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Switzerland Travel Centre · Tailor-made rail vacation

Scenic Rail Adventure

Five-day rail journey from Lucerne to Zermatt on three panoramic trains

Illustration of Scenic Rail Adventure

Switzerland Travel Centre's Scenic Rail Adventure connects three of Switzerland's most celebrated panoramic trains across five days, starting in Lucerne and finishing in Zermatt. You begin with a paddle steamer crossing Lake Lucerne, then board the Gotthard Panorama Express in its 1st class panoramic coach for the descent to the Mediterranean palm-lined shores of Lugano. Day 3 takes you by bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano, where you switch to the Bernina Express for the panoramic carriage climb to St. Moritz in the high Alps. The final rail leg is the eight-hour Glacier Express across the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt, framed by glaciers and mountain peaks. You choose accommodation at each stop, and the package includes Swiss public transport to and from your starting point, plus the Digital Swiss Coupon Pass. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking a carefully sequenced itinerary, couples looking for mountain and lakeside settings, and independent explorers who want structure without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • You select and book your own hotels at each stop; the package price does not include accommodation cost.
  • Day 1 and Day 5 are arrival and departure by public transport; rail travel concentrates on Days 2, 3, and 4.
  • Day 3 includes an eight-hour journey (five hours by bus, three hours by train); Day 4 is also eight hours by train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Arrival in Lucerne

    Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne. Enjoy the journey and the beautiful views of the surrounding area.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

    Glide along Lake Lucerne on a historic paddle steamer. Then travel to Lugano in the 1st class panoramic coach of the Gotthard Panorama Express. Trip time: approx. 5h 30min

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Journey on the Bernina Express

    You travel on the Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Afterwards, the Bernina Express takes you to St. Moritz in a panoramic carriage. Trip time: approx. 8h

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Journey on the Glacier Express

    You travel on the Glacier Express on a varied panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Trip time: approx. 8h

  5. Day 5

    Return journey from Zermatt

    Travel by public transport from Zermatt to the end point of your trip. Or extend your stay at a location of your choice.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Glide across Lake Lucerne on a historic paddle steamer, then board the Gotthard Panorama Express in its 1st class panoramic coach for the 5.5-hour descent to Lugano.
  • Day 3Travel by bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano, then switch to the Bernina Express panoramic carriage for the climb to St. Moritz.
  • Day 4The eight-hour Glacier Express carries you across the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt, with views of mountains and glaciers.

Included

  • Arrival and departure included: travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
  • Choose your accommodation: select hotel and room category
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass (2026 bookings)

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Gotthard Panorama Express (Lucerne to Lugano in 1st class), Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz in panoramic carriage), and Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt).
What accommodation is included?
You choose your hotel and room category at each stop. The package does not include hotel cost; you book it separately.
Is transport to and from Switzerland included?
Yes. The package includes arrival and departure travel from any starting point and back to any ending point within Switzerland.
What else is included?
The Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026 bookings is included.
How long is this trip?
Five days and four nights, with three full days of train and coach travel.
Can I add extra activities?
Yes. Additional mountain excursions and activities can be added directly to the trip.

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