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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express

Eight-day independent rail journey through Swiss Alps on three scenic trains

Illustration of Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express

Vacations By Rail's eight-day self-guided rail journey showcases Switzerland's Alpine scenery across three of Europe's most celebrated trains. The trip begins in Zurich, a medieval and modern city on a glacial lake, then transfers by rail to Interlaken, a base in the Bernese Oberland for the Jungfrau Railway ascent to Jungfraujoch (the Top of Europe) and an optional cable car excursion to the Schilthorn. Day 5 brings the Glacier Express, an all-day panoramic crossing from Brig to Chur that passes through the Furka Base Tunnel, scales the Oberalp Pass and descends the Rhine Gorge. Day 6 offers leisure time in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, before Day 7 boards the Bernina Express, a UNESCO route with 55 tunnels and nearly 200 bridges and viaducts, for a day trip to Tirano in Italy. Breakfasts and a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited trains, buses and boats are included. This itinerary suits independent explorers, first-time rail travellers and photographers drawn to alpine and glacier scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Schilthorn excursion on Day 4 is optional and payable extra; if not taken, the day is free in Interlaken.
  • The package does not include flights or airport transfers; you must arrange your own transport to Zurich.
  • Day 1 is arrival only; your exploration of Zurich begins after hotel check-in.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich and make your way to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings, with views of the Alps and sites like the 12th-century Grossmunster cathedral and the Bahnhofstrasse.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    To Interlaken By Train

    Transfer on your own to Zurich's train station and board a train to Interlaken (just over two hours), passing Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Free day to explore Interlaken.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Railway to the Top of Europe

    Local train to Grindelwald, then the Wengernalp Railway (the world's longest cog railway) to Kleine Scheidegg, then the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, including the Sphinx Observation Deck. Return via the Jungfrau Railway and the Eiger Express cable car to Grindelwald, then train back to Interlaken.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Optional Excursion to Schilthorn

    Optional excursion (payable extra) by train from Interlaken to Murren, then cable cars up to the Schilthorn summit, home to the rotating alpine restaurant Piz Gloria and its links to the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. Remainder of the day at leisure in Interlaken if not taking the excursion.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chur

    Glacier Express

    Local train to Brig, then board the Glacier Express for the journey to Chur, crossing the Rhone River, the Furka Base Tunnel, the Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge (the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'). Transfer on your own to your hotel in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Chur

    At leisure in Chur

    Free day in Chur to explore the Altstadt (Old Town), take a cable car ride for alpine views, or use the Swiss Travel Pass for a scenic train ride to the mountain resort of Arosa.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Chur

    Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage route with 55 tunnels and nearly 200 bridges and viaducts including the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, for a day trip to Tirano, Italy, then return to Chur.

  8. Day 8rail

    Chur to Zurich by Train

    Join a local train at the Chur rail station and return to Zurich for the onward journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Jungfrau Railway ascends to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, with access to the Sphinx Observation Deck and views across the Bernese Oberland.
  • Day 5The Glacier Express crosses the Furka Base Tunnel, climbs the Oberalp Pass and descends through the Rhine Gorge (the Swiss Grand Canyon) en route from Brig to Chur.
  • Day 7The Bernina Express follows the UNESCO World Heritage Albula Line, passing the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct on a day trip to Tirano, Italy.

Included

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • Rail travel aboard the Jungfrau Railway, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Swiss Travel Pass, permitting unlimited travel on public trains, buses and boats

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided independent rail vacation. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary; no tour guide accompanies the group.
Which trains are included?
Rail travel aboard the Jungfrau Railway, Glacier Express and Bernina Express is included, along with a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited public trains, buses and boats.
What are the hotels?
One night in Zurich (Hotel Adler or Hotel Bristol), three nights in Interlaken (Hotel Derby or Hotel Bernerhof) and three nights in Chur (Central Post Hotel).
What is included in the price?
Seven nights hotel accommodation, rail travel on the three named trains, the Swiss Travel Pass, and seven breakfasts. Flights, airport transfers and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Days involve city exploration on foot, cable car rides to mountain summits and luggage transfers between stations and hotels. The itinerary has free days to rest or explore at your own pace.
When does this trip run?
The operator publishes no departure dates in their listing; contact Vacations By Rail to confirm availability.

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