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Switzerland Travel Centre · Tailor-made rail vacation

Voralpen-Express and Centovalli-Railway

Four-day rail journey from St. Gallen to Montreux on three scenic trains

Illustration of Voralpen-Express and Centovalli-Railway

Switzerland Travel Centre's tailor-made Voralpen Express and Centovalli Railway package connects eastern and western Switzerland over four days by riding three celebrated regional trains. You begin in St. Gallen and travel west via Lucerne, Locarno, and the Italian village of Domodossola to Montreux, spending three nights in hotels of your choice. The journey combines the Voralpen Express (views of Mount Rigi and Rapperswil dam), the Treno Gottardo across the Gotthard mountain route in first class, and the Centovalli Railway through the valley of a hundred valleys in second class. You have free time in each city to explore lakeside towns and mountain scenery. This package suits independent travellers who want curated rail connections without a guide, first-time rail passengers building confidence on celebrated routes, and budget-conscious explorers who can select their hotel tier. The price includes rail fare, accommodation, arrival and departure travel within Switzerland, and a digital pass for 2026.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of 520 CHF assumes you arrange your own arrival in St. Gallen and departure from Montreux; the package includes travel from any Swiss point and back, but this may involve extra cost if you start outside Switzerland.
  • Hotel and room category are your choice within the package; final accommodation depends on availability at your selected tier and city.
  • Day 4 is a return journey day; the itinerary does not detail a guided activity or excursion for that morning.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Travel to St. Gallen and ride on the Voralpen Express

    You travel to St. Gallen by public transport. From there, take the Voralpen Express to Lucerne, where you have time to discover the city. Trip time: approx. 2h 20min

  2. Day 2overnight: Locarno

    Ride on the Treno Gottardo

    You travel in 1st class on the Treno Gottardo over the Gotthard mountain route to Locarno. You have time in Locarno to explore the city and the surrounding area. Trip time: approx. 3 hours

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Journey on the Centovalli Railway

    You travel 2nd class on the Centovalli-Railway to Domodossola and on to Montreux. There you have time to discover the town. Trip time: approx. 3h 30min

  4. Day 4

    Return journey from Montreux

    You start your return journey from Montreux or extend your stay.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Ride the Voralpen Express from St. Gallen to Lucerne, with views of Mount Rigi and the Rapperswil dam across the lake
  • Day 2Travel in first class on the Treno Gottardo across the Gotthard mountain route to Locarno on Lake Maggiore
  • Day 3Journey on the Centovalli Railway in second class through the valley of a hundred valleys from Locarno through Domodossola to Montreux

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)

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Voralpen Express (St. Gallen to Lucerne), Treno Gottardo in first class (Lucerne to Locarno via Gotthard), and Centovalli Railway in second class (Locarno to Domodossola to Montreux).
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is a tailor-made independent package. You choose your hotels and room categories; you travel between cities by train with free time to explore each destination.
What is included in the price?
Rail fare on three trains, hotel accommodation for three nights, arrival and departure travel from any Swiss location, and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026 bookings.
How long is the train travel each day?
Day 1: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Day 2: approximately 3 hours. Day 3: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
Can I add activities?
Yes; Switzerland Travel Centre allows optional mountain excursions and additional activities to be added directly to the trip at booking.
What is the starting price?
From 520 CHF (approximately 648 USD) for the four-day, three-night package.

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