The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland​

The Grand Train Tour: 9 stages

Discover the stages​

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland merges all the country's panoramic rail journeys into one epic round trip with nine individual stages.

Customisation

The GTToS can be flexibly booked. You can customize your clients’ route, departure and arrival points, travel direction, and the duration of their trip (for example, the number of days spent at a destination).

Availability ​

Alternative departure times and travel days, or an upgrade to 1st class, help ensure availability. Travel in the off-season offers a quieter experience with better capacity. Most of the Tour’s stages are available year-round. ​

1st class upgrades​

Offer your clients more comfort, extras, privacy and relaxation with a 1st class upgrade on the GTToS’s trains and boats. As well as improving your clients’ journey, 1st class has more seat availability. ​

Zürich–Luzern–Interlaken (Luzern–Interlaken Express)​

2h 45 min ​

​The journey from Zurich to Lucerne is all sparkling lakes and gentle hills. Nature lovers will be particularly thrilled by the mountain panoramas and countless waterfalls they’ll pass on the Luzern–Interlaken Express. ​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train: Luzern–Interlaken Express​

• Zurich and Lucerne: Switzerland’s cultural metropolis and a historic lakeside town​

• Interlaken: Adventures and mountain excursions to Brienzer Rothorn, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte ​

Luzern-Interlaken Express

Interlaken–Montreux (GoldenPass Express)​

3h 15 min ​

The GoldenPass Express passes green fields, grazing cows and magnificent castles. The comfortable panoramic train runs directly from Interlaken to French-speaking Montreux.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train: GoldenPass Express ​

• Interlaken: Mountain adventures and excursions to Brienzer Rothorn, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte​

• Montreux: Vineyards of Lavaux, Chillon Castle, Chaplin’s World, mountain excursion to Rochers-de-Naye

GoldenPass Express

Montreux–Visp–Zermatt (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn)​

2h 30 min​

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn travels through Switzerland's longest valley, the Rhone Valley, and into its deepest, the Matter Valley, climbing some 900 metres in altitude from Visp to Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn. ​

Highlights:​

• Panoramic train: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn ​

• Montreux: Vineyards of Lavaux, Chillon Castle, Chaplin’s World, mountain excursion to Rochers-de-Naye​

• Zermatt: car-free village with a view of the Matterhorn, mountain excursions to the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Zermatt–St. Moritz (Glacier Express)

7h 45 min ​

The Glacier Express travels across the Alps from glitzy Zermatt to the equally glamorous St. Moritz. Oversized panoramic windows offer full views of the white mountains, deep gorges and picturesque valleys along the way.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train line: Glacier Express​

• Zermatt: car-free village with views of the Matterhorn, mountain excursions to the Gornergrat, and the Matterhorn glacier paradise​

• St. Moritz: chic resort town with mountain excursions to Diavolezza and the Muottas Muragl

Glacier Express

St. Moritz–Tirano–Lugano (Bernina Express)​

6h 45 min​

Passengers gaze in wonder through the panoramic windows as one highlight follows another on the journey from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass and into Tirano. The scenic spectacle continues with the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano (not available in winter). ​

Highlights:​

• Panoramic train and bus line: Bernina Express​

• St. Moritz: chic mountain resort with excursions to Diavolezza and the Muottas Muragl​

• Lugano: lakeside town with a mediterranean climate. Mountain excursions to Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè

Bernina Express

Lugano–Flüelen–Luzern (Gotthard Panorama Express)​

5h 30 min​

From April to October, the Gotthard Panorama Express takes you via the Gotthard panorama route from Ticino to Flüelen, followed by a boat journey across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne town. ​

Highlights:​

• Panoramic train: Gotthard Panorama Express ​

• Lugano: Warm lakeside town with mountain excursions to Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè​

• Lucerne: Lakeside town with Chapel Bridge and mountain excursions to Mount Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn and Titlis​​

Alternative (November-February) ​

The Treno Gottardo runs directly from Ticino to Lucerne (hourly, year-round).

