Switzerland is often described as the most scenic railway country in the world and for good reason. From snow-capped peaks like the Matterhorn to crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva, the Swiss rail network connects almost every corner of the country. With the help of a train map Switzerland, travelers can plan routes between bustling cities like Zurich and Geneva, charming alpine villages such as Zermatt and St. Moritz, and legendary scenic trains including the Glacier Express and Golden Pass Line.
Whether you are a first-time visitor, a Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass holder, or simply curious about how Switzerland’s trains link together, this guide covers everything: maps, scenic routes, passes, and tips to make your journey seamless. And if adventure calls, many routes on the train map connect easily to hiking trails and even the famous via ferrata Switzerland climbs, making it simple to mix rail travel with outdoor thrills.
Why Switzerland’s Train Map is World-Famous
Unlike many countries, Switzerland’s railway map isn’t just functional — it’s a visual story of landscapes, mountains, lakes, and culture. A quick look at the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) map reveals a spiderweb of lines stretching from urban centers to mountain peaks.
Key highlights:
- Dense coverage: Almost every town and city, even small alpine villages like Andermatt or Spiez, is connected.
- Cross-border connections: The Swiss train map extends into Italy (Tirano, Domodossola, Lake Como), France (Paris via Geneva), Germany (Munich, Berlin via Zurich), and Austria.
- Scenic routes: Many lines double as tourist attractions, such as the Bernina Express crossing UNESCO sites like the Albula Line and Brusio Circular Viaduct.
Reading the Train Map Switzerland
At first glance, the train map might look overwhelming. Here’s how to break it down:
- Major hubs: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne, and Bern form the core network.
- Tourist highlights: Branch lines lead to Zermatt (for the Matterhorn), St. Moritz (luxury resorts), and Interlaken (gateway to the Jungfrau region).
- Scenic overlay: Routes like the Golden Pass Line (Lucerne to Montreux), Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz), and Gotthard Panorama Express are marked as special panoramic trains.
Major Train Routes on the Map
1. Golden Pass Line
- Route: Lucerne → Interlaken → Zweisimmen → Montreux
- Highlights: Lake Lucerne, Brünig Pass, Bernese Oberland, Lake Geneva
- Best for: Photographers and wine lovers (don’t miss Lavaux vineyards near Montreux).
2. Glacier Express
- Route: Zermatt → Brig → Andermatt → Chur → St. Moritz
- Highlights: Matterhorn, Oberalp Pass (highest point at 2,033m), Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon), Albula Line (UNESCO).
- Best for: Luxury travel — especially in Excellence Class with full dining service.
3. Bernina Express
- Route: Chur/St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy)
- Highlights: Lago Bianco, Ospizio Bernina, Brusio Circular Viaduct, Lake Como day trip.
- Best for: Cross-border adventure and dramatic alpine landscapes.
4. Voralpen Express
- Route: Lucerne → Rapperswil → St. Gallen
- Highlights: Lake Zurich, Lake Zug, rolling green hills.
- Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers and locals’ favorite ride.
5. Gotthard Panorama Express
- Route: Lucerne → Flüelen (by boat on Lake Lucerne) → Lugano (via Gotthard Tunnel)
- Highlights: Lake Lucerne cruise, Ticino’s Mediterranean flair.
- Best for: Romantic day trips combining boat + train.
Swiss Travel Pass and Train Map Integration
The Swiss Travel Pass is your best companion when reading the train map. It covers:
- All regular trains on the SBB map.
- Scenic trains like Golden Pass Line, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express (seat reservations still required).
- Boats on Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich.
- Mountain transport discounts (Pilatus, Rigi, Gornergrat).
Key Cities on the Train Map Switzerland
- Zurich: Switzerland’s main hub, connecting international trains to Germany and Austria.
- Geneva: Gateway to France and Lake Geneva region.
- Bern: The capital, centrally located.
- Lucerne: Scenic hub for Golden Pass Line, Mount Pilatus, and Lake Lucerne cruises.
- Interlaken: Base for Jungfrau region (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau).
- Zermatt: Car-free village below the Matterhorn.
- St. Moritz: Luxury resort, Glacier Express endpoint.
- Lugano: Italian-speaking Ticino, near Lake Como.
Stopovers and Landmarks Along the Map
When tracing the map, certain stops are destinations themselves:
- Château de Chillon (near Montreux)
- Kapellbrücke (Lucerne’s wooden bridge)
- Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO site near Lake Geneva)
- Swissminiatur (Lugano, family-friendly)
- Giessbach Waterfalls (near Lake Brienz)
Seasonal Train Map: Best Time to Travel
- Winter: Glacier Express (snow-capped Alps, cozy dining)
- Spring: Bernina Express (melting glaciers, Lago di Poschiavo)
- Summer: Golden Pass Line (lake cruises, vineyards, hiking)
- Autumn: Gotthard Panorama Express (Ticino chestnut festivals, fall colors)
Sample Itineraries Using the Train Map
3-Day Itinerary (Classic Highlights)
- Day 1: Zurich → Lucerne (Golden Pass to Interlaken)
- Day 2: Interlaken → Zermatt (Matterhorn, overnight)
- Day 3: Zermatt → Glacier Express → St. Moritz
5-Day Itinerary (Cross-Country Adventure)
- Day 1: Geneva → Montreux (Golden Pass to Interlaken)
- Day 2: Interlaken → Jungfrau region
- Day 3: Interlaken → Zermatt
- Day 4: Glacier Express → St. Moritz
- Day 5: Bernina Express → Tirano → Lake Como
Final Thoughts:
Switzerland’s train map is more than a network diagram it’s your gateway to the Alps, lakes, vineyards, and cultural treasures. From panoramic rides like the Glacier Express to simple SBB intercity trains linking Zurich and Geneva, the map ensures you can reach both world-class cities and hidden alpine gems with ease. If your journey focuses on the Bernese Oberland region, combining the Oberland Pass with the national train map makes exploring spots like Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald effortless.
Armed with a train map Switzerland, a travel pass, and a sense of adventure, you’ll discover why Swiss rail travel isn’t just about getting from A to B it’s a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
FAQs About Train Map Switzerland
Q: Is the train map Switzerland easy to understand for tourists?
Yes, the SBB map is color-coded and simple, with English versions available.
Q: Do I need reservations for scenic trains?
Yes, for Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express. Not needed for Golden Pass Line or Voralpen Express.
Q: Can I travel with a Eurail or Interrail pass?
Yes, most routes on the map are covered, though seat reservations are extra.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to use the train map Switzerland?
Consider the SBB Saver Day Pass or regional passes if you’re staying in one area.
