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Switzerland Travel Centre · Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic

Swiss rail circle: Lucerne to Flüelen via five signature trains in seven days

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Classic is a seven-day rail journey that showcases the country's Alpine and lakeside landscapes. Beginning in Lucerne, the tour travels on five celebrated trains: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express. Each leg reveals different terrain, from vineyards and medieval villages to glacial peaks and Mediterranean valleys. You overnight in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne, with one day in Zermatt for independent exploration near the Matterhorn and another in St. Moritz at 6,089 feet above sea level. The return leg crosses Lake Lucerne by historic paddle boat. This itinerary suits first-time rail travellers seeking a comprehensive Alpine experience and repeat enthusiasts eager to ride some of Europe's most storied mountain railways.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 3 transport to Zermatt is not detailed; confirm with Switzerland Travel Centre how you reach Zermatt from Montreux.
  • The itinerary includes one coach segment (Day 5, Tirano to Lugano via the Bernina Express bus) and one boat segment (Day 6, historic paddle boat on Lake Lucerne).
  • No departures are published in the evidence; verify current availability and dates with the operator before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Arrival in Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    You travel to Lucerne by public transport. From there, take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. Trip time: approx. 2 hours.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the GoldenPass Express

    You travel on the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken directly to Montreux. Golden vineyards, alpine meadows, and villages accompany you on this journey. Trip time: approx. 3h.

  3. Day 3overnight: Zermatt

    Stay in Zermatt

    You travel to Zermatt. In Zermatt, you have time to explore the town and the surrounding area on your own.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    Ride on the Glacier Express

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

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lugano

    Ride on the Bernina Express

    You travel on the Bernina Express to Tirano (IT) in the panoramic train car. Then take the Bernina Express bus to Lugano. Trip time: approx. 5h 40min.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lucerne

    Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

    You travel to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic train car of the Gotthard Panorama Express. You then cross Lake Lucerne on the historic steam paddle boat to Lucerne. Trip time: approx. 5h 30min.

  7. Day 7

    Return journey from Lucerne

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Lucerne on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, traveling two hours through mountain scenery to Interlaken.
  • Day 2Ride the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux past golden vineyards, Alpine meadows, and villages overlooking Lake Geneva.
  • Day 4Spend eight hours on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the slowest express train in the world, crossing varied mountain terrain.
  • Day 5Travel the Bernina Express in a panoramic train car from St. Moritz to Tirano, then transfer by coach to Lugano for a Mediterranean atmosphere.
  • Day 6Return on the Gotthard Panorama Express in a 1st class panoramic train car to Flüelen, then cross Lake Lucerne by historic steam paddle boat.

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The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes five named trains, one coach connection, and one historic paddle boat crossing. Rail fares and accommodation are included in the from-price.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The evidence describes individual train travel and independent time (particularly in Zermatt on Day 3); confirm with Switzerland Travel Centre whether a guide accompanies the group or meets you at specific stops.
Which trains are included?
The Lucerne-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express (in 1st class panoramic car).
How many nights and where?
Six nights: Interlaken (Day 1), Montreux (Day 2), Zermatt (Day 3), St. Moritz (Day 4), Lugano (Day 5), and Lucerne (Day 6). Hotels are specified only by city; confirm specific properties with the operator.
What is the pace like?
The trip moves between destinations daily, but each night you stay in one hotel. Most days involve train journeys of 2 to 8 hours. Day 3 in Zermatt allows independent exploration.
How much walking is involved?
Walking is minimal beyond train stations. The itinerary focuses on rail travel and is designed for general travellers; confirm any mobility concerns with Switzerland Travel Centre.

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