Gotthard Panorama Express

Luzern–St. Gallen (Voralpen-Express)​

2h 15 min ​

The Voralpen-Express starts against the backdrop of Lake Lucerne and the Alpine panoramas of Central Switzerland. Views of spectacular peaks are followed by the lake dam at Rapperswil and the Sitter Viaduct, Switzerland’s highest railway bridge.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train: Voralpen-Express​

• Lucerne: Lucerne town, Chapel Bridge, mountain excursions to Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn and Titlis​

• St. Gallen: Abbey District and Abbey Library (UNESCO World Heritage)

Voralpen Express

St. Gallen–Schaffhausen–Zürich (Thurbo Seelinie) ​

2h 15 min ​

Water flows throughout the journey from St. Gallen to Zurich: Lake Constance, the Rhine river, and the spectacular Rhine Falls, where a turn in the railway offers a perfect view of Europe’s largest waterfall right from the train. ​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train: Thurbo line along Lake Constance ​

• St. Gallen: Abbey District and Abbey Library (UNESCO World Heritage)​

• Schaffhausen: medieval town at the Rhine Falls​

• Zürich: Switzerland’s metropolis​

Thurbo Lake Line

The Grand Train Tour: 11 Travel Suggestions ​

Prepare and inspire​

Our Travel Suggestions are curated routing ideas for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and a platform for sales, planning and inspiration. They can be booked via Travel Trade (B2B) or International Customer (B2C). Special B2B packages are available for all journeys. However, passengers can also enjoy the suggested routes individually with the Swiss Travel Pass. ​

Full flexibility with modular structure ​

The Suggestions’ modular structure guarantees flexibility, year-round availability, rerouting options, and full individualization and customization. They cover every season, interest and trip length from three to eight days. Start and endpoints, travel direction and overnight stay locations are all adaptable. ​

More than just a train ride

The carefully curated suggestions feature spectacular panoramic rail journeys, world-famous attractions, charming cities, majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, cultural treasures and hidden gems.​ Mountain excursions and other excursions can be combined with the routing according to the client’s wishes.​

The Travel Suggestions 2025 – year-round availability

For 2025, new routes and further Travel Suggestions (from seven to eleven new tours) are available now. The new modular structure offers alternatives for seasonal peaks, different length of stays or client expectations. 

Classic

7 stages, starting from 7 days / 6 nights ​

The Classic Tour offers a bit of everything: picture-perfect towns, epic train journeys, and thrilling mountain excursions. Gaze in awe at the Matterhorn, experience the Glacier Express, or stroll across Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. ​

Highlights: ​

• Scenic train and boat lines: Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, Luzern–Interlaken Express ​

• Top sights: Chapel Bridge, Chillon Castle, Rhine Gorge and more​

• Mountain excursions: Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Rigi and more​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 8 days​

• Tailor-made tickets available for packages

Lakes & Peaks ​

6 stages, starting from 6 days / 5 nights​

The Lakes & Peaks tour brings you up close with Switzerland’s multifaceted beauty. The panoramic trains pass lakes, hills and wild, rocky landscapes, all between bustling towns and quaint villages waiting to be enjoyed.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train lines: Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, Bernina Express​

• Top sights: Jungfrau Region, Chillon Castle, Matterhorn, Brusio spiral viaduct​

• Mountain excursions: Brienzer Rothorn, Glacier 3000, Monte Brè​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 6 days ​

• Tailor-made tickets available for packages

Top Attractions​

5 stages, starting from 5 days / 4 nights​

The Top Attractions tour combines Switzerland’s most famous highlights in one unforgettable journey. From Interlaken to Lucerne, Montreux and Zermatt – majestic peaks, shimmering lakes and charming cities bring wonder to every stage. ​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train lines: Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Glacier Express​

• Top sights: Chapel Bridge, Chillon Castle, Rhine Gorg​e

• Mountain excursions: The Schilthorn, Titlis, Pilatus ​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 6 days ​

• Tailor-made tickets available for packages

Alpine Rivieras ​

Duration: 5 stages, starting from 5 days / 4 nights ​

Journey: ​

This five-day tour takes in the multifaceted shores of Swiss lakes among spectacular Alpine landscapes. The Alpine Rivieras Tour offers the perfect blend of raw beauty, dreamy villages, vibrant cities and inspirational railway adventures.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train lines: Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, Gotthard Panorama Express​

• Top sights: : including Chapel Bridge, Jungfrau Region, Chillon Castle, Centovalli​

• Mountain excursions: Brienzer Rothorn, Glacier 3000, Monte Brè, Rigi​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 6 days ​

