Explore Scenic Swiss Train Tours: Glacier Express, Panorama Routes & More in 2025

Glacier Express vs Bernina Express: Which Scenic Route to Choose?

The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are two of Switzerland’s most renowned train journeys, each offering its own unique charm and spectacular views. The Glacier Express, often called the slowest express train in the world, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz over an 8-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, providing panoramic views of deep gorges, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

In contrast, the Bernina Express runs between Chur (or Davos) and Tirano, Italy, crossing the Alps in about 4 hours. This UNESCO World Heritage route is famous for its spiral viaducts and dizzying climbs, reaching an impressive altitude of 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass. While both routes offer stunning scenery, the Glacier Express provides a longer, more comprehensive Swiss experience, while the Bernina Express offers a quicker journey with dramatic elevation changes and cross-border appeal.

Top Switzerland Rail Tours for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, several Swiss rail tours stand out for their exceptional experiences:

1. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: This comprehensive tour combines the country’s most scenic routes into one unforgettable journey, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line.

2. Jungfraujoch Top of Europe: While not a long-distance route, this tour takes you to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier.

3. Gotthard Panorama Express: Combining a steamboat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a train journey through the historic Gotthard route, this tour offers a unique blend of Swiss landscapes and engineering marvels.

4. Chocolate Train: For a delicious twist, this summer-only tour from Montreux includes first-class travel, chocolate and cheese factory visits, and stunning views of Lake Geneva.

How to Book a Swiss Train Journey from the UK

Booking a Swiss train journey from the UK is straightforward and can be done through several channels:

1. Swiss Travel System: The official website offers comprehensive information and booking options for Swiss Travel Passes, which provide unlimited travel on most trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland.

2. Rail Europe: This platform allows you to book individual train tickets or complete packages, including reservations for scenic routes like the Glacier Express.

3. Tour Operators: Companies like Great Rail Journeys and Ffestiniog Travel offer pre-packaged Swiss rail tours departing from the UK, which can be convenient for those seeking a guided experience.

4. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): The official Swiss railway website allows you to book domestic tickets and some international routes, though you may need to arrange separate transportation to Switzerland.

Luxury vs Budget: Swiss Train Packages Explained

Swiss train experiences cater to a wide range of budgets, from luxurious private cabins to more affordable group tours. Here’s a comparison of luxury and budget options:

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Package Type	Features	Approximate Cost
Luxury	Private cabin, gourmet meals, guided excursions	CHF 3,000 - 5,000+ per person
Mid-range	First-class seating, some meals included, semi-guided	CHF 1,500 - 3,000 per person
Budget	Second-class seating, self-guided with Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 800 - 1,500 per person

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

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Luxury packages often include premium services such as private guides, gourmet dining experiences, and exclusive hotel accommodations. Budget-friendly options, while more basic, still offer the same stunning views and can be enhanced with a Swiss Travel Pass for added flexibility.

Best Scenic Rail Routes in Switzerland

While the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are well-known, Switzerland boasts several other equally stunning rail routes:

1. GoldenPass Line: Connecting Lucerne to Montreux, this route offers diverse landscapes from central Switzerland to Lake Geneva.

2. Voralpen Express: A less touristy option, this route between Lucerne and St. Gallen showcases beautiful pre-alpine scenery.

3. Centovalli Railway: Known as the “Hundred Valleys” route, this scenic journey connects Locarno, Switzerland, to Domodossola, Italy, through narrow valleys and over numerous bridges.

4. Jungfrau Railway: While a shorter trip, this cogwheel railway to the “Top of Europe” offers unparalleled high-alpine views.

5. Mont Blanc Express: Connecting St. Gervais-le-Fayet (France) to Martigny (Switzerland), this route provides stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif.

As 2025 approaches, Swiss train tours continue to offer some of the most spectacular and diverse rail experiences in Europe. Whether you’re drawn to the leisurely pace of the Glacier Express, the engineering marvels of the Bernina route, or the comprehensive views of the Grand Train Tour, Switzerland’s rail network promises unforgettable journeys through its pristine alpine landscapes. By choosing the right package and route for your preferences and budget, you can look forward to an extraordinary Swiss adventure that combines comfort, sustainability, and breathtaking natural beauty.