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 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 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 .

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 795 miles train journey. This allows you to reach the top sights in Lucerne, St. Moritz, or Zermatt in comfort.

8 days / 7 nights

from $ 2,280

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 ride on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
A touch of elegance in the mountains of St. Moritz
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in St. Gallen
Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland
Ride 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

Travel itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Original from Lucerne to St. Moritz

Day 1

Arrival in Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Trip 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

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Trip time: approx. 3 hours

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Daily 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.

Trip 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

Ride on the Glacier Express

Daily 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.

Trip time: approx. 8h

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

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

Day 5

Ride on the Bernina Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Trip time: approx. 5h 40min

Overnight stay in Lugano

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

Day 6

Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel from Lugano to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic coach of the Gotthard Panorama Express. From there, take the steamboat to Lucerne.

Trip 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

Ride on the Voralpen-Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Trip 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

Daily 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

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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.

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Reliable, convenient, and simple
A great trip to discover many beautiful destinations. The reliability of public transport in Switzerland means that you can travel easily and comfortably.
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