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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic Jungfrau

Eight-day Swiss rail loop through Alps on six named scenic trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic Jungfrau

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Classic Jungfrau is an 8-day, 7-night independent rail journey that strings together six of Europe's most celebrated train routes. Starting in Zurich, you travel via the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken, where you ascend the Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe, at 11,332 feet. From there the journey spirals through the Alps: the GoldenPass Express carries you through the Bernese Oberland to Montreux and Lake Geneva's vineyards; the Glacier Express crosses from Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn to St. Moritz in 8 hours of Alpine scenery; the Bernina Express descends toward Italy, crossing the Brusio circular viaduct; and the Gotthard Panorama Express returns you to Lake Lucerne by train and boat. Each night settles in a different town, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne. This trip suits rail enthusiasts seeking famous scenic lines and independent travellers who enjoy planning their own explorations within a framework of pre-arranged hotels and trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent rail package, not fully guided; you make your own way between the hotel and trains each day.
  • Day 1 and Day 8 are arrival and departure days in Zurich; arrange your own public transport to/from the hotel and departure point.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Journey to Zurich

    You travel to Zurich by public transport. Take the opportunity to explore this dynamic city.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and excursion to the Jungfraujoch

    You travel to Lucerne and then continue with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. From there you continue to the Jungfraujoch.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the GoldenPass Express

    You travel with the GoldenPass Express through the Bernese Oberland to Montreux. Trip time: approx. 3h 15min.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Stay in Zermatt

    You travel to Zermatt by train. In Zermatt, you have time to discover the town at the foot of the Matterhorn.

  5. Day 5railovernight: St. Moritz

    Ride on the Glacier Express

    You travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. A varied panoramic journey awaits you. Trip time: approx. 8h.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lugano

    Ride on the Bernina Express

    You travel on the Bernina Express to Tirano (IT), past Lago Bianco, Poschiavo, and the circular viaduct in Brusio. Take the bus to Lugano from Tirano. Trip time: approx. 6 hours.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

    You travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Flüelen. You then travel by boat on Lake Lucerne to Lucerne. Trip time: approx. 5h 30min.

  8. Day 8

    Return journey from Lucerne

    In Lucerne, you start your return or onward journey by public transport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Climb the Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) at 11,332 feet, where snow and ice exist year-round.
  • Day 3Ride the GoldenPass Express through the Bernese Oberland for approximately 3 hours 15 minutes from Interlaken to Montreux, passing vineyards and Lake Geneva shores.
  • Day 5Travel the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, a full-day panoramic journey through alpine landscapes for approximately 8 hours.
  • Day 6Ride the Bernina Express to Tirano, crossing Europe's highest train tracks and passing the Brusio circular viaduct, Lago Bianco, and Poschiavo.
  • Day 7Travel the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class to Flüelen, then return by boat across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The package includes six named trains: Lucerne-Interlaken Express, Jungfraubahn (to Jungfraujoch), GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express in first class. You also travel by bus from Tirano to Lugano and by boat from Flüelen to Lucerne.
How many nights do I spend in each place?
One night each in Zurich, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne; seven nights total over eight days.
Is this trip guided or independent?
This is an independent rail package. Switzerland Travel Centre organizes the itinerary and books your trains and hotels, but you navigate between locations and explore towns on your own.
What is the highest elevation visited?
Jungfraujoch at 11,332 feet above sea level on Day 2, reached via the Jungfraubahn.
When does this trip run?
The evidence states the tour operates from spring to autumn, though exact departure dates are not listed.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of CHF 1,770 (USD 2,205) covers accommodations and the six named trains plus rail connections. Confirm which meals and ground transfers are included with Switzerland Travel Centre before booking.

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