Switzerland Travel Centre · Voyage en train

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classique Ouest

Swiss scenic rail circle from Genève to Montreux on five named trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classique Ouest

Switzerland Travel Centre operates this 8-day Grand Train Tour across the country, departing Genève and ending in Montreux. You travel by five of Switzerland's most celebrated scenic trains: the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St-Moritz over 8 hours, the Bernina Express climbing the world's steepest adhesion rail line, the Gotthard Panorama Express in first-class panoramic cars across the central Alps, the Lucerne-Interlaken Express through the Bernese Oberland, and the GoldenPass Express descending through vineyards to Montreux. Each day you overnight in a different town, with time to explore independently. A historic paddle-wheeler crossing on Lake Uri forms part of the journey. The route is designed for rail enthusiasts new to Switzerland as well as seasoned train travellers seeking a comprehensive overview of the country's railway heritage and mountain scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The rail fare is included in the from-price of EUR 1930, but confirm the hotel accommodation tier and final costs with Switzerland Travel Centre, as the package may offer tiered hotel options
  • Days 1 and 8 include self-arranged public transport from Genève airport or city centre to your hotel; the operator does not provide airport transfers

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Genève

    Arrivée à Genève

    Tu te rends à Genève en transports publics depuis l'aéroport de Genève ou ton point de départ en Suisse. Découvre la métropole au bord du vaste lac Léman.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zermatt

    Séjour à Zermatt

    Tu te rends à Zermatt où tu auras le temps d'explorer la station et les environs de manière autonome. Temps de trajet : environ 3h.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St-Moritz

    Voyage à bord du Glacier Express

    Tu voyages avec le Glacier Express de Zermatt à St-Moritz. Profite du voyage et des beaux paysages. Temps de trajet : environ 8h.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lugano

    Voyage à bord du Bernina Express

    Tu voyages à bord du Bernina Express en voiture panoramique jusqu'à Tirano (IT). Ensuite, tu prends le bus Bernina Express jusqu'à Lugano. Temps de trajet : environ 5h 40min.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne

    Voyage à bord du Gotthard Panorama Express

    Tu voyages dans la voiture panoramique de 1ère classe du Gotthard Panorama Express jusqu'à Flüelen. Ensuite, tu traverseras le lac des Quatre-Cantons à bord du bateau à aubes historique pour rejoindre Lucerne. Temps de trajet : environ 5h 30min.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Voyage à bord du Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    Tu voyages à bord du Lucerne-Interlaken Express jusqu'à Interlaken. Profite du voyage et de la belle vue. Temps de trajet : environ 1h 45 min.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Montreux

    Voyage à bord du GoldenPass Express

    Tu voyages directement d'Interlaken à Montreux avec le GoldenPass Express. Des vignobles dorés, des alpages et des villages t'accompagneront tout au long de ce voyage. Temps de trajet : environ 3h 20min.

  8. Day 8

    Voyage retour depuis Montreux

    À Montreux, tu entreprends le voyage retour en transports publics vers Genève ou l'aéroport de Genève.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Glacier Express carries you from Zermatt to St-Moritz, an 8-hour panoramic journey through alpine scenery
  • Day 4The Bernina Express climbs the world's steepest adhesion rail line to Tirano before a connecting bus takes you to Lugano
  • Day 5The Gotthard Panorama Express travels in first-class panoramic cars to Flüelen, then you cross Lake Uri aboard a historic paddle-wheeler
  • Day 7The GoldenPass Express descends from Interlaken to Montreux through vineyards, Alpine pastures, and Swiss villages

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The package includes the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St-Moritz), Bernina Express (St-Moritz to Tirano plus a connecting bus to Lugano), Gotthard Panorama Express (Lugano to Flüelen in first class), Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and GoldenPass Express (Interlaken to Montreux). A historic paddle-wheeler boat crosses Lake Uri on Day 5.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The itinerary indicates independent travel with self-guided exploration in each destination. You are not accompanied by a guide.
What are the main hotels?
The package includes overnight stays in Zermatt, St-Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux. Specific hotel names and star ratings are not listed in the operator's information.
How much travel time is there each day?
Travel times range from 1 hour 45 minutes (Lucerne to Interlaken) to 8 hours (Glacier Express). Most days allow several hours of free time in each destination.
When does this trip run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates. Contact Switzerland Travel Centre to confirm availability.
What is not included?
Airport transfers, meals, and activities beyond the train and boat journeys are not mentioned as included.

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