience this incredible journey in reverse!

No trip to Switzerland would be complete without savouring the nation's most renowned delight: Swiss chocolate. And what better way to indulge in this exquisite temptation than aboard the Chocolate Train, a one-of-a-kind experience on the Montreux-Berner Oberland railway. Step into the luxurious "Belle Époque" Pullman coaches from 1915 and go on this delectable journey in first-class style. As the train sets off, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Swiss countryside. While the Chocolate Train does not pass through Lake Geneva directly, the scenic route will indeed offer glimpses of its beauty along the way.

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience as you celebrate the finest Swiss chocolate. From sampling delectable pralines to learning about the art of chocolate-making at the famous Maison Cailler in Broc, every moment of this train adventure is dedicated to the indulgence of chocolate lovers.

Experience the captivating journey aboard the Centovalli Express, courtesy of the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, linking Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in Italy. Serving as the quickest route between the Gotthard and Simplon railway lines, this scenic adventure begins from the shores of the stunning Lake Maggiore.

For hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, this region is a paradise, offering a plethora of trails and excursions of various lengths. With convenient stops in Italy and Switzerland, you'll have ample opportunities to kickstart your hiking adventure. Don't miss out on exploring Intragna, the largest municipality in Centovalli, as well as Lake Lugano! Be sure to take the historic mule track that leads to the charming mountain village of Loco in a parallel valley.

Embrace the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lötschberg mountain line aboard the Lötschberger, and who needs time-saving tunnels when you can revel in such magnificence? Railway enthusiasts are captivated by the breathtaking viaducts, engineering marvels, and looping tracks adorn this remarkable route. While the Lotschberger does not pass through Lake Geneva, Europe's largest alpine lake, its scenic journey offers an array of stunning landscapes to visit in Switzerland.

Prepare to be enchanted by the century-old stretch from Kandersteg to Goppenstein, where pure magic unfolds before your eyes. Families will delight in visiting the Papiliorama tropical butterfly park near Bern, adding more wonder to the journey. This scenic train ride is an incredible adventure, no matter the time of year.

Did you know that the Jungfrau Railways is the highest railway line in Europe? This magnificent railway is nestled within one of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites: the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region and its snowcapped mountains—offering a connection from Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland to the majestic Jungfraujoch.

Each moment of the ascent will immerse you in the region's stunning scenery, surrounded by mountain destinations, towering peaks, and pristine glaciers. The Jungfrau Railway unveils one of the most awe-inspiring and picturesque routes imaginable, treating you to sweeping vistas that will leave you in awe. Undoubtedly, the Jungfrau Railway is a must-see attraction with your Swiss Travel Pass!

Get ready for a ride to remember when you board the Luzern-Interlaken Express. Why? Aside from taking you from Luzern to Interlaken in under two hours, the sights along the way are absolutely mind-blowing!

Have your breath taken away by the stunning turquoise lakes that glisten under the sunlight. The route is part of Switzerland's famous GoldenPass Line and Grand Train Tour. So, prepare to be wowed through the picturesque Jungfrau region. You'll see not just one, not two, but five incredible mountain lakes, such as Lake Luzern, Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern, and Lake Brienz. And the waterfalls and rivers? Oh boy, they'll leave you in awe. And speaking of sights, don't even think about missing out on Brienz. It's a gateway to boat cruises and the charming open-air museum called Ballenberg.

The Voralpen Express is the ultimate way to travel between Eastern and Central Switzerland. We're starting in the happening hub of St. Gallen, where you'll find one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Swiss, the Abbey District. Explore the fascinating history and architectural wonders before hopping on the train.

When the Voralpen Express sets off, the impressive 99-meter-high Sitter viaduct will leave you in awe, and it's just the beginning of the incredible scenery that awaits. The region and medieval old town of Toggenburg will capture your heart with its rolling hills, small-town sights, and lush landscapes.

Experience the thrill of the Gornergrat Cog Railway, the most incredible ride in town! This mountain train journey stands out from other rail trips in Switzerland, offering a truly unique experience. As the train steadily climbs, prepare to be mesmerised by the breathtaking vistas that unfold before your eyes. Snowy peaks, glimmering glaciers, and charming alpine villages create a scene straight out of a postcard, surpassing even your wildest imagination.

But the Gornergrat Cog Railway is not just about the views. It opens up a world of adventure in the mountains. Whether you're an experienced hiker or prefer a stroll through the national park, the Gornergrat Summit provides a variety of hiking trails and paths suitable for all levels of adventurers.