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 seating is arranged in tables of two and four in 1st class, offering more space and only tables of four in 2nd class. All travel classes have the same panoramic windows. The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express is included in 1st class . There you benefit from more comfort, additional legroom and tables of two and four, which offer more space .

What makes the Centovalli Railway special?

The Centovalli Railway combines the comfort of a panoramic train with the functionality of a regional train. A seat supplement of CHF 1.50 applies for the panoramic carriages .

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

On the Gotthard Panorama Express , you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comments field . Depending on availability, seat preferences cannot always be fulfilled. We will endeavour to allocate you the best available seat and inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of your seat. If you would like to reserve seats on the Centovalli Railway in advance, you can do so directly online at Vigezzinacentovalli.com .

What dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

Gotthard Panorama Express: The Panorama Train offers snacks and drinks that are served directly at your seat, including regional specialities such as a cold platter. On the ship you can enjoy your lunch in the restaurant . A table reservation is recommended and can be made by telephone on +41 41 367 67 67 or online at Lakelucerne.ch . Centovalli Railway: There are no catering facilities on board the Centovalli Railway. We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before the journey .

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the railway station to the hotel and back?

The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express begins on the Panorama Train from Bellinzona and takes you to Flüelen . From there, continue by boat to Lucerne . The Centovalli Railway runs between Domodossola and Locarno . The Lucerne-Interlaken Express connects Lucerne and Interlaken . The itinerary can be done in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process , the distance to each train station is displayed when you choose your hotel. This allows you to choose nearby accommodation as required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services . For details about the transfer, please contact your hotel directly .

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Demand is particularly high for the high season (see above). You can book your package online at the touch of a button or via our travel experts .

Is the journey accessible?

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

Train Journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Hidden Treasures

Embrace some insider tips on a short trip along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: head off the beaten track, on a short detour to Italy and travel on to Locarno on the Centovalli-Railway. Benefit from 1st class on the Gotthard Panorama Express, where you can learn more about the history of Switzerland on the outward or return journey to Lucerne.

3 days / 2 nights

from CHF 500

Direction

A train is crossing a bridge surrounded by green leaves, with a church steeple and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Aerial view of a village with historic buildings and a tall church tower.

Expansive mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and a tranquil lake in the foreground.

4 Images

Highlights

Unique combination of boat and train journey with the Gotthard Panorama Express
Lucerne and Interlaken – Swiss highlights between lakes and mountains
Breathtaking views on the Lötschberg-mountain route with BLS
Sunbathe in Locarno on Lake Maggiore
Centovalli-Railway – a romantic train journey through the "valley of a hundred valleys"

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

Train passing through green hills beside a lake under a cloudy sky.

5 Images

Itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures from Lucerne to Locarno

Day 1

Arrival in Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Itinerary

Travel to Lucerne by public transport. Continue with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Journey time: approx. 1h 50min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

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

Day 2

Journey on the Centovalli-Railway

Itinerary

Travel from Interlaken to Valais on the BLS Lötschberger. From there, continue through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola and then take the Centovalli-Railway to Locarno.

Journey time: approx. 4 hours

Overnight stay in Locarno

A railway bridge spans a gorge in a green, mountainous landscape under a clear, blue sky.

Day 3

Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express and onward travel from Lucerne

Itinerary

Take the train to Bellinzona and then the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Flüelen. Continue with the historic paddle steamer to Lucerne.

Journey time: approx. 5 hours

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

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

May to October

High season

July to September

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Perfectly hidden gems
This tour shows some hidden gems. The journey through the romantic Centovalli and Valle Vigezzo is particularly beautiful.
Heidi