What is the difference between the travel classes 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. Please note that the route from Tirano to Lugano is by coach . There is only one class on the bus – all passengers travel in the type of seat . The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express is included in 1st class . There you benefit from more comfort, additional legroom and seats in tables of four , which offer more space . The Excellence Class on the Glacier Express also offers exclusive gourmet meals, more spacious seats and personalised concierge service . The Prestige Class in the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a new level: heated leather seats , a raised seating position (by 40 cm) for an even better view and guaranteed seat facing the direction of travel . In addition, the seats are particularly spacious, which guarantees an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to adjust your booking to Excellence Class or Prestige Class or require further information , please contact our travel experts – they will be happy to help.

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 comments field . As the carriages can change direction of travel, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. 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.

Can I eat on board the panoramic trains?

Glacier Express: You can choose between a menu of the day and a la carte dishes . The options will be displayed during the booking process and the choice is not included in the price of the seat reservation. We recommend that you specify your order at the time of booking . 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. GoldenPass Express: On board, you can choose from various appetiser platters , combined with mineral water, wine or beer. The selection is made during the booking and the food is served directly at your seat . 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 boat 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 .

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

The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz . The train route of the Bernina Express runs between St. Moritz and Tirano . A bus runs from Tirano to Lugano . The GoldenPass Express runs between Montreux and Interlaken Ost/West . The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express starts in Lucerne with a boat trip from the station quay (5 minutes' walk from the station). In Flüelen you board the Panorama Train to Lugano . The Voralpen-Express departs from St. Gallen to Lucerne or vice versa. The Lucerne-Interlaken Express runs between Interlaken Ost and Lucerne . The route can be started in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process , the distance to each 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.

Bestseller

Train Journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Original

Discover Switzerland on a summer journey through all four language regions. The original route of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland combines the most popular panoramic routes on a 1,280-kilometre train journey. This allows you to reach the top sights in Lucerne, St. Moritz or Zermatt in comfort.

8 days / 7 nights

from CHF 1’620

Direction

A train travels through a green landscape with mountains in the background and a lake under a bright sunset.

A winding mountain road snakes through a green valley under dramatic clouds.

A statue on a pier by the lake with mountains in the background at sunset.

4 Images

Highlights

Spectacular journey on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
A touch of elegance in the mountains of St. Moritz
UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Gallen
Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland
Travel on the Bernina Express on the highest train tracks in Europe

A panoramic train with red accents winds through an alpine landscape with colorful wildflowers, with the Matterhorn in the background under a sunny sky.

A city in the mountains with a lake in the background, surrounded by forest and mountain peaks.

5 Images

Itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Original from Lucerne to Schaffhausen

Day 1

Arrival in Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Itinerary

Start your journey in Switzerland and travel to Lucerne by public transport. From there, take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Journey time: approx. 2 hours

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 GoldenPass Express

Itinerary

Travel on the renowned GoldenPass Express to Montreux on Lake Geneva. There you have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Journey time: approx. 3 hours

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Itinerary

Today's journey takes you to lively Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Enjoy a day at leisure and spend the night in this charming, traffic-free village.

Journey time: approx. 3h

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 Glacier Express

Itinerary

Board the Glacier Express, one of the most legendary trains in the world. Enjoy the journey through valleys, mountain passes and the Rhine Gorge.

Journey time: approx. 8 hours

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

Red train crossing a high stone bridge in a mountain landscape.

Day 5

Journey on the Bernina Express

Itinerary

Enjoy your journey in the panoramic carriage of the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano (IT). From there, the journey continues to Lugano, where you will spend the night.

Journey time: approx. 5h 40min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A red train is passing under a stone arch bridge in a green landscape.

Day 6

Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Itinerary

You travel from Lugano to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic carriage of the Gotthard Panorama Express. From there, the journey continues by steamboat to Lucerne.

Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lucerne

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

Day 7

Journey on the Voralpen-Express

Itinerary

Discover the rugged beauty of north-eastern Switzerland as you travel on the Voralpen-Express from Lucerne to St. Gallen.

Journey time: approx. 2h 20min

Overnight stay in St. Gallen

A train passing through green hills with mountains in the background.

Day 8

Return journey from St. Gallen via Romanshorn and Schaffhausen

Itinerary

Travel from St. Gallen via Romanshorn to Schaffhausen, from where you start your return journey by public transport. Alternatively, you can also extend your stay in St. Gallen.

Cathedral of St. Gallen from a bird's eye view and sunshine

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

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Reliable, convenient and simple
A great journey to discover many beautiful destinations. The high reliability of public transport in Switzerland makes travelling easy and comfortable.
Alessia

Customise your trip

8 days / 7 nights

from CHF 1’620

Direction

Arrival and departure included
Travel from any start point and back to any end point in Switzerland
Choose your accommodation
Select hotel and room category
Additional activities
Add activities and mountain excursions to your trip
Customise the duration of your trip
Extend your stay, as preferred