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Switzerland Travel Centre · Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Top Attractions

Five-day Swiss rail loop through Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, and Zermatt

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Top Attractions

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a five-day independent rail journey designed to cover the country's most celebrated destinations in minimal time. Starting in Lucerne, the tour follows a linear route through Interlaken, Montreux, and Zermatt, finishing in Chur. Travellers ride three of Switzerland's most famous named trains: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express connects the foot of Mount Pilatus to the gateway of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau; the GoldenPass Express carries passengers from Interlaken to Montreux on Lake Geneva past vineyards and farmland; and the Glacier Express, known as the slowest express train in the world, departs Zermatt for Chur in a 5 hour 30 minute panorama of Alpine scenery. Each day includes an overnight stay in a city hotel, with time to explore on arrival. The package suits first-time rail travellers seeking an accessible introduction to Swiss trains and repeat rail enthusiasts wanting to experience three signature routes, as well as budget-conscious travellers combining rail and hotel in one fixed price.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 describes travel to Lucerne by public transport but does not specify the starting point; confirm your arrival arrangements with Switzerland Travel Centre
  • The itinerary does not detail hotel standards or names; confirm accommodation quality and locations before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Travel to Lucerne

    You travel to Lucerne by public transport. Enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to discover the city on arrival.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    You travel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken. Enjoy the view during the journey. After arrival, you have time to discover Interlaken. Trip time: approx. 1h 50min

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Ride on the GoldenPass Express

    You travel to Montreux on the GoldenPass Express. Enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to discover the charming town on Lake Geneva on arrival. Trip time: approx. 3h

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Trip from Montreux to Zermatt

    You travel to Zermatt by train. Enjoy the view of the Alps and experience the unique atmosphere of this charming mountain village after your arrival in Zermatt.

  5. Day 5rail

    Ride on the Glacier Express and return journey from Chur

    You travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. From there, you can start your return journey by public transport or extend your stay. Trip time: approx. 5h 30min

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Lucerne-Interlaken Express departs Lucerne for a 1 hour 50 minute journey through Swiss countryside to Interlaken, gateway to the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
  • Day 3The GoldenPass Express travels Interlaken to Montreux past idyllic landscapes and golden vineyards, a three-hour ride along Lake Geneva.
  • Day 5The Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world, departs Zermatt for Chur in 5 hours 30 minutes, offering extended views of the Alps and the Matterhorn.

Also sold by

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 travel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, and Glacier Express in 2nd class, plus four nights of accommodation across Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, and Zermatt.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent tour. You travel at your own pace between destinations and have time to explore each city on arrival.
How long is the journey?
The tour is five days and four nights, from Day 1 arrival in Lucerne through Day 5 departure from Chur.
What is the starting price?
Switzerland Travel Centre lists the package from CHF 880 (USD 1,096).
Where does the journey start and end?
The tour starts in Lucerne and ends in Chur, though the operator notes you can arrange travel to and from any point in Switzerland using public transport.

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