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 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.

10% discount

Train Journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic

Experience the most beautiful sides of Switzerland on this slightly shortened Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. Your adventure starts on the panoramic train from Lucerne and within a week you will experience the absolute highlights such as the Matterhorn, lifestyle at 1,856 metres above sea level in St. Moritz, a Mediterranean feeling in Ticino or the magnificent view over Lake Geneva.

7 days / 6 nights

from CHF 1’278CHF 1’420

Direction

A red train travels along a turquoise lake and through an alpine landscape.

A boat with the Swiss flag sails on a river in a city with medieval architecture and a wooden bridge, surrounded by green hills.

Aerial view of a river winding through a wooded canyon.

4 Images

Highlights

Spectacular journey on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
Mediterranean feeling in Lugano
Beautiful vineyards and landscapes on the shores of Lake Geneva
Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland
Travel on the Bernina Express on the highest train tracks in Europe

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

A couple stands by a railing by the lake, overlooking a city and a mountain in the background.

5 Images

Itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Classic from Lucerne

Day 1

Arrival in Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Itinerary

Travel to Lucerne by public transport. From there, take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Journey time: approx. 2 hours

Overnight stay in Interlaken

An idyllic mountain landscape with a train passing by a lake.

Day 2

Journey on the GoldenPass Express

Itinerary

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

Journey time: approx. 3h

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Itinerary

Travel to Zermatt. There you have time to explore the town and the surrounding area at your own pace.

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

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

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

Travel on the Bernina Express in the panoramic carriage to Tirano (IT). Afterwards, take the Bernina Express bus to Lugano.

Journey time: approx. 5h 40min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A red train is crossing a stone bridge in an alpine landscape with mountains and trees.

Day 6

Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Itinerary

Travel to Flüelen in the 1st class panoramic carriage of the Gotthard Panorama Express. You then cross Lake Lucerne on the historic paddle steamer to Lucerne.

Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lucerne

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

Day 7

Return journey from Lucerne

Itinerary

In Lucerne, start your return or onward journey by public transport.

An old wooden bridge with flowers, next to a water tower in the evening sun.

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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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Journey of discovery by train
Discovering Switzerland on four panoramic trains is an unforgettable experience. Numerous highlights await you en route!
Nadine

Customise your trip.

7 days / 6 nights

from CHF 1’278CHF 1’420

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