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Switzerland Travel Centre · Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic West

Eight-day Swiss panoramic train loop from Geneva through five legendary routes.

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic West

Switzerland Travel Centre's eight-day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland combines five of the country's most celebrated panoramic trains into one continuous journey. Beginning in Geneva, you depart northward to Zermatt on Day 2, where you have time to wander the car-free town beneath the Matterhorn. Day 3 carries you eight hours across the Alps on the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. The Bernina Express then climbs the steepest adhesion railway in the world, descending into Italy before a coach leg brings you to Lugano. From there, the Gotthard Panorama Express and a historic paddle steamer combine for a full day crossing Lake Lucerne to Lucerne. You finish with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express, the latter winding through golden vineyards and alpine villages down to Montreux. This route suits rail enthusiasts seeking variety without the complexity of independent bookings, and photographers drawn to mountain passes, lakeside towns, and vintage transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 involves self-directed travel from Geneva Airport or your starting point to Geneva; the package does not include airport transfer or ground arrangements on arrival.
  • The itinerary mixes short rail legs with longer ones; Days 6 and 8 involve only 1 hour 45 minutes of train travel, creating less immersive rail days.
  • The package includes accommodation but does not detail meals; confirm what is provided with Switzerland Travel Centre before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Geneva

    Arrival in Geneva

    Travel to Geneva by public transport from Geneva Airport or your starting point in Switzerland. Explore the metropolis on the wide expanse of Lake Geneva.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zermatt

    Stay in Zermatt

    Travel to Zermatt. In Zermatt, you have time to explore the town and the surrounding area on your own. Trip time: approx. 3h.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Ride on the Glacier Express

    Travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful scenery. Trip time: approx. 8 hours.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lugano

    Ride on the Bernina Express

    First, 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne

    Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

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

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    Travel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful view. Trip time: approx. 1h 45 min.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the GoldenPass Express

    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 20min.

  8. Day 8

    Return journey from Montreux

    In Montreux, start your return journey by public transport to Geneva or Geneva Airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Arrive in Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn, with time to explore the car-free town and surrounding area on your own.
  • Day 3Spend eight hours on the Glacier Express, crossing the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz in a panoramic train car.
  • Day 4Ride the Bernina Express to Tirano in Italy, then continue by bus to Lugano, traversing the steepest adhesion railway in the world on the Bernina Line.
  • Day 5Travel in first-class panoramic seats on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Flüelen, then cross Lake Lucerne on a historic paddle steamer to Lucerne.
  • Day 7Ride the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux past golden vineyards, alpine meadows, and villages over three hours and twenty minutes.

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz), Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano), Gotthard Panorama Express (Lugano to Flüelen, first-class panoramic car), Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and GoldenPass Express (Interlaken to Montreux) are all included. One historic paddle steamer crossing Lake Lucerne is also included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Switzerland Travel Centre sells this as a rail and accommodation package with self-directed exploration time in most towns. There is no mention of a guide.
What is the total journey time?
Eight days and seven nights, starting in Geneva and finishing in Montreux. Total time on trains and boats ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes on Day 6 to 8 hours on Day 3.
What does the CHF 1,740 price include?
Rail travel on the five named trains, the paddle steamer segment, and accommodation in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux. Check with the operator for meal inclusions and the cost of local transport to the first hotel.
When does this tour run?
Switzerland Travel Centre does not publish specific departure dates in this package description. Contact them to confirm available travel windows.

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