What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the panoramic trains?

The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort . The seats in 1st class are larger and more comfortable , with more legroom and privacy and a 2+1 arrangement that offers additional comfort . The seats in 2nd class are arranged more closely with 2+2 seating and offer slightly less space and legroom. Both classes have large panoramic windows . Please note that the route from Tirano to Lugano is by bus . There is no class division on the bus – all passengers travel in the same standard . The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express is included in 1st class . There you benefit from more comfort, additional legroom, and a seating arrangement of 2+1, which offers more space .

Can I choose my seat on the panoramic trains in advance?

On the panoramic trains, you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comment field . As the carriages can change direction, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. We will do our best to allocate you the best available seat and will inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of where you sit.

Which dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

Bernina Express: There is no dining car , but there is a minibar moving between the cars with snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own food and enjoy it during the journey. Gotthard Panorama Express: The Panorama Train offers snacks and drinks that are served directly at your seat, including regional specialties such as a cold platter. You can enjoy your lunch in the restaurant on the ship. A table reservation is recommended and can be made by telephone on +41 41 367 67 67 or online at Lakelucerne.ch .

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the station to the hotel and vice versa?

The train route of the Bernina Express runs between St. Moritz and Tirano . A bus runs from Tirano to Lugano . The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express starts in Lucerne with a boat trip from the station dock (5 minutes' walk from the station). In Flüelen, you board the Panorama train to Lugano . The itinerary can be started in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process you will be shown the distance to the respective train station when choosing a hotel. This allows you to choose nearby accommodation if required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services . For details about the transfer, please contact your hotel .

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Is the trip accessible for the handicapped?

For accessible travel, we recommend that you contact us directly . This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are optimally met . Feel free to contact us by email or phone – the contact details can be found below .

Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Glaciers and Palm Trees

Immerse yourself in the diverse contrasts of Switzerland: fresh mountain air in the heights of St. Moritz and warm rays of sunshine in Ticino. Highlights of this trip on the the boat trip on Lake Lucerne, the 1st class panoramic train cars on the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the world-famous route on the Bernina Express over the Bernina Pass.

4 days / 3 nights

from CHF 740

Direction

A city view at sunrise with mountains, a church tower, and a mountain railway.

A red locomotive on a viaduct in front of a mountain landscape.

An old wooden bridge with flowers, next to a water tower in the evening sun.

4 Images

Highlights

Travel in the 1st class panoramic coach on the historic Gotthard mountain route
Picturesque boat trip on Lake Lucerne
"Dolce Vita" in Lugano
Panoramic trip on the Bernina Express through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway

A couple sits on a train and enjoys the view of a mountain village from the panoramic window.

A ship with a Swiss flag is sailing on a lake surrounded by mountains.

4 Images

Travel itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Glaciers and Palm Trees from St. Moritz to Lucerne

Day 1

Travel to St. Moritz

Daily Itinerary

You travel to St. Moritz by public transport. Enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to discover St. Moritz on arrival.

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

A serene mountain landscape with a lake in the foreground and a village on the slopes under a clear, blue sky.

Day 2

Ride on the Bernina Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel on the Bernina Express to Tirano in the panoramic coach. Then take the Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Lugano.

Trip time: approx. 5h 40min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A red train is crossing a stone bridge in an alpine landscape with mountains and trees.

Day 3

Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic coach of the Gotthard Panorama Express. You then cross Lake Lucerne on the historic paddle steamer to Lucerne.

Trip time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A ferry on a lake, with a church and houses in a green mountain landscape in the background.

Day 4

Return journey from Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

You start your return journey from Lucerne by public transport. Alternatively, you can also extend your stay.

A boat with the Swiss flag sails on a river in a city with medieval architecture and a wooden bridge, surrounded by green hills.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June to October

High season

July to September

Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with gift icon.

Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

Learn more