The Most Beautiful Train Ride in Switzerland, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the train ride you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:20

Choosing the most scenic train ride in Switzerland can be a delightful yet daunting task, given the multitude of breathtaking options available. Each journey offers a unique view of the country's pristine landscapes and historic sites. This ranking aims to help travelers identify which routes best fit their expectations and itinerary preferences by consolidating public opinion. By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader consensus, assisting others in making informed decisions about their travel plans. Whether you're a local enthusiast or a visitor planning your next adventure, your input is invaluable. Participate now and see how your favorite measures up against others.

What Is the Most Beautiful Train Ride in Switzerland?

1

77
votes
Champer · CC BY-SA 3.0

Glacier Express

The most famous train ride in Switzerland, the Glacier Express takes you through the Swiss Alps, passing by stunning landscapes and charming villages. The train ride is 8 hours long and offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
The Glacier Express is a renowned train journey in Switzerland that offers unparalleled scenic beauty and luxurious travel experience. It is often referred to as the 'world's slowest express train' as it takes about 8 hours to cover a distance of 290 km (180 miles) from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa.

Distance: 290 km (180 miles)

Duration: Approximately 8 hours

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa

Scenic Highlights: Spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, including deep valleys, charming villages, and snow-capped peaks

Panoramic Windows: Large panoramic windows offering uninterrupted views
2

48
votes
This file was uploaded with Commonist. · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bernina Express

Rhaetian Railway

This train ride takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bernina Pass in the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys. The ride is around 4 hours long and passes through picturesque Swiss towns.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride in Switzerland that offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and passes through picturesque towns and landscapes. It is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, offering a truly unforgettable experience for travelers.

Route: Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Distance: Around 144 kilometers

Maximum Altitude: 2,253 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level

Steepest Gradient: 7%
3

18
votes
GoldenPass Line

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

This train ride offers stunning views of Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and charming Swiss towns. The ride is around 5 hours long and passes through the famous resort town of Gstaad.
The GoldenPass Line is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, offering stunning scenic views of the Swiss Alps and picturesque landscapes. It connects Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland to Lake Geneva in the west, passing through charming Swiss towns and Alpine villages.

Route: Lake Lucerne to Lake Geneva

Distance: Approximately 191 kilometers

Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours

Train Type: Panoramic trains with large windows

Scenic Highlights: Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Montreux
4

14
votes
JoachimKohlerBremen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Gotthard Panorama Express

Swiss Travel System

This train ride takes you through the Gotthard Pass, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and passing through historic Swiss towns. The ride is around 5 hours long and includes a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic train ride in Switzerland that offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and stunning landscapes along the Gotthard Pass. This panoramic train journey combines a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a train ride along the historic Gotthard railway line.

Duration: Around 5 hours

Route: Lucerne to Lugano or Lugano to Lucerne

Train Type: Panoramic Train

Train Name: Gotthard Panorama Express

Starting Point: Lucerne or Lugano
5

12
votes
Adrian Sulc · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jungfraujoch Railway

This train ride takes you to the highest railway station in Europe, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps and the Aletsch Glacier. The ride is around 2 hours long and passes through the Eiger and Mönch mountains.
The Jungfraujoch Railway, also known as the Jungfrau Railway, is an awe-inspiring scenic train ride situated in Switzerland. It connects the stations of Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch, which is famously referred to as the 'Top of Europe'. The railway journey takes passengers through picturesque landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Name: Jungfraujoch Railway

Location: Switzerland

Stations: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch

Nickname: Top of Europe

Founder: Adolf Guyer-Zeller
6

4
votes
Südost · CC BY-SA 4.0

Voralpen Express

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

This train ride takes you through the Swiss countryside, passing by picturesque Swiss towns and offering views of the Swiss Alps. The ride is around 4 hours long and passes through the scenic region of Lake Lucerne.
The Voralpen Express is a scenic train ride in Switzerland that showcases the stunning beauty of the pre-Alps region. It takes passengers on a journey through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and serene lakes, offering a unique perspective of the country's natural splendor.

Route: Lucerne to St. Gallen

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Train type: InterRegio (IR)

Stations: It stops at various stations including Lucerne, Rotkreuz, Zug, Arth-Goldau, Rapperswil, and St. Gallen

Views: Panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, Rigi mountain, Swiss Plateau, Lake Zurich, and the rolling hills of the pre-Alps
7

10
votes
Arthur Meyer · CC BY-SA 3.0

Furka Steam Railway

This train ride takes you through the Swiss Alps on a historic steam train, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. The ride is around 1 hour long and passes through the Furka Pass.
The Furka Steam Railway, also known as the Furka-Bergstrecke, is a scenic narrow-gauge railway located in Switzerland. The railway route offers a spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps, crossing the Furka Pass at an altitude of 2,160 meters (7,087 feet). It is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, rugged landscapes, and charming villages.

