Which Swiss scenic train to take: Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass routes, times and seat reservations

The three scenic trains most visitors consider are the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz in around 8 hours, the Bernina Express from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy, and the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken Ost without a change of train. All three need a separate seat reservation, even with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Which Swiss scenic train suits your trip?

Start with the route that already fits your itinerary, then check journey time and booking rules.

• Glacier Express: suits travellers already visiting Zermatt or St. Moritz. The original route is Zermatt to St. Moritz in around 8 hours, and shorter sections are also possible.
• Bernina Express: suits travellers who want to cross the Alps into Italy, with Chur to Tirano in about 4 hours or St. Moritz to Tirano in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
• GoldenPass Express: suits travellers linking Montreux and Interlaken Ost via Gstaad without changing trains, in about 3 hours 15 minutes.

How long does each scenic train take?

The table below summarises routes and times as stated by the operators and Switzerland Tourism.

The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) says the Bernina Express crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, including the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct, and that the Albula and Bernina Lines have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since July 2008. The Luzern–Interlaken Express covers 74 km, switches to cogwheel drive before the climb and passes five mountain lakes. Seat reservations on that train are optional and cost extra.

Do Swiss scenic trains need a seat reservation?

Yes. Rhaetian Railway says a seat reservation is required on the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express, including for children under six, and it must be bought in addition to the ticket.

• Glacier Express: 1st and 2nd class can be booked up to 93 days before travel, and Excellence Class for the whole timetable period.
• Glacier Express: the reservation charge is not covered by travel cards, and a 1st-class pass is needed for 1st class and Excellence Class.
• Bernina Express: reservations can be made for the whole timetable period.

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover scenic trains?

Partly. Switzerland Tourism says the Swiss Travel Pass covers the journey, but panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express and Gotthard Panorama Express) need a separate seat reservation booked with the operator, and the reservation fee is not included.

Switzerland Tourism says the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) covers all sections of the Grand Train Tour, plus a seat reservation supplement for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express. The main legs are Interlaken to Montreux in 3 h 12 min, Montreux to Zermatt via Visp in about 2½ hours, and Zermatt to St. Moritz in 7¾ hours. The full Original Tour takes at least 8 days and 7 nights. Pass details are covered in the separate Swiss Travel Pass guide.

Are there route changes to check before booking?

Yes. According to the Rhaetian Railway, from 29 October to 13 November 2026 Bernina Express trains 951 and 952 are diverted via the Vereina route (Chur – Landquart – Klosters – Vereina Tunnel – Sagliains – Pontresina) because of engineering works.

How do you plan a scenic train day?

1. 1Pick the line and sectionMatch the times in the table to your plan and decide between the full route and a shorter section.
2. 2Book the seat with the operatorReserve with Glacier Express or RhB for your chosen line, and check the current price on the official site.
3. 3Check notices before departureOpen SBB Mobile on the day to check the timetable and disruption alerts.
4. 4Carry your IDSBB says travellers must show a valid passport or official ID card with the pass; copies or phone photos are not accepted.

Why does mobile data matter on a scenic train trip?

The SBB Mobile app shows timetables, departure and arrival times and platforms, and sends disruption alerts, and users buy a ticket by swiping on a connection.

• EasyRide, the automatic ticketing in the SBB app, needs mobile internet and location services switched on from boarding to arrival, according to SBB.
• The consecutive Swiss Travel Pass can be shown in the SBB Mobile app if bought online while logged in, but this does not work for Flex passes.
• Keep your seat reservation and backup connections one tap away on your phone, so sort out mobile data before you travel.

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