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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Switzerland's Lakes and Mountains

Switzerland rail tour: Geneva to Zurich via three scenic trains

Illustration of Switzerland's Lakes and Mountains

Railbookers runs this seven-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland, starting in Geneva and ending with a transfer to Zurich Airport from Chur. A first night in Geneva, with views of the Jet d'Eau fountain on the Rhone, is followed by a train to Montreux along Lake Geneva on day 2. Day 3 puts travelers aboard the GoldenPass train, rising above the lake through the Swiss Riviera to Interlaken, the base for a day trip on day 4 to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet. The Glacier Express then crosses the Lotschberg and the Swiss Alps to Chur on day 5, followed by the Bernina Express to Tirano via St. Moritz on day 6, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct past glaciers and rock gorges. With three named scenic trains and a self-guided structure, this suits travelers who want a fast-moving tour of Switzerland's classic lake and mountain routes without a tour manager.

What to know before you look closer

  • Between mid-October and early December, the Glacier Express itself does not run on day 5; Railbookers substitutes local trains for that leg instead.
  • The hotel list offers 27 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the final hotel depends on which tier and city you choose, from Hotel Cornavin in Geneva up to the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Arrive in Geneva today and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Explore Switzerland's second city and discover its heritage. Marvel at the towering Jet d'Eau fountain in the Rhone River.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montreux

    Geneva to Montreux

    Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before checking out and catching the train to Montreux. The journey takes in sparkling vistas of Lake Geneva. Montreux is a beautiful city; head out to view the famous Chateau de Chillon castle.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    The GoldenPass Line to Interlaken

    Enjoy breakfast before joining the GoldenPass train. The route rises above Lake Geneva, offering amazing views of the Swiss Rivera, passing through Chateaux d'Oex and Gstaad before arriving in Zweisimmen, then Interlaken.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Excursion

    Climb to Europe's highest-altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at 11,332 feet. The journey takes you to Kleine Scheidegg, then Eigergletscher, before reaching Jungfraujoch with views of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chur

    Glacier Express to Chur

    Depart Interlaken today and travel to Brig by train, over the Lotschberg Mountain, where you will meet the Glacier Express through the majestic Swiss Alps to Chur. Between mid-Oct and early Dec the Glacier Express does not run, so the journey is made on local trains.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Chur

    Bernina Express

    Take the Bernina Express to Tirano via St. Moritz. Be dazzled at the incredible views of glaciers, sheer rock gorges and viaducts, including the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur. Stop in Tirano or Poschiavo for lunch, then head back to Chur.

  7. Day 7

    Depart Chur to Zurich Airport

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and continuing to Zurich Airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train from Geneva to Montreux, with views of Lake Geneva and the Chateau de Chillon castle.
  • Day 3The GoldenPass train rises above Lake Geneva with views of the Swiss Riviera, passing through Chateaux d'Oex and Gstaad on the way to Interlaken.
  • Day 4A climb to Europe's highest-altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain at 11,332 feet, via Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher, with views of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains.
  • Day 5The Glacier Express crosses the Lotschberg and the Swiss Alps from Brig to Chur.
  • Day 6The Bernina Express to Tirano via St. Moritz, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur with views of glaciers and rock gorges.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout as per the itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Chur
  • Seat Reservations on the GoldenPass, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express
  • Daytrip to Jungfraujoch

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout as per the itinerary, with seat reservations on the GoldenPass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation, per Railbookers.
Which trains are used?
The GoldenPass Line from Montreux to Interlaken, the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur, and the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano via St. Moritz.
Does the Glacier Express always run?
Between mid-October and early December the Glacier Express itself does not operate; Railbookers substitutes local trains for that leg.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 27 accommodation options across Geneva, Montreux, Interlaken and Chur at different tiers, from Hotel Cornavin in Geneva up to the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.
Where does the trip start and end?
It starts in Geneva and ends with a transfer from Chur to Zurich Airport on day 7.

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