Location: Switzerland

Type: Scenic narrow-gauge railway

Route: Furka Pass, crossing the Swiss Alps

Altitude: 2,160 meters (7,087 feet)

Views: Snow-capped mountains, rugged landscapes, charming villages
8

15
votes
Lötschberger

This train ride takes you through the Lötschberg Tunnel, offering views of the Swiss Alps and passing through charming Swiss towns. The ride is around 2 hours long and passes through the town of Brig.
The Lötschberger is a picturesque train ride in Switzerland that takes passengers through stunning landscapes and offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The route connects the city of Bern to the popular tourist destinations of Brig and Zermatt.

Length: Approximately 85 kilometers

Duration: Around 2 hours

Operational Since: 1913

Max Speed: 160 km/h

Number of Stops: Around 30
9

3
votes
Matthias Zepper · CC BY-SA 3.0

Rigi Railways

Franz Josef Bucher-Durrer

This train ride takes you up Mount Rigi, offering panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. The ride is around 1 hour long and passes through the Swiss countryside.
Rigi Railways is a picturesque mountain railway system located in Switzerland. It is renowned for offering one of the most breathtaking train rides, taking passengers to the summit of Mount Rigi, also known as the 'Queen of the Mountains'.

Location: Switzerland

Destination: Mount Rigi

Nickname: 'Queen of the Mountains'

Type: Mountain railway

Elevation: 1,798 meters (5,899 feet)
10

8
votes
Mount Pilatus Railway

Eduard Locher

This train ride takes you up Mount Pilatus, offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. The ride is around 30 minutes long and includes a cable car ride to the top of the mountain.
The Mount Pilatus Railway is a picturesque train ride in Switzerland that takes passengers on a breathtaking journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus, one of the most iconic mountains in the country. The railway is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding Swiss Alps and the scenic landscape below.

Location: Central Switzerland

Length: 4.6 kilometers

Elevation Gain: 1,635 meters

Maximum Gradient: 48%

Operating Season: May to November

Missing your favorite train ride?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful train ride

Uniqueness

Some train rides may cover unique or special routes that others do not, such as crossing panoramic mountain passes, passing by historic landmarks, or traversing through meandering valleys. These elements can contribute to the overall beauty and appeal of a train ride.
Train windows and viewing opportunities

In Switzerland, some trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express have panoramic windows that provide extraordinary views of the surrounding scenery. The size and type of windows on a train should be considered since they can greatly influence the viewing experience.
Comfort and service

The onboard experience of the train also plays a role in the overall beauty of a train ride. Comfortable seats, quality service, quiet carriages, and the availability of various classes of travel can all enhance the journey.
Duration and pacing

The length of the train ride and the pacing of the journey will affect the overall experience. A train with several stops might allow for more opportunities to explore and take in the beauty of the landscape compared to a non-stop train ride.
Season and weather

The time of year and weather conditions are important factors to consider, as they can dramatically change the beauty of a Swiss train ride. A route that looks stunning during summer or fall might be less appealing during the snowy winter months.
Popularity and exclusivity

Some train rides may be more popular and crowded than others, which could affect the overall beauty and appeal of the journey. A lesser-known, more exclusive route might provide a more enjoyable and peaceful experience.
Cultural and historical significance

A train ride that has a rich historical background or passes through culturally significant regions can add to its beauty and attraction. This can include traveling through UNESCO World Heritage Sites or areas of historical interest.
Accessibility

The ease of access and connection to other modes of transportation is also a factor. A train ride that is well connected and easily accessible from major cities or airports can make it more appealing and convenient for travelers.
Affordability

Finally, value for money is another factor to consider. A beautiful train ride that offers reasonable fares or discounted options for tourists and residents alike can make it more attractive and enjoyable.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or journey is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2053 views
211 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each journey once every 24 hours. The rank of each journey is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Tourism

Sightseeing

The Most Popular Family Game: Ranking the Ultimate Choice

More information on most beautiful train ride in switzerland

Switzerland is known for its scenic beauty and stunning landscapes, and what better way to experience it than through a train ride? Switzerland boasts some of the most beautiful train rides in the world, offering picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. With a well-connected railway network, Switzerland offers a variety of train journeys that cater to all kinds of travelers. From the famous Glacier Express to the Bernina Express, each journey promises a unique experience. So, if you are planning a trip to Switzerland, make sure to add a train ride to your itinerary and witness the beauty of this country from a whole new perspective.