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 . 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 2+1 seating arrangement, which offers more space . 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.

Can I eat 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 choice 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 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 . 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 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 East/West . 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 Lucerne-Interlaken Express runs between Interlaken East and Lucerne . The route can be started in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process , the distance to the respective station is displayed when you select your 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 – Classic West

This exciting tour takes you across Switzerland, starting and finishing in Geneva – ideal for travelers from France or arriving via Geneva Airport. From the international city on Lake Geneva, you embark on the legendary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and experience the most beautiful routes in Switzerland on board iconic panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express.

8 days / 7 nights

$ 2,260

To Planning

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

A red train travels on a viaduct through a green mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks.

Drone shot of Geneva's old town and the lake.

4 Images

To Planning

Highlights

Travel on the GoldenPass Express past idyllic landscapes and golden vineyards
"Jet d'Eau" – the fountain landmark of the city on Lake Geneva
Zermatt – home of the iconic Matterhorn
The steepest adhesion railway in the world on the Bernina Line
Unique combination of boat and train ride with the Gotthard Panorama Express

Train travels along vineyards and a lake shore.

Pier with silhouettes of people in front of Geneva's Jet d'eau.

5 Images

Travel itinerary

Overview

Day 1 Arrival in Geneva
Day 2 Stay in Zermatt
Day 3 Ride on the Glacier Express
Day 4 Ride on the Bernina Express
Day 5 Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express
Day 6 Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express
Day 7 Ride on the GoldenPass Express
Day 8 Return journey from Montreux

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic West

Day 1

Arrival in Geneva

Daily Itinerary

Travel to Geneva by public transport from Geneva Airport or your starting point in Switzerland. Explore the metropolis on the wide expanse of Lake Geneva.

Overnight stay in Geneva

View of Geneva with the Jet d'Eau fountain in the foreground and Lake Geneva, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

Day 2

Stay in Zermatt

Daily Itinerary

Travel to Zermatt. In Zermatt, you have time to explore the town and the surrounding area on your own.

Trip time: approx. 3h

Overnight stay in Zermatt

A mountain landscape with a cluster of houses in the valley, a snow-capped peak in the background, framed by autumn-colored branches.

Day 3

Ride on the Glacier Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful scenery.

Trip time: approx. 8 hours

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

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

Day 4

Ride on the Bernina Express

Daily Itinerary

First, travel on the Bernina Express to Tirano (IT) in the panoramic train car. Then take the Bernina Express bus to Lugano.

Trip time: approx. 5h 40min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A woman walks on a platform next to a red Bernina Express train.

Day 5

Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic car on 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 red locomotive on a viaduct in front of a mountain landscape.

Day 6

Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Daily Itinerary

Travel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful view.

Trip time: approx. 1h 45 min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

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

Day 7

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Trip time: approx. 3h 20min

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 8

Return journey from Montreux

Daily Itinerary

In Montreux, start your return journey by public transport to Geneva or Geneva Airport.

City view by the lake with mountains in the background.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to September

Recommended travel period

June to October

High season

June to September

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Ein empfehlenswertes Upgrade
The GoldenPass route to western Switzerland is simply wonderful. My personal tip is to upgrade to the even more comfortable Prestige Class.
Aika