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Switzerland Travel Centre · Tailor-made rail vacation

Voralpen-Express et train des Centovalli

Four-day Swiss rail loop from Saint-Gall to Montreux on three scenic trains

Illustration of Voralpen-Express et train des Centovalli

Switzerland Travel Centre's Voralpen-Express et train des Centovalli is a 4-day, 3-night tailor-made rail journey that strings together three of Switzerland's most celebrated scenic trains. You depart Saint-Gall in the east and travel west through Swiss lakes and mountains to Montreux, stopping in Lucerne on Lake Four Cantons and Locarno on Lake Maggiore. The first day takes you aboard the Voralpen-Express to Lucerne with views of the Rigi and Rapperswil dam. On day 2, the Treno Gottardo carries you in first class over the Gotthard mountain line to Locarno. Day 3 brings the Vigezzina-Centovalli railway, a romantic descent through the valley of a hundred valleys from Locarno into Italy and back into the Valais to Montreux. You choose your own accommodation in each city, and the package includes the Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026 train reservations, plus Swiss arrival and departure arrangements. This suits repeat rail travellers and independent explorers who want to string together recognised scenic trains without a guide, with time to discover each city on their own terms.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price covers accommodation choice, arrivals and departures within Switzerland, and the Digital Swiss Coupon Pass; confirm whether rail fares are included or purchased separately.
  • Day 4 is open-ended: you depart Montreux or extend your stay; no itinerary is specified for the return journey.
  • The Vigezzina-Centovalli leg is in second class, while the Treno Gottardo is first class; comfort levels differ across the three trains.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Arrivée à Saint-Gall et trajet avec le Voralpen-Express

    Tu voyageras avec les transports publics jusqu'à Saint-Gall. De là, tu prendras le Voralpen-Express pour Lucerne, où tu auras le temps de découvrir la ville. Temps de trajet : environ 2h 20min

  2. Day 2overnight: Locarno

    Voyage avec le Treno Gottardo

    Tu voyageras en 1ère classe avec le Treno Gottardo sur la ligne de montagne du Gothard jusqu'à Locarno. A Locarno, tu auras le temps d'explorer la ville et ses environs. Temps de trajet : environ 3h

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreux

    Voyage avec le Chemin de fer Vigezzina-Centovalli

    Tu voyageras avec le Chemin de fer Vigezzina-Centovalli en 2ème classe jusqu'à Domodossola et ensuite jusqu'à Montreux. Là, tu auras le temps de découvrir la ville. Temps de trajet : environ 3h 30min

  4. Day 4

    Voyage de retour depuis Montreux

    Tu entames ton voyage de retour depuis Montreux ou tu prolonges ton séjour.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Voralpen-Express departs Saint-Gall for Lucerne, passing views of the Rigi mountain and the Rapperswil dam, approximately 2 hours 20 minutes of travel.
  • Day 2The Treno Gottardo climbs the Gotthard mountain line in first class, carrying you from Lucerne to Locarno over approximately 3 hours, with time to explore Locarno on Lake Maggiore.
  • Day 3The Vigezzina-Centovalli railway descends through the valley of a hundred valleys in second class, crossing from Locarno through Domodossola in Italy and into the Valais to reach Montreux.

Included

  • Arrivée et départ inclus depuis n'importe quel point de départ et d'arrivée en Suisse
  • Choix de l'hébergement (hôtel et catégorie de chambre)
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass (réservations 2026)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
The package includes a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026 reservations and covers arrivals and departures within Switzerland. Confirm with Switzerland Travel Centre whether individual train fares are included or booked separately.
Which three trains are used on this journey?
Day 1: the Voralpen-Express from Saint-Gall to Lucerne. Day 2: the Treno Gottardo in first class from Lucerne to Locarno via the Gotthard line. Day 3: the Vigezzina-Centovalli railway in second class from Locarno through Domodossola to Montreux.
Can I choose my own hotel?
Yes. The package is tailor-made; you select your hotel and room category for each overnight stop.
How much free time is there in each city?
Day 1 allows time to explore Lucerne after arrival. Day 2 includes time in Locarno before the evening train. Day 3 provides time in Montreux after arrival. Day 4 is open for departure or extended stay.
Does this trip visit Italy?
Yes. The Vigezzina-Centovalli railway on day 3 takes you from Locarno into Domodossola in Italy before returning to Switzerland toward Montreux.

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