Why Switzerland is Best Explored by Train
Switzerland is a country where every mile feels like a painting in motion. Towering snow-capped peaks, glistening turquoise lakes, rolling vineyards, and centuries-old towns all unfold seamlessly from the comfort of panoramic train windows. While cars may get stuck on winding alpine roads and buses can’t always reach hidden valleys, Switzerland’s railways have been engineered to glide across viaducts, bore through tunnels, and traverse landscapes that seem impossible.
This is why Switzerland rail tour packages have become the most popular way for international travelers to experience the country. They blend luxury, convenience, and unforgettable scenery into one seamless experience. And with Europe Travel Bureau (ETB), a specialist in Swiss tours, you don’t just buy tickets—you unlock curated itineraries, premium hotels, excursions, and the reassurance of expert planning.
In this blog, we’ll take you through ETB’s most popular Swiss rail tour packages: from short alpine escapes like the 3-Day Bernina Express Adventure, to indulgent luxury trips aboard the Glacier Pullman Express, to comprehensive 8-day journeys like the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. You’ll also discover insider travel tips, the best times to visit, and why train travel in Switzerland is simply unrivaled.
Why Choose a Switzerland Rail Tour Package?
Before we dive into specific tours, let’s look at why a rail tour package in Switzerland is the best option for global travelers:
- Scenic Masterpieces: Every route—whether the Glacier Express or GoldenPass Line—offers cinematic views you won’t see by car.
- Stress-Free Planning: ETB handles train reservations, hotels, excursions, and transfers—no juggling timetables or booking apps.
- Flexible Durations: From 3-day alpine breaks to week-long grand tours, packages cater to every traveler.
- Value for Money: Packages often include Swiss Travel Pass benefits, hotel nights, and guided excursions—making them more cost-effective than booking separately.
- Eco-Friendly: Switzerland’s rail network is among the world’s most sustainable, powered largely by hydroelectricity.
1. Bernina Express Alpine Adventure – 3 Days / 2 Nights
A Short but Scenic Escape
The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland’s crown jewels—a UNESCO World Heritage railway that links German-speaking Switzerland with Italian-speaking Tirano. In just three days, this package delivers an unforgettable cross-Alpine experience.
Itinerary Breakdown:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Chur or St. Moritz
Settle into the Engadine Valley or explore Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city with cobbled streets and medieval charm. Overnight stay in a 4* hotel. - Day 2 – Bernina Express to Tirano & Transfer to Lugano
Board the Bernina Express with its glass-domed coaches. Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, Alp Grüm viewpoint, Morteratsch Glacier, and the dramatic descent into Tirano, Italy. From here, continue by coach along Lake Como to Lugano, the Mediterranean-inspired Swiss city. - Day 3 – Departure from Lugano
After breakfast, explore Lugano’s lakefront promenade, parks, or boutiques before departure.
Why Travelers Love It:
- Ideal for long weekends or add-ons to Italy trips
- UNESCO-listed Bernina landscapes
- A blend of Swiss and Italian culture
2. Bernina Express 4-Day Switzerland Rail Tour
A Deeper Dive into the Alps
This 4-day Bernina Express tour expands the journey with extra time to enjoy alpine towns and detours.
Itinerary Breakdown:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Chur
Check into your hotel and stroll along the old town. - Day 2 – Scenic Train to Tirano
Enjoy the Bernina Express ride in full daylight, stopping in Tirano for Italian coffee and lunch. Overnight in Tirano. - Day 3 – Return Journey via Regional Train
Travel back more slowly with optional excursions at Alp Grüm or Diavolezza. Overnight in Chur. - Day 4 – Departure
Why It’s Special:
- Slower pace than the 3-day version
- Opportunities for alpine detours
- Best for travelers who want to immerse themselves
3. Glacier Pullman Express Luxury Tour – 4 Days
Travel Like Royalty
For travelers who want to combine rail romance with first-class luxury, the Glacier Pullman Express delivers. Inspired by the Orient-Express, this exclusive heritage train offers gourmet dining, private carriages, and stops at hidden gems.
