On which route does the Voralpen-Express run?

The Voralpen-Express runs on the route from St. Gallen to Lucerne or vice versa. The journey time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes . It is possible to get on or off the train along the route in Rapperswil and Arth-Goldau, among other places.

Does the Voralpen-Express run all year round?

Yes, the Voralpen-Express runs every hour all year round . For more detailed information on journey times and possible disruption on the route, we advise you to consult the current timetable .

Can I choose the journey times myself?

No seat reservation is necessary when travelling on the Voralpen-Express and you also have flexibility when travelling to and from your starting point and destination in Switzerland. You can choose the connections yourself according to the SBB timetable .

What travel classes are available on the Voralpen-Express?

On the Voralpen-Express, you can choose between 1st and 2nd class . In 1st class, you benefit from larger, more comfortable seats, more legroom and tables of two and four. In 2nd class, the seats are arranged slightly closer together with tables of four.

Are there catering options on the Voralpen-Express?

The Voralpen-Express has two bistro zones at your disposal. There you will find drinks and snack vending machines for self-service . You can also bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy them during the journey.

Are these trips 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 .

An orange train travels along a lake, surrounded by green hills.

Voralpen-Express

Train Journeys

Picturesque journey through the heart of Switzerland

The route of the Voralpen-Express connects St. Gallen with Lucerne and takes you through idyllic landscapes and historic places. In Rapperswil, the modern train crosses a causeway at the narrowest point of Lake Zurich and offers you a unique view of the water and the surrounding mountains.

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Highlights

Over the causeway near Rapperswil with views across the expansive Lake Zurich
Sitter Viaduct – at 99 metres, the highest railway viaduct in Switzerland
Past the mountains of Central Switzerland, Rigi, Mythen and Pilatus
Hilly landscapes and rustic charm in Toggenburg
Famous for its traditional culture and excellent cheese – the Appenzellerland

A regional train travels along a road by the lake shore, with snow-covered mountains in the background.

A large railway bridge crosses a green valley with a red house below.

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Our tours are created by real Switzerland experts. Depending on the package, train tickets and activities are included in addition to hotel accommodation. Because every trip is as individual as you are, our holiday planner allows you to tailor your package according to your preferences. Then simply sit back and enjoy the anticipation while we take care of the rest!

Our Voralpen-Express journeys

Bestseller

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

Panoramic journey on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Voralpen-Express
Top sights in Switzerland
Bookable with luggage transport

8 days / 7 nights from £ 1,580

Travel period : April to October

A red train travels through a snowy winter landscape with mountains in the background.

Four panoramic trains on one journey
Overnight stays in St. Gallen, Lucerne, Locarno, Montreux and Interlaken
Mountain excursions to the Jungfraujoch and the Rigi

9 days / 8 nights from £ 1,380

Travel period : November to April

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

Six unique train routes from Eastern to Western Switzerland
Panoramic journey on the GoldenPass Express
Overnight stays in St. Gallen, Lucerne, Montreux and Andermatt

5 days / 4 nights from £ 790

Travel period : January to December

Waterfall with castle in the background, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Journey on the Voralpen-Express
Overnight stays in Lucerne and St. Gallen
Excursion to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen

3 days / 2 nights from £ 420

Travel period : January to December

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

Travel on the Voralpen-Express, Treno Gottardo and the Centovalli-Railway
Overnight stays in Lucerne, Locarno and Montreux

4 days / 3 nights from £ 570

Travel period : January to December

Flight options

Our flight experts will be happy to advise and book the most convenient flight for your trip.

Your flights will be booked under our Package Booking Terms and Conditions and are fully protected by our ATOL license. A service fee of £ 35 per person applies.

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Alternatively book your flights directly with Swiss – our preferred partner for flights to Switzerland.