Search

Switzerland Travel Centre · Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Best of Winter

Eight-day Swiss Alpine rail loop from Lucerne on three named trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Best of Winter

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland runs eight days and eight nights across the Swiss Alps in winter, starting in Lucerne and ending in Poschiavo. The journey uses three named trains: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, the Glacier Express (the slowest express train in the world), and the Bernina Express. You travel independently between these routes and stay two to three nights in each of four towns (Lucerne, Interlaken, Brig, and Chur), with a full day to explore each on your own. Day 5 includes a side trip to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. The itinerary balances train time with free time: the Glacier Express climbs the Oberalp Pass and winds through the Rhine Gorge, while the Bernina Express descends past glaciers to Italian-speaking Poschiavo, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct. Winter landscapes, mountain villages, and unhurried access to Switzerland's most famous Alpine routes suit independent rail travellers, couples, and repeat train travelers on a moderate budget.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 involves independent travel by public transport to Lucerne; the package does not cover arrival logistics or pre-tour transport.
  • Day 8 is a departure day with no overnight; the itinerary does not detail the end-point or any return logistics.
  • The package offers free time in each town but no guided tours or included activities beyond the train journeys themselves.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Arrival in Lucerne

    Start your journey from your individual starting point in Switzerland and travel to Lucerne by public transport.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. On arrival, you have time to explore Interlaken. Journey time: approx. 2 hours.

  3. Day 3overnight: Interlaken

    Stay in Interlaken

    You have time to discover Interlaken and the surrounding area. Explore the snow-covered mountains, the glistening lakes or enjoy the winter hiking trails.

  4. Day 4overnight: Brig

    Stay in Brig

    Travel from Interlaken to Brig in Upper Valais. The town lies at the foot of the Simplon Pass and has a beautiful old town. You have plenty of time to explore the town.

  5. Day 5overnight: Brig

    Excursion to Zermatt

    On to the Matterhorn! You are travelling from Brig to Zermatt, which lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, for a day trip.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Chur

    Journey on the Glacier Express

    Travel on the Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world, from Brig to Chur. Enjoy the unspoilt landscape over the Oberalp Pass and through the Rhine Gorge. Journey time: approx. 4 hours.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Chur

    Journey on the Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express in Chur and enjoy the journey past glaciers to Italian-speaking Poschiavo. The return journey is by regional train to Chur. Journey time: approx. 3h 15min.

  8. Day 8

    Return journey from Chur

    On the last day of your trip, public transport will take you to the end point of your journey. Or extend your stay and discover more of Switzerland.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel the Lucerne-Interlaken Express through alpine scenery; journey time approximately 2 hours.
  • Day 5Day excursion from Brig to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn at the foot of the town.
  • Day 6Board the Glacier Express, described as the slowest express train in the world, crossing the Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge from Brig to Chur.
  • Day 7Ride the Bernina Express from Chur past glaciers to Poschiavo, passing the Landwasser Viaduct; return to Chur by regional train.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package price from CHF 1230 includes journeys on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express, as well as accommodations and local public transport.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent tour. Switzerland Travel Centre arranges the rail passes and hotels, but you explore each destination on your own during the multi-day stays.
Which trains are featured?
The Lucerne-Interlaken Express (Lucerne to Interlaken, approx. 2 hours), the Glacier Express (Brig to Chur, approx. 4 hours), and the Bernina Express (Chur to Poschiavo, approx. 3 hours 15 minutes).
What is included in the package?
Train journeys on three named routes, seven nights of accommodation in Lucerne, Interlaken, Brig, and Chur, and a day excursion to Zermatt. Meals and most activities are not included.
When is this tour available?
The tour is designed for winter travel through the Swiss Alps; the operator lists it as a winter tour but does not specify exact departure dates or frequency.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Walking is moderate. Each town visit involves exploration on foot, winter hiking trails are available in Interlaken, and the Zermatt excursion requires local walking around the town.

Similar journeys