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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Alpine Rivieras

Five Swiss trains in five days from Lucerne through Alps and lakes to Flüelen

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Alpine Rivieras

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Alpine Rivieras is a 5-day, 4-night rail journey that weaves through the country's most scenic regions. Starting in Lucerne and ending in Flüelen, the trip combines four distinctive Swiss trains: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express with its panoramic coach, the Centovalli Railway through the Valley of a Hundred Valleys, and the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class. A historic steam paddle boat completes the journey on Day 5. Overnights in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, and Locarno give travellers time to explore villages and views of the Matterhorn, Eiger, and Mönch. The route moves through Alpine landscapes, past glittering lakes, and into the Mediterranean atmosphere of Ticino. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a well-paced mix of famous trains and stopovers, as well as photographers drawn to panoramic coaches and mountain scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 requires travel to Lucerne by public transport before joining the tour; the price does not cover transport to your starting point in Switzerland
  • The itinerary names four specific trains, but does not name trains or specify transport for all connections; confirm all rail legs with Switzerland Travel Centre before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Journey to Interlaken

    You travel to Lucerne by public transport. Continue with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. Travel time: approx. 1h 50min.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the GoldenPass Express

    You travel in the panoramic coach of the GoldenPass Express to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Trip time: approx. 3h 15min.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Stay in Zermatt

    You travel by train from Montreux to Zermatt. Here you have time to discover the beautiful village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Trip time: approx. 2h 30min.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Locarno

    Ride on the Centovalli Railway

    Today you travel on the Centovalli Railway via Domodossola in Italy to Locarno and enjoy the beautiful route past numerous side valleys. Trip time: approx. 5h.

  5. Day 5rail

    Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

    You travel by train to Bellinzona and then with the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Flüelen. Continue with the historic steam paddle boat to Lucerne. From there, you can either extend your stay or start your return journey to your final destination in Switzerland. Trip time: approx. 5 hours.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Panoramic coach of the GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux affords views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps
  • Day 3Free time in Zermatt village at the foot of the Matterhorn after the 2-hour 30-minute train journey from Montreux
  • Day 4Centovalli Railway through the Valley of a Hundred Valleys, passing numerous side valleys on the 5-hour route from Domodossola to Locarno
  • Day 5Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class from Bellinzona to Flüelen, followed by a historic steam paddle boat return to Lucerne

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Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Lucerne-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Centovalli Railway, and Gotthard Panorama Express (in 1st class). The final leg on Day 5 includes a historic steam paddle boat from Flüelen back to Lucerne.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of CHF 930 (USD 1,159) includes the named train journeys, accommodation in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, and Locarno, and the steam paddle boat return.
Is this guided or independent?
The itinerary does not specify whether a guide accompanies the group. Contact Switzerland Travel Centre for confirmation.
How much time do I spend on trains each day?
Day 1 is 1 hour 50 minutes, Day 2 is 3 hours 15 minutes, Day 3 is 2 hours 30 minutes, Day 4 is 5 hours, and Day 5 is approximately 5 hours total by train and boat.
What accommodation is provided?
The tour includes four nights of accommodation in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, and Locarno, but the evidence does not specify hotel names or star ratings.

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