Scenic train
Bernina Express ticket and reservation
Graubünden / Tirano · Rhaetian Railway
Swiss scenic trains
Four scenic trains with four booking rules
Depending on the scenic train, you may need a ticket, a separate seat reservation or a combined product.
- Bernina Express across the Alps
- Glacier Express east to west
- GoldenPass and Gotthard connections
Tickets and passes
Scenic-train tickets and official booking
Before booking, check the route, class, seller and whether the seat reservation is included.
Scenic train routes
Five scenic routes on one map
Compare the starting point, destination and route before choosing a ticket. The Gotthard journey includes a boat connection between Lucerne and Flüelen.
- Chur–TiranoReservation required Highest mapped stop: 2,253 m
- Zermatt–St. MoritzReservation required Highest mapped stop: 2,033 m
- GoldenPass ExpressMontreux–Interlaken OstReservation recommended Highest mapped stop: 1,050 m
- Gotthard Panorama Expressboat: Lucerne Bahnhofquai pier–Flüelentrain: Flüelen–LuganoReservation required Highest mapped stop: 1,141 m
- Lucerne–Interlaken ExpressLucerne–Interlaken OstReservation recommended Highest mapped stop: 1,002 m
Boat section Products and tours
Lines show the route overview. Numbered markers show available tickets and tours by departure point. The dashed section is the boat between Lucerne and Flüelen.
Seat rules
Required, recommended or tied to a particular class?
The rule depends on the train and sometimes on the class booked.
Bernina Express
RequiredBernina Express Bus Tirano–Lugano
Valid: 14 December 2025 to 12 December 2026
Bernina Express
RequiredBernina Express panoramic coaches
Glacier Express
RequiredAll travellers
GoldenPass Express
RecommendedIndividual travellers in 1st or 2nd class
GoldenPass Express
RequiredPrestige Class
Gotthard Panorama Express
RequiredTrain section, all travellers
Valid: 18 April 2026 to 18 October 2026
Lucerne–Interlaken Express
RecommendedIndividual travellers
A travel ticket does not replace a mandatory reservation. Prestige has its own conditions on the GoldenPass Express.
Routes and seat planning
Timetables and seasonal service change. Recheck the operator’s current page before buying.
| Scenic train | Core route | Seat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernina Express | Chur / St Moritz-Tirano | Reservation required in the panoramic coach | |
| Glacier Express | Zermatt-St Moritz, with sections available | Mandatory reservation in addition to fare | |
| GoldenPass Express | Montreux-Interlaken Ost | Separately reservable; note Prestige rules | |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | Central Switzerland-Ticino, with possible boat journey | Check the current supplement and seat rule | |
| Lucerne-Interlaken Express | Lucerne-Interlaken Ost via the Brünig Pass | Reservation recommended for individual travellers |
Passes on scenic trains
Check the fare and the seat separately
| Route | Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Half Fare Card | Eurail Global Pass | Interrail Global Pass | Berner Oberland Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernina Express | Included Reservation separate | 50 % discount Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Not specified |
| Glacier Express | Included Reservation separate | 50 % discount Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Not specified |
| GoldenPass Express | Included | 50 % discount | Included | Included | Included Reservation separate |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | Included Reservation separate | 50 % discount Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Included Reservation separate | Not specified |
| Lucerne–Interlaken Express | Included | 50 % discount | Not specified | Not specified | Included |
Included or discounted refers to the fare on the named route. Reservations and supplements may remain separate.
Choosing a route
Which Swiss scenic train fits your trip?
Table of Contents
Bernina Express: cross the Alps to Italy
The Bernina Express links Chur or St Moritz with Tirano. The Albula and Bernina lines cross viaducts, a high pass and glacial scenery. A panoramic-coach journey needs both a travel ticket for the section and a seat reservation. Regional trains on the same railway give greater freedom for stopovers.
Glacier Express: the long east-west journey
The Glacier Express links Zermatt and St Moritz via Brig, Andermatt and Chur, with sections also available. The operator prices the fare and mandatory reservation separately. Excellence Class requires a 1st-class travel ticket. Match both components to the same section.
GoldenPass Express: Montreux to Interlaken
The GoldenPass Express runs through Gstaad between Montreux and Interlaken Ost. The operator lists a journey of about 3 hours 15 minutes and three classes: 2nd, 1st and Prestige. You need a valid travel ticket; seats can be reserved separately, with a special booking for Prestige.
Gotthard Panorama Express: boat and historic railway
The Gotthard Panorama Express connects Central Switzerland and Ticino and can combine a Lake Lucerne boat trip with a train over the historic Gotthard route. The operator lists daily service from 18 April to 18 October 2026. Check whether you are buying the combined boat-and-train journey or the rail section only, and which class, supplement and reservation apply.
Panoramic train or ordinary service?
The scenery is not exclusive to the named panoramic train. Ordinary services use parts of the Bernina and Gotthard routes and other scenic lines. They can be more flexible but do not provide the same guaranteed panoramic seat or onboard service. Choose by route, comfort and flexibility rather than the train name alone.
Updated August 2026. Check the current timetable and service notices with the relevant railway before travel.
Scenic trains
Common questions
Are scenic trains included in the Swiss Travel Pass? +
The fare can be included on a valid section. Mandatory seats and supplements remain separate.
Is the Grand Train Tour one train? +
No. It is an itinerary concept combining several railways and scenic trains. Tickets and reservations are arranged by section.
Must I travel the entire route? +
No. The Bernina and Glacier Express sell sections as well. Check origin, destination and connections for every booking.
Do all scenic trains run year-round? +
No. Service can be seasonal. The Gotthard Panorama Express lists daily 2026 operation from 18 April to 18 October, for example.
Chosen your route?
Compare the fare, seat reservation, pass validity and seller for your chosen route.