Itinerary Breakdown:
- Day 1 – Arrival in St. Moritz
Overnight at a 4* or 5* hotel. - Day 2 – Glacier Pullman to Andermatt
Enjoy a fine dining experience onboard, with stops at the Rhine Gorge and the medieval Zillis Church. Overnight in Andermatt. - Day 3 – Furka Steam Train & Arrival in Zermatt
Ride a nostalgic steam train over the Furka Pass. Arrive in Zermatt to views of the Matterhorn. Overnight in a luxury chalet-style hotel. - Day 4 – Explore Zermatt & Departure
Why It’s Unforgettable:
- Luxury travel with historic charm
- UNESCO heritage landscapes
- Combines steam nostalgia with modern indulgence
4. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – 8 Days
The Ultimate Rail Experience
The Grand Train Tour is ETB’s flagship package, covering the country’s greatest highlights in one itinerary. Perfect for first-time visitors, it strings together the most scenic Swiss train rides with stays in iconic cities.
Itinerary Breakdown:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Interlaken
Stay two nights, explore lakes, and prepare for the Jungfraujoch excursion. - Day 2 – Excursion to Jungfraujoch
Ride the Jungfrau Railway up to the “Top of Europe.” Visit the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and snow plateau. - Day 3 – GoldenPass Line to Montreux
Travel via Belle Époque trains to Montreux, home to Chillon Castle and the jazz festival. - Day 4 – Glacier Express to St. Moritz
A full-day panoramic ride across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. - Day 5 – Bernina Express to Lugano
Cross glaciers into Italy, then continue to Lugano. - Day 6 – Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne
Enjoy lake cruises and alpine tunnels. Overnight in Lucerne. - Day 7 – Explore Lucerne
Visit Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, or Rigi. - Day 8 – Departure
Why It’s the Best Seller:
- Covers all iconic Swiss highlights
- Seamlessly planned, zero stress
- Ideal for travelers with 1 week in Switzerland
5. Jungfraujoch & Mount Titlis Rail Tour – 5 Days
Family-Friendly Alpine Adventure
This mid-length package combines Switzerland’s two most famous mountains—Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) and Mount Titlis—with stays in Interlaken and Lucerne.
Itinerary Breakdown:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Interlaken
- Day 2 – Excursion to Jungfraujoch
- Day 3 – Train to Lucerne
- Day 4 – Excursion to Mount Titlis
- Day 5 – Departure
Why It Works for Families:
- Balanced pace with two mountain highlights
- Great mix of train rides, funiculars, and cable cars
- Perfect introduction to Switzerland for first-timers
Best Time to Take a Switzerland Rail Tour
- Spring (April–June): Blooming valleys, fewer crowds
- Summer (July–September): Peak season, long daylight, vibrant festivals
- Autumn (October): Golden foliage, wine harvests, quieter trains
- Winter (December–March): Magical snow-capped landscapes, Christmas markets
FAQs About Swiss Rail Tours
Q: Are train tours suitable for seniors?
Yes. ETB tours are senior-friendly, with luggage transfers, centrally located hotels, and optional guided assistance.
Q: Can I customize my package?
Yes. ETB allows extensions, upgrades, and add-on excursions.
Q: Do I need to reserve train seats?
For panoramic trains like Glacier Express or Bernina Express, yes—ETB handles this for you.
Q: Are meals included?
Some trains (like Glacier Pullman) include gourmet dining, while others offer snacks or à la carte options.
Why Book with Europe Travel Bureau?
- Expertise: Specialists in European tours with decades of experience
- Custom Flexibility: Tailor packages to your pace, interests, and budget
- Seamless Support: Assistance with visas, insurance, transfers, and excursions
- Trusted Network: Partnerships with premium Swiss hotels and rail services
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