How much does it cost?

From CHF 800 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $981 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. The trip includes a Swiss Travel Pass Youth for unlimited travel, plus train journeys to Grindelwald and on to Zermatt.

Is this trip budget-friendly?

Yes. The evidence describes it as budget-friendly, with overnight stays in Swiss youth hostels and a Swiss Travel Pass Youth included.

What is not included?

Mountain excursions such as the Rigi, Stanserhorn, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat are optional extras, not included in the base price.

The evidence does not mention a guide; days are built around independent hikes and excursions at each stop.

Switzerland Travel Centre · Rail vacation

Ultimate Bucket List

6-day budget Swiss rail trip on youth pass through Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt

Ultimate Bucket List is a 6-day rail trip from Switzerland Travel Centre aimed at budget-conscious travelers, using a Swiss Travel Pass Youth for unlimited travel and overnight stays in Swiss youth hostels. After two nights in Lucerne beside its lake, with a possible trip to the Rigi or Stanserhorn, the train carries travelers to Grindelwald for two nights, where an optional hike offers views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, or a hike through a glacier gorge. From there, the train continues to Zermatt for a final night beneath the Matterhorn, with a choice between the Gornergrat excursion or a hike to the Riffelsee. Nothing beyond the train travel, youth pass, and hostel stays is included, so each excursion is booked or added separately. This suits younger or budget-minded travelers who want mountain scenery without a high price tag.

What to know before you look closer

Several activities are suggested but not included: the Rigi or Stanserhorn trip in Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch excursion or glacier gorge hike in Grindelwald, and the Gornergrat excursion or Riffelsee hike in Zermatt can all be added directly to the trip.
The evidence does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm scheduling with Switzerland Travel Centre.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne
Travel to Lucerne by public transport.
Day 2overnight: Lucerne
Stay in Lucerne
Enjoy your day off in Lucerne. Use the time for a trip to the Rigi or the Stanserhorn.
Day 3railovernight: Grindelwald
Journey from Lucerne to Grindelwald
Take the train to Grindelwald, where you have the day to yourself. How about a hike with a view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau? Journey time: approx. 2h 30min.
Day 4overnight: Grindelwald
Stay in Grindelwald
Spend a day in Grindelwald. From there, take a trip to the Jungfraujoch or hike through the glacier gorge.
Day 5railovernight: Zermatt
Journey from Grindelwald to Zermatt
Take the train to Zermatt and enjoy the best views of the Matterhorn. In the afternoon, you can plan a mountain excursion to Gornergrat or a hike to Riffelsee. Travel time: approx. 3 hours.
Day 6
Return journey from Zermatt
Start your return journey by public transport.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3Takes the train to Grindelwald, with the option to hike with views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
Day 4Spends a day in Grindelwald, with the choice of a Jungfraujoch excursion or a hike through the glacier gorge.
Day 5Takes the train to Zermatt for views of the Matterhorn, with the option of a mountain excursion to Gornergrat or a hike to the Riffelsee.

Included

Arrival and departure: travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
Additional activities and mountain excursions can be added directly to the trip
Swiss Travel Pass Youth included: unlimited travel from A to B
Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From CHF 800 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $981 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. The trip includes a Swiss Travel Pass Youth for unlimited travel, plus train journeys to Grindelwald and on to Zermatt.
Is this trip budget-friendly?: Yes. The evidence describes it as budget-friendly, with overnight stays in Swiss youth hostels and a Swiss Travel Pass Youth included.
What is not included?: Mountain excursions such as the Rigi, Stanserhorn, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat are optional extras, not included in the base price.
Is this trip guided?: The evidence does not mention a guide; days are built around independent hikes and excursions at each stop.