What is the difference between the travel classes on the panoramic trains?

The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort . The seats are larger and more comfortable in 1st class, with more legroom and privacy and a 2+1 arrangement that offers additional comfort . The seats are arranged more closely in 2nd class, with 2+2 seating and offer slightly less space and legroom. Both classes have large panoramic windows . The Excellence Class on the Glacier Express also offers exclusive gourmet meals, more spacious seats, and personal concierge service. The Prestige Class in the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a new level: heated leather seats , a raised seating position (by 15 in) for an even better view, and guarantees a seat facing the direction of travel . In addition, the seats are particularly spacious, which guarantees an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to change 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 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?

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

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

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express runs between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost . The GoldenPass Expres s runs between Interlaken Ost/West and Montreux . The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz . The train route of the Bernina Express runs between St. Moritz and Tirano . 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 .

If I am not traveling on to Italy, can I also book the return journey back from Tirano into Switzerland?

Yes, the price varies and is on request . Our travel experts will be happy to help you with your planning.

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 – Classic East

On this tour through the most beautiful corners of Switzerland, travel from Zurich to the Italian border town of Tirano – perfect if you want to extend your journey southwards. On board spectacular panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the GoldenPass Express, you will travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

6 days / 5 nights

$ 1,590

To Planning

A red train travels along a turquoise lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wildflowers.

A church with a clock tower, view of the lake with boats and mountains in the background.

Aerial view of a river winding through a wooded canyon.

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To Planning

Highlights

Spectacular ride on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
Tirano – the Italian town near the Swiss border
Beautiful vineyards and landscapes on the shores of Lake Geneva
The world's steepest adhesion railway on the Bernina Line
Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland

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

A red train passes by a church with a tall steeple and a green mountain in the background.

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Travel itinerary

Overview

Day 1 Arrival in Zurich
Day 2 Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express
Day 3 Ride on the GoldenPass Express
Day 4 Stay in Zermatt
Day 5 Ride on the Glacier Express
Day 6 Ride on the Bernina Express

Map of Switzerland Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itinerary – Classic East

Day 1

Arrival in Zurich

Daily Itinerary

Travel to Zurich by public transport. Here you have time to discover the vibrant city by the lake.

Overnight stay in Zurich

View of Zurich with church, river, and bridge in sunny weather.

Day 2

Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel to Lucerne, from where you take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Trip time: approx. 2h 45min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

Eine idyllische Berglandschaft mit einem Zug, der an einem See vorbeifährt.

Day 3

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

The GoldenPass Express takes you directly from Interlaken to Montreux. Golden vineyards, alpine meadows and villages accompany you on this journey.

Trip time: approx. 3 hours

Overnight stay in Montreux

An idyllic mountain landscape with a train passing through a picturesque village.

Day 4

Stay in Zermatt

Daily Itinerary

The journey continues to Zermatt. Here you have time to explore the alpine town at the foot of the Matterhorn and the surrounding area on your own.

Trip time: approx. 2h 45 min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

A mountain landscape with a cluster of houses in the valley and a tall, snow-covered peak in the background.

Day 5

Ride on the Glacier Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. A varied journey through the mountains awaits you.

Trip time: approx. 8 hours

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

A red panoramic train travels through a picturesque green meadow with blooming flowers, majestic mountains rising in the background under a bright blue sky.

Day 6

Ride on the Bernina Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel on the Bernina Express in the panoramic car to Tirano (IT) where your journey ends or alternatively you can travel on to Italy.

Trip time: approx. 2h 15min

Red train travelling along the edge of a mountain by a lake.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June to October

High season

July to September

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

A perfect combination
This route allowed me to discover the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland. I particularly liked the fact that I was able to combine it perfectly with my subsequent travel plans in Italy after arriving in Tirano.
Ellie