• Tailor-made tickets available for packages

East–West​ ​

5 stages, starting from 5 days / 4 nights​

From the gentle green hills of the east to the west’s rugged mountainsides, the East–West tour embraces the contrasts of Switzerland’s landscapes. A panoramic extravaganza that packs Switzerland’s impressive variety into just a few days. ​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train lines: Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Express​

• Top sights: UNESCO Abbey of Saint Gall, Rhine Falls, terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Chillon Castle​

• Mountain excursions: Säntis, Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, Glacier 3000​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 6 days ​

• Tailor-made ticket available for packages

Glaciers & Palm Trees​ ​

4 stages, starting from 4 days / 3 nights ​

Starting in Zurich and Lucerne, the Glaciers & Palm Trees tour climbs to 2,000 metres above sea level. Oversized windows offer full views of glaciers and mountain lakes before the descent to Italy begins. Here, travellers can continue to Lugano by bus, before heading back to Lucerne via the Gotthard line.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train and boat lines: Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express​

• Top sights: Chapel Bridge, Landwasser and Brusio viaducts, three castles of Bellinzona​

• Mountain excursions: Diavolezza, Monte Brè, Stanserhorn​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 4 days ​

• Tailor-made ticket available for packages

Stunning Waters​​ ​

4 stages, starting from 4 days / 3 nights ​

From still to flowing, straight to winding, deep blue to bright turquoise: the Stunning Waters tour dives into the variety of Switzerland’s rivers and lakes, including Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls. A riverboat cruise can also be added to the tour.​​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic Train lines: Voralpen Express, Thurbo Seelinie​

• Top sights: Chapel Bridge, UNESCO Abbey of Saint Gall, Rhine Falls​

• Mountain excursions: Rigi, Pilatus, Säntis ​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 3 days ​

• Tailor-made ticket available for packages

Hidden Treasures​

3 stages, starting from 3 days / 2 nights ​

On the lesser-known Lötschenberg Line, the Hidden Treasures tour crosses cultures from metropolitan Zurich to Italian Domodossola. From here, the journey continues on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway through the Centovalli – the “100 Valleys” – and then back up north along the Gotthard Line.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic train lines: Luzern–Interlaken Express, BLS Lötschberger, Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway​

• Top sights: Chapel Bridge, Jungfrau Region, three castles of Bellinzona​

• Mountain excursions: Rigi, Jungfraujoch, Monte Brè​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 3 days ​

• Tailor-made ticket available for packages

Vineyards & Valleys​

3 stages, starting from 3 days / 2 nights​

On the Vineyards & Valleys tour, you’ll discover Switzerland’s landscapes, wine regions and railway routes, passing by glassy lakes, picture-perfect villages and sun-soaked vineyards.​

Highlights: ​

• Panoramic Train lines: GoldenPass Express, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, BLS Lötschberg

• Top sights: Jungfrau Region, Chillon Castle, Stockalper Castle, St. Beatus Caves​

• Mountain excursions: Grindelwald First, Glacier 3000, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Niesen​​

Tickets and passes (recommendation):​

• Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) 3 days ​

• Tailor-made ticket available for packages

Spiez–Domodossola (IT)– Locarno (Regio Express Lötschberger & Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway) ​

4h  45 min​

A series of fabulous views await passengers on the RegioExpress Lötschberger and the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, from the Kander Viaduct and the Rhone Valley to deep gorges and rugged mountainsides. ​

Highlights​

• Panoramic trains: Regio Express Lötschberger and Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway​

• Domodossola: Charming Italian town with a lively piazza ​

• Centovalli: The “100 Valleys”, with gorges, rivers and lakes ​

• Locarno: Palm-fringed lakeside town with a mediterranean climate

Lötschberg Scenic Route (BLS)

Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway​

St. Moritz-Lugano - Lugano-St. Moritz (Palm Express)

4h ​

The Palm Express (bus, available in winter) leaves St. Moritz for the Maloja Pass before winding down into the Val Bregaglia. Passengers cross the border in Catasegna to arrive in the charming Italian town of Chiavenna. The journey ends in Lugano, a city of Mediterranean flair and Ticino’s urban capital. ​

Panoramic bus line: Palm Express​

• St. Moritz: chic resort town with mountain excursions to Diavolezza and the Muottas Muragl​

• Lugano: Lakeside town with a mediterranean climate. Mountain excursions to Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè​

Palm Express