Map of Switzerland Train Routes: Guide to Scenic Rail Travel

Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming alpine villages, and efficient railway system. If you’re planning to explore the Swiss Alps, a map of Switzerland train routes is essential to navigate the country’s scenic rail journeys. From the legendary Glacier Express to the panoramic Golden Pass Line, Swiss trains offer some of the most beautiful rides in the world.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key train routes, scenic rail packages, tips for booking, and activities along the way to help you plan the ultimate Swiss train adventure.

Why You Need a Map of Switzerland Train Routes

Switzerland may be small in size roughly 41,000 km² but it boasts over 5,200 kilometers of railway tracks connecting cities, lakes, and mountains. Having a map of Switzerland train routes allows travelers to:

• Plan multi day scenic train itineraries
• Identify key scenic routes like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express
• Choose the best stopovers for sightseeing
• Optimize travel with Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card

Whether you are a first time visitor or a repeat traveler, understanding the train network helps you maximize your experience efficiently.

Read More: Train Map Switzerland

Top Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland

Switzerland’s panoramic trains are designed to showcase the country’s natural beauty. Below are the most iconic routes you should know:

1. Glacier Express: Zermatt to St Moritz

• Duration: 8 hours
• Highlights: Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge, Matterhorn views
• Activities: Gornergrat viewpoint in Zermatt, lakeside stroll in St Moritz
  The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, but it’s perfect for travelers who want a luxurious scenic journey across the Swiss Alps.

2. Bernina Express: St Moritz to Tirano (Italy)

• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Highlights: Landwasser Viaduct, Brusio Circular Viaduct, Palü Glacier
• Activities: Morteratsch Glacier hike, St Moritz lake walk
  This cross border route connects Switzerland to Italy while crossing 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, offering jaw dropping scenery at every turn.

3. Golden Pass Line: Montreux to Lucerne

• Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Lake Geneva, Lake Brienz, Alpine passes
• Activities: Chillon Castle visit, Pilatus Golden Round Trip in Lucerne
  The Golden Pass Line is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of lakes, mountains, and quaint villages.

4. Lucerne Interlaken Express

• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlights: Lake Lungern, alpine villages, mountain peaks
• Activities: Jungfraujoch excursion, hiking in Interlaken
  This short but scenic journey is perfect for families or travelers who want to combine train travel with outdoor activities.

5. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lugano to Lucerne

• Duration: 5 hours (including boat cruise)
• Highlights: Lake Lucerne, Ticino region, Gotthard tunnels
• Activities: Stanserhorn cable car ride, Lugano city tour
  This route is especially convenient if you’re traveling from Italy into Switzerland.

6. Jungfraubahn: Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch

• Duration: 30 minutes (cogwheel train)
• Highlights: Eiger peak, glacier views, Europe’s highest railway station
• Activities: Glacier exploration, sledding, mountain viewpoint photography.

How to Use a Map of Switzerland Train Routes

A map of Switzerland train routes helps you plan your travel efficiently:

1. Identify scenic routes: Mark Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass Line, and other panoramic trains.
2. Choose stopovers: Highlight key destinations like Zermatt, St Moritz, Lucerne, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lugano.
3. Plan multi day itineraries: Use the map to visualize train connections for 3–7 day trips.
4. Check seat reservations: Some routes, like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, require advance reservations.
5. Combine with travel passes: Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card can reduce costs and simplify travel.

Best Rail Packages Using Switzerland Train Routes Map

For travelers who want a hassle free experience, rail packages are ideal. These packages often include:

• Train tickets to all major destinations
• Seat reservations on panoramic trains
• Hotel accommodations with breakfast
• Optional excursions and guided tours

Popular Packages:

1. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Combines five scenic routes, starting from Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St Moritz, and Lugano.
2. Best of Switzerland: Lucerne and Interlaken scenic rides with Jungfraujoch excursion.
3. Glacier Express Classic: Zermatt to St Moritz for a relaxed scenic experience.
4. Golden Pass Tour: Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne, including the Golden Pass Express.

Activities Along Switzerland Train Routes

Using a map of Switzerland train routes, you can plan activities at each stop:

• Lucerne: Pilatus Golden Round Trip, Rigi mountain hiking, Swiss Museum of Transport
• Interlaken: Jungfraujoch excursion, Harder Kulm viewpoint, Lake Brienz cruise
• Zermatt: Gornergrat viewpoint, Matterhorn Glacier Trail, Sunnegga playground for families
• St Moritz: Morteratsch Glacier walk, Piz Nair funicular, Furtschellas alpine lakes
• Montreux: Chillon Castle, Rocher de Naye, Chocolate Train experience
• Lugano: San Salvatore mountain viewpoint, Lake Lugano boat cruise, Verzasca Valley excursions

Family Friendly Travel Tips

• Opt for shorter scenic routes like Lucerne Interlaken or Golden Pass Line for children.
• Book seat reservations for kids ages 6–15 (usually half fare).
• Include extra nights at destinations for hiking, playgrounds, and mountain excursions.

Using Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card

• Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel for 3–15 days, access to over 500 museums, discounts on activities.
• Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% discount on public transport and most mountain railways.
• Both can reduce costs when combined with scenic train packages.

Read More: best scenic trains in switzerland

Tips for Planning Your Train Travel in Switzerland

1. Use the official Swiss Travel System map to visualize all routes.
2. Check train timetables in advance; some scenic trains operate once or twice daily.
3. Consider adding flex options to your booking for free cancellation up to 3 days before departure.
4. Combine scenic routes with mountain excursions for a full Alpine experience.
5. Use promo codes like AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN for discounted rail packages.

Conclusion

A map of Switzerland train routes is the key to planning an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps. By understanding the train network, booking scenic routes, and exploring activities at each stop, you can enjoy Switzerland in the most efficient and scenic way possible. Whether you choose the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or the Golden Pass Line, each route offers breathtaking views, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences.

FAQs – Map of Switzerland Train Routes