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

The main differences are how the seats are arranged and the level of comfort . 1st class offers larger and more comfortable seats with more legroom and privacy , due to a seating arrangement of tables of two and four . In 2nd class, the seats are arranged more densely and the arrangement is in tables of four only . Both classes have large panoramic windows . The Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a whole new level: heated leather seats , a guarantee to be facing the direction of travel and a raised seating position (by 40 cm) for even better views! In addition, the seats are particularly spacious to ensure an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to upgrade your journey to Prestige class or require further information , please contact our travel experts who will be happy to help. Please note that the route from Lugano to Tirano is by coach . There is no class division on the bus, all passengers travel in the same comfort .

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?

You can specify your seat preferences for the panoramic trains during the booking process using the comments field . As the carriages can change direction, it may not always be possible to fulfil your seat preference. We will endeavour 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 your seat. If you would like to reserve a seat on the Centovalli Railway before travel, you can do so directly online at Vigezzinacentovalli.com .

What dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

GoldenPass Express: On board, you can choose from various regional aperitif platters , combined with mineral water, wine or beer. The selection is made during the booking and the food is served directly at your seat . Centovalli Railway: There are no catering facilities on board the Centovalli Railway. We recommend buying snacks and drinks before your journey . Bernina Express: There is no dining car, but there is an at-seat trolley with snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own food and enjoy it during the journey.

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

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express connects Lucerne and Interlaken . The GoldenPass Express runs between Interlaken Ost/West and Montreux . The Centovalli Railway runs between Domodossola and Locarno . The Bernina Express Bus runs between Lugano and Tirano . The train route of the Bernina Express runs between Tirano and St. Moritz . In the booking process, the distance to each station is displayed when you select 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 – Lakes and Peaks

Jump aboard and discover Switzerland in all its facets – on a round trip with the most famous panoramic trains. Let yourself be enchanted by the most beautiful lakes and the highest mountains in the Alps. Two short detours to Italy are also included. Whether the picture-book scenery of Montreux, the Matterhorn or the wild Engadine mountains - every route has a new highlight in store.

6 days / 5 nights

from CHF 1’180

Sunset over an alpine town with a church, surrounded by mountains and a lake.

Train passes through green hills in front of a mountainous landscape.

View of a lake with mountains in the background, a bird flies in the sky.

3 Images

Highlights

Travel with the Bernina Express on the highest train tracks in Europe
Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland
From the mountains to Lake Geneva with the GoldenPass Express
A touch of elegance in the mountain world of St. Moritz
Centovalli-Railway – a romantic train journey through the "valley of a hundred valleys"

A red train winds through a mountainous landscape with forests and a view of a lake in the distance.

A tranquil mountain landscape with a lake in the foreground and snow-capped peaks in the background; flowers in the foreground.

5 Images

Itinerary

Overview

Day 1

Arrival in Interlaken

Itinerary

Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne. Take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Journey time: approx. 1h 50min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

City view with river, boats, and surrounding mountains in the background.

Day 2

Journey on the GoldenPass Express

Itinerary

Travel in the panoramic carriage of the GoldenPass Express to Montreux on Lake Geneva.

Journey time: approx. 3h 15min

Overnight stay in Montreux

A train travels through vineyards with a view of a lake and mountains in the background.

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Itinerary

The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway takes you from Montreux to Zermatt. Here you have time to discover the beautiful village at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Journey time: approx. 2h 30min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

View of an alpine valley with a town, surrounded by green mountains and a prominent mountain peak in the background.

Day 4

Journey on the Centovalli-Railway

Itinerary

Today you will travel briefly through Italy on the Centovalli-Railway and then on to Ticino. Enjoy the beautiful route through picturesque valleys and along deep gorges.

Journey time: approx. 5h 15min

Overnight stay in Lugano

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

Day 5

Journey on the Bernina Express

Itinerary

From Lugano, you first travel on the Bernina Express bus to Tirano (IT). The journey continues in the panoramic carriage of the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. A spectacular journey on the UNESCO World Heritage route of the Rhaetian Railway.

Journey time: approx. 5h 45min

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

A red Bernina Express train travels through an alpine landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Day 6

Return journey from St. Moritz

Itinerary

Return journey by public transport to your final destination in Switzerland. Alternatively, you can also extend your 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.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

February to November

Recommended travel period

May to September

High season

July, August

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Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Between Lakes and Peaks
This tour showcases the diversity of Switzerland. Discover impressive cities and panoramic journeys on route between lakes and peaks.
Barbara