Switzerland’s railways are a sightseeing tool as much as a way to get around. The panoramic routes below cross high passes, viaducts and lake shores. Timetables, seat reservations and supplements change, so check current details with SBB or the operator before you travel.

The best-known panoramic routes

Glacier Express: a slow route between the Zermatt area and the eastern mountains, with reserved seats on panoramic cars. See our Glacier Express guide.
Bernina Express: a UNESCO-listed line crossing the Bernina Pass toward Italy.
GoldenPass Line: links Lucerne, Interlaken and the Lake Geneva region through the Bernese Alps.
Gotthard panorama route: a combination of lake boat and train through the historic Gotthard corridor.

How to choose

Pick by what you want to see: high alpine scenery, lakes, or a link between regions. Longer routes take most of a day, so combine one scenic line with a regular connection rather than riding several in a row.

Tickets and passes

Many scenic routes require a seat reservation even with a pass. Read The Swiss Travel Pass: Is It Worth It and How to Use the SBB Train System before booking.