The 5 Best Train Journeys in the Alps

11 Feb

Over our years of researching Alpine holidays, we’ve always tried to travel by rail as much as possible. And that’s not just for environmental reasons - the alps are home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring train journeys in the world. So, to help you choose your next adventure, we’ve put together a list of our 5 favourites!

There’s no getting around the fact that Switzerland is the champion of alpine railways - as a country they‘ve turned mountain trains into an art form, building lines through some of the most challenging but spectacular terrain. However, there’s plenty of Italy and France to see on this list also.

And whilst many of the classic routes have “Express” in the name, don’t worry about feeling rushed - all these train journeys take their time and allow you to soak in the views.

1. Glacier Express

Country: Switzerland
Start/End: St Moritz to Zermatt (or vice versa)
Distance: 291 km (181 miles)
Time: 8 hours

There is no doubt which route comes first in this list - the Glacier Express. This classic, alpine railway journey traverses most of the Swiss alps, from the swish mountain town of St Moritz in the Engadin, to the famous car-free resort of Zermatt, at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn.

As it snakes its way through some of the most mountainous terrain in Europe, the Glacier Express passes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Panoramic windows allow you to soak in the amazing mountain scenery as it slides by. The journey takes pretty much a whole day - but you won’t get bored. Having run since the 1930s, the express has become one of the most popular journeys in Switzerland, so book early!

For an itinerary based around the Glacier Express, check out our Glacier Express Rail & Trail Tour. Alternatively, it makes for a great way to depart Zermatt at the end of the Walker’s Haute Route.

Bonus Extra? From Zermatt, take the 33 minute Gornergrat cog railway up to the dizzying altitude of 3,089m, and get up close to the Matterhorn.

2. Gotthard Panorama Express

Country: Switzerland
Start/End: Locarno to Lucerne (or vice versa)
Distance: 182 km (113 miles)
Time: 5.5 hours (including the steamboat)

Crossing over the alps from south to north (or vice versa), the Gotthard Panorama Express takes passengers from the sunny lakes of Italian-speaking Locarno, to the “heart of Switzerland” in Lucerne - a historic lakeside town surrounded by alpine vistas.

The train ascends gradually using track spirals and a tunnel under the famous Gotthard Pass - a key route for travellers for centuries. These spirals allow passengers to see views from many different angles - such as the historic Wassen Church, which it loops almost entirely. The train arrives at the south end of Lake Lucerne, and passengers then complete the final section of the journey to the town of Lucerne by historic steamboat - a unique twist to a great journey!

3. Bernina Express

Country: Switzerland / Italy
Start/End: Tirano to Chur (or St Moritz) or vice versa
Distance: 144 km (90 miles)
Time: 4 hours

You might associate UNESCO World Heritage Sites with ancient ruins or giant monuments, but for lovers of scenic train journeys there is a railway on the list too. The Bernina Express is a challenger to the Glacier Express for most popular mountain railway in the alps, using the Bernina Pass to connect Tirano in Italy to Chur (or St Moritz) in Switzerland.

The train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, including the famous, 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct. It’s a shorter route than the Glacier Express, but travellers are still treated to an amazing array of sights, such as the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, multiple lakes and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.

Perfectly combined with our St Moritz & the Engadin Valley Rail & Trail hiking tour.

Bonus Extra? From St. Moritz the combination of a funicular railway and cable car take you up to the summit of Piz Nair, a lofty altitude of 3,022m, where the whole upper Engadin is spread out beneath you.

4. Mont-Blanc Express

Country: Switzerland / France
Start/End: Martigny to Chamonix (or vice versa)
Distance: 38km (24 miles)
Time: 2 hours

The Mont-Blanc Express is the shortest journey on our list, but it still packs a lot in. It’s one of the best ways to travel to Chamonix, beneath Mont Blanc, the 4,810m 'roof of Europe'.

Starting off in the Swiss town of Martigny, low in the Rhone valley, the train zig-zags up through neat rows of vineyards which line the fields here. Making use of a rack-and-pinion mechanism, the train crosses the dramatic Trient Gorge, before approaching the Swiss frontier. The Mont-Blanc Express is actually two well-coordinated trains run respectively by Swiss and French, requiring a change in Vallorcine. But once this is done, you’ll soon be approaching Chamonix, and enjoying views of the mighty Mont Blanc massif.

The perfect way to arrive in Chamonix to start the Tour du Mont Blanc, or perhaps some more flexible hiking on our Chamonix Rail & Trail tour.

Bonus Extra? From Chamonix, take a trip on the Montenvers “little red train” to an altitude of 1913m, and take in stunning views over the famous Mer de Glace glacier.

5. GoldenPass Express

Country: Switzerland
Start/End: Interlaken to Montreux (or vice versa)
Distance: 135 km (84 miles)
Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

The newest addition to our list, the GoldenPass Express in Switzerland only began operation in 2022. It’s a wonderful route linking two very different parts of Switzerland - from Interlaken which sits beneath the imposing mountains of the Bernese Oberland, to Montreux, perched on the sun-soaked shores of Lake Geneva, deservedly known as the Swiss Riviera.

Rather than dramatic glaciers and gorges, the train passes through 135 km of charming and gentle foothills of the Swiss Alps, through picturesque villages and popular towns such as Gstaad. The focus here is also on comfort, with heated leather seats, elevated carriages, and haute cuisine on board.

Interlaken is a great launching off point for our Bernese Oberland Rail & Trail hiking tour. Or perhaps you’re looking at a way to celebrate finishing the Via Alpina 1 in Montreux.

Bonus Extra? From Montreux, a cog railway takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva to the summit of Rochers-de-Naye, a mountain with panoramic views, from the Eiger to Mont Blanc.